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Why Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking Recruitment as a Core Investment Strategy
Talent is one of the most reliable yet often overlooked factors driving portfolio performance. Its influence on private equity investment outcomes is substantial. The people within portfolio companies are the ones who ultimately turn the firm’s vision into value, which puts having the right PE firm hiring strategy on par with financial modeling, operational planning,
Reimagining Executive Search: Ezekia and HelloSky Bring AI-Powered Precision to Talent Sourcing
Artificial intelligence is redefining how executive search firms identify, engage, and assess top talent. By combining smart data tools with human expertise, firms are building faster, more precise, and more inclusive sourcing strategies. AI-powered platforms are now able to surface insights that were once hidden in fragmented data, helping recruiters make smarter, evidence-based decisions. As
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Navigating Multigenerational Workplaces Across Cultures
In today’s globalized business environment, managing a multigenerational workforce is both a challenge and an opportunity. With employees ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, organizations must adopt strategies that cater to the diverse needs, expectations, and working styles of their workforce, according to a new report from Cornerstone International Group Atlanta’s Anne Glenn. “This
NorthWind Partners Places CFO at Centerra Group
NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has placed Deborah Ricci as chief financial officer of Centerra Group. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, led the search; managing director Brian Thomas supported the assignment. With more than two decades of work experience with defense,
Norrie Johnston Recruitment Expands Technology Practice
U.K.-headquartered Norrie Johnston Recruitment (NJR), a specialist in global executive search and interim management, has bolstered its technology division with the additions of Mark Gillham as a recruitment director and Richard Rogerson as an associate. Mr. Gillham will focus on technology and business transformation. He has over 20 years of experience in senior level permanent and
NPAworldwide Continues Growth Across The U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added three new member firms in the U.S. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. Greensboro, NC-headquartered Omnia Search LLC is a specialized search and consulting firm dedicated to the needs of colleges, military/government, non-profit and the
As Presidential Term Nears End, Search Firm Helps Government Lawyers Re-Enter Workforce
The McCormick Group has placed Jodi G. Daniel as a partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, an international law firm with more than 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The search was led by principals Ivan Adler and Linda Segal along with consultant John Hesse. At Crowell & Moring, Ms. Daniel will provide
MWM Consulting to Head Zurich Insurance CEO Search
London-based executive recruiters MWM Consulting has been selected by the Zurich Insurance Group AG to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The company is seeking a replacement for current CEO Martin Senn. With more than 55,000 employees, Zurich Insurance provides a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services and serves customers in
Russell Reynolds Strengthens Board Effectiveness Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Anthony Goodman in Boston as a member of its board effectiveness practice. “Our board effectiveness practice is expanding to help clients build stronger and more vigorous boards,” said Mark Adams, leader of the firm’s operations in the U.S. “Anthony’s experience will add to the strength of the team and help us provide world-class
Cripps Sears Continues Expansion Into Sub Saharan Africa
Executive search firm Cripps Sears & Partners has continued its international expansion with the addition of Ted Theodore. Based in Lagos, he will be heading the firm’s office there and will work closely with its practice leads in developing business in Sub Saharan Africa. Mr. Theodore worked with Shell for two decades in diverse HR and business roles,
Witt/Kieffer Names Board Services Chair
Witt/Kieffer has transitioned Jena Abernathy to lead the firm’s board services practice as managing partner/chair of board services. She also serves on the firm’s board of directors. Jim Gauss formerly led the practice. As a senior partner, Mr. Gauss will remain involved with the firm’s board services practice, as well as its healthcare practice. Ms. Abernathy, based in Witt/Kieffer’s Atlanta office, began
Are We Approaching a ‘Tipping Point’ In Gender Leadership Equality?
Women at Canadian companies only account for 8.5 percent of chief executive positions among the country’s top 100 companies, but advocates are optimistic that number will rise in coming months. Canada’s new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set a milestone in Canadian politics recently when he unveiled a new cabinet with equal numbers of men and women. When asked
CPS Energy Taps Korn Ferry To Find Its Next CEO
CPS Energy has selected Korn Ferry to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Doyle Beneby is leaving the organization to join Chicago-based New Generation Power International. Paula Gold-Williams, currently its group EVP and chief financial officer, has assumed the interim CEO role as Korn Ferry conducts the search. “We have made great progress,
Talentsoft Receives Funding From Goldman Sachs
Talentsoft, a global, privately held leader for cloud-based talent management solutions, has completed a funding round of $27 million. The round was led exclusively by Goldman Sachs’ merchant banking division. The company’s software application suite provides an end-to-end talent management solution, ranging from recruiting to learning, and from compensation to performance management. Talentsoft targets both mid-market and
Coleman Lew Heading Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Search
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has been selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The CEO will report to the board of directors and lead the BBBS agency to ensure that the mission, strategy, values, and goals of the organization are achieved. Big Brothers
Conroy Ross Partners Expands Executive Search Practice
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has named Terry Stein as vice president with the firm’s executive search practice. He has an extensive background in recruiting and talent management for organizations in the energy, professional services, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and property development industries. Prior to joining Conroy Ross, Mr. Stein was a partner in a boutique search
The Specialist Global Boutique: Challenges and Opportunities in Life Sciences
One of the hallmarks of outstanding companies is that they have a knack for being one step ahead of others in understanding where the market and the innovations that drive it are headed. Bianca Coulter has built a career out of staying ahead of that curve. After a successful 10-year stint with Korn Ferry in
Russell Reynolds Taps Outsider to Run L.L. Bean
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Stephen Smith as president and chief executive officer of Maine-headquartered L.L. Bean. He replaces Chris McCormick who has served as president and CEO since 2001 and is retiring in three months. He will be the fourth president in L.L. Bean history and the first outsider to lead the company. Mr. Smith
Allegis Partners to Recruit CHRO for The Children’s Place
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by The Children’s Place to recruit a chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in Secaucus, NJ, and will report to Jane Elfers, chief executive officer. Leading the search is Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader, HR, and Cher Murphy, managing director, human resources. Demand for
Judith von Seldeneck Receives 2015 William Penn Award
Diversified Search founder and chairman Judith M. von Seldeneck has been honored as this year’s recipient of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce William Penn Award. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia. Awarded annually since 1949, recipients are chosen for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the region,
Executive Search Firms Continue Expansion to Latin America
Executive recruiting firm Proco Global Group has opened a new office in Mexico City and appointed Gabriela Bautista to lead the new location. She will reports to Girado Suarez, managing director of the firm’s New York office. The new office will cover recruitment in the automotive, aerospace, food & beverage and processing chemicals sectors. Ms. Bautista will be supported
Penna Plc Reports 20 Percent Net Revenue Spike
Penna Plc, a provider of executive search and interim management services across the public and private sectors, has announced significant increases in six-month revenue, its best half year performance since the Great Recession began. The firm’s interim unaudited financial results for the six months ended September 30 shows a 15 percent increase in gross revenue to £47 million and
DHR Lands CEO for Tampa Bay Partnership
DHR International has recruited Rick Homans as president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership. The search was completed by David Smith, partner – economic development, and Tina Winner, a partner at DHR’s Jobplex. The Partnership conducted a nationwide search and interviewed candidates in Florida and throughout the U.S. Mr. Homans previously served as president
Spencer Stuart Recruits Barclays CEO
Spencer Stuart has recruited James Staley as chief executive officer of Barclays Plc. Executive chairman John McFarlane ousted CEO Antony Jenkins and had pledged to tackle a “cumbersome and bureaucratic” bank. Mr. Staley has nearly four decades of experience in banking and financial services. He worked for over 30 years at J.P. Morgan initially training as a commercial banker, and
Tatum Adds Integration Specialist In Houston
Tatum, a Randstad company and leading interim services and executive consulting firm, has added Eric Marin as a client service partner in the firm’s Houston office. He will be responsible for developing Tatum’s business in the Houston market with a specific focus on CFO and CIO services. “Throughout the course of his career, Eric has earned
Appointed Partners Launches to Serve Private Equity and Fortune 1000 Companies
Appointed Partners, a leadership advisory solutions firm, has been launched by Marci Nigro. The firm was created to connect private equity and Fortune 1000 companies with qualified board director and C-level leaders. The new plans to focus on board diversity, next generation leadership, and cross-functional board expertise. Ms. Nigro brings 25-plus years of experience in
Social Media Now No. 1 Global Platform for Finding Talent
Nearly two-thirds of companies (65 percent) found new hires through social media in the past year, according to a just-released Society for Human Resource Management survey entitled The Importance of Social Media for Recruiters and Job Seekers. The report was produced in collaboration with Ascendo Resources. Fifty-seven percent of organizations reported finding new employees through LinkedIn, 30
Life Sciences Specialist Expands to Pharmaceutical Capital
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has expanded into Switzerland with the appointments of Graham Johnson as executive vice president and Helene Johnson as executive assistant in its new Basel office. They join Toby Ernberg, who serves as EVP in Basel. The Swiss chemical industry operates largely from here. But the city also boasts a large pharmaceutical industry, hence its
ON Search Partners Recruits CFO for Tesla Motors
ON Search Partners has placed Jason Wheeler as chief financial officer of Tesla Motors. The search was led by partner Larry Ormsby. Mr. Wheeler previously served as vice president of finance at Google where he oversaw global financial operations for the company including FP&A, accounting, internal audit, treasury, tax and financial operations. He joined Google in 2002
Trilogy Search Taps Director for Pivot Learning Partners
Trilogy Search Non+Profit has recruited Michael Hopkins to serve on the board of directors of Pivot Learning Partners. He will support the work of Pivot and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. Chuck Pappalardo, managing partner, led the assignment for Trilogy. Mr. Hopkins is the chief executive officer of Ice Energy, a provider of thermal energy
Dice Posts Four Percent Revenue Decline; Looks to Europe for Growth
Dice Holdings, Inc./(NYSE:DHX) posted revenues of $65.1 million, a decrease of four percent from $67.6 million in the comparable quarter of 2014. This was due primarily to revenues from businesses acquired over the past year, which contributed $13.2 million of growth in the quarter. The company’s net income for the quarter totaled $6.5 million, or 12 cents
Boards Seek Diversity With Help of Executive Recruiters
Sixteen percent of new corporate board directors are 49 or younger according to the annual Korn Ferry Market Cap100 (KFMC100), a study of board practices at the largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. On boards as a whole, while just four percent are 49 or younger, youth nevertheless seems to be trumping long time experience. “The
Witt/Kieffer Taps President for Robert Morris University
Witt/Kieffer has placed Dr. Christopher B. Howard as the eighth president of Robert Morris University. Dr. Howard was previously president of Hampden-Sydney, a private college for men in Hampden-Sydney, Va., one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. He was formerly vice president for leadership and strategic initiatives at the University of Oklahoma and has worked for General Electric’s Corporate Initiatives Group and
Heidrick Recruits Outsider As DuPont CEO
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Edward D. Breen as chairman and chief executive officer DuPont. This is the first time in 213 years the chemical maker will be led by someone who isn’t a Du Pont or has a long history at the company. Mr. Breen has served as interim chair and CEO of DuPont since October; he joined the company’s
