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SPMB Recruits Chief AI and Data Officer for Ford Motor Company
SPMB Executive Search has placed Mano Mannoochahr as chief AI and data officer of Ford Motor Company. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Few leaders bring Mano’s combination of modern AI expertise, experience operating at enormous enterprise scale, and deep industrial grounding,” Mr. Doonan said. “That made him uniquely suited to help Ford translate the potential
Isaacson, Miller Assists Folger Shakespeare Library with CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Wendy Lin as the new CFO of Folger Shakespeare Library. Dan Rodas led the search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. Her arrival coincides with the start of strategic planning at the nearly 100-year-old organization, and she will guide financial analysis and operational execution under the leadership of Folger director Farah Karim-Cooper. Ms. Lin
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
Preng & Associates Recruits CFO for Key Energy Services
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Robert J. Mackenzie as senior vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer of Key Energy Services. Mr. Mackenzie brings a proven track record of strategic financial planning, operational excellence, and leadership across both corporate finance and capital markets. Most recently serving as director of financial planning and analysis at RPC
Cook Silverman Search Seeking New Leader Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search is currently seeking a new executive director for Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (PEBCC). This executive will lead PEBCC’s mission, strategic vision, and financial sustainability while fostering an inclusive and innovative organizational culture. The executive director reports directly to the board of directors and works in close partnership with the artistic director.
NPAworldwide Elects New Board of Directors
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has elected a new slate of representatives to its board of directors. The election was held during the organization’s annual owners meeting. Member-owners also voted to approve the group’s audited financial statements, confirm the actions of the board of directors and conduct other official business. “I’m delighted to welcome our newly elected and
Accenture Calls for Executive Resilience as Tariffs Disrupt Strategy
Accenture’s new report, Ready for Resilience, explores the impact of the latest U.S. tariff surge and what it means for companies trying to stay competitive. It details a rapidly evolving trade environment that demands strategic rethinking at every level of every organization. In April, the Trump administration unveiled a sweeping tariff package that included a 10
IndusInd Bank Using Egon Zehnder to Find New CEOs
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive landscape, regulatory challenges and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency. This requires strategic leaders, both men and women, with a multidimensional skill-set and competencies that often go above and beyond any typical job description. But there’s a big problem: In most countries, while women
Flatiron Search Partners Recruits CFO for PE-Backed 360 Behavioral Health
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Phil MacAllister as the new CFO of DW Healthcare Partners-backed, 360 Behavioral Health. “Congratulations to Phil MacAllister on his new role as CFO at 360 Behavioral Health, one of the original and most established authorities caring for individuals impacted by autism and developmental delays,” Flatiron Search Partners
Caldwell Recruits Chief Compliance Officer for Canaccord Genuity Group
The chief compliance officer is a corporate executive within the C-suite responsible for overseeing and managing regulatory compliance issues within an organization. The CCO typically reports to the CEO of the chief legal officer. The responsibilities of the chief compliance officer include: Leading enterprise compliance efforts; designing and implementing internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Former Accenture CEO
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded with the addition of former Accenture CEO Tonje Sandberg as managing director based in in Oslo office. “We are delighted to welcome Tonje to the firm,” said Harald Kringlebotn, managing director and Norway country manager for Russell Reynolds Associates. “Tonje brings invaluable insights and expertise that will strengthen our
How Top CEOs Stay Connected to the Front Lines
The best CEOs understand that true leadership requires more than boardroom strategy — it demands a deep connection with the front lines. By staying closely attuned to the day-to-day realities of their employees, customers, and operations, top executives can make better decisions, inspire their teams, and adapt more quickly to challenges. In today’s fast-moving business
The SR Group Realigns European Operations, Closes German Offices Amid Market Challenges
Global search company The SR Group has realigned its European offering to service mainland Europe from its Amsterdam and London offices. As a result, both Frankfurt and Düsseldorf offices will close, and premium services to the company’s clients in Germany will be delivered by specialist international teams. The group’s German companies will formally enter into a solvent liquidation
Rutgers Selects TurnkeyZRG to Find Next Athletic Director
TurnkeyZRG has been called in by Rutgers University to lead a national wide search for a new athletic director. An advisory committee has been formed to support the search. Rutgers has been without a permanent athletic director since Patrick Hobbs resigned before an investigation into an inappropriate, consensual relationship with one of the school’s coaches. “Athletics often serves
Tower Consultants Search Places Senior Talent Leader at Hologic
Hobe Sound, FL-headquartered executive recruiting firm Tower Consultants Search Group recently assisted in the placement of Jennifer Tice as vice president, talent acquisition and development for NASDAQ-traded Hologic, Inc., an innovator in medical technology and a global champion of women’s health. The search was led by Chris Rose, Jason Rose, and Kim Klipstein. Reporting to
PierceGray Seeking Head of FP&A for RIA Advisory
PierceGray was recently retained by RIA Advisory (RIA) in Miami, FL, to lead in its search for a head of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). To support the upcoming transaction, RIA is seeking to hire a new head of FP&A who will be responsible for day-to-day financial operations, financial performance and analysis, optimizing processes, and leading the
Effective Communication and Feedback in Executive Search: Essential for Building Strong Candidate Relationships
Executive recruitment is a complex process, with higher stakes as positions reach more senior levels. Executive recruiters play a crucial role in managing this complexity, ensuring companies attract and retain top talent while minimizing risks, according to a recent report from London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International. To identify key areas for improvement, Pacific International conducted
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Southeast Missouri State University with President Search
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Brad Hodson as the 19th president of Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant, and Jim Johnsen, vice president of executive search, led the assignment. Following a rigorous application review and interview process, the appointment of Dr. Hodson culminates
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for PureFacts Financial Solutions
NU Advisory Partners has placed Jennifer Bouyoukos as chief people officer of PureFacts Financial Solutions. “Congratulations Jennifer on joining PureFacts Financial Solutions as chief people officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your rare blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and people-first leadership drive the organization’s continued success.”
LHH Knightsbridge Search Seeking New CEO for the Ontario Energy Board
LHH Knightsbridge is currently seeking a new CEO for the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Ed Perkovic, Lisa Knight, and Janice Kussner are leading the assignment. The CEO provides executive leadership to the organization, working closely with government and energy sector stakeholders. They are accountable for the efficient and effective management of the operations of the
Nexus Search Partners Appoints Managing Director, Human Capital
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has expanded with the addition of Sam Worobec as managing director, human capital. “Sam has a rare ability to scale culture and capability at the same time,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus Search Partners. “His vision and values are tightly
Who Rises to Lead in Private Equity?
Private equity leaders are defined by their ability to drive growth, manage complexity, and deliver results in high-pressure environments. They blend financial insight with strategic leadership, aligning teams and investors around a shared vision. In today’s market, adaptability and execution are key to standing out. Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership
E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Citizen Watch
E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has placed Amy Kleinberg as the new chief technology officer of Citizen Watch. Managing directors Ann MacCarthy and Bob Marchant led the assignment. They acted as an extension of the company’s organization, providing a personal and technical approach. “The committed team at E.A. Hughes
Envision Consulting Seeking New Leader for A World Fit for Kids!
A World Fit for Kids! recently retained Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting to lead in its search for a new CEO. The organization is seeking a leader who is committed to the mission and will carry on the legacy of the founder and outgoing leader. An honest and transparent communicator, this leader will bring fresh ideas and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief Development Officer for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently retained by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The firm seeks a motivated, dynamic, and driven chief development officer who is compelled by the idea of growing a historically successful fundraising program through an expanded fundraising strategy. Successful candidates
DHR Global Partners with Illuma Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has announced that Grant Zallis, founder and CEO of Illuma Search Partners, has joined the firm as managing partner, emerging technology. “This strategic partnership brings Illuma’s exceptional track record in emerging tech and its impressive client base of venture- and private equity-backed companies into the DHR platform,” DHR said. “It combines DHR’s global
Navigating 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Executive Recruiting
The executive search industry is evolving rapidly as organizations face new demands for agile, inclusive, and tech-savvy leadership. Firms are leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance candidate selection, while clients increasingly seek strategic advisors—not just recruiters. “As we move through 2025, several key trends are shaping the executive recruiting landscape,” said Matt Shore, CEO
Heidrick & Struggles Assists Davidson College with the Recruitment of Inaugural Chief Career Officer
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
SPMB Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for NinjaOne
Kevin Barry of SPMB Executive Search has helped to place John Sapone as the new chief revenue officer of NinjaOne. “It was a privilege to help bring aboard a proven revenue leader whose impact at companies like Snowflake, ServiceNow, Nimble Storage, and Data Domain speaks for itself,” Mr. Barry said in a LinkedIn post. “John’s track record
The Adecco Group Introduces r.Potential
The Adecco Group has launched r.Potential, which will enter into a strategic partnership with Salesforce. r.Potential was established to support senior business leaders tasked with shaping the future of work. As AI rapidly becomes central to enterprise decision-making, today’s business leaders are confronting new questions and challenges around how human and digital workforces will coexist, collaborate,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Australia
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Sydney, Australia-based Omera Partners as its newest member firm. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Omera Partners has built an extensive network in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region, serving leading corporations, government entities, and not-for-profits. “We are thrilled to welcome Omera Partners to IIC Partners and expand
AlixPartners Finds A Growing Divide Between PE Firms And Portco Leaders
A recent report by AlixPartners – the Tenth Annual PE Leadership Survey – reveals a striking disconnect between private equity firms and their portfolio companies. While both groups agree that growth, margin expansion, and value creation are top priorities, they diverge significantly in how they view performance and leadership quality. According to the survey, 41 percent of PE executives
Holden Richardson Assists Phase Change Solutions with CFO Search
Holden Richardson has assisted in the recruitment of Alberto Valentin as the new CFO of Phase Change Solutions in Greensboro, NC. Mr. Valentin is a CFO with broad, comprehensive experience in global multi-national businesses of varying revenue sizes and industries including aerospace (Dept of Defense projects), industrial and commercial mfg, distribution and logistics plus services.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Peet’s Coffee
The Talent Studios has recruited Katie Keil as the senior vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer of San Francisco Bay Area-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer Peet’s Coffee. Gretchen Koch and Serena Smith led the assignment. Ms. Keil brings over 20 years of consumer products, beauty, and consumer technology marketing leadership experience. She has a strong track record of driving results on both
