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Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
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.
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
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?
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
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
Human Capital Group Recruits CHRO for West Virginia University
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group, Inc. has placed Cris DeBord as vice president of talent and culture (CHRO) at West Virginia University. Steve Hayes, founder and senior partner at the Human Capital Group, led the search. Founded in 1867, WVU is a public university with a total enrollment of more than 29,000 students. Previously, Mr. DeBord was
Optimum Talent and Conroy Ross Form Alliance
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has formed an alliance with Optimum Talent, a privately owned integrated talent management firm. Through the partnership, the companies have acquired the Vancouver office of career transition services provider Toombs Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The venture between the two firms is seen as a strategic move that solidifies an existing partnership
The Challenges of Recruiting Big Talent to Small Companies
Enlisting talent for small and emerging companies is a balancing act. Delay can be costly on many levels. But jumping too soon has its hazards as well. Companies must be able to gauge when and where their hiring needs will arise, then act. At smaller companies, hiring decisions are oftentimes amplified and carry big consequences,
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Riddell
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has placed Sharon Quiles as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Riddell. Partner Kile Hanold led the search. Ms. Quiles was previously an HR leader at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) where she built out the entire HR infrastructure following a consolidation of three global business units that had 1,400 total employees. Prior to that she served
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Citrix
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Kirill Tatarinov as president and chief executive officer of Citrix. He replaces Mark Templeton who stepped down as president and CEO after serving in that position since 1998. With 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Tatarinov has a long track record overseeing product strategy and commercial operations in software and services.
Plymouth Search Partners Names New York Managing Director
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Mark S. Fogel as managing director in its New York City office. He will add a suite of human resources consulting, coaching and assessment services to his search practice which is focused on manufacturing, financial services, retail, and education sectors. Mr. Fogel formerly served as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for
Taylor Strategy Partners Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Taylor Strategy Partners (TSP) has expanded its staff with the addition of Ken Amicon as managing director in its executive and professional search practice. Mr. Amicon brings over 20 years of executive and professional search experience to TSP in the payer, provider, health and property & casualty insurance sectors. He has conducted a
Succession Planning an ‘Urgent’ Concern of Top HR Leaders
Seventy-four percent of HR leaders have identified leadership succession and speed of development as the primary internal challenges they face, according to a just-released survey by talent solutions provider Lumesse and research company Loudhouse. The identification of tomorrow’s leaders is crucial to mitigate against the loss of critical talent in the future, something that 73 percent of
DHR International Recruits CEO for Tata Motors
DHR International has recruited Guenter Butschek as managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Motors. Frank Smeekes led the assignment along with Amélie Bonneville, director talent acquisition (Europe), and Lorenz Pestinger, vice president of talent acquisition (Asia-Pacific). The search involved 300 candidates, representing 17 nationalities. Mr. Butschek will lead all operations of Tata Motors in India
Vetted Solutions Taps CEO for SOCAP International
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has placed Brian Costanzo as president and chief executive officer of SOCAP International. He replaces Matthew D’uva, who spent nearly a decade with the organization and announced his decision to move on in June. The search was led by Vetted Solutions president James Zaniello and search partner Richard Green. Together, Messrs.
Russell Reynolds Expands Pharmaceutical and Non-Profit Practices
Russell Reynolds Associates has strengthened its global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and non-profit practices with the addition of Waseem Noor as a consultant. He will assess and recruit senior executive leaders and board members for client organizations in his industries of focus. Based in the firm’s New York office, he specializes in the assessment and recruiting of senior
AC Lordi Forms Stand-Alone Recruiting Practice
AC Lordi, a provider of accounting and risk management consulting and executive search, has split-off of its recruiting practice into a new stand-alone company, Xplora Search Group. AC Lordi Search leaders Jeff Olshin and Kevin Vesci will take the management reins as co-owners of Xplora, exchanging their interests in AC Lordi for 100 percent ownership of the
New Money Pouring Into Talent Management Metrics
Randstad Holding, a firm specializing in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services, is leading a seed financing in Focus Orange Technology through its Randstad Innovation Fund (RIF). Randstad’s service offerings range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placements to in-house, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions. The investment is centered around
Pillar Search to Hunt for WildAid U.S. Operations Director
Boston-based Pillar Search has been retained by WildAid to lead its search for a new managing director, U.S. operations. Pillar Search founder, Cindy Joyce, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the chief executive officer and the managing director programs in his absence, the managing director for U.S. operations will primarily be a manager, overseeing all U.S. staff. The
Third Street Partners Names Principal
Boutique executive search firm Third Street Partners has added Amanda Grant as a principal. She comes to Third Street Partners with considerable leadership experience, having served as the managing director and head of institutional client service at Columbia Management, a global asset manager where she helped facilitate the firm’s sale from Bank of America to Ameriprise Financial. During her
Furst Group Recruits COO for Regional Health
Executive search firm Furst Group has placed Paulette Davidson as chief operating officer of Regional Health. In this position, she will focus on clinical operations and strengthening corporate culture to benefit patient care and services. She will also oversee several key leaders within Regional Health. Ms. Davidson, a certified medical practice executive (CMPE), comes to Regional
Newport Group Opens Office in Texas
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has opened a new office in Wichita Falls, Texas. The location will serve to augment the recruiting and consulting efforts of the firm’s Texas operations, while providing additional resources to its offices across the country. Recently promoted vice president Brad Ellis will be charged with managing the day-to-day operations at
Korn Ferry Taps New Head Coach for Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited Hue Jackson as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He becomes the team’s 16th head coach and replaces Mike Pettine who was fired following a 3-13 season. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. Mr. Jackson is a 29-year coaching veteran with 15 years of NFL experience. He comes
Life Sciences Sector Seeks Change Management Leaders
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new search practice in the burgeoning field of life sciences and healthcare. Brian A. Johnston and Steve Leatherman have been named co-sector practice leaders. “Our life sciences & healthcare practice addresses the demand for a new generation of talent to transform life science and healthcare’s ever-changing landscape. I am
MRINetwork Names President
MRINetwork, the executive search subsidiary of CDI Corp., has appointed Jill Albrinck as its new president. “Jill will drive a new phase of strategic growth for MRINetwork,” said Scott J. Freidheim, president and CEO of CDI Corp. “Jill’s leadership experience and track record of successfully growing businesses makes her the right person to leverage MRINetwork’s 50 years of innovation in talent solutions.”
D. Hilton Associates Recruits Marketing Head for East Idaho Credit Union
The Woodlands, TX-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates has placed Tracy McCord as vice president of marketing at East Idaho Credit Union. Ms. McCord comes to East Idaho C.U. from Mid Missouri Credit Union, where she most recently was SVP of marketing. Over 16 years, she served in multiple roles at Mid Missouri, including VP of marketing and marketing
HVS Executive Search Expands In Europe
Karl Schorman has joined HVS Executive Search as a director in Europe. He will be based in the firm’s London office. Mr. Schorman has over 25 years of experience in executive search in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries, across all management disciplines for hotel companies, restaurant chains, food service providers, hospitality & event caterers, and other
CHROs Undervalued by CEOs Despite Growing Influence
While boards consistently rank human capital as a top priority, two thirds of HR professionals believe the chief HR leader is undervalued by the CEO, this according to a just-released Harvey Nash ‘Human Resources Survey. The report tallies the views of 1,253 HR leaders from over 30 countries. Almost half believe the HR leader is considered less important
Egon Zehnder Recruits TGI Fridays CEO As Demand Soars for Sector ‘Visionaries’
Egon Zehnder has placed Robert Palleschi as president and chief executive officer of TGI Fridays. He replaces Nick Shepherd who stepped down from the company in October. Mr. Palleschi has spent the past 12 years at global hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide. He currently serves as global head of full service brands, where he oversees all franchise
Slayton Search Partners Adds Veteran Recruiter
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has added Kevin Duffy as an executive vice president. During his 25-year career in executive search, Mr. Duffy has focused on the consumer sector, partnering with retailers, multi-unit consumer service companies and consumer food and product manufacturers. He has filled the executive hiring needs of Fortune 500s, Fortune 50s, private equity portfolio
Carmon Group Lands President for Global Cleveland
Cleveland-headquartered executive search firm The Carmon Group has recruited Joe Cimperman as the next president of Global Cleveland. Chris Carmon, founder and president, led the assignment. Currently serving his seventh term and 18th year on the Cleveland City Council, Councilman Cimperman is a senior member of the body and highly regarded by his constituents. He currently represents Ward 3, one of the most
Major Lindsey & Africa Names Veteran Global Marketing Head
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Jennifer Silver as executive director and global head of marketing and communications. She will be based in the firm’s Boston office. In her new role, Ms. Silver will be responsible for the strategic marketing direction for both MLA and Allegis Partners, its sister company focused on executive search. She has
Companies Adapting to Candidate-Driven Job Market In 2016
Sixty-six percent of employers plan to hire additional staff in 2016, according to the ‘2016 Hiring Outlook: Strategies for Adapting to a Candidate-Driven Market’ report just released by The Execu | Search Group. The study is intended to provide insights into how companies can attract and retain talent and how they can effectively hire and manage their current employees on
Cejka Executive Search Strengthens Recruiting Team
Cejka Executive Search has added healthcare executive Joyce Tucker as an executive vice president responsible for senior-level healthcare search services and recruiting consultation. In her role, she will work in collaboration with healthcare boards and senior executives at healthcare organizations nationwide to assist them in acquiring senior talent. During her more than 30 years as a healthcare executive,
Heidrick to Search for Technology Chief
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Siluria Technologies to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Ed Dineen has announced he is stepping down from the CEO role. Erik Scher, currently executive vice president and company co-founder, is serving as interim CEO. Siluria Technologies is a San Francisco-based company which has developed methods for converting natural gas into products such
Ballinger | Leafblad Taps Director for Intermedia Arts As Non-Profit Sector Looks for Leaders
Executive search firm Ballinger|Leafblad has placed Eyenga Bokamba as the new executive director for Intermedia Arts. Ms. Bokamba will provide leadership to advance the organization’s mission to be a catalyst that builds understanding among people through art and will serve as chief development and fundraising officer. She comes to Intermedia from Sprockets, St. Paul’s nationally recognized out-of-school-time network, where she has
