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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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
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
Signium Opens Office in Dubai
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Dubai, UAE. This expansion strengthens Signium’s presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, complementing its existing Dubai leadership consulting office, led by managing partner Hisham El-Badawy since 2006. The new office is led by search veterans Jon Ashcroft and Mark Holdich, who have joined as managing partners. Together with
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2024
In 2024, the recruiting industry experienced a mix of challenges and opportunities. Recruiters sought innovative ways to deliver value to their clients, as many firms faced dips in revenues and search activity. Investor-driven market consolidation continued to reshape the landscape. Search consultants faced hurdles such as recession fears, talent shortages, and a candidate-driven market. Meanwhile,
HealthSearch Partners Seeking CHRO for Adventist HealthCare
HealthSearch Partners (HSP) was recently retained by Adventist HealthCare to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Ivan Bartolome, president and CEO of HSP, is leading the assignment. The CHRO is a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team. He/she provides direction on the workforce implications of overall strategy and develops innovative HR solutions
Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of North America Region
Spencer Stuart recently appointed Miranda Pode as leader of the firm’s North America region. “The exciting opportunities shaping the foundation of our future are often built upon the hard work of those who came before us,” Ms. Pode said in a LinkedIn post. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Eric Leventhal who continued our
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2024
2024 brought challenges across many sectors, but it also showcased the resilience and innovation of top recruiting leaders who rose to meet the moment. Across the board, from non-profits, the Fed, sports teams, research organizations, to start-ups, the Fortune 500, and PE-backed companies, top leaders were in high demand to help steer organizations through significant
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Ploughshares to Recruit Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been selected by Ploughshares to lead in its hunt for a new executive director. This executive will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and guidance across all departments while supporting the president and board chair. This executive-level role involves fostering organizational alignment, developing strategic partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of Ploughshares’ mission
Bradbury-Miller Recruits Executive Director of the Mid York Library System
Executive search firm Bradbury-Miller Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Mandy Travis as the new executive director of the Mid York Library System in Utica, NY. Ms. Travis is an accomplished library professional with over two decades of experience in public library management and development. Most recently, she served as the director of the Northern Onondaga Public
A Look at What is Transforming the Executive Search Landscape
The executive search sector has been undergoing significant transformations. Search consultants tell Hunt Scanlon Media that advancements in AI and data-driven recruitment are reshaping the hiring process. AI tools now streamline candidate sourcing and assessment, while data analytics predict leadership potential and identify the best cultural fit for organizations, according to a report from HR
ON Partners Places CEO at Trafera
Baillie Parker of ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Pat Davidson as the new CEO of Trafera, a portfolio company of Rotunda Capital Partners. “We are thrilled to welcome Pat to Trafera,” said Corey Whisner, managing partner at Rotunda. “Trafera is a leading provider of technology solutions to K-12 schools and state and local
HARTZ Search Recruits President of OSF HealthCare, Saint Joseph Medical Center
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has recruited Eunmee Shim as the president of OSF HealthCare, Saint Joseph Medical Center in Peoria, IL. The search was led by chief of staff Gabby Ross, former partner Carol Maxwell, and CEO Mike Hartz. “As president, Eunmee will lead OSF St. Joseph in aligning with the
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for the City of North Miami Beach
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has placed Tarik Rahmani as chief financial officer for the City of North Miami Beach. The search was led by senior consultant Barry Bratton and senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn. With a career spanning over two decades in local government, Mr. Rahmani has become a key figure in municipal management and
Stepping into the Founder’s Shoes: Evaluating Your Internal Leadership Options
CEO succession is crucial because it ensures leadership continuity, aligns the organization’s vision with its future goals, and minimizes disruption during transitions, safeguarding the company’s long-term success. When it comes to founder succession, the stakes are especially high, according to a recent report from leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder’s Anna Auerbach. So often, the founder
Modern Executive Solutions Assists Members Development Company with CEO Search
After casting a nationwide net for the best candidates, Atlanta-based executive search firm Modern Executive Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Ned Tobey as the new CEO of Members Development Company (MDC), a future-focused network accelerating credit union success in Madison, WI. He will succeed Jeff Kline, MDC’s CEO since 2007, in January 2025.
Nexus Search Partners Assists Charlotte Regional Business Alliance with Recruiting New COO
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Tracy Dodson as chief operating officer and head of economic development for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance). “We’re confident Tracy’s leadership will add tremendous value to the region,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus Search Partners. “Her
Arts Consulting Group Recruits CEO for the Worcester Center for Performing Arts
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Alan Seiffert as the new president and CEO of the Worcester Center for Performing Arts, the non-profit behind The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Worcester, MA. He will assume his new position on January 1, succeeding Troy Siebels who announced his resignation in June. Mr. Seiffert was selected
Atlantic Group Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm Atlantic Group has expanded with the addition of Kevin Goldman to its legal and compliance division. “We are happy to welcome Kevin Goldman to Atlantic Group’s legal and compliance division,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “He is reuniting with senior managing director, Melanie Marshak, with whom he previously worked for two
2025 Hiring Trends: How Strategic HR Management is Shaping the Future of Work
The future of corporate hiring is unfolding rapidly, with 2025 shaping into a transformative year for workforce strategies. As businesses navigate a landscape defined by strategic human resources management, emerging trends such as skills-based hiring, AI-powered recruitment, and hybrid work models reshape how organizations attract and retain talent, according to a new report from Talento. “Strategic human
10 Effective Strategies to Close the Board Diversity Gap
As companies aim to diversify their boardrooms, the slow advancement and persistent gender disparities remain concerning. Insights from The Bedford Group TRANSEARCH’s latest compensation reports further highlight the ongoing need for gender equity in board composition. “Despite widespread acknowledgment of the importance of diverse leadership, many corporations still struggle to bridge the gap in both representation
ZRG Assists Purpose Brands with CEO Search
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has recruited Tom Leverton as the new CEO of Purpose Brands, LLC, the $3.7 billion global wellness holdings company formed by the merger of Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands. Dan Searby and Brian Meany led the assignment. “The creation of Purpose Brands gives us the opportunity to move fast and be flexible in
Randstad Digital Appoints CEO
Randstad N.V. has announced that Randstad Digital has named Graig Paglieri as its new CEO effective January 1. He replaces Venu Lambu, who will be leaving Randstad at the end of January. “Graig is a pioneer and proven industry leader in talent services who recognizes that our greatest strength lies in our talented teams,” the company said
Employers Maintain Cautious Optimism with Steady Global Hiring Plans for Q1 2025
Global hiring intentions have stabilized heading into the first quarter of 2025, with employers reporting a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25 percent, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which gathered data from over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, shows the outlook remaining unchanged from the previous quarter while showing a
Kincannon & Reed Assists American Vanguard Corporation with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Douglas Kaye as the new CEO of American Vanguard Corporation in Newport Beach, CA. Heinrich Gugger and Stephen Coffey spearheaded the search. Eric G. Wintemute concluded his position as CEO with American Vanguard this
The Food Research & Action Center Taps BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) to lead in its search for a new president. The organization in April announced that its president, Luis Guardia, has stepped down. Senior director Crystal Stephens is leading the assignment. FRAC seeks a president experienced in leading antihunger efforts and knowledgeable of federal
Global Executive Solutions Group Rebrands to GESG
Global Executive Solutions Group has announced their renaming and rebranding as GESG. “At GESG, our updated brand identity is rooted in the core values that have always driven us: passion, success, teamwork, and flexibility,” said Scott Chadbourne, president of GESG. “We continue to be dedicated to our mission of being the preeminent boutique executive search
SPMB Names Partner
SPMB Executive Search has named Allison Beach as partner. “Allison’s promotion to partner is a testament to her exceptional ability to drive successful executive searches across technology sectors,” said Eamonn Tucker, managing partner at SPMB. “She has consistently raised the bar for search execution and leadership in our enterprise go-to-market practice. Allison’s contributions have also been pivotal in
Herbert Mines Assists Hint with CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Michael Pengue as the new CEO of Verlinvest-backed Hint Inc., makers of unsweetened flavored still water. “The appointment of new leadership and incremental capital to further solidify the company and position it for future growth,” the company said. Mr. Pengue is a seasoned executive
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Sánchez-Nelson as director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI) of Openhouse in San Francisco. Bryan Epps led the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, Rob Sánchez-Nelson will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI outcomes
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by Bay de Noc Community College for Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Search
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been tapped to find next dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Bay de Noc Community College. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The search firm notes that this is an exceptional leadership opportunity to join a thriving and well-established nursing program at a college serving as
Redgrave Launches Sustainability Practice
London-headquartered executive search firm Redgrave has launched its sustainability practice, led by partner Kate Goodall. This strategic initiative will offer guidance to clients across both public and private markets, focusing on the development of sustainability strategies and the recruitment of the senior talent in the field. “Redgrave’s sustainability practice aims to address every aspect of building a
Executive Search in 2024: Challenges, Trends, and Hopes for a Hiring Resurgence in 2025
For many search firms in almost all industry segments, 2024 has been a tough year. There are many reasons for the recent downturn, and some firms have experienced a dip in revenues for even longer, according to Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and managing partner of The Tolan Group. “Lots of changes are on the horizon
CarterBaldwin Retained by Cassia for CEO Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been selected by Cassia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Associate partner Gerri Williams is leading the assignment. Bob Dahl, president and CEO of Cassia, formally announced his plan to retire in January 2026. The announcement of Mr. Dahl’s retirement sets in motion a carefully planned leadership succession process, with
