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As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
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.
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
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?
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
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
Slone Partners Appoints Co-CEO
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has appointed Eric Fink as co-CEO and managing partner. “Eric is a tremendously talented business strategist who brings significant industry experience and compelling insights to our organization,” said Adam Slone, founder and chairman. “His efforts to establish Slone Partners as a leader in fractional search are creating new opportunities for our company and our
Herbert Mines Recruits CEO for Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Jason Potter as the new CEO of Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in Emeryville, CA. He will succeed Eric J. Lindberg, who has served as interim president and CEO since October 2024. Mr. Lindberg will work closely with Mr. Potter over a transition period, including meeting independent
The Registry Assists Georgian Court University with Interim President Search
The Registry, a Peabody, MA-based interim executive solution owned by ZRG, has assisted in the recruitment of Eugene J. Cornacchia as interim president of Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Cornacchia to Georgian Court University,” said Sister Michele Aronica, chair of the board of trustees. “His experience, leadership acumen, commitment
Bespoke Partners Grows Product and Technology Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Jay Nguyen as a partner in the product and technology practice. He will be based in Chicago. “Jay’s exceptional track record and passion for aligning technology executive recruiting with business objectives make him a perfect addition to our team,” said Ryan Bonner, partner and leader of Bespoke Partners’ product and technology practice. “His expertise in
How to Determine Return on Investment in Executive Search
Increasingly, decision-makers planning recruitment outsourcing and budgeting for the upcoming year are asking how to measure the return on investment (ROI) of hiring a new senior leader. This becomes even more challenging and crucial when executive-level recruitment is involved, according to a new report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF)’s Ewa Adamczyk, a partner at
Acertitude Recruits CFO for Momentum Manufacturing Group
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Sven Doerge as the new CFO of Momentum Manufacturing Group, a One Equity Partners portfolio company. The search was led by co-founder and managing partner, Kevin O’Neill, and principal, Dan Staats. Mr. Doerge is an experienced CFO and business leader with over 20 years of achievement driving growth, efficiency,
Holden Richardson Assists Shaw Development with CEO Search
Holden Richardson recently helped to recruit experienced industry executive Andrew Sexton as the new CEO of Shaw Development in Bonita Springs, FL. “His expertise in product development and multi-channel automotive supply chain positions him perfectly to lead Shaw Development forward,” the company said. Mr. Sexton most recently served as CEO of All Star Auto Parts, where
The Talent Studios Fills Top Marketing Position for United Sports Brands
The Talent Studios has placed Kyle Schlegel as senior vice president of marketing of United Sports Brands in Fountain Valley, CA. Jeremy Cohen and Serena Smith led the assignment. “We are thrilled to bring Kyle on to lead the United Sports Brands marketing organization,” said Phil Gyori, CEO of United Sports Brands. “He brings an incredible
Korn Ferry Names Chief Information Officer
Korn Ferry has appointed Michael LoRusso as chief information officer. He succeeds Brandon Johnson, who has retired from the CIO role after serving in this position for the last five years. “We are excited to have Mike join the firm,” said Robert Rozek, CFO and chief corporate officer, Korn Ferry. “He brings extensive IT knowledge and
Burnout in the Workplace: What the Latest Research Tells Us
Imagine a workplace where 80 percent of employees are experiencing burnout, with younger generations feeling the strain the most. How would this affect productivity, morale, and the overall success of the organization? New research reveals that this scenario is not far-fetched, serving as a wake-up call for executives. Employee burnout has become a widespread challenge,
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of St. Thomas to Lead President Search
Funk Associates has been retained by the University of St. Thomas to lead a national search for a new president. The school is looking for a dynamic and proven leader. Richard L. Ludwick, who has served as president at the University of St. Thomas-Houston since July 1, 2017, will step down from that role on
JBR Executive Search & Succession Opens Doors
Executive search and recruitment veteran Julie Biber launched search firm JBR Executive Search & Succession. The firm will offer services in executive level searches, both for agencies and in-house roles, and succession and pipelining for organizations. It will focus on the tech, CPG, food and beverage, healthcare, financial communications and services and public affairs industries.
Artico Search Completes Search for Cowboy Ventures
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Matt Meyer of Artico Search have assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Duffy as a partner in the investment team at Cowboy Ventures. “Caroline embodies Cowboy values, especially in understanding and practicing venture as a craft; as a great student of technology, collaborator, risk taker, and empath,” the company said in a release. “We’re thrilled
Key Hiring Trends For 2025
As we are now well into 2025, the future of hiring is shifting quickly, according to a report from Ontario-based executive search firm The Verriez Group. “To stay competitive, companies must engage passive talent, offer attractive salaries, and invest in career development,” the firm said. “Smart employers are adapting by prioritizing skills over traditional qualifications,
C-Suite Strategy Balancing Short-Term Results with Long-Term Vision
In today’s fast-paced business environment, C-suite executives are under increasing pressure to achieve quick results while also shaping sustainable, future-oriented organizations. This delicate balance between short-term performance and long-term strategic vision has become increasingly challenging as market volatility, technological disruption, and stakeholder expectations continue to intensify, according to a recent report from Slayton Search Partners.
5 Common Mistakes in Succession Planning and How to Avoid Them
Succession planning is more than a strategy—it’s the key to securing a company’s future. Yet even well-meaning organizations, brimming with potential, often misjudge how to execute this crucial process effectively, according to a recently released report from SGA Talent. Below, the executive search firm breaks down five frequent missteps in the succession planning process and, more importantly, how
Campbell & Company Recruits Executive Director for the American Nurses Foundation
Campbell & Company has placed Graig R. Eastin as the new executive director of the American Nurses Foundation. Senior consultant Joey Scheiber and managing director Kris McFeely led the assignment. “Graig is an advancement executive with over 35 years of extensive experience spearheading fundraising strategies that generated over $1.5 billion in contributions to date for leading academic institutions
Nolan Partners Assists Houston Texans Recruit Team President
Nolan Partners, an Excel Sports Management company, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Tomon as the new team president for the Houston Texans. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” said Cal McNair, chair and CEO. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in
Boyden Names Global Leader of Financial Services Practice Group
Boyden has appointed Lourdes Lopez as the new global leader of its financial services practice group. “With over 20 years of executive search experience across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, Lourdes specializes in financial services and technology, delivering C-suite talent for organizations of all sizes,” Boyden said in a LinkedIn post. “An entrepreneur and professor in
TalentoHC Acquires The PeterSan Group
Talento Human Capital (TalentoHC) has acquired The PeterSan Group and PeterSan Legal Staffing. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor to both organizations. The merger brings expertise in legal recruiting to TalentoHC’s customer experience model and comprehensive human capital services, including retained executive search, professional and management recruiting, RPO, staff augmentation,
WittKieffer Leading CHRO Search for the University of Tampa
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by the University of Tampa to lead in its search for a vice president, human resources, and chief human resources officer. Principal Sarah Palmer is leading the assignment along with consultant
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Bellevue College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Bellevue College to lead in its search for a vice president of institutional advancement. Bellevue College is seeking a strategic and visionary leader. This executive reports to the president and is the primary liaison between the college and the community, serves as senior spokesperson for the
Carrington & Carrington Leading President Search for the Southland Development Authority
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search is currently leading in the search for a new president for the Southland Development Authority in Chicago. The president will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO to execute the corporation’s strategic vision. This individual will be instrumental in managing operations, spearheading development projects, and nurturing stakeholder relationships to
Krauthamer & Associates Forms Alliance with AO People Partners
Krauthamer & Associates has formed a strategic alliance with AO People Partners to deliver comprehensive executive leadership solutions to organizations worldwide. This collaboration combines AO People Partners’ expertise in executive coaching, leadership advisory, and talent strategy with Krauthamer & Associates’ experience in executive search and board services. “We are excited to join forces with Krauthamer & Associates to offer our
What Public Companies and Private Equity Can Learn from Each Other
The factors contributing to a CEO’s success can differ significantly between private equity-owned companies and publicly traded companies. CEOs who have led in both public and PE-backed environments tell Spencer Stuart in a new report that private equity is more focused on fast value creation and a successful exit, which often stands in sharp contrast
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Stakias as chief development officer at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation in New York City. The assignment was led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. “We are delighted to welcome Lauren as our new deputy director, chief development officer,” said Mariët Westermann, director and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Recruits CEO for the San Diego Workforce Partnership
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has helped to recruit Rachel Bereza as president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Senior consultant BJ Davis led the assignment. The appointment follows an extensive nationwide search that attracted over 130 candidates. “Rachel’s appointment signals our county-wide commitment to bold, innovative solutions for San Diego’s workforce development industry.
True Launches Dedicated MedSci Functional Team
Global talent provider True has launched a dedicated MedSci functional team within its healthcare & life sciences practice. The firm explains that the MedSci team is designed to meet the growing demand for highly scientific, technical, R&D, and medical leadership across industries transforming healthcare and science. “The lines between discovery, treatment, prevention, and population health are
Options Group Names VP in Frankfurt
Options Group has expanded with the addition of Miguel de Almeida Freire as a vice president in Frankfurt. He will specialize in connecting senior-level candidates with private equity portfolio companies. “I’m proud to join Options Group, a premier global recruitment search firm,” Mr. de Almeida Freire said in a LinkedIn post. “I’ll be focusing on expanding
AI and the Workforce: Navigating the Balance Between Productivity and Uncertainty
Imagine your job evolving overnight, powered by a machine that learns faster than you. Not only does it transform how you work, but it also enhances your performance and helps you reach your full potential. It’s no wonder there are mixed feelings when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from
N2Growth Recruits CFO for Medtronic
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed Thierry Piéton as the new CFO of NYSE-traded Medtronic in Galway, Ireland. Brian Greer led the assignment. He will report to Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer Geoff Martha and will join the Medtronic executive committee. “Thierry is a strategic, creative, operationally focused, experienced CFO with a
