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Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Eric Fobes as the new CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). Jon Leafstedt and Patrick Fitzgerald, principals with Kincannon & Reed, conducted a nationwide search for SIRE. Current CEO Mike Jerke will retire at the end of 2025 after seven
Daversa Partners Appoints Partner
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has named Brian Warager as partner. “Brian’s work is redefining what it means to recruit for the frontier,” said Paul Daversa, CEO of Daversa. “He has an exceptional ability to identify leaders who thrive where technology meets mission – whether that’s securing our national defense, advancing the
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.
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
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?
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,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
More Than Coaching: How the Right Advisor Can Help Untangle the Human Dynamics that Derail Portco Value Creation
When private equity investors make their pitches, they often point out their ability to provide organizations with the support that creates value – typically meaning financial and operational support. However, most PE firms find it challenging to help their portcos manage the inevitable human capital challenges, which are typically enormously complex and time-consuming for even
T. Malouf and Co. Launches Director Search for National Bicycle Assoc.
Terry Malouf, founding president of T. Malouf and Company Executive Search, is conducting the search to replace longtime director of The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA), Fred Clements. Mr. Clements is stepping down in the next few months to take a project director’s role within the Costa Mesa, California-based organization. The NBDA has therefore initiated a national
Allen Austin Names Higher Education Practice Head
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has added retired Vice Admiral Ann E. Rondeau as head of the firm’s higher education search practice. She will also be active in Allen Austin’s strategy, not-for-profit, aerospace, defense and intelligence recruiting practices. Vice Adm. Rondeau most recently served as president of National Defense University (NDU), which is the premier center for Joint Professional
hrQ Names Talent Acquisition Managers In Houston and Dallas
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has strengthened its staff with the additions of Corey Harlock and Elizabeth Young as talent acquisition managers in its Houston and Dallas offices. hrQ focuses exclusively on the human resources sector, providing HR professionals for short or long term contract assignments and full time hires as well as offering expertise on a variety of human
Elusive Target: Women Securing Board Chairmanships
According to the most recent ‘Women in the Boardroom: A Global Perspective’ report by Deloitte, representation of women on corporate boards continues to increase, but the number of women leading boards still remains low globally. Overall, women now hold 12 percent of seats worldwide with only four percent chairing boards. European countries continue to lead on gender
Major, Lindsey & Africa Opens Minneapolis/St. Paul Office
Search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has expanded its footprint in the Midwest with the opening of a Minneapolis/St. Paul office. Brian McMahon has been tapped to lead the new location as managing director, representing associate attorneys, individual partners and partner groups in the lateral marketplace and executing focused searches for law firm clients. In his new
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP Marketing for USO
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paul G. Allvin as senior vice president of marketing and communications at Arlington, VA-headquartered United Service Organizations (USO). He will lead all aspects of the company’s marketing and communications department, including strategic and entertainment marketing, brand and creative services, web and digital marketing, special events, story development, publications and public
ADK Consulting Taps Executive Director for Monterey Peninsula Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has placed Michael La Pier as executive director of the Monterey Peninsula Airport. He will replace Tom Greer, who announced his retirement last year. In his new role, Mr. La Pier will report to the five member publicly-elected board with responsibility for the development, operation and administration of the airport and its services to
Boyden Establishes New Office in Brussels
Executive search firm Boyden has opened a new office in Brussels. Francis Vaningelgem and Baudouin Contzen, previously founders of Executive Square, will lead the new Boyden Belgium & Luxembourg team as managing directors. The expansion builds on Boyden’s recent launches in the Netherlands and Geneva. The Brussels office will offer the full range of Boyden services in executive search, leadership
Buffkin Group Creates Venture Fund to Invest In Client Companies
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has launched a venture fund to invest in a variety of industries across the U.S. One of the primary goals of the initiative is to find visionary leadership in the companies it invests in, and the fund will target vertical industry sectors that are core to The Buffkin Group. Buffkin Ventures as the
CTPartners Shares Dive 17 Percent; Market Cap Stands At $13 Million
Shares in executive search firm CTParnters sank another 17 percent yesterday, dropping to a new low of $1.51. The once high-flying executive recruiter traded at $23.75 just a year ago. Volume was relatively light with 469,000 shares trading hands, about double the typical trading volume average for the company. CTPartners, one of only a few publicly-traded
Heidrick Taps CEO for Business-Industry Political Action Committee
Heidrick & Struggles has placed former Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. James Gerlach as president and chief executive officer of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC). The search was led by Heidrick’s education & social enterprise practice group based in Washington, D.C. Former U.S. Congressman Gerlach joins BIPAC with an extensive career in public service and the private sector.
Baker and Assoc. to Lead President Search for U. of Mary Washington
Baker and Associates, LLC has been chosen by the University of Mary Washington in Virginia to lead in the search for its 10th president. Rick Hurley, who has served as the University’s president since 2010, said he will retire, effective next June. The search will be led by senior vice president Martin Baker. Baker and Associates has conducted more than
Employers Focused on Growth See Hiring Momentum Accelerating
U.S. employers’ hiring intentions are among the strongest globally for the third quarter of 2015, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released by ManpowerGroup. Taking into account seasonal variations, the Net Employment Outlook is up 16 percent, which is on par with Q2 2015 and up from Q3 2014 when the Outlook was +14 percent. Only
Culture and Brand Seen As Top Advantages When Recruiting Talent
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company specializing in talent solutions, revealed results of an executive survey on what gives companies a competitive advantage when recruiting top talent. Organizational culture and employment brand were seen as ranking highest among more than 1,000 responses to the global survey. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of respondents said that organizational culture was the most important
ZRG Partners Rebrands With New Logo and Website
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners, a firm focused on providing human capital services to key markets in the financial services, healthcare & life sciences, non-profit, industrial, technology, energy, private equity, board services, and education sectors, has rebranded itself and unveiled a newly redesigned website. The identity makeover comes on the heels of the firm’s capital raise with Northcreek Mezzanine
Vetted Solutions Heading Marketing Society CEO Search
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been selected by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. James Zaniello, Vetted Solutions president, is heading the search assignment. SMPS seeks a CEO capable of providing the strategic vision and operational leadership needed to build on the society’s foundation for
Calibre One Recruits Chief Marketing Officer Post for SOASTA
Executive search firm Calibre One has recruited Ann Sung Ruckstuhl as chief marketing officer of Mountain View, California-based SOASTA. As CMO, Ms. Ruckstuhl will oversee global marketing and communications at SOASTA, including demand generation and lead-to-revenue pipeline management. Ms. Ruckstuhl has held senior global executive positions at industry leaders Symantec, Sybase (acquired by SAP), eBay, HP and most recently as
Coleman Lew + Associates Names Consultant
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has expanded its search staff with the addition of Chuck Price as a consultant. Mr. Price first began his career in search as an associate with Sockwell & Associates and later with Heidrick & Struggles. He recruited senior level executives across the finance, marketing, real estate, and technology sectors. Additionally, Mr. Price spent
Smaller Search Firms Praised for Expertise and Better Results
Smaller, boutique search firms have a higher level of expertise and yield greater results, according to research findings published by Hunt Scanlon Media and reported by Wilmington Biz and London-based Executive Grapevine. More than 1,000 human resource professionals and executive search consultants took part in Hunt Scanlon Media’s Executive Search State of the Industry report examining how the
The Curzon Partnership and Trinitas Search Partners Merge
U.K. search firms, The Curzon Partnership and Trinitas Search Partners, have merged to form CurzonTrinitas Ltd. The new entity will bring together two executive search businesses with expertise in the energy, infrastructure and finance sectors. “The combination of our two businesses will create one of the largest London-based executive search firms focusing on the infrastructure & energy sectors
CTPartners Stock Drops 21 Percent to New Low
Shares in executive search firm CTPartners dropped 21 percent in heavier than normal trading yesterday, dropping to a new low of $1.71. Trading volume reached 1.191 million shares; trading volume over the last 90 days averaged 260,000. CTPartners has 8,750,000 shares outstanding; some 39 percent of the company’s stock is held by insiders, while just
Kaplan Partners Recruits President of the Delaware Bankers Association
Philadelphia-based executive recruiter Kaplan Partners has placed Sarah A. Long as president of the Delaware Bankers Association (DBA). She replaces outgoing president David A. Bakerian who has retired. “The Delaware Bankers Association will be well served under Sarah Long’s leadership,” said Alan Kaplan, founder and CEO. “Her blend of industry knowledge, relationship skills and managerial talent will augment an
Isaacson, Miller Adds Principal in Boston Office
Isaacson, Miller has expanded its staff with the addition of Rebecca Kennedy to its Boston office as principal. Ms. Kennedy brings to Isaacson, Miller more than 10 years of executive search experience. Her practice has focused on diversity and inclusion, compliance, research administration, and finance & administration in institutions of higher education ranging from large public research institutions
Recruiting Boom Expected As Saudi Markets Open Today
Silicon Valley-backed mihnati.com, Saudi Arabia’s largest indigenous recruiting solutions provider, is anticipating a rush of business as the kingdom opens its $530 billion stock market to foreign investments today. Saudi Arabia’s keenly anticipated move will give international investors direct access to the Middle East’s biggest economy. “The talent sector here could be the big winner,” said Scott
Recruiting Association Names President
The International Association for Corporate & Professional Recruitment (IACPR) has selected Caroline McClure to serve as its new president. Ms. McClure brings more than 20 years of first hand work experience on both the buy and sell sides of the executive talent equation. Her background draws from work as a senior search consultant at Korn Ferry and boutique
Spencer Stuart to Lead LSB Industries President Search
LSB Industries has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a president of its Chemical Business. The newly created position will be responsible for maximizing the operational performance of the company’s chemical business by driving process, maintenance, safety and marketing best practices throughout the company. “Hiring an experienced senior level executive to lead our chemical business is an important next
Bespoke Partners Recruits CFO for Abila
Executive search firm Bespoke Partners has recruited Jeff Cross as chief financial officer of Austin-based Abila. He will head up the finance, accounting, and legal departments at the company and will be primarily responsible for revenue recognition, forecasting, and merger and acquisition activities. Mr. Cross brings more than 30 years of financial leadership experience, with a highly
Lucas Group Names IT Technology Practice Leader
Search firm Lucas Group has named Joseph Schott as managing partner. He will lead and expand the information technology team for the firm’s Tampa office. Mr. Schott previously spent four years as director of IT recruiting with The Execu|Search Group, a recruitment and workforce management solutions firm serving the New York City tristate area and greater Boston. “We are confident
Recruiting Industry Under Pressure to Find New Services to Sell
The Economist reports this morning that in the aftermath of the financial crisis seven years ago, companies were too busy trying to survive to do much recruiting, so they cut back sharply on their use of executive search firms. “When Korn Ferry, the biggest ‘headhunter,’ announced its results for the year to April 2009, it seemed to be in
CTPartners Recruiters Head to Rival Odgers Berndtson
John Hawkins, a vice chairman of CTPartners and a 16-year search industry veteran, has joined competitor Odgers Berndtson. He will be based in Columbia, MD and will be joined by his assistant Tina Veen. Mr. Hawkins was a partner in the company’s life sciences and healthcare recruiting practice, where he combined over 25 years of leadership
DHR International Recruits Chief Operating Officer for LLamasoft
DHR International has recruited Dale Erker as chief operating officer for LLamasoft, Inc., a software supplier dedicated to advancing technology focused on the continuous improvement of enterprise supply chain network operations. The company’s design and analysis applications enable companies to model, optimize and simulate their supply chain operations, leading to major improvements in cost, service, sustainability and
