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ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
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.
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
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?
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
Why Women Matter In the Talent Game
According to data collected by Hunt Scanlon Media, women in the executive search industry have made considerable progress over the last quarter century, and they continue to do so on a global basis. A massive restructuring has been underway in the executive recruiting business for much of the last decade, from the products and services being
CalPERS Turns to Heidrick for Next CEO
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Anne Stausboll announced at the end of last month that she would step down in June. Renee Neri, a partner in Heidrick’s New York office and a member of the firm’s asset management &
Jorgenson Consulting Recruits CEO for Corpus Christi Chamber
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Jorgenson Consulting has recruited Annette Medlin as president and chief executive officer of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. She succeeds Foster Edwards who has been the Chamber’s president and CEO for the past decade. Ms. Medlin was selected from a large pool of qualified individuals with strong professional backgrounds in leadership roles
Toft Group Launches Digital Health Practice; Partners with IESF
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has launched a dedicated executive recruiting practice for digital health & healthcare IT. The firm specializes in searches for organizations in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics. Due to rapid industry growth and increasing client demand, the firm said it
Mediatum Names Industrial Practice Leader
Executive recruiter Mediatum International has added Johannes Suciu to its new office in Frankfurt, Germany as senior client partner. He becomes head of the firm’s chemical & industrial practice group and will assist clients in senior level recruitment. Mr. Suciu joins Marijana Pavlovic, who joined the firm in November, to make up the office’s industrial executive
Workers Set Sights On New Jobs In 2016
Twenty-one percent of workers plan to look for new jobs in 2016, according to a new study released by Penna. The report found the majority of them have been considering a change for as a long as 11 months. “We all know that the end of the year sees a spike in the number of individuals
Allen Austin Launches Global Technology Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new global technology practice. It will be led by Rod Keller and co-led by Clement J. Wigger from the firm’s Austin office and will focus on helping organizations identify, attract, develop, and retain tech talent. The practice will be focused on critical growth areas in the sector including hardware systems
Museum Search & Reference Lands Museum Director
Executive search firm Museum Search & Reference has placed Min Jung Kim as director at the New Britain Museum of American Art. She will be the sixth director of the 112 year old museum and succeeds Douglas Hyland who served the organization for the past 15 years. Ms. Kim brings more than 20 years of experience in
AGB Search In Hunt for North Dakota University President
Executive search firm AGB Search has been selected by the University of North Dakota (UND) to lead the search for its 12th president. Dr. Robert Kelley, who has served as president since 2008, resigned the post. James H. McCormick, AGB Search senior consultant, is leading the assignment. According to the position specification, the university president will work
Dice Posts 9.8 Percent Revenue Decline
Dice Holdings, Inc. / (NYSE:DHX) posted 2015 revenues of $259.7 million, a decrease of 9.8 percent from $262.6 million the previous year. “2015 was a year in which we set the stage for the company’s next iteration. We brought new products to market, organized ourselves to gain efficiencies, and today, offer new services and have deeper relationships with our
Nordic Countries Outpace Global Regions for Female Directors
In the Nordic countries, the percentage of female directors on boards is 32.5 percent, outpacing most other European countries, according to Spencer Stuart’s recently released Nordic Board Index. First published 29 years ago in the U.S., the firm now monitors board composition via indices in 18 countries. The Nordic Board Index analyzes 125 of the largest
DHR Lands CEO for Turtle Wax
DHR International has recruited Gary Walrath as chief executive officer of Chicago-based Turtle Wax. Managing partner Carlos F. Cata led the search along with partner Christine DeYoung. Mr. Walrath brings over 25 years of finance, operations and general management experience across the technology space within public and private companies. Most recently, as CEO of STATS for 12 years,
Fahrenheit Group Acquires Boutique to Expand Services
The Fahrenheit Group, a Richmond-based business advisory and professional services firm, has acquired Bencks & Co., a boutique recruiting firm headquartered in Richmond, VA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fahrenheit, founded in 2010, provides advisory, accounting & finance, and human resource services from offices in Richmond, VA, Metro Washington, DC, Raleigh, NC
Phillips Oppenheim Leading President Search for Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm dedicated to the non-profit sector, has been retained by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to lead its search for a president and executive director. Marcia White, who rescued the Arts Center from the worst budget crisis in the organization’s history, plans to retire at the end of 2016 after serving for a dozen
Cejka Expands Physician Search Division
Cejka Search, a physician, advanced practice and healthcare focused executive search firm, has expanded its management team with the addition of four industry executives who will serve as regional vice presidents for its physician search division. The expansion is in response to growing demand from a broad-based coalition of clients, including academic medicine concerns, hospitals and
Heidrick Posts 7.5 Percent Global Revenue Gain for 2015
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted 2015 global revenues of $531.1 million, a 7.5 percent increase from revenues of $494.3 million in 2014. Revenue grew in the Americas by 15.2 percent (approximately 16.6 percent on a constant currency basis) and in Asia Pacific of 4.5 percent (approximately 12.7 percent on a constant currency basis), but saw
Harvard Group In Hunt for United Way Chief Culture Officer
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has been selected by global non-profit United Way Worldwide to attract a chief culture officer to their organization. Chad Biagini, a co-leader of Harvard Group’s non-profit practice, is heading the search. “We are happy that United Way Worldwide has placed its trust in Harvard Group’s ability to handle this critical search project,”
ZRG Partners Expands Into Brazil With Former Fesa CEO
ZRG Partners has established a footprint in Brazil with the addition of Denys Monteiro as chief executive officer. While ZRG has completed searches in the region, this becomes the firm’s first on-the-ground venture in the Brazilian market. Mr. Monteiro was most recently CEO of Fesa, Brazil’s largest independent executive search firm where he has worked for 18
Hanold Associates Heading CHRO Search for REI
Once again, executive search firm Hanold Associates has been retained to search for an organization’s chief human resources officer (CHRO), this time by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Founder and ex-Russell Reynolds Associates recruiter Jason Hanold will lead the search. Reporting to the company’s chief executive officer, Jerry Stritzke, the incoming CHRO will be a member of REI’s executive
NPAworldwide Adds 10 Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 new member firms. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. Uruguay-headquartered Advice provides recruitment services in the areas of telecommunications, pharmaceutical, health, financial services, power, logistics and transport, information technology, forestry, food & agriculture, public sector,
Women Static In Workforce But Gain As Top Talent Advisors
Women are under-represented in the workforce globally, and if organizations maintain the current rate of progress, female representation will reach only 40 percent globally in the professional and managerial ranks by 2025, according to Mercer’s second annual ‘When Women Thrive’ global report. Among the key trends revealed in the report is that women’s representation within organizations declines
Odgers Berndtson Acquires HR Specialist Charleston Partners
Odgers Berndtson has acquired Charleston Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm that exclusively recruits HR professionals and advises on human capital management issues. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Francis Luisi, founding principal of Charleston Partners, will lead the Odgers Berndtson U.S. HR practice and will work from the firm’s New
Amherst College Turns to Isaacson, Miller for Chief Diversity Officer
Amherst College has selected Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Mariana Cruz resigned as interim chief diversity officer in early October. Bud Moseley, a vice president in Isaacson, Miller’s Boston office, is leading this search along with Donna Cramer, senior associate. The college seeks a visionary, strategic, diplomatic, collaborative, and inspiring leader, according to
Mövenpick Hotels Taps Egon Zehnder for Next CEO
Egon Zehnder has been retained by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MHR) to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Jean-Gabriel Pérès has announced his intention to retire after 17 years of leadership. He will continue to serve as CEO until his successor assumes his responsibilities. The incoming CEO will be expected to “drive value-accretive initiatives”
Quick Leonard Kieffer Names Life Sciences Practice Leader
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has appointed Patricia Hall as a managing partner. She will be responsible for leading the expansion of the firm’s life sciences practice. Ms. Hall has over 20 years of experience focused on general management, commercial and operations leadership for the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and consumer health and wellness sectors. She
Not Actively Looking Receives Private Funding
Not Actively Looking, a U.K.-based global matchmaking platform for senior executives and executive search firms, has completed a private fund raising of more than £400,000, or the U.S. equivalent of nearly $600,000. The service allows executives to discreetly manage and update their CV for the benefit of executive search firms they hand pick. For search firms, the service
Heidrick & Struggles Names Global CEO & Board Practice Co-Managing Partners
Heidrick & Struggles has named Bonnie Gwin and Jeff Sanders as co-managing partners of the firm’s global CEO & board practice groups. Heidrick’s global CEO & board practice advises companies on succession planning, talent management, board effectiveness and culture shaping, and also places directors and CEOs at leading private and public companies. It offers an
Baker and Associates Recruits President for University of Mary Washington
Baker and Associates, LLC has recruited Troy D. Paino as the 10th president of the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. Rick Hurley, who has served as the University’s president since 2010, said he will retire in June. The search was led by senior vice president Martin Baker. Mr. Paino is currently president of Truman State University, a post he
Spencer Stuart Lands Director for the National Book Foundation
Spencer Stuart has placed Lisa Lucas as the new executive director of the National Book Foundation (NBF). She becomes the third executive director in the Foundation’s history. Harold Augenbraum, the current executive director, will step down from his post next month. Ms. Lucas comes to the NBF after serving as publisher of Guernica, a non-profit digital magazine focused
Boyden Adds Partner In Toronto
Executive search firm Boyden has added Brian G. Bachand as a partner in its Toronto office. He will work in the firm’s education, healthcare & life sciences, and not-for-profit recruiting practices. Boyden’s Toronto office serves a number of sectors, including financial services, healthcare, municipal, industrial, real estate and development, construction, consumer products and professional services.
Company Culture Seen As X-Factor In Organizational Success
Executives see the need to make culture a priority to drive alignment, collaboration, and performance, according to the recently released ‘Real World Leadership’ study by Korn Ferry Hay Group. The report, which polled more than 7,500 executives from 107 countries, found that “driving culture change” ranks among the top three global leadership development priorities. The report affirms
