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When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
HR Leaders Take Center Stage as Companies Push to Scale AI Across the Enterprise
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, forcing leadership teams to rethink not only technology strategy, but how work itself is structured, delivered, and scaled. As adoption accelerates, companies are moving beyond early experimentation and pilot programs, with growing pressure to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. What was once a forward-looking initiative
Protis Global Appoints SVP of Business Development
Protis Global has expanded with the addition of Brian Smith as senior vice president of business development leading the adult beverage team. “We are excited to welcome Brian to our team,” said Bert Miller, chairman and CEO at Protis Global. “His unique blend of industry knowledge and commitment to building relationships will be instrumental in driving success for
Unlocking Potential: How AI Coaching and Strategy Are Transforming Personal and Business Growth
In an era where time is precious and personal development is increasingly valued, AI coaching has emerged as a powerful tool to accelerate goal achievement and personal growth. By combining real-time insights, data-driven strategies, and personalized guidance, AI coaching platforms and applications offer users an experience that is both customized and scalable, according to a
Vetted Solutions Assists the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants with CEO Search
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has helped to place James Edmund Datri as the new president and CEO of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC). He will start his new position at the beginning of 2025. An accomplished leader with a track record of transforming and elevating professional organizations, Mr. Datri was selected following a rigorous
Nexus Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for McColl Center
Following a comprehensive national search, Nexus Search Partners has helped to recruit Asa Jackson as the new president and CEO for McColl Center. “Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist and accomplished arts leader, emerged as the top candidate after a nationwide search conducted by McColl Center’s board of directors in partnership with Nexus Search Partners,” the organization
Kincannon & Reed Fills CEO Position for Topigs Norsvin
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Dick Hordijk as the new CEO of Topigs Norsvin. Principals Attila von Hankó and Michael Whitney led the assignment. ‘’We are very pleased with the appointment of Dick,” said Mark Tijssen, chairman of the
The Christopher Group Launches Continuum Talent Solutions
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has launched Continuum Talent Solutions, a new platform designed to empower independent executive search consultants. Continuum offers a seamless, end-to-end solution for consultants with established client relationships who aspire to run their own business without the complexities of back-office operations. “With the highest commission structure in
Achieving True Diversity: The Power of Inclusion and Evidence-Based Recruitment Strategies
Mercuri Urval is a global executive search and talent advisory firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm was founded in 1967. Today, Mercuri Urval works with more than 3,000 clients – across all sectors – in over 70 countries every year. It is the only global executive search and leadership advisory firm based in the
Noetic Search Tapped by Hands Across the Sea to Find New Leader
Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Noetic Search has been selected by Hands Across the Sea to lead in its search for an executive director. This leader will play a crucial role in driving the organization’s mission forward, overseeing program development, managing partnerships, and fostering community engagement to make a lasting impact. The executive director will also manage the
Cooper Coleman Seeking COO and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the East Coast Zoological Foundation
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) to lead searches for the organization’s first chief operating officer and their next chief philanthropy officer. This strategic expansion is integral to ECZF’s continued impact on conservation and community engagement, encompassing Brevard Zoo and the new Aquarium campus in Port Canaveral. “ECZF is a
The Moran Company Seeking New Leader for Ascendigo Autism Services
The non-profit sector is appealing because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on important social issues and contribute to positive change in communities, according to executive recruiters. Additionally, working in this sector often fosters a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfillment by aligning your career with your values and passions. This
Intersearch Worldwide Launches Sustainability Practice
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has launched its sustainability practice group. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to not only guiding our clients toward sustainable success but also embedding sustainability within our own operations,” InterSearch said. “As businesses worldwide face unprecedented environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges, the role
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search Today
Recruiting top talent today is more complex than ever. Return to work, the ban on non-competes, and the critical importance of company culture are changing the way we approach executive search. But these are not the only factors influencing recruiting practices, according to Alissa Henriksen, co-founder and co-president of Grey Search + Strategy. “More trends
JM Search Recruits CEO for unWired Broadband
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Matt Murphy as the new CEO of O2 Investment Partners-backed unWired Broadband in Fresno, CA. John Warrack and Jerry K. Fong led the assignment. “The appointment of Matt Murphy marks a new chapter in unWired’s
Lindauer Leading Chief Development Officer Search for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Lindauer was recently tapped by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) to lead in its search for a senior vice president and chief development officer. The assignment is being led by Libby Roberts, senior executive vice president, and Josh Maker, senior consultant. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is looking for a strategic and visionary chief development officer to lead
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief People Officer for the Union of Concerned Scientists
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently retained by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Doug Trout, CEO of DRiWaterstone, is leading the assignment. The chief people officer is responsible for developing and executing human capital strategy in support of the organization’s plan and strategic direction, specifically
The Forum Group Appoints Practice Director for Boston
New York City-based recruiting firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Matt Swett as the new practice director for Boston. In his new position, Mr. Swett lead the firm’s accounting and finance recruitment initiatives across the region, playing a key part in boosting its presence in Massachusetts. “Matt’s strong performance record and
Top 5 Hiring Trends for 2025
Whether you’re planning your talent acquisition goals or headcount forecasts, it helps to know the latest hiring trends. For instance, labor market dynamics shifted in employers’ favor in 2024, with workers more willing to remain in their current roles, strengthening talent retention, according to figures from LHH. But LHH’s research suggests this change in employee sentiment
Counteroffers in Focus: Risks, Realities, and the Road to Retention Success
When hiring executives, a counteroffer is a proposal made by an executive’s current employer to retain them after they have received an offer from another organization. It usually includes incentives like a higher salary, enhanced benefits, or a promotion to persuade the executive to stay. Counteroffers are a strategic move by the current employer to
m/Oppenheim Executive Search Recruits CEO for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has recruited Blake-Anthony Johnson as the new CEO of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation (NOJHFF). Don Marshall, who announced his retirement last year, will serve as a valuable resource to Johnson and staff during this transition. Mark Oppenheim, Dennis Hanthorn, Kevin Reddick, and Lee Kappelman led the assignment.
Allen Austin Recruits CEO for Stress Engineering Services
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has helped to recruit Justin Jarski as the new CEO of Stress Engineering Services, Inc. “This momentous hire marks the first time the company has selected an external candidate for this role, signaling an exciting new era of leadership,” the search firm said. “Justin brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing
Ernst & Young Acquires Jubilant
Ernst & Young (EY) has acquired Jubilant, an HR technology consultancy focused on implementing and supporting human capital management, payroll and workforce management systems. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “By welcoming Jubilant, EY U.S. gains even more credibility and capabilities within the HR technology and transformation business of our People Consulting practice,”
The Power of Executive Search: Redefining Leadership Recruitment for Lasting Success
Executive search is a tailored recruitment service dedicated to sourcing and securing top executive talent for leadership roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Unlike conventional hiring practices that depend on job boards or internal referrals, executive search provides a strategic, consultative approach to acquiring high-caliber leadership professionals. What sets executive search apart is
Cultivating Talent for Relevance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The fourth industrial revolution is happening now. Building on the foundation of the third industrial revolution—which was defined by advancements in cloud computing, big data, social media, e-commerce, and mobile technology—a new wave has emerged. This era is marked by the rise of the Internet of Things, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, according a
SearchWide Global Tapped by Visit Estes Park to Lead CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global was recently retained by Visit Estes Park in Colorado to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. Visit Estes Park is seeking an outgoing, supportive, and motivating leader to serve as the new CEO. The CEO is responsible for the efficient administration of
Herbert Mines Fills Another Board Position for Vera Bradley
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to recruit Ian Bickley as a new member of the board of director at NASDAQ-traded Vera Bradley, Inc. “We are pleased to welcome Ian to our board,” said Jacqueline Ardrey, president and CEO of Vera Bradley and an executive member of the company’s board. “Ian’s
Riviera Partners Launches Gaming, Entertainment, Media, and Sports Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has launched its gaming, entertainment, media, and sports practice. The new practice will be led by Greg Sherman, who joins the firm as a partner, and Matt Skiba, who returns to Riviera as a partner after a decade in executive
Workforce Confidence Wavers Amid Job Market Shifts
Workers today generally feel less confident about job security than in previous years, and several factors contribute to this. Vaco‘s Q4 Talent Pulse Report found a drop in confidence compared to the third quarter of 2024. But confidence levels in both job security and financial status were higher compared to last year. Forty-one percent of
Ways to Inspire and Motivate a Team to Exceed Expectations
Building a high-performing team is essential for private equity-backed companies aiming to surpass goals and achieve successful exits. In today’s competitive market, it’s no longer enough for teams to simply meet expectations; they must be motivated to consistently overperform, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Doing so requires not only a deep understanding of what
Academic Search Seeking New President for the University of Southern Indiana
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by the University of Southern Indiana to lead in its search for its fifth president. Jay Lemons, Stuart Dorsey, Jennifer Kooken, and Amy Bonsiero are leading the assignment. Ronald S. Rochon announced that he would be stepping down to become the president of California State University. The president is the
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Adapt Integrated Health Care
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently called in by Adapt Integrated Health Care in Rosenburg, OR, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Founder Sam Pettway and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. Greg Brigham will retire in May 2025, after 42 years of service and over a decade at Adapt. Dr. Brigham
ECA Partners Expands Search Staff
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has expanded with the addition of Robert Meara as senior director of industrials, distribution and services. “Bringing on Robby this year will continue to strengthen ECA’s presence within the Industrials and B2B services sectors,” said Burton Francis, managing director at ECA Partners. “We’re excited to see Robby drive new relationships
