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Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
C-Suite Strategy Balancing Short-Term Results with Long-Term Vision
In today’s fast-paced business environment, C-suite executives are under increasing pressure to achieve quick results while also shaping sustainable, future-oriented organizations. This delicate balance between short-term performance and long-term strategic vision has become increasingly challenging as market volatility, technological disruption, and stakeholder expectations continue to intensify, according to a recent report from Slayton Search Partners.
Waverly Partners Retained By NEDC For CEO Search
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected by the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. NEDC board chair Leslie Christopher said: “Waverly Partners consultants met with our board, NEDC staff and a variety of community leaders and representatives. Our committee is open to
Kincannon & Reed Heading Executive Director Search For FFAR
Kincannon & Reed is currently leading the search for an executive director for The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). Authorized by Congress as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, FFAR operates as a non-profit corporation seeking and accepting private donations in order to fund research activities that focus on problems of national and
Cook Associates Closes Shop
After 54 years in business, executive search firm Cook Associates is closing its doors in Chicago. Since its inception in 1961, the firm has served clients ranging from early-stage, venture-funded and private equity backed companies to the Fortune 100. Industry specialties included consumer/retail, industrial, technology, business services, education, CFO and board services. Cook Associates' owner
CTPartners Vice Chairman Barry Bregman Joins Korn Ferry
CTPartners vice chairman Barry Bregman has quit the company to join rival Korn Ferry in its New York office. Mr. Bregman follows a string of high level recruiting executives to depart the nation’s seventh largest search firm recently, including its CEO Brian Sullivan; he is the fourth vice chairman to leave. (Former CTPartners vice chairmen
CTPartners Global Technology Head Departs For Heidrick & Struggles
CTPartners managing partner Paul J. Groce has left the company to join Heidrick & Struggles in New York. At CTPartners Mr. Groce served as head of the company’s global CIO/technology & operations practice, where he was widely recognized as a CIO/CTO industry expert. He joined CTPartners as a partner and founding member of the firms’
Krauthamer & Associates Heading CEO Search For Cats
Executive recruiters Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) is currently leading the search for a new chief executive officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System. In January, former CEO Carolyn Flowers left the Transit System for a position at the Federal Transit Administration in Washington. The Charlotte Area Transit System, commonly referred to as CATS, is the
Baker And Associates Winding Down Chancellor Search For UNC Wilmington
Baker and Associates, LLC has been chosen to identify potential candidates to fill the chancellor position at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “The search committee has worked really hard and invested a lot of time into the whole process. We have been very pleased with our search consultant, Jerry Baker, who has provided a
CTPartners Postpones Report To Wall Street; Sullivan Delays Departure as CEO
CTPartners announced yesterday after the markets closed that the company filed a Form 12b-25, Notification of Late Filing, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that allows the company to extend the deadline to file its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The delay is due, in part, to the fact that
Odgers Berndtson Launches U.S. Aerospace & Defense Practice and Names Practice Head
Odgers Berndtson has launched its new U.S. aerospace & defense practice and appointed Samantha Foster as partner to oversee its operations. Ms. Foster, a seasoned executive recruiter with more than two decades spent in the aerospace and defense sector, will be based in the firm's New York office. She brings significant sector expertise and experience
JobPlex Adds EVP in St. Louis
JobPlex, a DHR International Company, has added John Johnson as executive vice president in its St. Louis office. Mr. Johnson brings more than 30 years of executive experience to the firm, along with previous experience in building an HR recruiting company to national recognition. He most recently served as president of Continuum Medical Staffing, a
McDermott & Bull Recruits CFO For H&S Ventures
Irvine, CA-based McDermott & Bull has placed Bill Foltz as chief financial officer of H&S Ventures. The search was led by partner by Jeff Black. “Bill brings H&S Ventures a wealth of applicable experience in both professional sports (with the Los Angeles Dodgers) and serving as CFO for family offices, so he will be an
Vetted Solutions Heading President Search For The RAA
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC is currently leading the search for a new president for the Regional Airline Association (RAA). This position will work closely with RAA’s board of directors and executive committee to implement and manage all policies, programs, services and operation of this $2 million budget association with 28 members.
John Davitt Joins Korn Ferry Global Supply Chain Sector
John Davitt has joined Korn Ferry as a member of the firm’s global supply chain center of expertise. Mr. Davitt will be based out of Korn Ferry’s New York office. Mr. Davitt brings to Korn Ferry more than 20 years of executive search experience and he is a recognized expert and leading consultant in procurement,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Leader of Global Healthcare and Life Sciences
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International has added John Mitchell to lead its global healthcare and life sciences practice. As global practice managing partner Mr. Mitchell will lead a team of more than 80 partners, principals and associates in the Americas, Europe and Asia serving clients in the biopharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare services sectors. He
Cordant People Opens In Scotland
Cordant People has opened a new office in Scotland to meet the growing jobs demand across the country. The company has just opened offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Livingston and Stirling with sites in Aberdeen and Inverness to follow in the coming months. James Orr, operations director, Cordant People Scotland, has been appointed to establish
Spencer Stuart Heading CEO Search for Monotype Imaging Holdings
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Monotype Imaging Holdings to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Doug Shaw, current president and CEO, intends to retire at the end of 2015. Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Monotype is a global provider of typefaces, technology and expertise that enable the best user experience and ensure
Russell Reynolds Associates Retained by Northwestern University
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Northwestern University to lead in its search for a new leader of the Buffett Institute for Global Studies. The Buffett Institute works to solve critical global problems through collaborative scholarship and education, and prepares students to become global leaders. With 44 offices and more than 350 executive search
ZRG Partners Adds Former Cook Associates CEO To Staff
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has named former Cook Associates CEO Mary Kier as managing director. Joining Ms. Kier will be a small team to support her longstanding client relationships. She will be based in the firm’s new Chicago office and will become a member of ZRG’s private equity, consumer and industrial practices. “Mary is
Furst Group Joins IIC Partners
IIC Partners has added executive search firm Furst Group as its newest member firm. Headquartered in Chicago, Furst Group exclusively focuses on the healthcare and life sciences sector. The firm is led by co-founders Bob Clarke, chief executive officer, and Sherrie Barch, president. “We are really looking forward to affiliating with IIC Partners. We believe
CBSBUTLER Names U.K. Managing Director
U.K.-based technical recruiter CBSbutler has appointed Bernard Ward as U.K. managing director, succeeding long-standing incumbent David Leyshon, who takes up the position of chairman. Mr. Ward was previously with Reed Global, where he held the post of regional managing director for EMEA. “I am both delighted and incredibly excited about the opportunity. CBSbutler has forged
Leadership Recruiters Finds Executive Director For The Schuylkill River Heritage Area
Leadership Recruiters has placed Silas A. Chamberlin as executive director of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. Mr. Chamberlin has served as a regional advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since March 2014. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, an organization focused on the
3P Consultants Places COO At Weener Empire Plastics
Executive search firm 3P Consultants Pvt. Ltd has recruited Himanshu Sharma as chief operating officer and board member at Weener Empire Plastics Pvt Ltd. Mr. Sharma was previously vice president of operations at Tata Autocomp Systems Limited. Weener Empire Plastics is a subsidiary of the Weener Plastics Packaging Group, a full service global supplier of
Egon Zehnder Makes Leadership Changes in NY; Opens New Office in Washington, D.C.
Egon Zehnder has made several key leadership transitions for its New York office. Patrick O'Brien will assume leadership of the New York office, taking over from Alan Hilliker, while Francisco Paret takes over for Mr. O'Brien to lead the firm's financial services practice in the Americas. Mr. O'Brien joined Egon Zehnder as a member of
BCL Legal Strengthens Search Staff
U.K.-based BCL Legal, a legal recruitment consultancy, has made three new appointments to its team of consultants. Georgina Inson has been appointed as a senior associate and will be handling non-contentious commercial roles in Bristol to include real estate, commercial and corporate opportunities. She has worked in legal recruitment for five years including positions at
Battalia Winston Completes Search For First Service Networks
Search firm Battalia Winston has recruited Katya Borisova as vice president, integration management office, at First Service Networks. The search was led by Terry Gallagher, president, and Rob Miller, principal. Ms. Borisova recently served as leader, global market development and business operations, senior manager, corporate strategy and M&A and manager, business transformation at Brocade Communications
Reffett Associates Retained By BECU To Head SVP Of HR Search
Reffett Associates, Ltd. has been selected by BECU to lead in its search for a new senior vice president of human resources. Based in Tukwila, Washington, BECU has over $12 billion in assets and over 850,000 members, making it the largest credit union in Washington and fourth largest in the U.S. With offices in Seattle,
CTPartners’ Stock Plummets; Korn Ferry Rumored As White Knight
Shares of CTPartners plummeted on Thursday afternoon, dropping 30 percent at the end of a busy day on Wall Street which saw volume in the stock soar to 543,000 shares traded. It was the single largest, one-day decline in CTPartners’ share price since late January when the company’s stock was in a freefall on news
TRANSEARCH Opens New Office In Edinburgh
TRANSEARCH International has opened an office in Edinburgh and has added new consultants. David Bond, who will head up the Edinburgh office, is an experienced executive search director and actively recruits for clients across a range of disciplines at a senior level within sectors such as financial services, professional services, retail, property, education, energy and
Talent Source Recruitment Opens Doors
Talent Source Recruitment, a new executive search and professional services recruitment firm, has opened its doors to serve the talent requirements of companies across the northwest U.K. Headed up by Martin Willemsen, who has over 15 years’ experience working in global executive recruitment, the new firm is supported by a team of advisors, all of
SpenglerFox Names Life Sciences Practice Group Leader
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Hanne Dannulat as practice group leader – life sciences. Ms. Dannulat brings experience from executive positions in big and mid-sized pharma, biotech and within medical devices and food supplements. She is responsible for client services/satisfaction, delivery of projects, quality control and business development and works out of SpenglerFox’s offices
Hobbs & Towne Recruits Chairman and CEO for Powermat
The New York City technology practice of Hobbs & Towne has placed former Blackberry CEO Thorsten Heins as chairman and chief executive officer of Powermat. The search was led by Hobbs & Towne co-founder and CEO, Andy Towne. Powermat is an industry leader in wireless charging technology, with customers such as Starbucks and General Motors.







