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The Hidden Driver of Great Teams Isn’t Strategy—It’s Responsiveness
When people think about what makes a strong team, they often focus on strategy, talent, or experience. But one of the most effective ways to create a reliable, connected team is by focusing on something much smaller: response time, according to a recent report from The Bridger Group, a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
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,
Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. Like most sectors, there is a growing emphasis on
B.E. Smith Recruits CEO for Tri-City Medical Center
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has placed Tim Moran as the new chief executive officer of Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA. Formerly, Mr. Moran served as chief executive officer at Valley Hospital in Spokane, WA. “Tri-City Medical Center was seeking an experienced senior healthcare executive to strategically lead operations during this period of great
Organization Consulting Ltd. Retained by Clearview Township in Ontario
North York, Toronto-headquartered search firm Organization Consulting Ltd. has been selected by Clearview Township to lead in its search for a new chief administrator officer, according to industry sources. Current CAO Sue McKenzie is retiring at the end of July. Clearview is an incorporated township in Simcoe County in Central Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1982,
Hanover Search Group Structures Management Buy-Out
London-based Hanover Search Group has structured a change of ownership by way of a management buy-out. After 18 years together Patrick Field has sold his majority stake in the business to James Emmett for an undisclosed sum. Mr. Emmett will assume the responsibility of Group CEO and has invited Paul Groarke and Stephen Phipps to
Notogroup Expands in Boulder
Portland OR-headquartered executive search firm Notogroup has opened a second location in Boulder and has hired Candie Fisher as principal and account director. Ms. Fisher comes to Notogroup with over 19 years of hiring experience in leadership positions at a diverse range of organizational disciplines, including operations, product development, marketing, sales, customer service, production, and
Lucas Group Names Director of IT
Search firm Lucas Group has named Stephen Miller as director of information technology in its Atlanta headquarters office. Mr. Miller joins the firm from Intown Suites Management, where he served as IT director. At Lucas Group, he is responsible for researching, implementing and maintaining the firm’s technological strategic solutions as well as managing the functional
Morgan Samuels Finds New Vice President of IT for SolarCity
Morgan Samuels, an L.A.-based human capital consulting firm, has placed Vinay Kudithipudi as vice president, information technology at SolarCity. Mr. Kudithipudi was most recently director of information technology for the infrastructure and information security functions at Gogo, Incorporated. “Vinay has the domain expertise, as well as the leadership qualities and intellectual horsepower to set and
Parker Executive Search Leading Assignment for Georgia College
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search is currently leading the search for a new director of the school of nursing for Georgia College. Vice president Katie Bain and associate Jacob Anderson are leading the assignment. The College of Health Sciences offers an upper-division nursing degree major. Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches globally for corporations, colleges and
Odgers Berndtson Adds Partner to Lead CIO/CTO Practice in New York
Odgers Berndtson has added Amy Orlich as a partner to lead the firm's CIO/CTO and financial technology practices in New York. Ms. Orlich will focus on domestic and global searches for C-suite executives, as well as corporate and divisional CIOs, CTOs, and leaders in architecture, applications development, infrastructure and information security across a broad spectrum
Gilbert Tweed Names Managing Director
Search firm Gilbert Tweed Associates has named Elissa Morano as a managing director in its New York office. Ms. Morano, who has 20 years of experience in executive search, was previously president and COO of Cornell Global in New York. She has deep HR experience including talent management, employee relations, performance management, succession planning, training
JDG Associates Places Executive Director of AMVETS
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has placed Kent Clark as the new executive director of AMVETS National Service Foundation. Most recently, Mr. Clark served as the chief of appropriations/national security director for the chairman emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee and the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for Defense. AMVETS National Service Foundation
SWBi International Recruits COO for Oshean, Inc.
Executive search firm SWBi International has recruited Chip Tolbert as the chief operating officer of Oshean, Inc. Mr. Tolbert was formerly chief executive officer of Tolbert Consulting, LLC. Oshean delivers carrier class optical transport, advanced IP-based networking and innovative cloud-based solutions to Community Anchor Institutions and the communities they serve. SWBi International provides global executive
Sheffield Haworth Adds Managing Director in London
Sheffield Haworth has added Jon Regan in London as managing director & global head of electronic markets, prime services and infrastructures (EMPSI). Having worked in financial markets recruiting and executive search since 1996, Mr. Regan was a founding partner of Riversdale Consulting, where he was responsible for electronic trading, prime brokerage, securities services, sales and
Xpress Recruitment Adds Director to Middle East and Asia Division
Edinburgh-based Xpress Recruitment, specialists in hospitality, retail and sales recruitment, has named Annie Boslem as associate director of its new Middle East and Asia executive search and selection division. Ms. Boslem has more than 20 years’ experience within the hotel industry, having held positions at Starwood, Inter-Contienental, Shangri-La and Taj Hotels. She moved to the
Waldron Announces Promotion
Social sector focused executive search firm Waldron has promoted Michael Kaemingk to senior consultant. Mr. Kaemingk will interact directly with clients and candidates, and support with outreach and research. His experience includes startup social enterprise and field work abroad. Headquartered in Seattle with additional offices in Portland, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Waldron has
Leadership Search Partners Opens Search for California State Parks Foundation
Leadership Search Partners is currently leading the search for a new vice president of development for the California State Parks Foundation, the statewide independent non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California’s state park system. Leadership Search Partners provides executive search services to community-based non-profit organizations, specializing in recruiting executive directors/CEOs and members
ChampionScott Partners Completes Search for Neustar
ChampionScott Partners has placed Michael Schoen as vice president, marketing services at Neustar, Inc. Most recently, Mr. Schoen was executive vice president, product at Mediabrands Audience Platform (MAP), a unit within IPG Mediabrands. Neustar is a provider of real-time, cloud-based information services and analytics enabling marketing and IT security professionals to promote and protect their
Allen Austin Opens in London and Taipei
Global retained search and leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has added an office in London and Taipei, Taiwan. The new offices are part of a larger, global expansion that has been occurring over the last year and will continue through 2015. Stephen Buchanan becomes a partner overseeing the U.K. location and Stephanie Chang will head
Vaco Acquires 50 Percent of Focus Search
Nashville-based Vaco, a consulting and strategic talent acquisition firm, has acquired 50 percent of Focus Search. Established in 2001 as Kraft Search Associates, healthcare-oriented Focus Search specializes on board director, C-level and VP positions. Now doing business as Focus Search Partners, A Vaco Company, the firm will overlay its retained search services across Vaco’s 28
One Third of Companies Lack Next Generation Leadership Bench Strength
Thirty percent of organizational leaders do not feel their organization is ready to promote its talent, while 70 percent of executives feel their organizations are either ready now or somewhat ready, according to a report by Korn Ferry. Thirty-nine percent of those surveyed believe their organizations either mostly or fully have the right talent to
Kaye/Bassman Leading President Search for Pepper-Lawson Construction
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has been selected by Pepper-Lawson Construction to lead in its search for a new president. Pepper-Lawson is a Houston based, full service construction firm providing construction management, general contracting and design-build services for 31 years. Kaye/Bassman was founded in 1981 and provides global executive search and recruiting solutions with an expertise in
Championscott Partners Completes Search For Neustar
Executive search firm ChampionScott Partners has placed Tony Kueh as vice president mobile & carrier solutions at Neustar. Mr. Kueh joins the company from SAP America, where he most recently was global vice president of solutions & product management leading strategy, product management and go-to-market for SAP's global mobile platform and mobile security products. “We
Egon Zehnder Forms Media, Entertainment & Sports (MES) Practice
Egon Zehnder has integrated three of its industry sub-practices into a newly formed global Media, Entertainment & Sports (MES) practice that will focus on executive level search and succession planning, leadership assessment and development, as well as board leadership. The MES practice group is expected to have close links to the firm's global technology and
Ferguson Partners Adds Managing Director in Chicago
Global executive search firm Ferguson Partners Ltd. has added Dorothy M. Billingsly in its Chicago office as a managing director. She will focus on leading and building the firm's executive search healthcare practice, serving clients and expanding FPL's complementary healthcare practice services in executive compensation, succession planning, board assessment and recruitment, and organizational, financial and
Harvey Nash Announces Promotions
Harvey Nash, an IT recruitment, IT outsourcing/offshoring and executive search firm, has promoted Molly Kane to managing director of the firm’s Washington state market and Jacob Tavares as managing director for Colorado. Both will be responsible for new business development and ensuring talent delivery service to the firm’s current roster of clients. Ms. Kane joined
Battalia Winston Places CEO at ALPFA
Search firm Battalia Winston has recruited Charles P. Garcia to serve as the new chief executive officer of ALPFA. Susan Medina, partner, led the assignment for the firm. Mr. Garcia most recently served as CEO of Garcia Trujillo Holdings LLC, a merchant banking, private equity and consulting firm. ALPFA is the largest Latino professional organization
McDermott & Bull Places IT AVP at Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport
Irvine, CA-based McDermott & Bull has placed Mark Friedman as assistant vice president of information technology with Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport. The search was conducted by Christopher Bull, managing partner and Bill Brewer, principal consultant. Mr. Friedman previously worked for Southern Counties Express as the director of information technology. “In this top IT role,
RSA Appoints Head of North America
RSA, a global life sciences executive search and interim management specialist, has appointed Elizabeth McCabe as head of RSA North America. In her new role, she will be leading the expansion of the firms’ North American capabilities. RSA has also relocated its U.S. headquarters offices to New York City. Currently RSA has offices in London,
Aventine Hill CFOs Names Managing Director in Houston
Roy Bowman has joined Aventine Hill CFOs as managing partner in Houston. Mr. Bowman’s 30-year career includes serving as chief executive officer, executive vice president, chief financial officer, and controller for companies in the manufacturing, aviation, energy trading, oil and gas exploration, residential construction, mortgage lending, real estate, and automotive retail sectors. He formerly worked
Carmichael Fisher Rebrands as Moorland Gray
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher is rebranding itself as Moorland Gray as it prepares for regional and global expansion. Moorland Gray specializes in board-level and senior leadership hiring in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. The rebranding follows Moorland Gray’s partnering with Accel-KKR, a leading private equity firm. The firm notes that the investment in
TWC International Fills Position for BioPharma Services Inc.
Executive recruiter TWC International has placed Ilan Rose as its new vice president of business development and project management of BioPharma Services Inc. (BPSI). Mr. Rose was previously with Alcmaeon Pharma Inc., where he was responsible for focusing on contract sales, as well as managing compliance audits. BioPharma Services is a physician-owned, physician-run, International Contract
Hudepohl & Associates Leading Search for Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System
According to industry sources Hudepohl & Associates has been selected by Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System to lead in its search for a new executive director. Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System is the pension program for public education employees in the State of Oklahoma. Founded in 1994, Hudepohl & Associates provides executive search services to a wide
