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KPMG Finds Success in M&A Remains Stacked Against Acquirers. Here’s Why.
New research from KPMG found that 57.2 percent of acquirers ultimately destroyed shareholder value, despite many appearing promising before closing. “Although many deals looked promising in the months leading up to closing – generating an average 13.2 percent in total shareholder return above the relevant S&P sector index – TSR dropped an average of 7.4 percent in the
Experience vs Resilience: The Age of Disruption is Changing How Firms Approach Leadership
Executive hiring used to follow a simple rule: find someone who’s already delivered the next stage of growth. That worked when markets moved in straight lines. Now they don’t—and leaders are judged less by replaying old playbooks and more by how quickly they adapt when conditions change. The way firms have hired executive leadership has
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.
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
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
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
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
A Look at the Growing Need for Cybersecurity Executives
The market for cybersecurity recruiting is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats faced by organizations globally. Companies are seeking skilled professionals to protect their data and infrastructure, leading to high demand for cybersecurity talent across various industries, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. This competitive landscape has resulted
AIMS International Names VP of EMEA
Peter Barkhurst, partner at AIMS International Germany, has been appointed as vice president of EMEA. Mr. Barkhurst has over 25 years of international leadership experience in the German Air Force and in human resources management in the industrial environments of drives, automation, material handling and healthcare before joining AIMS International in 2007. “AIMS International Germany
ChampionScott Partners Completes Search for Viewpoint
ChampionScott Partners has placed Bruce Kenny as vice president of global product development at Viewpoint. Mr. Kenny joins Viewpoint from WebTrends, where he served in a number of technology leadership roles, most recently as CTO and EVP of products. Viewpoint is a provider of innovative software solutions and services to the global construction industry. ChampionScott
Spectrum Fills HR Position for Kaspersky Lab
Executive recruiter Spectrum has recruited Louise Brunhoj as the new HR director for Europe at Kaspersky Lab. Previously, Ms. Brunhoj spent over six years at TradeDoubler, serving as its human resources director. Kaspersky Lab is headquartered in Moscow and is the world’s largest privately-held cyber security company. Based in London, Spectrum operates on an international
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Senior Advisor
Heidrick & Struggles International has named Bill Hudson as a senior advisor to the firm's trade association practice. He will be based in Washington, D.C. Mr. Hudson served as president and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), a partnership of organizations dedicated to the distribution of food commodities worldwide. "Bill's years of experience
Preston & Partners Names Managing Director in Charlotte
Preston & Partners has appointed Jeff O’Hanlon as a managing director in its Charlotte office. With 25 years of HR experience, Mr. O’Hanlon formerly served as vice president of talent acquisition of Belks Department Stores. Gary Preston, founder and CEO of Preston & Partners, said: “We feel very fortunate to add someone like Jeff to
Signium International Opens Office in Amsterdam
Signium International has announced the establishment of a new firm in the Netherlands to be led by managing director, Peter de Jong. Signium’s EMEA regional speaker and board director, Martin McEvoy, said: “We are very happy that Peter de Jong has agreed to join us to head up Signium’s 50th office, to be based out
Buller Group Completes Digital Marketing Search for WorldStrides
The Buller Group, a human capital services and recruiting firm, has placed Meg Thompson as senior director of digital marketing at WorldStrides. Ms. Thompson was previously a senior search specialist with Neo@Ogilvy of Ogilvy and Mather. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, WorldStrides is the largest educational travel organization in the U.S. and
Spencer Stuart to Lead CEO Search for Arctic Cat
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by Arctic Cat Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Christopher A. Twomey, board chair, is currently serving as interim CEO. Arctic Cat designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well
Brooke Chase Associates Completes Search for Rinnai America
Executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has placed Raul Guerrero as business development manager for Rinnai America. Mr. Guerrero’s most recent position was as sales leader, Trane residential & light commercial systems with Ingersoll Rand. Rinnai America Corporation is a global leader in innovative plumbing products and heating solutions. Founded in 1980, Brooke Chase Associates
Slayton Search Partners Adds New Principal
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has named Charles Southwick as a principal. Mr. Southwick has conducted searches across a range of organizations including Fortune 500 and private equity backed firms within the food & beverage, manufacturing, insurance, health care, software and technology, and energy industries. These searches include recruiting C-level executives, vice presidents
BIE Executive Adds Consultant
Search firm BIE Executive has added James Wilson as a consultant on its finance team. Mr. Wilson joins the firm from Kennedy Pearce Consulting, where he worked with a number of clients, from SMEs to FTSE listed businesses. Prior to that he worked for Michael Page International. The appointment is the latest in a series
OI Partners and CareerNet International Form OI Global Partners
Talent management firms OI Partners Inc. and CareerNet International Ltd. (CNI) have entered into a formal alliance to jointly operate as OI Global Partners. The alliance will strengthen the career transition programs and executive coaching service capacities of both organizations through its 225 offices in 28 countries. The alliance specializes in career transition programs, outplacement
Storbeck/Pimentel Leads President Search for FSU
Executive search firm Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates has been retained by Florida State University to assist in its search for a new president. Florida State is a space-grant and sea-grant public research university located in the state capital city of Tallahassee. Storbeck/Pimentel is a minority and female owned search firm specializing in executive recruitment services to
Korn Ferry Adds Partner in New York
Korn Ferry has named Jeff Summer as a senior partner in its New York office. Mr. Summer joins Korn Ferry from his most recent role as an independent consultant working with clients to implement strategy, design organizations and develop talent. Previously, he served as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he initiated the build-out of
Lucas Group Makes Promotions
Search firm Lucas Group has made recent promotions of three of its associates. Meredith Graham, accounting & finance in Los Angeles, is promoted from executive search consultant to senior executive search consultant. Jeff Cousens, sales & marketing in Atlanta, goes from senior executive search consultant to senior partner. Jack Hosterman, who focuses on military transition
Spencer Stuart Sees Rise in Digital Expert Hires
Global chief communications officers (CCOs) are increasingly adding digital and social media into their department oversight and responsibilities, according to The Rising CCO V, a survey conducted by Spencer Stuart and global public relations firm Weber Shandwick. CCOs report that compared to years past, they are hiring more digital and social media experts (73 percent)
DHR International Places CFO At Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences
DHR International has placed Heather Cochran as executive vice president and CFO of business operations at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The search was completed by Sean Scanlon, managing director in the firm’s Los Angeles office and global leader, media & entertainment practice group. Ms. Cochran previously served as managing director, academy museum,
AGB Search to Find Grand Rapids Community College Provost
Washington D.C.-based AGB Search has been selected by Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) to lead in its search for a new provost. Former provost Gilda Gely left GRCC in May to serve as Aquinas College’s chief academic officer. Patti Trepkowski, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of instructional support, is serving as interim provost. AGB Search
Brooke Chase Associates Completes Search For Rinnai America
Executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has placed Frank Windsor as general manager with Rinnai America. Mr. Windsor comes to Rinnai from Kohler Company where he spent the past 24 years. Most recently he served as vice president of sales at Plumbing America’s. Rinnai America Corporation is the leading brand in North America in the
DHR Names Managing Director In Los Angeles
DHR International has appointed Sean Scanlon as managing director of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Mr. Scanlon will lead the Southern California region in corporate target goals along with handling the office’s daily operations. He will also continue his role as global leader for the firm’s media & entertainment practice group. Mr. Scanlon has extensive
Korn Ferry Adds to Hospitality and Real Estate Practice
Korn Ferry has named Hoda Tahoun as a principal and member of the firm's travel, hospitality and leisure practice and its global real estate practice; she will be based in New York. Ms. Tahoun was previously a partner with Sousou Partners, a boutique executive search firm dedicated exclusively to the real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure
Oliver James Associates Adds Head of Finance
Financial services recruiter Oliver James Associates has added Graeme Edwards as its new head of finance. Mr. Graeme joins the firm from Deloitte’s Manchester office. He will be responsible for delivering financial insights to further the company’s strategic long term goals. “We are delighted to have Graeme on board; we have been growing steadily in
McCracken Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for ULI
McCracken Executive Search Inc. has placed Richard Joy as the new executive director of Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Toronto District Council. Paul Weinberg, senior partner, led the assignment. Mr. Joy brings 20 years of urban leadership experience to his new role, across municipal and provincial government and the private sector. He formerly served
Buffkin Group Places CTO at Benefit Communications
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Jason Roberts as chief technology officer of Benefit Communications. Mr. Roberts was previously senior enterprise architect at Aflac. Benefit Communications is considered an industry thought leader and one of the largest U.S. specialists in benefit communications and enrollment. The Buffkin Group is an executive search firm offering
The Mulsanne Partnership Strengthens Staff
Recruiting firm The Mulsanne Partnership has added Linda Dale, Mark Pepler and James Oxley to its staff. Ms. Dale becomes a partner with a focus on the asset management and technology search markets. She was previously director, global head of wealth and asset management, at Drayton Finch. Mr. Pepler will run Mulsanne’s technology search practice,
Stanton Chase Names Global Diversity Lead
Executive search firm Stanton Chase International has named Janne Moltke-Leth, a partner in its Copenhagen office, as its global diversity lead. Ms Moltke-Leth joined Stanton Chase in 2013 and has conducted searches in the commercial sector with a special focus on FMCG, transportation services and the design and lifestyle businesses. The Copenhagen office of Stanton
Executives Online Announces Reorganization
International interim management and executive recruitment company Executives Online has announced a number of organizational and operational changes in preparation for its next phase of strategic growth. Andrew Nicholas, previously a director, assumes the role of chief executive officer, with James O’Brien, also previously a director, taking on the role of chief operating officer. In
FaithSearch Partners Completes Two College President Searches
FaithSearch Partners has placed Dr. Kenneth Shaw as the new president of Southwestern Adventist University and Dr. Vinita Sauder as the president of Union College. Dr. Shaw currently serves as dean for academic program at the Panama City campus of Florida State University. Dr. Sauder is vice president for strategic initiatives at Southern Adventist University
Aplin Executive Leading CEO Search for SREDA
Aplin Executive has been selected by SREDA (Saskatoon Region Economic Development Authority) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Started in 1992, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) was one of the first independent economic development agencies to be started in Canada. Aplin Executive Search consultants find senior management and executives
Alexander Hughes Opens in Mexico City and Montreal
Alexander Hughes has strengthened its presence in the North American market with the launch of new offices in Mexico City and Montreal. The Mexico City team will be led by Celeste Rebora, a seasoned search professional with extensive experience in the Mexican market, whose already established company, Human Capital Search de Mexico, which will become
Odgers Berndtson Adds Partner in its Global Public & Government Affairs Practice
Odgers Berndtson has added David Webber as a partner to the firm's global public & government affairs practice. He will specialize in the placement of corporate in-house and external public affairs practitioners. Mr. Webber brings 22 years of experience in the EU/Brussels environment, as senior partner at PA Europe, a Brussels-based public affairs, strategic communication
