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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 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
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.
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
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?
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
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
Powering an AI-Driven Workforce
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise infrastructure, organizations are fundamentally rethinking how talent is identified, assessed, developed, and led. AI is no longer confined to isolated recruiting tools — it is reshaping leadership requirements, workforce planning, internal mobility, and how human judgment operates alongside intelligent systems. The challenge today is not whether to
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
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Genevive
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has helped to recruit Julia Crist as the new CEO of Genevive in Minneapolis, MN. Tim Frischmon led the assignment. “Driven by a commitment to improving access and affordability for underserved patients and a special passion for enhancing elder care services,” Genevive said. “Julia is particularly
H.I. Executive Consulting Partners with Boardwave
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has established a new partnership with Boardwave. Since its 2022 launch, Boardwave has become a mission-driven hub for the U.K. and European software industry, attracting over 1800 members. As a social enterprise offering free membership to CEOs and founders, Boardwave provides resources and support to drive the region towards global
Top 5 Leadership Trends Set to Define 2025
As 2025 approaches, emerging challenges and opportunities are driving the ongoing evolution of leadership trends. Executive recruiters say that the ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity is becoming more crucial than ever. Korn Ferry‘s Workforce Global Insights Report examines attitudes affecting employee sentiment and emphasizes the growing need for leaders to be agile
Managing Leadership Changes: Navigating Executive Departures in Your Organization
Executive turnover is a natural part of any organization’s evolution. Whether it’s due to retirement, a new career direction, or corporate restructuring, the departure of senior leaders can create challenges if not properly managed, according to a recent report from Kinsley|Sarn Executive Search. In this white paper, the firm explores the impact of leadership transitions, the
PierceGray Seeking CHRO for Ackerman Plumbing
PierceGray was recently called in by Ackerman Plumbing Inc. in Charlotte, NC, to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. With Shore Capital’s backing, Ackerman Trade Services is seeking its first CHRO to support its future growth agenda. This executive will build out policies, procedures, and systems to professionalize and lead the
Gallagher Executive Search Fills People and Culture Post for Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corp.
People and culture executives are leaders responsible for overseeing an organization’s people strategies, workplace culture, and employee experience. Their primary focus is to ensure that the company attracts, retains, and develops top talent while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Gallagher Executive Search recently placed Rhonda Cooper-Burgess as director of people and culture at Alberta
ZRG Expands Presence in Middle East
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has expanded in the Middle East with the addition of Hanan Alsaif as managing director – strategic account relations. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Hanan’s expertise as a practitioner and search professional in strategy, transformation, and HR is a great asset to
A Look at Executive Search in 2025
For decades, relationships were the cornerstone of executive search. “A strong network of C-suite executives and hiring managers could singlehandedly propel a consultant to success,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “Deals were often secured through trust and familiarity, forged during coffee meetings, networking events, or rounds of golf. This approach was effective
Are Counteroffers a Risk Worth Taking?
Should you take advantage of a counteroffer? If you’re on the job hunt, a counteroffer can be a tempting proposition, after all, what’s not to like about being offered a competitive salary raise or promotion, explains Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group in a recent report. “While these enticing incentives may make you feel valued, a counteroffer
