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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
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.
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
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?
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
Boyden Recruits Chancellor for the University of Technology Sydney
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Commercial Officer at PetSmart
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has recruited Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of PetSmart. Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer led the assignment. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” said Ken Hicks, president and CEO of PetSmart. “She has
Hiring for Impact: Aligning Talent with Your Organization’s Mission
Your non-profit is more than an organization—it’s a mission-driven movement with a purpose. So why are you hiring people who only punch the clock, asked ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. “The days of simply checking off a resume for the right years of experience are over,” he said. “You’re not just looking for a new employee; you’re
Cooper Coleman Seeking CFO for the East Coast Zoological Foundation
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has again been retained by the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), home of the Brevard Zoo and the upcoming Bowen Aquarium, to lead its search for a new CFO. “We’re honored to continue our work with ECZF’s CEO and board of directors to support its ambitious growth and vision,” said Johnny Cooper,
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Rio de Janeiro
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has opened a new office in Rio de Janeiro. The office will be led by Fabio Fonseca, country head of Brazil, the Rio office enhances Cornerstone’s local capabilities in executive search, talent management, and career services. “We congratulate Fabio and his team,” said Simon
Developing Your Future Talent through a Skills-Based Approach
Nearly 40 percent of the skills people rely on at work today will soon be outdated or replaced, recent statistics from the World Economic Forum revealed. For HR leaders, it’s a wake-up call. Talent strategies need to move faster, or the business may fall behind, according to a recent report from Korn Ferry. “While advances in AI and
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by the Cleveland Institute of Art to Recruit CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) to lead in its search for a new vice president for business affairs and CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. Reporting to the president and CEO, the CFO provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including the
Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in Istanbul
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has opened a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our Friisberg & Partners International office in Istanbul,” Friisberg & Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As the Bosphorus bridge spans continents, so do our international offices of executive search experts. With immeasurable knowledge and experience across
How to Embrace AI Before It’s Too Late
While artificial intelligence is exciting, its rapid growth is also raising concerns. Recently, the CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, warned that “AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs – and spike unemployment to 10-20 percent in the next one to five years.” Likewise, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufmann recently cautioned the company’s employees and freelancers: “AI is
City Year Selects Shelli Herman and Associates to Lead SVP/Executive Director Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by City Year to lead in its search for a senior vice president and executive director. The organization is seeking an innovative, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and people-focused leader to serve as the senior on-site executive. The position offers the right candidate the chance to play a key role in
Hoffman Talent Partners (HTP Group) Forms Alliance with Andersen Consulting
HTP Group has become a collaborating firm of Andersen Consulting, a global consulting organization. This collaboration enhances HTP Group’s ability to deliver comprehensive executive search, leadership consulting, and digital governance services to organizations navigating complex transformation challenges across a broader footprint, the firm noted. As a collaborating firm, HTP Group brings to Andersen Consulting four decades of expertise
J.P. Morgan M&A Forecast Points to Continued Momentum
Global M&A deal activity is moving forward with renewed intensity, even as markets absorb inflation, trade friction, and geopolitical instability. J.P. Morgan’s 2025 Global M&A Mid-Year Outlook points to a landscape shaped less by caution and more by creativity. Volume is up, megadeals are back, and cross-border transactions are accelerating. “M&A and capital markets have been
Cook Silverman Search Seeking Chief Development Officer for St. Anthony’s Foundation
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The non-profit seeks a strategic, mission-driven CDO to lead all fundraising and donor engagement efforts. As a key member of the executive team, this executive will be a thought partner to the
The McCormick Group Forms Alliance with Salt
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has formed an alliance with global digital recruitment provider Salt. “For us, this partnership is a key move in accelerating Salt’s growth in the U.S., particularly in tech, digital leadership, and commercial innovation,” said Elliot Dell, CEO at Salt. “The McCormick Group brings a level of
The Power of Peer Groups: Why Every Leader Needs One
Success can be isolating. As entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners, we are expected to have all the answers, make the tough calls, and push forward—even when the weight of leadership feels overwhelming. However, here is the truth: no one succeeds alone, according to a recent article from Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search
KKR Invests in ghSMART
ghSMART, a global leadership advisory firm, and private equity powerhouse KKR announced that funds managed by KKR will acquire a significant minority stake in ghSMART. ghSMART partners with CEOs, boards, and investors to develop effective executive teams and support high-stakes leadership decisions. ghSMART’s founder, partners, and employees will retain majority ownership in the business and
SearchWide Global Tapped to Find New Leader for Cody Yellowstone
The Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone) has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to lead in its search for a new executive director. Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The Park County Travel Council (PCTC) executive director coordinates and oversees the administration of Park County’s four percent lodging tax. They are responsible
Interim Executives: When a Temporary Solution is the Smartest Move
In the high-pressure world of private equity, timing is everything—especially when it comes to leadership. Interim executives offer private equity firms a powerful, strategic solution for navigating leadership gaps, high-stakes transitions, and operational challenges. Hiring interim C-suite executives can often be a smarter move than scrambling to fill the role permanently on a fast timeline, according
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 13.9 Percent Q2 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter revenues of $317.2 million, a 13.9 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick Consulting. The
AGB Search Recruits 12th President for Saint Leo University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Burkee as the 12th president of Saint Leo University, following the retirement of Dr. Edward Dadez in February. Senior executive search consultant Sally Mason and executive search consultant Larry Ladd led the assignment. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists
The AI Adoption Curve in Executive Search
Executive search firms are moving rapidly along the AI adoption curve, integrating artificial intelligence into their workflows not as a novelty, but as a strategic advantage. Leaders from NU Advisory Partners, Bespoke Partners, and Accelent recently shared with Hunt Scanlon Media how AI is transforming research, accelerating search processes, and redefining candidate engagement—while also highlighting
RH Perry & Associates Recruits Provost for New Mexico Highlands University
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Dann Brown as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The assignment was led by senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak. “The experience Dr. Brown brings to NMHU will serve our institution well as we pursue innovative and transformational change initiatives,”
Bullhorn Acquires TargetRecruit
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired TargetRecruit, a Houston-based provider of front-and middle-office solutions built on the Salesforce platform. The acquisition deepens Bullhorn’s strategic investment in supporting firms that run their business on Salesforce and bolsters its position as the leading recruitment ISV in the Salesforce ecosystem. With the addition of TargetRecruit, Bullhorn’s Salesforce user base
Top 5 Leadership Shifts to Watch After the Summer Break
As the business world slows down for summer, deeper currents are moving beneath the surface. Global dynamics are shifting. Technology is accelerating. Regulations are evolving. And leadership, too, is entering a new phase. International Executive Search Federation (IESF) recently gathered insights from its partners worldwide, and they see five clear shifts taking shape in executive leadership.
ExactSearch.AI Debuts with AI-Powered Tools and Transparent Pricing Model for Executive Search
ExactSearch.AI has launched a new model for retained executive search finding senior talent with faster results, partner-led service, and fees at half the cost of traditional retained search firms. “Organizations are tired of paying high fees to find great leaders, and waiting months to get them,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO. “We built ExactSearch.AI
Nexus Search Partners Fills Key Role for the Charlotte Hornets
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Jon DeLord as vice president of business intelligence at Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), home of the Charlotte Hornets. “This placement reflects what makes our work at Nexus distinctive,” said Thaddeus Jones, founder and managing partner of
TSI Group Harnesses Wisnio’s AI Powered Talent Assessment
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the executive search industry, Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. has integrated Wisnio’s advanced, AI-driven assessment tools into its search process. “The merger of Wisnio with Assessio, a global leader in psychometric evaluation, further enhances our ability to match top-tier executive talent with leading organizations across Canada and
ZRG Acquires NextCap Search
ZRG has acquired NextCap Search, a boutique executive search firm with deep experience placing senior talent in investment banking and financial services. Financial details of the deal were not released. The move adds further depth to ZRG’s financial services practice at a time when firms are under increasing pressure to compete for proven leadership and revenue generators
Unemployment Rises To 4.2 Percent In July as Hiring Falls Sharply
Employment rose by 73,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, while the nonfarm payrolls count for the prior two months was revised down by a massive 258,000 jobs. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare and in social assistance. Federal government continued
Rokos Group Seeking CFO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead its search for a new CFO. Reporting to the president and CEO of USC Health System, the CFO serves as the senior-most financial leader across the entire health system. This individual is responsible for directing a comprehensive, high-performing
PER Completes Management Buyout, Paving the Way for Strategic Growth
Private Equity Recruitment (PER) has announced that its senior leadership team has completed a management buyout of the company from founder Gail McManus. As part of this transition, day-to-day leadership has passed to CEO, Rupert Bell, and managing director, Charlie Hunt, who, alongside other senior colleagues, are now majority owners of the company. “PER has







