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Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
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.
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
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?
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood 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, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
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
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
DHR Global Recruits Chief People Officer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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
TM² Executive Search Tapped by Texas Southern University Foundation for Two Senior Searches
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has been retained by Texas Southern University Foundation to lead in its searches for an executive director and financial controller. This search is being led by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Ndeh Anyu. “These
Flatiron Search Partners Names Chief Talent Officer
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Michelle Schreck as chief talent officer. “Hiring, onboarding, training, engaging, and retaining the best talent is no small task,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As we scale, we’re doubling down on these efforts to ensure not only that we have the best team, but
Talent Pattern Recognition: Navigating Workforce Challenges in Private Equity and Beyond
Scalable talent strategy is a workforce planning approach tailored to meet the evolving needs of organizations by integrating talent acquisition, development, and retention seamlessly. For executive search, this strategy is particularly critical as it prioritizes identifying and securing top leadership talent to drive organizational success. By leveraging data-driven insights, advanced technology, and adaptable workforce models,
Why Personal Branding Matters: Unlocking New Opportunities and Building Authentic Connections
Building a personal brand is a powerful way to establish credibility. Highlighting your unique passions allows recruiters to tap into a broader and more diverse talent pool. There are around 4.74 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.3 percent of the global population. With such saturated social media platforms, it has become vital to focus
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by Texas Christian University to Lead Search for Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Texas Christian University (TCU) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in a national search for a director of intercollegiate athletics. Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, is leading the search. “TCU has shown again and again that not only are we committed to competing at the highest levels of college athletics but that we already
The Hawkins Company Recruits CEO for The Inner City Education Foundation
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of TyAnthony Davis as the new CEO of The Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF). He succeeds Parker Hudnut who served as CEO for 13 years. Yonnine Hawkins Garr, William Hawkins, and Tisa Jones led the assignment. “Mr. Davis’ expertise and proven
Boyden Expands Search Staff
Boyden has named five new partners and one new principal. The firm added partners Ignacio Serra in Spain, Costas Verginis, in Greece, Marcus Hoffmann and Maximilian Bader in Germany, Suresh Lal in the United Kingdom and Giulia Teodori in Italy. Richard Schmidt joins the Boyden Sweden as principal to lead Boyden’s growth strategy in the Swedish market. “Boyden’s continued growth in Europe is a key part of our
The Registry: Transforming Higher Education with Deeply Experienced Interim HR Leaders
The need for HR transformations, a new report finds, is driving a dramatic rise in the number of interim CHROs being asked to provide strategic leadership in times of change. In just the first half of 2024, demand for interim CHROs matched the entire year of 2023, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ latest Fortune 1000 CHRO Trends data.
Funk Associates Recruits Athletic Director for the University of South Carolina
After an exhaustive process, Funk Associates’ sports recruiting division recently assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Donati as the new athletic director for the University of South Carolina. “I am thrilled to welcome Jeremiah Donati to Gamecock Nation,” said Michael Amiridis, president of the University of South Carolina. “Jeremiah’s accomplishments at TCU—across athletics, NIL, and facilities—speak for
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Tech Goes Home
Lindauer has been retained by Tech Goes Home (TGH) in Boston, MA, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Bob Giannino, Taylor Beard, and Elsa Gomes Bondlow are leading the assignment. As it approaches its 25th anniversary, Tech Goes Home is looking for a CEO who will build on the organization’s progress in advancing digital equity while
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking New CEO for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently called in by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) to find a new president and CEO. IREC seeks a CEO to lead and direct the organization, ensuring a positive, team-based, goal-oriented culture. This executive is the face of the organization and is responsible for the overall successful operation and fiscal integrity
Heidrick & Struggles Names CFO
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Nirupam Sinha as its new CFO. “Nirupam Sinha is a proven financial leader with a passion for strategy, transformation, and people leadership across professional services, financial services, and technology,” said Tom Monahan, CEO of Heidrick. “Throughout his career, Nirupam has helped lead transformative
CHRO Turnover Declines Amid Workforce Shifts
CHRO turnover remains low as organizations seek to prioritize stability amidst unprecedented socio-political challenges, new legislation across sectors, and workforce transformation concerns. Overall, incoming CHRO changes are still notably down 34 percent year-to-date since 2023, and 23 percent since 2022, according to the latest CHRO turnover report from Russell Reynolds Associates. “By retaining the top line
How Poor Interviewer Skills Undermine Strategic Plans
HR professionals know having solid interviewing skills is arguably one of the most critical skills needed to secure the most appropriate talent to build a successful company and culture. Research continues to reveal the lack of implementing ongoing interview training being introduced by human resource teams, as well as executive leadership to insure hiring managers
AGB Search Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of 21st President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Blegen as the 21st president of Linfield University. He will assume leadership from interim president Rebecca Johnson in July. Linfield’s 20th president, Miles K. Davis, departed in December 2023. Consultants Loren Anderson and Shannon McCambridge spearheaded the assignment. The announcement comes after a 10-month search co-chaired
Peña Search Seeking CFO for Visit Dallas
Peña Search was recently retained by Visit Dallas to lead in its search for a new CFO. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney are leading the assignment. With Visit Dallas financially stable and well-positioned for success due to strong relationships with the city, the organization requires a dynamic CFO to bring its multi-year strategic plan to fruition and continue
Stevenson Search Partners Appoints New CEO
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has named Larry Dolinko as its new CEO. Adam Bloom, president of Stevenson Search Partners, will continue in his role overseeing day-to-day activity on the executive search side and remains critical to the success of the overall
Top 10 Interview Questions for CEO Candidates
Today’s CEO role involves setting the strategic vision of the company, ensuring long-term growth and stability, and driving organizational culture. They serve as the primary decision-maker and spokesperson, balancing the needs of stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, and society. With the increasing pace of technological change and global challenges, CEOs must also demonstrate adaptability A
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 4.2 Percent
Employment rose by 227,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in November. Employment trended up in healthcare, leisure and hospitality, government, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. Among the major worker groups,
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO and Chief Business Officer for IMU Biosciences
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has helped to recruit John Baker as chief executive officer and Jason Brown as chief business officer of biotechnology company IMU Biosciences. Founder and past CEO Adam Laing will assume the roles of president and chief scientific officer. “I am incredibly proud of what the IMU team has achieved to date,” said
JDG Associates Seeking Business Development Leader for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently called in by R&K Enterprise Solutions to lead in its search for a vice president of business development. Reporting directly to the president, R&K is seeking a driven, high performing candidate with significant defense industry knowledge and experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven track record
BarkerGilmore Adds Strategic Advisor and Leadership Development Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named David Rowan as a strategic advisor and leadership development coach. “We are thrilled to welcome David as a strategic advisor and coach,” said Bob Barker, managing partner. “His unparalleled experience in legal and governance leadership, particularly his work guiding the strategic expansion and complex
Intel Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New CEO
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Intel Corporation to lead in its search for a new CEO. Pat Gelsinger retired from the company after a distinguished 40-plus-year career and has stepped down from the board of directors, effective December 1, 2024. Intel has named two senior leaders, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, as interim co-chief executive officers
Korn Ferry Posts Fiscal Q2 Revenue Decrease of Four Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal second quarter revenues of $674.4, a decrease of four percent from the same period a year ago. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to lower fee revenues in professional search & interim and consulting driven by a decline in demand due to the current economic environment, partially
Fort Lewis College Taps Buffkin / Baker to Find Next President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Fort Lewis College to lead in its search for its next president. Partner Ann Yates and associate partner Pelema Ellis are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of trustees, the president is responsible for shaping the college’s vision and strategic direction. The new president will assume the role at
DHR Global Grows New York Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Robert Kobayashi as managing partner in the New York office. As a key member of the financial services, technology, and industrial practice groups, he will provide strategic guidance to clients seeking top-tier executive talent in these dynamic sectors. With more than 22 years of executive search experience and
Executive Search Veteran Mary Gay Townsend Dies
Mary Gay Townsend, executive search veteran and co-founder of boutique executive recruiting firm Norgay Partners, died on November 28. “Mary Gay Townsend had battled cancer for over 25 years, but never let the disease define her,” said Kylie Hart and Chandler Holbrook, the other two co-founders of the firm. “She was a true leader in
6 Ways AI Will Impact Private Equity Firms’ Human Capital Needs
Incorporating generative AI tools into private businesses and public sector organizations could increase global productivity by 1.5 percentage points over the next decade, according to Goldman Sachs Research. This would lead to a seven percent – or almost $7 trillion – increase in global GDP. McKinsey says generative AI is “poised to unleash the next wave of
Griffith Group Recruits New CEO for the Public Policy Forum
Following an extensive national search, Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Inez Jabalpurwala as president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Caroline McLean, partner, led this important assignment. Ms. Jabalpurwala succeeds Edward Greenspon, who over the past nine years helped build PPF’s reputation as one
Preng & Associates Fills Senior Positions for Ring Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Phillip Feiner as the new vice president and general counsel and James Parr as executive vice president, exploration and geosciences at NYSE-traded Ring Energy Inc. in Woodlands, TX. David and Laura Preng led the assignment. With more than 25 years of energy industry experience, including with both public and private
