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The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
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
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
Kaplan Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for F&M Bank
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, has assisted in the recruitment of Carly Buchanan as chief people officer of F&M Bank, an Archbold, OH-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. “Carly’s leadership, expertise, and passion for people
Juno Search Partners Recruits CFO for Council for Relationships
Philadelphia-based executive search firm Juno Search Partners LLC, has placed Mary K. Mackey as the new CFO of Council for Relationships. “Juno Search Partners has made my placement as CFO at Council for Relationships seamless and personable, perfectly embodying CFR’s mission of strengthening interpersonal relationships,” said Ms. Mackey. “I am truly honored to step into this
CFOs as Strategic Architects: Navigating Transformation in Financial Services
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive market, regulatory challenges and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency, recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. 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. CFOs play a pivotal role
The Power of Partnership: The Value of Third-Party Recruiters in Talent Acquisition
Third-party recruiters bring tremendous value to a talent acquisition team by acting as strategic partners in the pursuit of top senior-level talent. Their extensive networks allow them to access passive candidates, while their expertise in recruitment enables them to quickly compile shortlists of qualified applicants tailored to a company’s specific needs, according to a recently
CAA | Hanold Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Soccer Forward Foundation
CAA | Hanold Executive Search has assisted U.S. Soccer Federation with the recruitment of Alexandra (Lex) Chalat as executive director of Soccer Forward Foundation, U.S. Soccer’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup legacy initiative. CAA | Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold, Megan McElroy, and Catie Nelson led the search for this critical role. “U.S. Soccer exists in service to
Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Strategy and Communications Post for Western States Petroleum Association
Lochlin Partners recently helped to place Denise Davis as vice president of strategy and communications of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) in Sacramento, CA. She succeeds Kevin Slagle, who now serves as senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute (API). “We are thrilled to welcome Denise to WSPA at such a pivotal time for energy policy
Solomon Page Expands Healthcare & Life Sciences Division
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its healthcare & life sciences division with the additions Steve Marsh and Megan Berlinger as managing directors. These two consultants bring decades of expertise in executive search and healthcare operations, further strengthening the firm’s ability to place senior executive talent across healthcare systems, academic medicine, and medical
Chief People Officer 2030: Developing a Toolkit for the Future of Leadership
HR leaders are deep into the evolution of their roles, shifting from back-office operational experts to strategic business partners. Every day, they navigate transformation on multiple levels—within their roles, their function, their organizations, and the broader business environment. The Covid-19 pandemic kick-started the pace of change, but volatility since, including geopolitical and economic volatility, new
Peña Search Tapped by The SAFE Alliance to Find New CEO
The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) recently retained Peña Search to lead in its search for a new CEO. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. At a pivotal moment in SAFE’s history, the board of directors seeks a dynamic, politically savvy leader who blends business acumen with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and its organizational culture. With a
Gilman Partners Leading CEO Search for The Mayerson JCC
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has been retained by The Mayerson JCC (the J) in Cincinnati, OH, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Partners Michele Plessinger and Barry Elkus are leading the assignment. The CEO of the J reports to the board of trustees and is responsible for leading the operations of a complex organization,
Glue Executive Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for ECIPSA
Buenos Aires-headquartered Glue Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Emiliano Josfal as chief technology officer for ECIPSA in Argentina. Mr. Josfal is a seasoned technology and business leader with extensive experience in IT strategy, project management, and digital transformation. He previously served as the director of graduate studies in information systems management (CIO) at UADE Business
H.I. Executive Consulting Expands in Paris
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has expanded with the addition of Selma de Fressenel as a partner based in Paris enhancing its presence across Europe. “We are delighted that Selma is joining our team at HIEC,” said Melissa Reed, managing partner and global leader, consumer practice. “Selma brings an outstanding track record with a focus
Global Hiring Intentions Remain Steady for Q2 2025 Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Global hiring intentions hold steady heading into the second quarter of 2025, with employers reporting a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25 percent, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The results, which gathered data from nearly 40,000 employers across 41 countries during January 2025, show the outlook holding steady for the third consecutive
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has recruited Robert McCutcheon as the new CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance). “Nexus Search Partners is committed to identifying leaders who create lasting impact,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus Search Partners. “Robert’s leadership experience and vision will
LHH Knightsbridge Assists Room Women’s Network and Women of Influence+ with President Search
LHH Knightsbridge has assisted in the recruitment of Linda Kuga Pikulin as president of Room Women’s Network and Women of Influence+ (WOI+), two trailblazing organizations redefining the future of women’s leadership. Partner Tara Veysey and senior consultant Cheryl Lai led the assignment. “Linda is a transformative leader whose experience and strategic acumen will be invaluable in shaping the
Hudson RPO Appoints CFO
Hudson RPO, a global total talent solutions company has named Kurt Kappeler as its new CFO. As CFO of Hudson RPO, Mr. Kappeler will report dually to Jake Zabkowicz, global CEO for Hudson RPO, and Matt Diamond, global CFO of Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc., which owns and manages Hudson RPO. Mr. Diamond will
NuBrick Partners Expands Leadership Team
NuBrick Partners has expanded with the addition of Amy Mills to its leadership team as vice president. “We are excited to welcome Amy Mills, PhD, to the NuBrick Partners leadership team as vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Amy is a respected leadership advisor, assessment expert, and ICF professional certified coach with
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
ZRG Acquires Legal Search Firm EP Dine
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired legal executive search firm EP Dine. This strategic expansion strengthens ZRG’s expertise in general counsel searches while also establishing a new capability to assist law firms in securing top-tier legal talent. “EP Dine’s reputation in the legal search space is unparalleled,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Their expertise in
TM² Executive Search Seeking Chief Development Officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
TM² Executive Search (TM²) is currently looking for a chief development officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). The search is being led by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman. The chief development officer at TMCF serves as a critical member of the executive leadership team, directly reporting to the president and CEO. This
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for CTIA
Korn Ferry has placed Ajit Pai as the new president and CEO of CTIA in Washington, D.C. “Ajit has played a pivotal role in leading our nation’s effort to promote broadband deployment and expand commercial access to spectrum,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular and CTIA chairman of the board. “He is the proven leader we need to head
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CEO for Escalade
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Armin Boehm as president and CEO of NASDAQ-traded Escalade, Inc. in Evansville, IN. He will succeed Walter P. Glazer, Jr., who in August 2024 announced his plans to retire. Mr. Boehm will begin as Escalade CEO and president on April 1, 2025. Partner Lindsay Stevens, senior principal
Advancing Progress Toward Gender Equality
Six years ago, Jessica Pezim of The Bedford Group began reflecting on International Women’s Day by writing letters to her children about the progress women have made in the workforce since her mother’s generation – and her hopes for the future when they enter the workforce. “While I believe gender equality is achievable, the past few
DHR Global Recruits Head Football Coach for Bowling Green State University
Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Eddie George as the new head football coach of Bowling Green State University (BGSU). “At BGSU, we always emphasize how our people and our community transform this great university and enhance the student experience,” said vice president for athletics
Academic Search Seeking New President for the University of Alabama
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Alabama (UA) to lead in its search for a new president. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of the University of Alabama, has announced his plans to step down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade in the school’s top leadership role. Senior consultant Ann
JM Search Expands Consumer Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded its team of experts dedicated to recruiting executives for consumer businesses with the additions of John Foristall, Heidi Rustin, and Jennifer Green. “JM Search is experiencing rapid growth in the consumer goods market, necessitating exceptional leaders to navigate the evolving landscape,” the
Signium Elects New Board of Directors
Executive search consortium Signium has announced the election of its 2025+ board of directors: Annelize van Rensburg, director of executive search in Johannesburg, South Africa was re-elected as chair. Felipa Xara-Brasil, managing partner in Lisbon, Portugal was elected as vice chair. “I am privileged to serve a second term on the board and honored for the trust my fellow board members
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
5 Hiring Strategies for 2025
This time of year presents an ideal opportunity to fine-tune your hiring strategy and assemble a team that will propel your business forward. In today’s competitive talent landscape, attracting and securing top candidates demands more than a simple job description and a handful of interviews. It demands a thoughtful, proactive approach that aligns with your
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Alameda Health System
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Alameda Health System (AHS) in Alameda, CA. Reporting directly to the CEO, the chief medical officer serves as the senior medical leader and strategic visionary for Alameda Health System. As both a physician executive and clinical strategist, the CMO champions AHS’s commitment to delivering the
GHP Search Fills Board Positions with Literacy Partners
According to recruiters interviewed by Hunt Scanlon Media, the executive search process for board directors is inherently complex and demands a customized approach. Firms specializing in board recruitment typically start with a thorough evaluation of the organization’s existing board structure, strategic objectives, and industry dynamics. This assessment helps shape the ideal candidate profile, which often
