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EY Signals M&A Momentum Is Rebuilding
The June 2025 edition of EY’s Merger Monthly report presents a cautiously optimistic picture of the U.S. deal environment. According to Mitch Berlin, EY Americas vice chair, “M&A in the U.S. bounced back in May, buoyed by easing trade tensions that boosted deal momentum, including several large transactions.” While overall deal volume saw a 6.2 percent year-over-year decrease,
HTP Group Launches Leadership Consulting Practice
Hightech Partners (HTP Group) has launched its enhanced leadership consulting practice. This expanded offering equips organizations to address urgent leadership challenges, improve team dynamics, and prepare for digital and AI-driven change through tailored, high-impact solutions. “Today’s leadership challenges demand more than experience, they require insight, agility, and cohesive teams ready to adapt and innovate,” said Raffaele
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 Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
Executive Hiring Trends Reshaping 2024
The realm of executive hiring is experiencing a paradigm shift, with notable trends emerging that redefine the recruitment landscape. In a recent report, ON Partners explores four executive hiring trends that indicate talent demand strategies of the future. 1. Middle America Ignites: A Renaissance in the Heartland. The recent Business Insider article highlights the burgeoning trend of tech and innovation
Integrated Talent Management Leads to Profitable Companies
Amid a shaky job market and predictions of massive turnover once the economy rebounds, a new study confirms that companies with integrated talent management processes not only achieved greater year-over-year profitability, but are also better positioned to achieve long-term success than companies with disparate HR processes and employee database systems. The study, “Integrated Talent Management:
Department of Labor Awards Goodwill $7.3 Million for Green Jobs
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has announced that Goodwill Industries International will receive a $7.3 million grant as part of “Pathways Out of Poverty,” a funding opportunity authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The grant will provide funds to create green job training programs as a strategy to
Spherion Acquires Tatum, LLC
Recruiting giant Spherion Corporation has acquired Tatum, LLC, a human capital solutions company providing executive search and professional coaching services. Tatum has nearly 1,000 partners and principles in 37 offices in the U.S. Total consideration for the transaction is $46 million, comprised of $11 million in Spherion stock and the remainder in cash and assumed
Connections Recruitment Creates Search Division
Connections Recruitment has launched an executive search practice to compliment the existing recruiting divisions within its business. The new division will be led by Alastair Pascoe, who will provide search and selection services across EMEA and APAC for positions ranging between $250,000 – $600,000 in the fields of sales and marketing, HR, finance, IT and
Dice Posts 25 Percent Revenue Decline
Dice Holdings, Inc./(NYSE:DHX), a career website for technology and engineering professionals, has recorded revenues of $26.7 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009, a decline of 25 percent from $35.5 million in the comparable quarter of 2008. Both Dice.com and eFinancialCareers.com have been impacted by recruitment activity which improved from the third quarter
Korn Ferry to Lead CEO Search for Borders
Korn/Ferry International has been retained by Borders Group, Inc. to lead in its search for yet another chief executive officer. Current CEO Ron Marshall is leaving to take over the CEO post at supermarket chain Great Atlantic & Pacific Co. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI., Borders Group is a retailer of books, music and movies
Top Spencer Stuart Recruiter Jumps to Korn Ferry
Korn/Ferry International has appointed Anthony J. Vardy as head of its London office. Mr. Vardy is joining Korn/Ferry|Whitehead Mann after 15 years at Spencer Stuart where he was head of the firm's London office and a founding member of the technology, communications and media practice in Europe. Throughout his career, Mr. Vardy has conducted executive
Kenzer Group Recruiters Purchase Firm’s Assets
The assets of executive search firm Kenzer Corp. have been acquired by a group of former Kenzer executives, operating as Kenzer Group, LLC. “We are all very excited about the formation of our new company. We have acquired the assets of Kenzer Corp. and are already well on our way to building on that base,”
Hudson Adds New U.K. Head
Hudson, a global provider of recruitment and talent management services, has added Tim Drake as the head of its talent management division in the U.K. Mr. Drake joins Hudson from AB InBev, where he was director of people continuity and led the talent management and succession strategy for Western Europe over the last five years.
Monster Introduces New Matching Tech
Online careers site Monster.com has launched its patented semantic 6Sense search technology, delivering matches for job seekers and employers. 6Sense powers a suite of search products including Power Resume Search, Candidate Spotlight and Seeker Job Search (Beta). “Hiring is fundamental to the economic recovery. Technology can play a significant role in helping businesses mitigate the
Towers Watson Study Shows Increased Hiring in 2010
The U.S. employment picture looks mixed at best in 2010, with hiring picking up at a majority of U.S. organizations even as some plan to continue making targeted workforce reductions, according to a new survey by Towers Watson, a global professional services company. The survey, which is based on responses from 118 mostly large employers
Kennedy Information Folds Executive Recruiter News
Fitzwilliam, N.H.-based publisher Kennedy Information LLC has ceased publication of its long running newsletter Executive Recruiter News (ERN), conceived by recruiting industry watcher Jim Kennedy in the 1970s. “Jim was a public relations executive at the time and he sought a simpler life away from the hustle of the big city, and identified the fledgling
The Buffkin Group Place CTO at EMMA
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Brad Sanders as chief technology officer for Emma. Mr. Sanders was previously with Co-Partners where he provided executive consultation. Based in Nashville, Emma is a web-based service for managing email marketing and online surveys. The search was led by Buffkin managing partner, Craig Buffkin. The Buffkin Group
Hewitt Associates Adds to Board
Hewitt Associates, Inc., a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, has elected Stacey J. Mobley to its board, serving as a member of the firm’s compensation and leadership committee. Mr. Mobley is currently senior counsel at Dickstein Shapiro LLP, a multi-service law firm, and was the former senior vice president, chief administrative officer and
HR Departments to Increase Budgets in 2010
Human resource buyers plan to increase their budgets by 25 percent in 2010 for corporate social networking tools, employee wellness programs, management and leadership development initiatives, performance management systems, and other training and development programs. The positive forecast was outlined in HRmarketer.com's latest report, “HR Buyers' Behavior: What to Expect in 2010.” The fourth annual
Interview: Weathering the Downturn in the U.K. — A Perspective from Anthony Harling in London
Anthony Harling is a U.K. national with experience living and working in various European countries. He speaks English, French, German and Spanish. Based in the London office of Eric Salmon & Partners, Mr. Harling focuses his senior level recruiting work on general management and director level searches for companies in the technology, consulting, FMCG and
Caldwell Partners Opens Dallas Office
Executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. has opened an office in Dallas which will be led by Jim Bethmann, who joins the firm as a partner. "The importance of establishing an office in the Dallas-Fort Worth region is obvious," said John N. Wallace, president and CEO Caldwell. "D-FW is home to 25 Fortune
Cornerstone International Expands in Italy
Global executive search firm Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Milan and appointed Pier Antonio Tavallini to serve as its managing partner. The firm added an office in Rome last June. Mr. Tavallini is the former leader of the Milan-based headhunting firm Solvers. “Today employers need not only recruiting, but above all,
Futurestep Adds Former Bernard Hodes Executive
Futurestep, a provider of talent acquisition solutions, has added Laura Eaton as a U.S. director of its RPO service delivery team. Ms. Eaton previously spent 11 years with Bernard Hodes Group leading its recruitment process outsourcing division, Recruitment Enhancement Services (RES). She also served as general manager of strategic staffing solutions. “Quality execution and service
Major, Lindsey & Africa Places Dean at UC Hastings College of the Law
Legal search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa has placed Frank H. Wu as chancellor and dean of UC Hastings College of the Law. The search was led by Martha Fay Africa and Steve John in MLA’s San Francisco office. “Despite California’s challenging fiscal situation, superb dean candidates were attracted to the opportunity represented by Hastings,”
Pedersen & Partners Names Head of Russia and Central Asia
Pedersen & Partners has appointed Gautier Vasseur as head of Russia and Central Asia. Mr. Vasseur has until recently led operations in Central Asia. He joined Pedersen & Partners in 2003, first working in Prague, then in Moscow and Almaty. Over the course of his career with the firm he has successfully completed over 200
Korn Ferry Survey Says Obama Not Doing Enough for Jobs
Executive Quiz results released by the Korn/Ferry Institute a day before President Obama's State of the Union address reveal that executives don't feel the current administration is doing enough to create jobs and stem the tide of rising unemployment. In the midst of a recession that has brought with it an additional seven million unemployed
Headhunting Activity Expected to Increase in 2010
Ninety-one per cent of executive search consultants hold a neutral to positive outlook for the executive recruiting business in 2010, showing renewed confidence as the headhunting industry gains momentum following the downturn. The 2010 Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) Member Outlook Survey totaled 268 responses from AESC executive recruiters worldwide. With 77 percent expecting
Interim Management Providers Merge
Rockpools Interim Management and Pinnacle PSG’s Interim Business have merged to form Pinnacle Interim Business. The newly merged organization will offer clients the strengths of Rockpools as a provider of top management interims for both the public and the private sector, and Pinnacle PSG's specialization in providing interims for key public service areas, particularly in
Martin Partners Places HR Exec at Intercall
Executive search firm Martin Partners has placed Dan Veytsman as vice president of human resources to InterCall, a billion dollar telecom services company. Prior to joining InterCall, Mr. Veytsman was the senior human resource manager at Tellabs. Chicago-headquartered Martin Partners provides executive search services to a wide array of industries.
Spencer Stuart Taps New CEO for U.S. Olympic Committee
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Scott Blackmun as chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). Mr. Blackmun joins the USOC from the law firm Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, where he was a partner and a member of the firm's executive committee. Founded in 1956 and privately owned, Spencer Stuart is
Pinstripe Expands Healthcare Advisory Board
Pinstripe, Inc., a human resources and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) company, has added Carrie Harris-Muller, the chief administrative officer for Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States region, to its healthcare advisory board. “Carrie's addition to our board is particularly valuable during this time of monumental change in the healthcare industry. Her experiences and insights will help us
Boyden Reorganizes Toronto Office
Boyden has reorganized its Toronto operations. Boyden Toronto will be led by Robert Travis, a board member of Boyden World Corporation. In addition, Brent Shervey will serve as a managing director in the firm's Toronto and Calgary offices. Doug Weir continues to serve the IT sector as a managing director in Toronto. "As global economic
RUSTON wheb Adds Consultants
London-based executive search firm RUSTON wheb has added Stuart Brown and Anne Duvaux. Both Mr. Brown and Ms. Duvaux will be responsible for leading the cleantech and renewable energy practice groups. Before joining RUSTON, Mr. Brown led the energy and natural resources practice and set up the renewable energy team at executive search firm Ellis
Kronos Releases WorkForce Mobile Scheduler
Kronos Incorporated has announced general availability of Workforce Mobile Scheduler, a mobile application that allows managers to instantly engage with employees using a variety of mobile devices. With Workforce Mobile Scheduler, managers can broadcast a text message to the mobile devices of employees who are qualified to fill an open shift. Once an employee accepts
ChampionScott Partners Adds Managing Director
Executive search firm ChampionScott Partners has appointed Kevin Kernan as managing director. Mr. Kernan, based in Washington, D.C., brings a 25-year career in sales, marketing, and executive management leadership roles to ChampionScott. He has served as CEO of investor-backed technology companies, raised capital from top-tier investor firms, and recruited executive management talent globally. Previously, Mr.







