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How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
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.
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
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Inside the Evolving Role of HR Leadership
As organizations scale and evolve, building the right HR leadership structure becomes a critical driver of performance and long-term success. Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment. Increasingly, leaders are recognizing that effective HR is not about headcount ratios, but about aligning
Nolan Partners Assists Houston Texans Recruit Team President
Nolan Partners, an Excel Sports Management company, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Tomon as the new team president for the Houston Texans. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” said Cal McNair, chair and CEO. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in
Boyden Names Global Leader of Financial Services Practice Group
Boyden has appointed Lourdes Lopez as the new global leader of its financial services practice group. “With over 20 years of executive search experience across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, Lourdes specializes in financial services and technology, delivering C-suite talent for organizations of all sizes,” Boyden said in a LinkedIn post. “An entrepreneur and professor in
TalentoHC Acquires The PeterSan Group
Talento Human Capital (TalentoHC) has acquired The PeterSan Group and PeterSan Legal Staffing. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor to both organizations. The merger brings expertise in legal recruiting to TalentoHC’s customer experience model and comprehensive human capital services, including retained executive search, professional and management recruiting, RPO, staff augmentation,
WittKieffer Leading CHRO Search for the University of Tampa
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by the University of Tampa to lead in its search for a vice president, human resources, and chief human resources officer. Principal Sarah Palmer is leading the assignment along with consultant
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Bellevue College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Bellevue College to lead in its search for a vice president of institutional advancement. Bellevue College is seeking a strategic and visionary leader. This executive reports to the president and is the primary liaison between the college and the community, serves as senior spokesperson for the
Carrington & Carrington Leading President Search for the Southland Development Authority
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search is currently leading in the search for a new president for the Southland Development Authority in Chicago. The president will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO to execute the corporation’s strategic vision. This individual will be instrumental in managing operations, spearheading development projects, and nurturing stakeholder relationships to
Krauthamer & Associates Forms Alliance with AO People Partners
Krauthamer & Associates has formed a strategic alliance with AO People Partners to deliver comprehensive executive leadership solutions to organizations worldwide. This collaboration combines AO People Partners’ expertise in executive coaching, leadership advisory, and talent strategy with Krauthamer & Associates’ experience in executive search and board services. “We are excited to join forces with Krauthamer & Associates to offer our
What Public Companies and Private Equity Can Learn from Each Other
The factors contributing to a CEO’s success can differ significantly between private equity-owned companies and publicly traded companies. CEOs who have led in both public and PE-backed environments tell Spencer Stuart in a new report that private equity is more focused on fast value creation and a successful exit, which often stands in sharp contrast
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Stakias as chief development officer at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation in New York City. The assignment was led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. “We are delighted to welcome Lauren as our new deputy director, chief development officer,” said Mariët Westermann, director and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Recruits CEO for the San Diego Workforce Partnership
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has helped to recruit Rachel Bereza as president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Senior consultant BJ Davis led the assignment. The appointment follows an extensive nationwide search that attracted over 130 candidates. “Rachel’s appointment signals our county-wide commitment to bold, innovative solutions for San Diego’s workforce development industry.
True Launches Dedicated MedSci Functional Team
Global talent provider True has launched a dedicated MedSci functional team within its healthcare & life sciences practice. The firm explains that the MedSci team is designed to meet the growing demand for highly scientific, technical, R&D, and medical leadership across industries transforming healthcare and science. “The lines between discovery, treatment, prevention, and population health are
Options Group Names VP in Frankfurt
Options Group has expanded with the addition of Miguel de Almeida Freire as a vice president in Frankfurt. He will specialize in connecting senior-level candidates with private equity portfolio companies. “I’m proud to join Options Group, a premier global recruitment search firm,” Mr. de Almeida Freire said in a LinkedIn post. “I’ll be focusing on expanding
AI and the Workforce: Navigating the Balance Between Productivity and Uncertainty
Imagine your job evolving overnight, powered by a machine that learns faster than you. Not only does it transform how you work, but it also enhances your performance and helps you reach your full potential. It’s no wonder there are mixed feelings when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from
N2Growth Recruits CFO for Medtronic
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed Thierry Piéton as the new CFO of NYSE-traded Medtronic in Galway, Ireland. Brian Greer led the assignment. He will report to Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer Geoff Martha and will join the Medtronic executive committee. “Thierry is a strategic, creative, operationally focused, experienced CFO with a
Coulter Partners Assists NeoPhore with CEO Search
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Shih as the new CEO of NeoPhore in London. Leading the assignment were Chris Palatucci, Clare Evans-Argent, Gabrielle Banzon, and Kay Wardle. The appointment follows the close of the company’s oversubscribed series B financing. The financing and new appointment of the CEO strengthen NeoPhore’s
RevelOne Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for SupplyHouse.com
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne has helped to recruit Kaylin Durham as the new chief marketing officer of SupplyHouse.com in Melville, NY. The search was led by vice president Liz Schrum and consultant Montse Jungers. “Thank you Josh Meyerowitz and Matt Willden – CEO and CHRO at SupplyHouse.com – for working closely with our
Keystone Partners Acquires CCI Consulting
Keystone Partners, a founding member of Career Partners International and a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, has acquired Philadelphia-based CCI Consulting, a provider of human resources consulting, career management, staffing and talent development services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Joining forces with CCI Consulting aligns perfectly with our mission to empower organizations
Redefining Talent Management for the Modern Age
The workplace has undergone a permanent transformation. Today’s talent leaders navigate an environment shaped by economic disruptions, demographic shifts, and rapid technological advancements. This new reality is not only different but increasingly complex. To succeed in this era, organizations must embrace a comprehensive, future-focused approach to talent management, according to a new report from Egon
Mastering Senior-Level Job Interviews in Life Sciences and Healthcare
In today’s highly competitive job market, landing a senior-level and/or fractional position in life sciences or healthcare requires more than just a stellar resume. Your qualifications on paper may open the door, but how well you perform in the interview process may determine your fate, according to a new report from life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners.
HARTZ Search Places VP of Revenue Cycle for Southeast Georgia Health System
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has placed Julie Floyd as the vice president of revenue cycle at Southeast Georgia Health System. The search was led by chief of staff Gabby Ross, search consultant Macy Thompson, and CEO Mike Hartz. Ms. Floyd joins Southeast Georgia Health System from UNC Healthcare, where she held the role of
FMG Leading Expands Healthcare Advisory Capabilities
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded its team with the additions of principals Kate Katz and Rod Wilkes. FMG Leading explains that Ms. Katz and Mr. Wilkes each bring decades of experience to their roles and will immediately begin providing strategic guidance and value to the firm’s growing list of clients. “We continue to see
Why Do So Many M&As Fail? The Talent Factor Could Be Key
Why do 70 percent of all mergers and acquisitions fail? Is it because our due diligence fails to adequately address the all-important issue of human talent? Sumeet Salwan, co-founder of CEO.works argues in a recent article on IMD that the success of any merger hinges on connecting the right talent to future value hotspots. The
The Talent Studios Fills Senior Positions for Roots and Mizzen+Main
The Talent Studios has completed two executive searches for design leaders at apparel brands, Roots and Mizzen+Main. Bea Nam has been placed as head of design at Roots and Denis Lates as director and head of design at Mizzen + Main. Heather Porter and Jeremy Cohen led both searches for The Talent Studios. Ms. Nam brings
Solomon Page Launches National Tax Staffing Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its accounting and finance contract staffing division with the launch of a national tax staffing practice. Reporting to managing director Gregg Gavioli, the practice will be led by Rebeccah Bizon, who joined the firm as executive director. Through this new extension of the business and additional service
Kestria Names New Practice Leaders
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named Manveet S. Hora, CEO of Synergy Consultants, (Kestria India) as the new global practice leader for the technology practice group and Philipp Mathieu, one of three managing partners of Viavanta, (Kestria Switzerland), as the new industrial/production global practice leader. Mr. Hora has spent over 15 years helping
Leading and Scaling with Talent
Talent has become the cornerstone of value creation in private equity, shaping the success of portfolio companies and driving superior returns. As traditional levers like financial engineering and cost optimization face diminishing returns, private equity firms are increasingly focused on leadership and operational excellence to unlock growth. The role of talent leaders has never been
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for Explore St. Louis
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Brad Dean as the new president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. “Brad Dean is a highly respected leader in destination marketing with a proven record of driving growth and innovation,” said Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Searchwide Global. “His expertise
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking 19th President for Southeast Missouri State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates was recently retained by Southeast Missouri State University to lead in its search for its 19th president. Leading the assignment are Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant, and Jim Johnsen, vice president of executive search. The school seeks a dynamic leader who will provide strategic leadership to
BoardWalk Consulting Retained by the Lumpkin Family Foundation for Executive Director
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by the Lumpkin Family Foundation to lead in its search for a new executive director. Recently, Bruce Karmazin, the foundation’s executive director since 2001, told the board of his intention to retire this coming summer. The current search is designed to identify a successor ready to guide the foundation
RSR Partners Appoints Co-Head of Asset Management Practice
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners has named Edward D. C. Fowler as co-head of the firm’s asset management practice, alongside current co-head, Maryann Bovich. “Ed has a great reputation in the endowment and foundation community,” said Brett Stephens, CEO of RSR Partners. “His authentic long-standing relationships with prominent and respected institutions drive Ed’s success in delivering outstanding leadership and talent for our clients. That
The Key to Hiring in 2025
Identifying the right leaders for your organization is more challenging than ever. Traditional hiring methods often miss outstanding candidates who may not meet every resume requirement or fit the reviewer’s preconceived criteria. That’s where skill-based hiring comes in—shifting the focus to what candidates can do instead of just what’s on paper, according to a recent







