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Kestria Appoints Leader of AI Ambassadors Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named Thomas Suter as the new leader of the AI Ambassadors Group. Under his leadership, the group will continue to innovate, ensuring technology enhances efficiency without compromising personalized, strategic advisory. “At Kestria, we see the thoughtful integration of AI not as a replacement, but as a
With Liquidity And Legacy Looming, A New Paradox Emerges For Founder-Led Firms
Jay Alix, the founder of AlixPartners, has teamed up with veteran PE investor David Tayeh to launch Tayeh Capital Group, a $400 million fund aimed at family-owned professional & business services firms facing generational transition. The bet, said James O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Patrick Morgan, is that “aging founders, lower valuations, and stuck portfolio companies will create
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,
Bridging Leadership Gaps: The Journey from Education to Executive Search
People are often drawn to the executive search industry for a multitude of reasons. It could be due to their interest in talent acquisition and helping organizations find key leadership. For many, the opportunity to engage with diverse industries and build strong professional networks can be appealing. Also enticing is the potential for high earnings
Odgers Berndtson Strengthens Financial Services Team
Odgers Berndtson has named Lisa Quackenbush as a partner in its New York office. Ms. Quackenbush will manage executive search and leadership assessment engagements for the financial services sector, with an emphasis on those engaged in alternative investments, investment banking, and capital markets. In addition to domestic and international board- and C-suite-level search assignments, she
Frontier International Opens First Office In India
Specialist oil and gas recruiters Frontier International has opened its first office in India. As part of its global growth strategy, Frontier’s new office will support the firm's increased activity in Asia and the Middle East. The Gurgaon-based operation will be led by local manager, Arjun Bhakhri, who brings with him over 10 years’ oil
Diversified Search Fills Chief Ethics Post for PG&E
Diversified Search has recruited Julie Kane to the newly created position of chief ethics and compliance officer at PG&E Corporation. Ms. Kane currently serves as vice president, general counsel & compliance officer, North America & corporate functions, for Avon Products Inc. PG&E Corporation is a Fortune 200 energy-based holding company, based in San Francisco. Diversified
John Lucht, Recruiter and Careers Author, Dies at 81
John Lucht, a leading executive search consultant whose career spanned five decades, including with his own firm, The John Lucht Consultancy, and with Heidrick & Struggles, died Sunday at his home in Raleigh, NC, after a brief illness. He was 81. During a 45-year career, Mr. Lucht recruited the likes of top executives such as
CTPartners Recruiter Joins Korn Ferry
Paul Ciancarelli has joined Korn Ferry as a principal in the firm's global financial services practice. He will be based in Boston. Mr. Ciancarelli joins Korn Ferry from CTPartners, where he spent seven years, most recently serving as a member of the firm's asset & wealth management practice. He brings wide ranging financial services expertise,
Talentrise Expands Search Team
TalentRISE, a Chicago-based executive search firm, has added Jesse Sherr as associate partner. Mr. Sherr has led client development and search execution for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 to small, private equity-backed companies for more than 10 years. He previously served as vice president at Laramie Group, a boutique search firm in Chicago. “We are
Consortium International Opens Doors
U.K. and U.S. tax recruitment specialist consultancy Consortium International has been launched to focus exclusively on the recruitment of tax professionals in the U.S. East and West Coast and the U.K. Currently the business is based out of the firm’s London office but plans are underway to set up an additional office in the Los
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits General Counsel for YRC Worldwide
Search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa has placed Jim A. Fry as vice president, general counsel and secretary of YRC Worldwide Inc. Mr. Fry is currently general counsel and secretary at Swift Transportation. "Jim's legal knowledge of the transportation industry combined with his many years of senior management experience made him an ideal choice to
Bespoke Partners Finds Cfo For Cherwell Software
San Diego-headquartered search firm Bespoke Partners has recruited Elizabeth Salomon as chief financial officer of Cherwell Software. Most recently, Ms. Salomon was CFO at Marshall & Swift/Boeckh and its holding company Decision Insight Information Group. Cherwell Software is the developer of Cherwell Service Management, an award-winning business technology and IT service management (ITSM) platform. Bespoke
People At Work Grows Strategic Talent Advisory Services
Kenneth Leow has been appointed as partner, strategic talent advisory services, at The People At Work. Mr. Leow has more than 25 years of HR, management and sales experience both in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. In the first half of his career, he held senior roles in companies including Peoplesoft, Kodak, Computer Associates, Mincom and
Greenwich Harbor Partners Completes Search For Media General
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Richard Levine as head of distribution for Media General. Previously, Mr. Levine was vice president of programming for AT&T. Media General is one of the nation's largest cross-screen, multimedia companies and operates or services 71 television stations in 48 markets along with an industry leading digital media business. Greenwich Harbor
Phillips Oppenheim Heading CEO Search For Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
New York City-headquartered Phillips Oppenheim has been selected by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Drew Becher, who Phillips Oppenheim also placed, is stepping down. PHS is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1827 that offers programs, activities, workshops, and publications for gardeners of
Caldwell Partners Records 30 Percent Q2 Revenue Increase
Caldwell Partners has posted second quarter revenues of $11.8 million, an increase of 30 percent from revenues of $9.1 million during the same period a year ago. U.S. revenues rose 19 percent to $7.8 million, driven by an increase in the average number of search partners and search volumes during the current year, partially offset
CTPartners Secures Rescue Financing Package
CTPartners has secured a $12.5 million second-lien note purchase agreement with a publicly traded insurance company, extending the company a much-needed financial lifeline. The notes are issuable in two tranches of $6.25 million with the first portion expected to close on Friday. The second tranche of $6.25 million is scheduled to close 90 days after
Korn Ferry Makes Additions Across Multiple Practices
Korn Ferry has announced additions to its digital, academic medicine and industrial practices. Tejas Maniar has been appointed as principal in the firm's digital practice. He will be based in Korn Ferry’s San Francisco office. Mr. Maniar joins Korn Ferry from Google where he was head of online channels and leadership effectiveness. He led a
Amrop Welcomes New Australian Partner
Amrop has added a new Australian partner, Challis & Company. With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, Challis & Company works with boards, CEOs and senior executives in listed corporations, mid-sized companies, professional service firms, private equity firms and not-for-profit organizations. The firm’s founder, Darren Challis, previously held senior positions with The Boston Consulting Group, Egon
Slone Partners Fills Position For Cirle
Executive recruiters Slone Partners has placed Pedro Diaz as vice president of research, development and engineering at Cirle, a medical technology incubator in Miami. Mr. Diaz most recently served as director of research and integration leader at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. “Watching Cirle grow since its founding in 2010 has been very impressive,” said Adam
DHR International Leading Athletic Director Search For Syracuse
DHR International is leading the search for a new athletics director for Syracuse University. DHR executive vice president, Glenn Sugiyama, is leading the assignment. Syracuse is a private research university located in upstate New York. Founded in 1989, DHR International is headquartered in Chicago and has more than 50 offices worldwide.
CTPartners Asset/Wealth Management Specialist Joins Caldwell Partners
Glenn M. Buggy has joined Caldwell Partners as a senior partner in the firm’s asset & wealth management sector and leader of its legal, risk and regulatory oversight practice. Mr. Buggy will focus on leading the firm’s specialization in financial services legal, compliance, anti-financial crimes, regulatory risk, and governance, as well as enhancing the its
Frontier International Expands into India
Recruitment specialists Frontier International has opened a new office in India. As part of its global growth strategy, Frontier’s new office will support its increased activity in Asia and the Middle East. The Gurgaon-based operation will be led by local manager, Arjun Bhakhri, who brings with him over 10 years’ oil and gas recruitment experience
Collegiate Sports Associates Fills Men’s Head Basketball Coaching Job At Wake Forest
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates has recruited Danny Manning to become Wake Forest's next men's head basketball coach. This past season Mr. Manning led Tulsa to a 21-13 record and an NCAA tournament appearance in his second season at the helm. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 draft and spent
JDG Associates Recruits President For AFPM
Search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has placed Chet M. Thompson as the new president of American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). Mr. Thompson, currently a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Crowell and Moring LLP, is succeeding Charles T. Drevna, who is retiring after eight years as AFPM’s president. AFPM is a trade association
ON Search Partners Opens Boston Office; Adds Former Cook Associates Recruiters
ON Search Partners has added John Barrett and Seth Harris, formerly of Cook Associates, in Boston to expand its reach to the northeast. With over 30 years of combined technology search experience, Messrs. Barrett and Harris specialize in senior assignments, including C-suite, board, and functional leadership positions for private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies as
Battalia Winston Grows Not-For-Profit Practice
Search firm Battalia Winston has named Ellen Romberg as partner within the firm's not-for-profit group. She will be based out of Chicago. A seasoned executive, having more than 25 years of experience in recruiting and talent management in the not-for-profit sector, Ms. Romberg brings human resources leadership and recruiting experience in philanthropy, higher education, cultural
Jobplex Expands Into Brazil
Ana Paula Montanha has joined JobPlex to aid in its expansion in South America. She will be responsible for establishing the firm’s office in São Paulo, Jobplex’ second office outside of the U.S. Ms. Montanha has been with parent company DHR International for more than three years, serving as executive vice president in the advanced
TWC International Executive Search Fills Chair Position For Englobe Corp.
TWC International Executive Search Limited, the Canadian-based affiliate of global executive search firm SpenglerFox, has recruited Bob Youden as chair of Montreal-headquartered global engineering consulting firm Englobe Corp. TWC International’s president and chief executive Richard Wajs led the assignment. Mr. Youden is the former CEO of Jacques Whitford Ltd. TWC International is a global executive
Spencer Stuart Heading CFO Search for Cardtronics
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Cardtronics Inc. to lead its search for its next chief financial officer. Current CFO Chris Brewster has notified the company of his plans to retire later this year. Cardtronics owns/operates more than 110,200 retail ATMs in U.S. and international locales. Spencer Stuart is a global executive search and leadership
Matteson Partners Adds Search Partner
Atlanta-based executive search firm Matteson Partners has named Traci Cupp to its executive team as partner. Ms. Cupp’s focus will be on senior level and C-suite searches for public and privately owned, small and mid-sized companies across diverse functional areas and industries. Prior to joining Matteson Partners, Ms. Cupp worked for a range of companies,
Davenportmajor Adds New Partner
DavenportMajor Executive Search has named Teresa Jacques as a partner in the firm's technology sector specialization. She will focus on technology companies in the software services, wireless, telecom, semiconductor, and big data/analytics sectors. Ms. Jacques has over 20 years of global executive experience within the telecommunications, information technology and professional services sectors. Most recently she
Hanson Search Opens New UAE Office
Executive recruiters Hanson Search has expanded with the opening a UAE office to recruit for mid to senior level positions in the region’s communications and marketing services industries. The firm’s Dubai team will be headed up by Felice Hurst who will oversee a wider initial group of three employees. “In recent years we’ve witnessed a
Benchmark Executive Search Fills Two Positions For Digital Reasoning
Benchmark Executive Search has placed Kelly Collins as president of public sector and Dan Dzenitis as vice president of business development at Digital Reasoning. With 30 years of experience, Ms. Collins has held executive positions at leading firms, including IBM, GE, BEA, SAS, and HP, where she created demand, managed strategic growth and drove shareholder
