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Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Western States Water
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has Tanya Toot as the new CFO of Western States Water, a Strength Capital Partners portfolio company. Tom Dunn, Jarrod Gray, Justin Kai Ossola, Benjamin Wolf, Mallory Allen, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “We’re grateful for the trust from the Strength Capital and Western States Water teams,
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.
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
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Why Soft Skills Still Rule the C-Suite in the Age of AI
In an era dominated by technological advancements and artificial intelligence, it might be tempting to believe that machines can replace human leadership. However, the essence of effective leadership lies in a unique blend of soft skills that transcend AI’s capabilities, according to a new report from Kestria. “While technical expertise is undoubtedly necessary, it is
TRANSEARCH Opens Office in Norway
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Oslo, Norway and appointed Baard I. L. Storsveen to run the new location. Mr. Storsveen has over 20 years’ experience in the business, covering a full range of business models across most disciplines and sectors. Having worked as consultant and partner in the leadership development and recruiting sectors since 1995,
Charlson Partners Names Head of Southern California Operations
Charlson Partners, an executive search firm focused on enterprise technology solutions, has appointed Lisa Grinde Hovagimyan as partner and head of its Southern California operations. With over 15 years of experience in executive search, Ms. Hovagimyan has global executive recruitment and search experience within the hi-tech, software, telecommunications, consumer technology, life-sciences & healthcare IT, manufacturing & electrical, environmental engineering
Demand for Chief HR Officers Is Rising At American Companies
The American Diabetes Association has retained Diversified Search to lead its search for a chief human resources officer (CHRO). Demand for C-level HR executives is rising, according to recruiters specializing in the function, as upbeat U.S. hiring forecasts point to a growing sense of urgency within the HR community to prepare and plan for potential talent shortages. “Chief human
Executive Recruiters Continue Their Expansion Into the Sports Industry
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has launched a sports practice focusing on mid-level and emerging talent. Bret M. Fishkind will lead the new group as a managing consultant. Mr. Fishkind has been a senior associate at Korn Ferry, where he has served as a member of the firm’s global sports practice, led
Famous Dave’s of America Taps Heidrick for CEO Search
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Ed Rensi has stepped down from his role as CEO. Mr. Rensi joined Famous Dave’s board in January 2014, and agreed to assume the role of CEO the next month following the unexpected resignation of his predecessor. The company’s board has appointed Adam
FaithSearch Partners Grows With the Healthcare Industry
FaithSearch Partners has appointed Scott Kuhlman as senior vice president, specializing in finding talent in the post-acute/long-term care sector (PA/LTC). Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he will work directly with the firm’s PA/LTC clients. Mr. Kuhlman brings an array of experience in healthcare practice management and organization growth, spanning over 25 years. He most recently served as
Agilium Worldwide Adds Four New Member Firms
Agilium Worldwide, LLC has added four new member firms to its global network of retained executive search firms. Joining the organization are Greensearch in Budapest, Hungary; Plongê Consultoria Capital Humano in São Paulo, Brazil; Schnopp & Partner(MLS Dr. Max Schnopp AG) in Zurich, Switzerland; and PLATINIUM Executive Search in Belgium. Founded by Andrea Deák, Greensearch is an executive search and consulting firm that specializes
Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Level in More Than Seven Years
The U.S. unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in seven and a half years but job growth fell short of expectations, offering mixed signals about the economy, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Total employment increased by 173,000 in August, which is less than most economists had predicted. Currently eight million
Catalyst Advisors Recruits CEO for The Learning Clinic
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has recruited Kal Vaikla as chief executive officer of U.K.-based The Learning Clinic. Partner Simon Bartholomew led the search. Mr. Vaikla was previously managing director of healthcare information technology company Oasis Medical Solutions, which he successfully positioned for acquisition by Allscripts. Before that, he was vice president, sales and marketing for the
Slone Partners Recruits President for Cancer Testing Specialist Abcodia
Executive recruiters Slone Partners has placed Nadia Altomare as president of North America at Abcodia, a specialist company engaged in the development of tests for early detection of cancer. As president, Ms. Altomare will develop and implement the strategic business plan for U.S. operations, launch the company’s first early cancer detection product in the U.S. — the ROCA test —
Ridgeway Partners Adds Former Norman Broadbent CEO as Partner
Executive search firm Ridgeway Partners LLC has appointed Sue O’Brien as a partner. Ms. O’Brien most recently served as chief executive officer of Norman Broadbent PLC. Having begun her career in retail at Sainsbury’s, she became managing director of a leisure business and later moved into executive search. In 2003, she was appointed managing director of Garner International
SpenglerFox Names Practice Leaders in Frankfurt and London
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Stephanie Schimang as principle consultant and practice group leader for its human capital solutions service group and Ben Elson as practice group leader for the firm’s technology group within business services. Ms. Schimang will be responsible for client services/satisfaction, delivery of projects, quality control and business development. She will work out
Hiring Prospects Forecast to Be Strongest in Eight Years
Starting next month, U.S. employers are predicting the strongest fourth quarter hiring blitz since the final quarter of 2007, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. Globally, evidence is mounting that workforce gains remain patchy at best, amid signs that the pace of economic recovery continues to be slow and uneven outside North America. Hiring plans
Spencer Stuart to Hunt for Housing.com Chief
Housing.com has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The company has recently sacked its former CEO and co-founder Rahul Yadav for misconduct. Until Spencer Stuart finds Mr. Yadav’s replacement, COO Rishabh Gupta will serve as interim CEO of the global real estate portal. Prior to joining Housing.com about two years ago, Mr. Gupta was a manager at
Career Partners International Names President and CEO
Career Partners International (CPI) has appointed Karen D. O’Boyle as president and chief executive officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and executing CPI’s strategic plan. The firm has a global footprint with more than 270 offices in 47 countries. An accomplished business leader, Ms. O’Boyle has held senior leadership positions at
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for Aerosoles
New York-based executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed R. Shawn Neville as chief executive officer of footwear company Aerosoles. He takes over from interim CEO Caryn Lerner, operating partner of Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, LLC, which acquired privately owned Aerosoles in June 2014. Mr. Neville’s initial key initiatives will include strengthening Aerosoles’ go-to-market strategy, branding, store design, merchandising, product development, e/m-commerce
Harvey Nash Adds Former CTPartners Recruiter
Global executive search firm Harvey Nash has added Tanya Lau as leader of its consumer and retail practice in Asia Pacific. In her new role, she will support the continued development of the executive search business within the consumer and retail segments across the Asia Pacific region. She will be based in Hong Kong at Harvey Nash’s Asia Pacific
David Barrett Looks Inside Recruiting Talent for the Investment and Wealth Management Sector
David Barrett is managing partner of David Barrett Partners, a boutique specialist search firm which recruits senior and C-level professionals for the investment and wealth management sector. Mr. Barrett co-founded his firm in 2005. He spent 17 years of his career at two of the industry’s largest global recruiting firms: Russell Reynolds Associates and Heidrick & Struggles. Recently, Mr.
Parker Executive Search Recruits Director of Athletics for Villanova
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has recruited Mark Jackson as director of athletics at Villanova University. He succeeds Vince Nicastro, who held the position for 15 years. A search committee, composed of board members, alumni, faculty and staff, oversaw the search process. In his new role, Mr. Jackson provides executive leadership, strategic direction and oversight for all of Villanova’s
DHR International Recruits CEO for CultureSource
DHR International has placed Pamela M. Iacobelli as president and chief executive officer of CultureSource. Cyd Kinney, a partner in DHR’s Detroit office, led the search. For more than 13 years, Ms. Kinney has been a search consultant focused on the non-profit and C-suite sector. Ms. Iacobelli brings extensive business leadership experience to CultureSource. Most recently,
Diversified Search Adds Former CTPartners Recruiters
Former CTPartners recruiters John J. Keller and Michel Deschapelles have joined Diversified Search as managing directors in the firm’s technology and telecommunications practices. Mr. Keller, who becomes technology and telecommunications practice leader at Diversified, will divide his time between offices in New York and San Francisco. He brings a unique perspective to his work as a seasoned
NGS Global Opens New Office in Dusseldorf
NGS Global Europe has opened a new office in Dusseldorf, Germany and appointed Richard Crux as managing partner and head of the new location. Mr. Crux will conduct senior-level assignments on behalf of domestic and global companies in the industrial, consumer goods, retail and logistics sectors. His areas of functional expertise include marketing, sales, supply chain management
Small Business Leaders Forecast Upbeat Job Market and Expand Hiring Plans for 2016
Economic and job growth optimism is continuing to rise throughout the C-suites of small to medium-sized American businesses (SMB), according to a new report published by executive recruitment firm Lucas Group. The Q2 2015 SMB Job Generation Outlook found that 66 percent of leaders at small to medium-sized companies across the U.S. feel optimistic about the country’s near-term
Egon Zehnder Heading CEO Search for Woolworths
Woolworths has retained Egon Zehnder to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The firm will find a replacement for outgoing chief Grant O’Brien and at least one more non-executive director. Interviews are expected to commence this month. Woolworths’ newly appointed chairman Gordon Cairns has sacrificed three non-executive director roles to devote more time to finding a
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Merit School of Music Executive Director
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has placed Charles Grode as president and executive director of the Merit School of Music. He replaces Tom Bracy, who left the organization earlier this year. Mr. Grode, who has spent 17 seasons with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), most recently served as vice president of the Negaunee Music Institute, the CSO’s education
Major, Lindsey & Africa Names Solutions Practice Group Managing Director
Search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Cloud Schnoebelen as a managing director in its solutions practice group. In his new role, Mr. Schnoebelen will work closely with corporate legal departments and law firms to identify contract attorneys and legal professionals to fulfill clients’ interim legal needs. He will be based in Major, Lindsey & Africa’s San
Carmichael Fisher Opens New Brussels Office
Carmichael Fisher EMEA has opened a new office in Brussels to enhance its presence in Europe. The Brussels location will be dedicated to providing recruitment solutions inclusive of search, talent mapping, competitor analysis and executive coaching to Carmichael Fisher’s clients in Belgium. The office will be headed by managing director EMEA Justin Hobday and initially Thomas
Korn Ferry Posts Six Percent Global Revenue Rise
Korn Ferry/(NYSE:KFY) has posted first quarter revenue of $267.4 million, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to $260.3 million a year ago. The company just missed analysts’ estimates of $269.7 million. The $16.2 million revenue rise for the quarter resulted from an increase of $3.7 million in the company’s executive recruitment segment, a $5.6 million lift in its leadership
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Video Equipment Rentals
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has recruited David Staels as chief human resource officer (CHRO) of Video Equipment Rentals. In his new role, Mr. Staels will report to VER’s CEO Steve Hankin, who is credited with coining the term ‘war for talent.’ Serving as a key member of VER’s leadership team, Mr. Staels will be accountable for
Russell Reynolds Associates Leads UT Dallas President Search
The University of Texas System has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its search for a new president for UT Dallas. The UT Dallas presidential search advisory committee will make recommendations on possible successors to David E. Daniel, who assumed a new leadership position as the UT System’s deputy chancellor and chief operating officer this summer. The search advisory committee
Pedersen & Partners Opens First U.S. Office; Names Head of North America
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has opened its first office in the U.S., establishing a presence in Houston. This becomes the firm’s sixth office in the Americas joining Pedersen & Partners’ offices in Canada, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru. COO and partner of Pedersen & Partners, Darcie Murray, will be based in Houston and serve as







