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Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an International Recruiter
International recruiting quickly becomes a different game altogether—one where local networks, cultural fluency, and trusted on-the-ground connections often matter more than the tools or tactics employers rely on at home. However, many employers do not like working with recruitment companies, according to a report from NPAworldwide. “In markets that employers know well and have social
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
AI and the Workforce: Navigating the Balance Between Productivity and Uncertainty
Imagine your job evolving overnight, powered by a machine that learns faster than you. Not only does it transform how you work, but it also enhances your performance and helps you reach your full potential. It’s no wonder there are mixed feelings when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from
ChampionScott Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Red Box Recorders
ChampionScott Partners has recruited Bob Charland as Americas chief revenue officer at Red Box Recorders, a private equity-backed global provider of multimedia communication recording solutions. Mr. Charland brings to Red Box over 25 years of experience in software sales, marketing and operational leadership. He was most recently regional vice president of sales, eastern region and federal government sales at Spok,
IRC Global Names Americas Regional Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has appointed Jane Lyons (pictured) as Americas regional leader. Ms. Lyons is a managing partner of Rhodes Associates. During her more than 25-year career in executive search and organizational consulting, she has completed more than 700 search and consulting assignments, specializing in the real estate industry. She has assisted leading real estate companies
Korn Ferry Adds Former CTPartners Recruiters
Korn Ferry has added former CTPartners recruiters Rick Sklarin as senior client partner in its technology practice and Nathaniel Hook as a senior client partner based in its U.K. consumer practice. They join ex-CTPartners recruiters Debra Germaine, Laurie O’Shea, Paul Ciancarelli, John Davitt, Jeremy Zemen, Adam Prager, Sarah Lim, Florence Magne, Nick Evans, and several others, all of whom
Pedersen & Partners Opens New Office In Lisbon
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has opened a new office in Lisbon, Portugal. This is the firm’s 34th established office in Europe, and follows the recent launches of offices in the U.S. and Mexico. Margarita Hernández will serve as the firm’s country manager for Portugal and will also oversee executive search engagements in Angola. She joins Pedersen & Partners from
U.K. Boardrooms Gaining Female Directors At Faster Pace Than U.S.
The number of women serving as directors in the top FTSE 150 companies continues to expand, according to the just-released Spencer Stuart 2015 U.K. Board Index. The survey found that 23 percent of all directors in the FTSE 150 are women, compared with 20.6 percent in 2014; 28.4 percent of FTSE 150 non-executive directors are women, verses 25.9 percent
PFM Executive Search Lands CEO for Cancer Foundation
PFM Executive Search has placed Lynne Hudson as national chief executive officer of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Ms. Hudson brings a wealth of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors through her time with PLAN Canada as VP for risk & effectiveness and as a financial management group leader with Ernst & Young. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
North Carolina Bar Assn. Taps Young Mayden to Find Director
Legal search firm Young Mayden, LLC, has been selected by the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) to lead its search for an executive director. Ken Young, a principal at Young Mayden, is leading the search. Current executive director Allan Head will be retiring in 2016 after being with the organization since 1981. “We expect to have many top
Petroplan Appoints Recruitment Manager In Houston
Oil and energy focused executive recruiting firm Petroplan has appointed James Monaghan as recruitment manager for its Houston office. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding the firm’s footprint throughout the U.S. while leading a team of recruiters specializing in construction, commissioning, engineering, HSE and project services. Mr. Monaghan brings a decade of experience
Alexander Hughes Expands In Paris
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has expanded its Paris office with the addition of Erick Parraud as a client partner. Mr. Parraud brings 20 years of international experience within major distribution groups, offering a combination of corporate strategy and hands-on management. He was formerly managing director of Wolseley France. Through several management roles at Kering / PPR Group
Economic Forecasts Point to Expanding Jobs Outlook for 2016
The Conference Board’s U.S. leading economic index rose sharply in October, suggesting continued expansion heading into the New Year. The index rose 0.6 percent in October, following declines of 0.1 percent in both September and August. This matched the average estimate of economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal. “The U.S. leading economic index rose sharply
Heidrick Recruits Top Posts for Brookdale Senior Living
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Labeed Diab as chief operating officer and Lucinda Baier as chief financial officer of Brookdale Senior Living. Mr. Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales. He has served in operational leadership roles for the Walmart U.S. division of Wal-Mart Stores since 2009, most recently serving as its
Waverly Partners Leads CEO Search for Greenville Chamber
The Greenville Chamber has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Ben Haskew has served as the Chamber’s president and CEO since 2003 and plans to retire in early 2016. The CEO role is ultimately responsible for all operations of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and serves
Conley Search Group Adds Director In Boston
Executive search firm Conley Search Group has added Peter Hamilton as a managing director in Boston. “I have known Peter for over seven years and he is a respected advisor, confidant, and leader. We are very excited to have Peter join our growing business,” said Kevin Conley, president and CEO. Mr. Hamilton specializes in recruiting senior executives
Metin Mitchell Acquires Russian Recruiting Outfit
Dubai-headquartered executive search and management advisory firm Metin Mitchell & Company has acquired Russian search firm Chuvaev Consulting. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will allow Metin Mitchell to extend its client coverage to Russia, Ukraine and the Central Asian Republics in addition to its current reach in the Middle East and North Africa. Chuvaev Consulting is a human resources boutique that offers executive
AMN Healthcare To Acquire B.E. Smith For $160 Million In Cash
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has entered a definitive agreement to acquire healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith for $160 million in cash. The transaction is structured to allow AMN Healthcare to realize tax benefits having an estimated net present value of approximately $25 million. The purchase price is expected to be funded through a combination of term
DHR to Head CHRO Search for PPL Corporation
DHR International has been retained by PPL Corporation to lead its search for a chief human resources officer (CHRO). The search will be conducted by Jerry McGrath, managing partner of the firm’s global human resources practice, along with Joe Huddle, its industrial practice managing partner, and senior associate Christine Pasieka. Established in 1920, PPL Corporation is a global energy company delivering electricity and
DMC Partners Elects Chairman
Executive search firm DMC Partners has elected Henry W. Mulholland as its chairman, effective immediately. He recently retired from Bank of America Merrill Lynch after 25 years where he worked most recently as head of Americas equities. Mr. Mulholland brings a wealth of experience and relationships to DMC and will play an integral leadership role as the
Lochlin Partners Lands President for Faith & Politics Institute
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has recruited Joan Mooney as president and chief executive officer of the Faith & Politics Institute. Liza Wright and Nalini Perkins, managing directors at Lochlin Partners, led the search. Ms. Mooney will be leading a diverse and multidisciplinary organization that hosts national and international pilgrimages, reflection groups for elected officials and their senior staffs, retreats, and
AltoPartners Adds The Inzito Partnership As Member Firm In U.K.
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added London-based The Inzito Partnership as its exclusive member firm in the U.K. Inzito works with companies, financial institutions, sporting bodies, government departments & agencies and other organizations looking for C-level talent. The firm was founded in 2009 and today comprises a team of 20 people with expertise serving
Caldwell Partners Posts Strong 21 Percent Revenue Gain
Caldwell Partners International posted fourth quarter revenues of $15.4 million, up 16 percent from revenues of $13.2 million a year ago. Full year revenues jumped 21 percent, from $45.1 million to $54.5 million. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter was up 14 percent, while Canadian revenues rose 11 percent. For the year, U.S. revenues jumped 17
University of Miami Taps Korn Ferry To Find Head Football Coach
The University of Miami has selected Korn Ferry to lead its search for a new head football coach. Former coach Al Golden was fired last month in the middle of his fifth season, a day after the school was beaten 58-0 by Clemson University. It was the worst loss in the history of the Miami’s football program. Korn Ferry will assist
Egon Zehnder Heading CFO Search For Scientific Games
Egon Zehnder has been retained by gambling technology provider Scientific Games to find its next chief financial officer. Scott D. Schweinfurth, its current CFO, has said he will retire at the end of the year. The company plans to consider both internal and external candidates to fill the CFO position, a common move today by companies looking for
ZRG Partners Expands Healthcare Services Practice
Former CTPartners’ recruiter Susan Baldwin has joined ZRG Partners as managing director to further build out the firm’s healthcare services practice. Her focus has been with healthcare payers, pharmacy benefit management, and specialty healthcare services companies. She serves a range of Fortune 500, non-profit healthcare, and private equity firms specializing in healthcare services. Ms. Baldwin, who joins ZRG’s Chicago
Boyden Appoints Managing Partner for Interim Management Practice
Executive search firm Boyden has added Simon Gough to its U.K. office as managing partner of its interim management practice. “We’re thrilled that Simon has joined Boyden to lead our interim management business,” said John Ellis, a Boyden board member and managing partner of Boyden U.K. “Interim will continue to play a pivotal role in our growth strategy in
Female CEO Pay Seen Outpacing Male Counterparts
Though they remain outnumbered in the top ranks in many companies by their male counterparts, female chief executive officers (CEOs) seem to be outpacing their male colleagues in terms of salary, according to research by the Associated Press and the executive compensation data firm Equilar. Last year, median pay for female chiefs increased to $15.9 million, a 21 percent
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Glazer Children’s Museum CEO
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has placed Jennifer Stancil as president and chief executive officer of the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, FL. Ms. Stancil spent the last five years as executive director of educational partnerships at WQED Multimedia, the PBS affiliate in Pittsburgh, responsible for Mister Rogers Neighborhood. She created and directed WQED’s strategies for outreach
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
