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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
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 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
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
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
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have the
Executive Search in 2024: Challenges, Trends, and Hopes for a Hiring Resurgence in 2025
For many search firms in almost all industry segments, 2024 has been a tough year. There are many reasons for the recent downturn, and some firms have experienced a dip in revenues for even longer, according to Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and managing partner of The Tolan Group. “Lots of changes are on the horizon
CarterBaldwin Retained by Cassia for CEO Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been selected by Cassia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Associate partner Gerri Williams is leading the assignment. Bob Dahl, president and CEO of Cassia, formally announced his plan to retire in January 2026. The announcement of Mr. Dahl’s retirement sets in motion a carefully planned leadership succession process, with
DHR Global Recruits Chief People Officer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
TM² Executive Search Tapped by Texas Southern University Foundation for Two Senior Searches
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has been retained by Texas Southern University Foundation to lead in its searches for an executive director and financial controller. This search is being led by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Ndeh Anyu. “These
Flatiron Search Partners Names Chief Talent Officer
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Michelle Schreck as chief talent officer. “Hiring, onboarding, training, engaging, and retaining the best talent is no small task,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As we scale, we’re doubling down on these efforts to ensure not only that we have the best team, but
Talent Pattern Recognition: Navigating Workforce Challenges in Private Equity and Beyond
Scalable talent strategy is a workforce planning approach tailored to meet the evolving needs of organizations by integrating talent acquisition, development, and retention seamlessly. For executive search, this strategy is particularly critical as it prioritizes identifying and securing top leadership talent to drive organizational success. By leveraging data-driven insights, advanced technology, and adaptable workforce models,
Why Personal Branding Matters: Unlocking New Opportunities and Building Authentic Connections
Building a personal brand is a powerful way to establish credibility. Highlighting your unique passions allows recruiters to tap into a broader and more diverse talent pool. There are around 4.74 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.3 percent of the global population. With such saturated social media platforms, it has become vital to focus
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by Texas Christian University to Lead Search for Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Texas Christian University (TCU) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in a national search for a director of intercollegiate athletics. Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, is leading the search. “TCU has shown again and again that not only are we committed to competing at the highest levels of college athletics but that we already
The Hawkins Company Recruits CEO for The Inner City Education Foundation
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of TyAnthony Davis as the new CEO of The Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF). He succeeds Parker Hudnut who served as CEO for 13 years. Yonnine Hawkins Garr, William Hawkins, and Tisa Jones led the assignment. “Mr. Davis’ expertise and proven
Boyden Expands Search Staff
Boyden has named five new partners and one new principal. The firm added partners Ignacio Serra in Spain, Costas Verginis, in Greece, Marcus Hoffmann and Maximilian Bader in Germany, Suresh Lal in the United Kingdom and Giulia Teodori in Italy. Richard Schmidt joins the Boyden Sweden as principal to lead Boyden’s growth strategy in the Swedish market. “Boyden’s continued growth in Europe is a key part of our
The Registry: Transforming Higher Education with Deeply Experienced Interim HR Leaders
The need for HR transformations, a new report finds, is driving a dramatic rise in the number of interim CHROs being asked to provide strategic leadership in times of change. In just the first half of 2024, demand for interim CHROs matched the entire year of 2023, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ latest Fortune 1000 CHRO Trends data.
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







