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Five Shifts That Influenced CEO Leadership in 2025
Organizations entered 2025 confronting a level of volatility that demanded more than short-term adjustments—it required a fundamental rethinking of how leaders grow and respond. As the pace of change accelerated, CEOs increasingly recognized that their ability to evolve strategically and personally would define their effectiveness. In 2025, CEOs operated in a world defined by continuous
Heidrick & Struggles Completes Take-Private Transaction
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has completed its previously announced transaction to become a privately held company through the acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Advent International, and Corvex Private Equity, with support from a global network of prominent strategic investors including Salem Capital Management, Mousse
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Achieving Success as a Modern Executive
In today’s fast-changing business world, leadership demands more than just technical expertise and strategic vision. Emotional intelligence (EQ) has become an essential skill for executives, empowering them to lead with empathy, navigate complex relationships, and foster a thriving organizational culture. As organizations prioritize human-centric leadership, executives with high emotional intelligence are better positioned to drive both team
TRANSEARCH Expands In the Middle East
TRANSEARCH International has added Vanessa Fisk and Jack Khabbaz to its Middle East team as search consultants. Ms. Fisk, who joins TRANSEARCH in Dubai, has extensive experience across the financial services sector, holding a variety of C-suite positions in a number of global institutions in both advanced financial centers as well as emerging and underdeveloped markets. She is also an
Employers Remain Confident on Hiring Plans for 2016
U.S. employers remain confident in their hiring plans as they embark on a new year, with 36 percent of employers planning to add full-time, permanent employees in 2016, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. Nearly half of employers (47 percent) plan to hire temporary or contract workers. Workers can also expect to see higher starting salaries,
Curry College Taps Isaacson, Miller for CHRO Search
Curry College has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vice president Alan Wichlei is leading the search with managing associate Liz Vago. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the college’s senior leadership team, the CHRO will implement an innovative and comprehensive HR program and systems.
Egon Zehnder Appoints Boston Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Lisa Blais as leader of the firm’s Boston office. She is assuming the role from Jamie Satterthwaite, who has led the office for the past five years and oversaw significant growth for Zehnder in the New England market. Ms. Blais has served as head of the firm’s North American industrial practice, where
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paul Wiedefeld as general manager and chief executive officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Managing director Patrick Friel led the search. Mr. Wiedefeld brings to the WMATA 30 years of public and private sector transportation management experience, formerly serving as CEO of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where
Kincannon & Reed Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Alan Temple as a managing director where he will serve clients in the produce and food sectors. Mr. Temple’s background includes a two decade long career with B&W Quality Growers, Inc., a producer and distributor of branded and wholesale leafy greens with international distribution. As president and CEO of
2015 Was Second-Best Year for Hiring Since 1999
The labor market continued to grow at a healthy pace in December as employers added 292,000 jobs and the U.S. unemployment rate remained at five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently there are 7.9 million people unemployed in the U.S. For the year, total job growth totaled 2.7 million, the second-best year
SR Group Acquires Maximum Management Corp.
London-based specialist recruiter The SR Group has acquired Maximum Management Corporation (MMC), a boutique HR recruitment firm based in New York. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition gives SR Group its first office in the U.S. and complements global offices in the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. As well as expanding the
Polachi Taps CFO for NewStore
Executive recruiter Polachi Inc. has placed Joel Abdinoor as chief financial officer of NewStore, Inc. He will oversee finance and operations while working across the organization to optimize the business for growth. Charley Polachi, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Abdinoor is an experienced leader in building, restructuring, transforming and increasing the profitability of companies in a diverse
ZRG Partners Expands Industrial Search Practice
ZRG Partners has added Leslie Sharp as a managing director and member of the firm’s industrial recruiting practice. She brings expertise in the utilities and energy sectors. Ms. Sharp brings more than 15 years of executive search experience to ZRG. For the past six years, she has been supporting clients in the sector as practice leader,
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Energy / Natural Resources Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded its Houston office with the appointments of Brian Bayne and Stuart Vardaman. They join the firm’s energy and natural resources search practice. In addition to serving in the energy and natural resources practice, Mr. Bayne will also serve as a member of the firm’s corporate officers practice. With more than 17 years of experience
Success In Recruiting Now Depends On Change and Innovation
A great shift is underway in the executive search field – and few industry professionals have witnessed more change than Steven B. Potter. As managing director of U.S. operations at Odgers Berndtson, the sixth largest international search firm, Steve has captained numerous C-suite and board director searches, with a special expertise in financial services. He
Caldwell Posts 13 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted first quarter revenues of $13.9 million (Canadian), up 12.7 percent from revenues of $12.4 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 22.5 percent, while Canadian revenues dipped 20.8 percent. “Despite absolute revenue growth, we are disappointed in our first quarter results,” said CEO John Wallace. “Our revenue was
CarterBaldwin Recruits VP HR for Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Jim Matte as vice president of human resources for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated. Managing partner David Clapp led the search. Based in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. Mr. Matte has 25-plus years of experience in human resources leadership and labor law. At Coca-Cola Consolidated he will have responsibility
AMN Healthcare Services Finalizes Acquisition of B.E. Smith
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has completed its acquisition of healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith for $160 million in cash. The transaction is immediately accretive to AMN’s earnings and is structured to allow AMN to realize tax benefits having an estimated net present value of approximately $25 million. The purchase price is being
Heidrick & Struggles Names LA Office Leader
Carlos Garcia has been named head of the Los Angeles office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s supply chain & operations search practice and work with clients in its healthcare and life sciences practice sectors. Mr. Garcia recruits senior leaders in sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, distribution, customer service, and integrated supply chain areas. He joined Heidrick
More Workers Looking to Switch Jobs In 2016
More than one in five employees (21 percent) say they will leave their current employers in 2016, a five percent increase since last year (16 percent), according to a survey by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder. Among younger workers, the numbers are starker. Three in 10 employees ages 18 to 34 (30 percent) expect to
Allen Austin Launches Clean Tech Practice As Sector Demand and Funding Soar
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new power & clean technology practice. Managing partner Jim Thompson will lead the new practice and he will be joined by fellow managing partners Mary Campagnano and Gary Payne. Allen Austin’s new sector orientation will be focused on critical growth areas, including solar, wind, fuel cells, energy storage,
Diversified Search Taps President for Triple/S Dynamics
Diversified Search has recruited Chris Rippee as president of Triple/S Dynamics. The search was led by managing director Lauren E. Smith. Triple/S Dynamics, headquartered in Dallas, is a manufacturer of equipment for the process industries, including the Slipstick Horizontal Motion Conveyor and the Texas Shaker Vibrating Screen. It is part of the KMC Global group of companies. Mr. Rippee began his
Allegis Partners In Hunt for CHRO
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by Aleris Corporation to find its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in suburban Cleveland and will report to the president and chief executive officer of the company, Sean M. Stack. Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader (human resources), and Matt Healey, managing
Korn Ferry Expands Aerospace & Defense Search Practice
Korn Ferry has added John F. Weigold as senior client partner in its aerospace & defense practice. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Weigold currently serves as a reserve Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He focuses his efforts on the aerospace, defense, government and aviation sectors, and conducts specialized work in
Cleveland Browns Turn to Korn Ferry for Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns are the latest professional sports team using the services of an executive search firm, this time Korn Ferry, to find its next head coach. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, is heading the assignment. The new hire will be the 16th full time head coach in the organization’s franchise history. Mike Pettine was
Russell Reynolds Taps CEO for Zensar Technologies
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Sandeep Kishore as chief executive officer of India-headquartered Zensar Technologies, a provider of technology services to global clients in the manufacturing, retail and financial services verticals. It offers end-to-end capabilities in Oracle implementation and maintenance. Known as a results-driven, innovative leader, Mr. Kishore served as corporate vice president of life sciences healthcare and
Heidrick & Struggles Names Chicago Office Leader
Lyndon A. Taylor has been appointed head of the Chicago office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s financial services and CEO / board practices. Mr. Taylor rejoined Heidrick & Struggles in 2014. He had spent the previous decade at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he focused on C-level executive search and assessment assignments at
Catalyst Advisors Elects Partner; West Coast Office Expands With New Hires
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has named Sara Hagar as a partner. In addition, the firm has added Amy Bottoms as director and Steve Aeby as senior associate in its Los Angeles office. Ms. Hagar joined Catalyst in 2008 as a director in charge of recruiting board directors, CEOs and other senior executives for a range of biopharma
Erevena Adds Former CTPartners Recruiter as Senior Partner
Former CTPartners recruiter Lilian Poilpot has joined London-based executive search firm Erevena as a senior partner to further strengthen its European, Middle Eastern & African divisions. He specializes in telecommunications, information technology, consulting and private-equity or venture-backed companies. Mr. Poilpot joins Erevena from CTPartners where he led the firm’s technology, media and telecom service sector practices across the Middle East and North
Employees Confident Heading Into 2016
Fifty-eight percent of global employees believe the economic situation in their country will improve in 2016, according to the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor survey. Employees in Australia are the most positive (90 percent) while those in Chile and Greece are the least hopeful (35 percent and 19 percent, respectively). Although expectations are high, only 51 percent
Spencer Stuart Heading President Search for Emory University
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Emory University to lead its search for a new president. Current Emory president James W. Wagner has announced that he will step down from the presidency post at the end of August. He has led the school for more than a decade. “Following consideration of several highly respected search firms, the committee has selected Spencer
Calibre One Adds New Partner
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Diane McIntyre as a partner in its New York and Connecticut offices. The search was managed by Rochelle Schumer of R&L Associates. Ms. McIntyre has over 20 years of experience; she was a managing director at Ramsey/Beirne Associates (Kindred) for nine years, one of the leading internet and technology recruiting firms. She
Four Corners Group Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Bluewater Health
Executive search firm Four Corners Group has placed Shannon Landry as chief nursing officer of Bluewater Health. She takes over the top nursing post from Barb O’Neil in a search process that included 80 potential candidates. Ms. Landry most recently served as chief nursing officer at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. There she also held the roles of vice president of clinical and paramedical
Vered Consulting Launched by Former FiveTen Group CEO
Former FiveTen Group chief executive officer, John Rose, has launched U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Vered Consulting. Mr. Rose has spent the past 12 years in a variety of CEO positions, spanning a wide variety of business types from a private equity-backed group and U.K. AIM-listed company, through to the U.K. division of a NASDAQ-listed business. His
