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Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
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
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,
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
The Christopher Group Recruits CHRO for Belt Power
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Jessica Johnston as the new chief human resources officer of Belt Power in Marietta, GA. Pam Noble led the assignment along with Morgan Booker. “Jessica is a powerhouse HR leader who brings the strategic mindset and operational discipline needed
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for Avesta Housing
BroadView Talent Partners has helped to recruit Jennifer Hawkins as the new president and CEO of Avesta Housing in Portland, ME. The assignment was led by Tracy McMillan, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, Robyn Quinn, and Elizabeth Keyser. “Jennifer’s leadership is defined by innovation, strategic vision, and a powerful dedication to meeting community needs through affordable housing and housing
Trinity Bridge Expands to Germany
U.K.-based executive search firm Trinity Bridge has expanded into Germany with the appointment of Stephanie Watzek as managing director for the region to support its continued growth in Central Europe. Launched in the U.K. in 2022 by Sam Seigler, Trinity Bridge was inspired by Mr. Siegler’s vision to build an executive search firm with deep-rooted sector
New 2025 Report Highlights Tech Executive Pay Trends
Executive compensation goes beyond negotiation—it’s a strategic tool for driving growth, retaining talent, and maintaining a competitive edge. Understanding your executives’ value can be the key to securing top talent instead of losing them to rivals. Riviera Partners’ 2025 Executive Compensation Report, exclusively available to Riviera’s client and partner network, offers valuable insights into the
Why Your Work Won’t Speak for Itself in a Hybrid World
A hybrid or remote-first work environment prioritizes flexibility by allowing employees to work from various locations, often combining home and office settings. This model supports better work-life balance and can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. It also enables companies to access a broader talent pool unconstrained by geographic limitations. However, in a hybrid
ExecSearches Assists PKD-Free Alliance with Chief Implementation and Operations Officer Search
ExecSearches has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Schnurr as the first chief implementation and operations officer (CIOO) of PKD-Free Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to generational health and a PKD-free future. F. Jay Hall, managing director, and Karen Alphonse, senior search solutions leader, led the executive recruitment process. “May 2025 marks 11 years since I donated a
Preng & Associates Assists Jadestone Energy with CEO Search
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit Mitchell Little as the new CEO of Jadestone Energy in Singapore. “We are very pleased that Mitch is joining Jadestone as CEO,” said Adel Chaouch, executive chairman of Jadestone. “He brings significant upstream operational and management experience from over three decades in the oil and gas industry with Marathon. His
True Expands Non-Profit & Social Impact Practice
Global talent provider True has expanded its non-profit & social impact practice with the strategic addition of Gautam Raghavan. An accomplished public servant and talent strategist, Mr. Raghavan most recently served as director of the White House Office of presidential personnel under the Biden-Harris administration. “Gautam is intimately familiar with public service, which gives him a unique understanding of the challenges
Rethinking Talent For Every Phase Of The PE Lifecycle
Private equity is entering a phase where ‘one-size-fits-all’ leadership is no longer viable. As deal timelines stretch and growth becomes harder to manufacture, firms are looking to build executive teams that can evolve alongside the business. “Talent strategies must be adaptable to a changing economic climate and the ever-evolving business needs,” said Ellie O’Brien Coleman,
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits CEO for CHESS (Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services)
Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Shaun McAlmont as CEO of CHESS (Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services). He will succeed founding CEO Kathy Ulibarri, who will retire after guiding CHESS from its formation in 2021 to its emergence as a national model for shared services in higher education. Jennifer
Coulter Partners Places Biotech Entrepreneur as CEO of Nuage Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stuart Hughes as CEO of Nuage Therapeutics. “Coulter Partners has been an invaluable partner in this crucial appointment for Nuage Therapeutics,” said Vanessa Malier, chair of the board of directors of Nuage Therapeutics. “Their team demonstrated exceptional dedication and a truly collaborative spirit, working closely
Diversified Search Group (DSG Global) | Koya Partners Leading Executive Director Search for the John Paul Stevens Foundation
Diversified Search Group (DSG Global) | Koya Partners was recently retained by the John Paul Stevens Foundation to lead in its search for a new executive director. Molly Brennan, global managing partner and non-profit and social impact practice leader, and Gina Wrolstad Kueber, senior associate, are leading the assignment. This is an exciting opportunity help guide the foundation
AltoPartners Elects New Global Chair
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has appointed Santiago Solis Arias as new global chair. He becomes the first global chair from the Americas, marking a new chapter for the global executive search partnership. Mr. Solis Arias succeeds Sonal Agrawal, who has served with distinction and led the partnership through
The Future of Healthcare Leadership: AI, Innovation & Talent
The healthcare and life sciences industries are undergoing a major transformation, driven by advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital innovation. These technologies are reshaping drug discovery, patient care, and operational efficiency, requiring leaders who can harness innovation while optimizing complex systems. As competition for top talent intensifies, organizations are prioritizing executives with strong business
How Good is Your Company at Hiring?
Most companies recognize that talent is essential to success, and that being highly effective at hiring is one of the most vital skills for any organization and its leaders. Yet, hiring remains one of the weakest areas within many companies. A breakdown occurs in the interface between the people who are tasked with recruiting and
Peña Search Recruits CFO for Visit Dallas
Peña Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kathie Parsons as the new CFO of Visit Dallas. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney led the assignment. “Kathie brings to our organization a superb financial track record of transparency, accountability and collaboration,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit Dallas. “Her experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue
Pender & Howe Tapped by Covenant Health for COO Search
Toronto-based Pender & Howe Executive Search has been retained to lead the search for a chief operating officer, acute & primary care for Covenant Health. The search is being spearheaded by managing principal Glenn Lesko. The COO at Covenant Health will play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery of acute and primary health services within
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Greece
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Athens, Greece-based Searchlight Partners as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome Searchlight Partners into membership,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “They bring deep expertise in executive search and people strategy, and a solid track record in the technology, professional services, and life sciences
Hudson Global and Star Equity Holdings Join Forces
Star Equity Holdings (Star) and Hudson Global, a global total talent solutions provider operating under the brand name Hudson RPO, have inked a definitive merger agreement. Pursuant to the merger, Star will merge with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson to form “NewCo”. “We are pleased to announce the signing of this merger
Newland Associates Recruits CEO for Hope & Help
Lake Mary, FL-based executive search firm Newland Associates has assisted with the recruitment of Thresa Giles as the new CEO of Hope & Help in Winter Park, FL. Vanessa Abreu, director of recruiting, led the assignment. “We’re honored to share these kind words from Thresa Giles, CEO of Hope & Help, about her experience working with
Vetted Solutions Assists the Architects Foundation with Executive Director Search
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has placed Jennifer Calvert Hall as the new executive director with the Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects AIA. She was identified following a highly competitive national search and brings extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. “I believe that the appointment of Jennifer Calvert Hall as our new
Bryant Group Retained by HonorHealth Foundation for Two Assignments
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been retained by HonorHealth Foundation to lead in its searches for a senior vice president of finance and senior vice president of communications and donor relations. Both searches are led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the SVP
Jamesbeck Names Managing Director in New York
Jamesbeck, a New York City-based recruitment firm specializing in senior-level talent for the broad investment management community across private market and traditional firms, has expanded with the addition of Vince Talamo as a managing director based in its New York City office. Mr. Talamo has spent his entire career in executive search and brings over 25
Why People, Not Just Technology, Will Determine the Success of AI in Healthcare
Introducing new technologies—especially those driven by AI—can disrupt established workflows, challenge existing roles, and strain organizational relationships in unforeseen ways. As a result, the most successful healthcare organizations will be those that look beyond the promise of the tools themselves and focus on how people interact with them, according to a recent report from human
How To Build Employee Engagement
The latest data indicates a global decline in employee engagement, according to recent report from IMSA Search Global Partners’ president Thierry Goder. Figures from Statista found that the global employee engagement rate, which reached its highest point in 2020 at 69 percent, has decreased annually to 67 percent last year. All regions experienced drops, but Sub-Saharan Africa
AC Lion Acquires Ampersand Talent Advisory
AC Lion, an executive recruitment firm focused on the digital and technology sectors, has acquired boutique search firm Ampersand Talent Advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition marks a significant step in AC Lion’s growth, bolstering its ability to recruit top creative and AI talent while expanding its capacity to place
Funk Associates at Closing Stages of President Search for Florida International University
Funk Associates is currently at the end stages of recruiting the seventh president for Florida International University (FIU). “Over the past several weeks, the presidential search committee has identified and interviewed candidates interested in becoming FIU’s seventh president,” Carlos A. Duart, chair, FIU presidential search committee; vice chair, FIU board of trustees, wrote in a letter
Krauthamer & Associates Assists AC Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salvador Llamas as the new general manager and CEO of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in Oakland, CA. He succeeds interim general manager Kathleen Kelly. Gregg A. Moser led the assignment. “Each finalist for the GM-CEO position demonstrated strong strategic leadership and vision,” said board president Diane
Developing a Strong Employer Brand to Attract Executive Leaders
In today’s highly competitive job market, having a strong employer brand is essential for drawing in and keeping top-tier talent. It boosts an organization’s attractiveness, lowers hiring expenses, and increases both employee retention and satisfaction. A new report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) explores building a powerful employer brand to secure high-quality executive talent, supported
Hiring Managers: A Unique Chance to Secure Top Insurance & Wealth Talent
As salary premiums decline, this is the ideal moment to build a stronger, future-ready team. The best talent in insurance and wealth management is more affordable than it has been in years—but not for long, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles.
Rudish Health Assists Novant Health with the Recruitment of Chief Revenue Officer
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health recently assisted in the recruitment of Heather Dunn as senior vice president and chief revenue officer of Novant Health in Winston-Salem, NC. In this role, she will lead Novant Health’s billing department, including financial assistance programs, interface with payors, and identify integration and strategic opportunities. “Heather
