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Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Bain Data Signals a More Selective Hiring Market
Bain & Company’s Global Job Market Trends report shows a synchronized global slowdown in hiring activity. Job postings declined across all major markets, with the U.S. down 32 percent, Germany down 34 percent, and India down 29 percent. Even sectors historically insulated from labor volatility, such as healthcare, saw meaningful contraction. The breadth of the decline
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
Navigating Multigenerational Workplaces Across Cultures
In today’s globalized business environment, managing a multigenerational workforce is both a challenge and an opportunity. With employees ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, organizations must adopt strategies that cater to the diverse needs, expectations, and working styles of their workforce, according to a new report from Cornerstone International Group Atlanta’s Anne Glenn. “This
Partnering with an Executive Search Firm to Recruit Higher Education Leaders
Executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media that the competition for superior, senior leadership talent is fierce. With the general shortage of executive talent, exacerbated by the pandemic, higher education institutions appear highly motivated to retain effective current leaders making counteroffers more prevalent than ever, and in some instances, extreme in their composition
Preng & Associates Fills Board Position for Unitil Corporation
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Houston-based Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jane Lewis-Raymond as a member of the board of directors at NYSE-traded
Envision Consulting Recruits Executive Director for The Children’s Collective
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has helped to recruit Charles Lee-Johnson as the new executive director of The Children’s Collective Inc., a non-profit human services corporation dedicated to the health and development of the youth and families of South Los Angeles. “The Children’s Collective’s staff and clients are excited to welcome Dr. Lee-Johnson as our new executive director,” said Jackie Kimbrough,
Wilton & Bain Appoints Managing Partners
Wilton & Bain has named Erin Callaghan and Tim Baker as managing partners in its European search business. “I am absolutely delighted to confirm the promotions of Tim Baker and Erin Callaghan to managing partner in our European search business,” said David Heron, CEO. “In addition to their roles leading our people & culture and go-to-market
A Look at How the CFO Role is Evolving
There has been a steady evolution in the CFO role. Today’s fittest are guided by wise and purposeful leadership, working with the CEO. But a volatile operating context is setting the CFO at the epicenter of a risk storm, and regulatory and ESG reporting are proving burdensome, according to a recent report from Amrop. “In the finance
TurnkeyZRG Assists the New York Jets with General Counsel Search
Professional sports teams are increasingly hiring general counsels to help navigate the complex legal and business landscape in sports today. These lawyers handle a wide range of responsibilities, from contract negotiations for players and staff to ensuring compliance with league regulations and labor laws. They also manage intellectual property issues, protecting the team’s brand and
BarkerGilmore Recruits Chief Compliance Officer for Atlantic Health System
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has helped to recruit veteran compliance professional Wayne McNulty as vice president and chief compliance, privacy, internal audit, and research integrity officer of Atlantic Health System (AHS) in Morristown, NJ. The search was led by Brittney McDonough, partner, and Katie Gilmore, managing director. “Wayne McNulty brings a rare
Rudish Health at Closing Stages of Chief Revenue Officer Search for Novant Health
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health was recently selected by Novant Health in Winston-Salem, NC, to lead its search for a senior vice president and chief revenue officer. This executive will provide centralized leadership for all revenue cycle functions for Novant Health. They will strategically oversee programs to ensure efficient operations of
SpenglerFox Adds Searchers International in Denmark to its Global Affiliate Partner Network
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has added Searchers International in Denmark to its global affiliate partner network. “We have been active on the Danish market for well over a decade already, and with the addition of Torsten Miland and his team at Searchers International, we are in a stronger position to serve our fast growing clientele across the
Redefining Talent Management: The Chief Talent Officer’s Role in a New Era
The world of work has shifted permanently. Recruiters say that today’s talent leaders face an environment marked by macroeconomic upheavals, demographic changes, and rapid technological advances—creating a landscape that is not just different but highly complex. Thriving in this new era calls for a holistic, forward-looking approach to talent management, according to a new report
The Critical Role of Human Capital in Assessing Founding and Leadership Teams
Evaluating founding and leadership teams of portfolio companies and acquisition targets has become crucial for investment and operating partners. As businesses grow and adapt to shifting market demands, the strength of the leadership team often dictates a company’s ability to scale and succeed, according to a recent report from N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm.
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by Empire State University to Find VP of HR and Chief Human Resources Officer
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Empire State University to lead in its search for a vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The executive will play a critical role in translating strategic vision into action. In this inaugural position, they
Bauer Harris Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Melissa Gebhard as the new chief operating officer of Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group in Winter Park, FL. The assignment was led by Bauer Harris founding partner, Jeff Harris. “Congratulations to Melissa Gebhard on her new role as chief operating officer with Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise
Odgers Berndtson Aligns U.S. and Canadian Businesses
Odgers Berndtson has announced that their businesses in the United States and Canada will implement a unified go-to-market strategy; thereby, further enhancing the firm’s ability to offer industry-specific expertise and market intelligence for clients operating on both sides of the border. As part of this alignment, the firm will continue to offer a full suite of integrated
A Look at How HR Teams Can Implement Successful Employee Retention Strategies
Employee retention has become an increasing priority in the current business climate. While human resource teams generally take center stage in the implementation of retention strategies, the role of executive leadership cannot be overemphasized, according to a recent report from Talento. “Success for HR initiatives and messages across the company requires strong executive support,” the
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief People Officer for Central States
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Arturo Towns as the chief people officer of Central States, a provider of metal building components, roofing, and building systems. The search was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and search consultant Ted Wieber. “Arturo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Central States Inc. as we reinforce
Lochlin Partners Recruits Chief Data and Analytics Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Ankur Jain as chief data and analytics officer of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our selected candidate, Ankur Jain, is an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience in both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer business models,” Lochlin Partners said. “Ankur will help propel the continued growth of St. Jude and
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments of the college and lead the institution to greater heights as it continues to provide quality educational programs and services.
DHR Global Adds New Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global expanded with the additions of Sarah Zielke and David Morgenbesser as partners. Ms. Zielke, who joins the firm’s Chicago office will also be member of the healthcare services & solutions and private equity practice groups. She brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a deep focus
Heidrick & Struggles Records 5.9 Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $278.6 million, a 5.9 percent increase compared to revenues of $263.2 million a year ago. The firm experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in the Americas and Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decrease in







