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Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
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 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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
The Structural Shift in Executive Search: Why a Third Model Is Emerging
The executive search industry is undergoing a fundamental structural shift—one that goes beyond the long-standing divide between retained and contingent models. As leadership roles become more complex, business environments more volatile, and the consequences of hiring mistakes more severe, the traditional frameworks that once defined the market are proving insufficient. What is emerging in their
Key Talent Management Trends to Watch in 2025
Talent management is rapidly transforming as AI advancements, hybrid work models, and shifting leadership expectations reshape the employee experience. To capture these changes, Odgers Berndtson surveyed HR leaders and identified five key trends for 2025 that present both opportunities and challenges for the way organizations manage and engage their top talent. 1. Talent Attraction: Building
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
After an extensive search and careful consideration, non-profit specialists The Moran Company has placed Christopher Thompson as the new CEO of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). Chief executive Martina Guilfoil, who has led the organization since 2013, is set to retire at the end of February. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “The CNE board of directors is delighted
Rudish Health Places CFO at MedStar Washington, D.C. Hospital Center and MedStar Health Research Institute
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health recently assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Barash as senior vice president and CFO of MedStar Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center and Columbia, MD-based MedStar Health Research Institute. With nearly two decades of experience in financial leadership within complex healthcare systems, she brings extensive expertise in strategic
Princeton Search Partners Opens Doors
Princeton Search Partners (PSP) has been launched, uniting over two decades of executive recruiting expertise with an exclusive relationship to Provision People, a global high-volume recruitment platform. The firm integrates professional networks, advanced AI research, and strategic offices across 11 states to offer nationwide and global hiring solutions. “Each member of our team brings deep
TalentoHC Acquires R2 Global
Talento Human Capital has acquired R2 Global, a highly respected technology recruitment and staffing firm known for its niche expertise across cloud & data, business systems, and e-commerce. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor on the deal. This strategic move will expand TalentoHC’s existing footprint in the technology sector and launch,
The Christopher Group Fills Senior HR Position for Wilco
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Cheryl Collins as vice president of human resources for Wilco in Mount Angel, OR. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director, Carrie Longmire, led the assignment. “Working with John Bowersox at Wilco has been an honor,” said Mr. Maloney. “John’s vision for the future of Wilco
Cook Silverman Search Assists Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area with CEO Search
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has helped to recruit Lucinda Bazile as the new CEO of the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area. “I am honored to join Cancer Support Community at such a pivotal time for the organization,” said Ms. Bazile. “My passion for health equity and cancer support services is deeply personal and
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
After the completion of a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle L. Mayo as provost and vice president for academic affairs of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda
AIMS International Adds New Partner in Austria
Executive search consortium AIMS International has launched AIMS Austria with the addition of Murauer Technology, led by Gerald Murauer. “The new partnership significantly enhances AIMS International’s presence in the strategically important Austrian market,” the consortium said. “AIMS Austria has already established relationships with prominent organizations in the Austrian market, including industrial, technology, and research institutions. The team’s
Secure Your Company’s Future with a CEO Succession Plan
In today’s dynamic business world, CEO succession planning is crucial. To navigate challenges and seize opportunities, companies must ensure smooth leadership transitions. A strong plan fosters stability, drives growth, and aligns CEO development with long-term goals. A recent report from DHR Global’s Justin Menkes explores how to approach CEO succession planning, including best practices, and
TurnkeyZRG Retained by Southern Methodist University to Find Next Director of Athletics
TurnkeyZRG has been selected by Southern Methodist University (SMU) to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, is leading the search. Rick Hart announced in a statement that he will be stepping down from his position after more than a decade leading the Mustangs. The search committee will
Allen Austin Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Heath Consultants Incorporated
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Houston, TX-based search
Swoon Acquires KSA Technology Partners
Chicago-based recruiting firm Swoon has acquired KSA Technology Partners, a staffing firm specializing in telecommunications and digital infrastructure such as wireless telecom, fiber broadband and data centers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Both Swoon and KSA Technology Partners share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering exceptional value to our clients,” said Lori
Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotions
Slayton Search Partners has announced made strategic promotions within its leadership team. “These promotions reflect Slayton Search Partners’ commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and fostering leadership development within the organization,” the firm said. “The newly expanded leadership team will continue to drive the firm’s mission of delivering outstanding executive search solutions while pursuing strategic growth
Job Seeker Confidence Rises as Market Shows Signs of Growth
Despite ongoing challenges and frustrations in the job market, job seekers and employees remain resilient, prioritizing growth opportunities by pursuing roles or turning to nontraditional arrangements like contract and freelance work to meet their needs and career goals. The Vaco Talent Pulse Report measures employee and job seeker confidence levels in three core areas—job security,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for 2U
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kees Bol as the new CEO of 2U in Arlington, VA. He succeeds Matt Norden, who has served as interim CEO since October 2024. “Congratulations Kees Bol on joining 2U as chief executive officer,” said Meredith Rosenberg, co-founder of NU Advisory. “With your deep industry and leadership
Borrer Executive Search Assists Mustad Hoofcare Group Find Chief People Officer
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
ConverzAI Secures $16 Million in Funding
ConverzAI, which provides an AI-powered virtual recruiter for recruiting firms, has secured a $16 million Series A funding round to accelerate product innovation and expand go-to-market strategy. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, and joined by Left Lane Capital. Seed investors Foundation Capital and Afore Capital participated in the round as well. “ConverzAI’s solution
Erevena Appoints CEO
London-based executive search firm Erevena has announced that after 21 years as CEO, Dan Hyde will transition into the newly created, full-time role of executive chair, focusing on client-facing activities and market strategy. Following a comprehensive search process, internally and externally, Jonas Helgesson will be promoted to CEO (effective immediately). With this new structure, Mr. Hyde will move away from the
Navigating the Complexities of Hiring for an Inaugural Position
Recruitment is a challenging process that demands a thorough understanding of your organization’s mission and objectives, a strategic vision for growth, and the flexibility to adapt to an evolving job market. However, the process can be especially delicate when you are hiring for an inaugural position, according to a new report from Lindauer’s Faith Montgomery.
CarterBaldwin Assists The Federalist Society Recruit Second President and CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Sheldon Gilbert as the second president and CEO of The Federalist Society, the influential U.S. conservative legal organization. The assignment was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and associate partner Gerri Williams. He will succeed Eugene B. Meyer, who has served as executive director, CEO, and/or president of the organization for
PierceGray Leading CFO Search for C-P Flexible Packaging
PierceGray has been retained by C-P Flexible Packaging in York, PA, to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. To support the continued professionalization, centralization, and growth of the company, C-P Flexible Packaging is looking to hire a new CFO to build and develop a strong corporate financial function, establish FP&A, and
Riviera Partners Expands AI, ML & Data 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 Joe Ghory as a partner within its AI, ML & data practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe as we expand our practice,” said Kyle Langworthy, head of the AI, ML & data practice at Riviera
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Sweden
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search and leadership solutions firm Headlight International AB as its newest member firm. Led by Peter Gullström and supported by experienced Swedish search partners, Headlight International AB boasts a robust multi-national client base across various industry sectors in Sweden.
Redefining Executive Potential: The New Paradigm for Identifying and Developing Future-Ready Leaders
Selecting and developing successful leaders has never been easy. But today, the cost of identifying the wrong leader is rapidly increasing, as complex economic, talent, technology, and geopolitical changes seed uncertainty across the global business environment, according to a recent report from Russell Reynolds Associates. Research published in Harvard Business Review shows that excessive leadership turnover
University of West Georgia Retains Buffkin / Baker to Find New President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected by the University of West Georgia to lead in its search for a new president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. The presidency is an excellent opportunity for an engaging, visionary leader who is inspired to advance the university’s mission to enable students, faculty, and staff
Bryant Group Retained by Cure HHT to Fill Senior Role
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to recruit the vice president of operations for Cure HHT. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “We’re seeking an exceptional leader who is passionate about making a profound impact and driving meaningful change for those affected by HHT,” said Marianne Clancy,
Orchard Executive Search Opens Doors
Search industry veteran B.J. Berrettini has launched executive talent solutions firm, Orchard Executive Search, serving the banking, credit unions and financial/technical services industries. Based in Pittston, PA, the firm offers a human-centered, personal and detailed approach to hiring solutions, executive talent acquisition and retention, leadership consulting, cultural fit assessments, diversity and inclusion, career development and advancement,
CAA Sports Expands in London
CAA Sports, a division of entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has expanded with the addition of senior sports sponsorship executive Lucy Englander and veteran media and entertainment executive Jonathan Davies in its property sales and executive search divisions, respectively. “CAA Sports has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years, culminating in record-breaking
ZRG Acquires Aspen Leadership Group
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired Aspen Leadership Group, a search firm focused on placing and supporting top fundraising leaders and executive talent in educational institutions and the broader non-profit sector. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor on the deal. “The addition of Aspen Leadership Group is
Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.0 Percent
Employment rose by 143,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.0 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.8 million in January. Job gains occurred in healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance. Employment declined in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
