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Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Southfield Capital Makes Investment in Metric Search
Private equity firm Southfield Capital has made a majority investment in Metric Search, Ltd., a specialized provider of talent solutions and human capital placement services for niche, high-growth sectors, including MedTech, life sciences, engineering, and data centers. “Metric has built a highly compelling platform by staying disciplined in its focus on specialized, high-growth sectors where
TM² Executive Search Retained by Philander Smith University to Find 15th President
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has been selected by Philander Smith University (PSU) to identify its 15th president. Located in Little Rock, PSU is one of Arkansas’ historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “This is a great time and opportunity to lead a historic institution nearing its 150th
Cook Silverman Search Seeking New CEO for the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area to lead in its hunt for a new CEO. The incoming leader will be responsible for pursuing the organization’s mission and strategic objectives, including growing the organization and strategic objectives including but not limited to growing the organization in
IMD International Search Group Adds New Member Firm in South East Asia
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has expanded South East Asia with the addition of Singapore-based Timeo – Performance. Founded in 2008 by Isabelle Larche and Fabien Mailhe, Timeo Performance operates in Asia (Southeast Asia and Greater China) with their headquarters based in Singapore. With their in-house team of experts in executive search and coaching /
Search Execution: Achieving Rapid Placement in Private Equity-Backed Healthcare
As a leader in the competitive landscape of talent acquisition, The Tolan Group (TTG) has maintained an average time to fill of just eight to 10 weeks for over five years — an achievement particularly noteworthy given that 90 percent of their placements cater to private equity-backed portfolio companies. This remarkable efficiency is a critical
HARTZ Search Helps Fill CFO and CEO Roles for Roper St. Francis Healthcare
After extensive nationwide searches, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has recently helped to recruitment of Rebecca Tucker and Joseph DeLeon as the CFO and CEO, respectively of Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC. “Joseph is a veteran in every sense of the word as he has excelled in healthcare management since 1991 and served our country as
Greenwood Asher & Associates Tapped by the University of Arkansas System to Find New President
The University of Arkansas System recently retained Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Julie Holley and Marion Frenche are leading the assignment for the search firm. The president reports to the board of trustees of the University of Arkansas and serves as the chief executive officer
FPC of Cambridge Announces New Leadership
F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC National), a nationwide network of over 60 franchised executive recruitment offices, has announced the new ownership of FPC of Cambridge, MA. Founded by Aline Wildes, the office will now be owned and led by Joellen Lane. FPC of Cambridge will continue to specialize in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, offering expertise and
ECA Partners Adds Private Equity and Financial Services Expertise
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has expanded with the addition of Evan Markgraf as senior director. The search firm notes that this strategic addition further strengthens ECA’s capabilities in serving private equity firms and their portfolio companies. “Evan’s extensive CFO network and recruiting expertise has strengthened ECA’s ability to meet the growing needs of
Hanold Associates Acquired By Creative Artists Agency
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has been acquired by entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Co-founded by Neela Seenandan and Jason Hanold, Hanold Associates recruits diverse corporate officers and board directors, with a significant focus on leading high-profile searches for chief people and HR
The Bruce Taps Isaacson, Miller to Find New Executive Director
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. As these positions grow more sophisticated and complex, the hunt for top-flight talent to fill these roles becomes all the more important. Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by the Bruce Museum (the Bruce) in Greenwich, Conn, to lead in its search for
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer for CellCentric
Chief development officers are crucial to life sciences organizations as they drive strategic planning and oversee the development of new products and therapies, ensuring alignment with market needs. They foster collaboration across research, regulatory, and commercial teams to streamline innovation and accelerate time to market. Finding these executives has kept executive search firms busy. Life
TalentRise Appoints President
TalentRise has appointed Peter Petrella as president. “Peter Petrella’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of TalentRise,” said Scott Stenclik, CEO of Aleron parent company of TalentRise. “As president, Peter will continue to elevate our capabilities and expand our impact across industries, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner
SpenglerFox Grows Global Life Sciences Practice
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Akim Gaagaa to the firm’s global life sciences practice. “In his new role at SpenglerFox, given our growing portfolio of agile and high-growth companies in the broader life sciences industry who are rapidly expanding across the globe, Akim will play a pivotal role
4 Trends Influencing the Future of Work
The last few years have created an urgent need for executive leaders to become adaptable and intentional in the face of both sudden and ongoing change. “As the workplace is continually being reshaped by these changes, there are several trends that demand the attention of these leaders, compelling them to evaluate and respond strategically in
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO for the Santa Barbara Zoo
Following a comprehensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Charles Hopper as the new president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. He will succeed Rich Block, retiring in January 2025 after 26 years of leadership. “Finding someone to succeed Rich Block was no small task,” said Jim Jackson, vice chair of the
Major Executive Search Places CEO at Sivers Semiconductors
Rancho Santa Fe, CA-based executive search firm Major Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Vickram Vathulya as president and chief executive officer for Sivers Semiconductors AB in Kista, Sweden. He succeeds Anders Storm. “Vickram’s leadership qualities and industry expertise are exactly what Sivers was looking for in this CEO appointment in order to accelerate
AIMS International Expands in France
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded its presence in France with the launch of AIMS France, led by Priscilla Motte. AIMS France, formerly known as BHC & Partners, brings experience in leadership solutions, particularly within the life sciences, technology, consumer, industrial, and automotive industries. “Priscilla and the AIMS France team bring expertise and a client-centric approach
Insights Into the Non-Profit Workforce
Non-profits as a whole are the third largest employer in the U.S., and as a result its impact on recruiting and talent is significant. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that non-profits often struggle with a narrow talent pool and geographic limitations, making it difficult to find candidates with both the required skills and a strong
Arts Consulting Group Recruits New Leader for Winsor Historical Society
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has assisted in the recruitment of Carrie Taylor as the new executive director of the Winsor Historical Society. Doug Shipman recently stepped down. Renée Danger-James led the assignment. “We knew we had big shoes to fill with Doug’s retirement,” said search committee co-chair Liz Burke. “We are just thrilled to have been
Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Role for the Bipartisan Policy Center
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paige Ennis has been named executive vice president of development and external affairs at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). “We are thrilled to welcome Paige to BPC,” said Margaret Spellings, president and CEO. “With her proven track record, she brings a wealth of experience in driving transformation and delivering organizational results. Her
Heidrick & Struggles Elects New Board Members
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has elected Vijaya Kaza and Timothy Carter to its board of directors as independent directors, effective immediately. The firm also announced that long-serving board member Lyle Logan will depart. Following these changes, the company’s board of directors consists of nine directors, eight of whom are independent. “We are thrilled to welcome
Comprehending Organizational Culture and Climate: Essential Elements for Effective Leadership
There are a number of different strategies that can enhance both culture and climate that will foster motivation and productivity amongst employees. Jeffrey Hanrahan, PhD, director of organizational optimization, TI Verbatim Consulting, highlights a few here in a recent discussion with Hunt Scanlon Media. “One is leadership development and modeling. Leaders play a huge role in
The Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Taps Academic Search to Find New Leader
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been retained by the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace to lead in its hunt for its 12th president. Joel N. Lohr, an awarding-winning author, scholar of religion, and transformative leader in higher education, stepped down from this position in July. Leading the assignment are Sharon D. Herzberger, senior consultant, and Carly
H.I. Executive Consulting Partners with Software Club
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (H.I.E.C) has formed a strategic alliance with Software Club (SWC), a fundamental business value research platform focused exclusively on the analysis of public and privately owned software and technology companies for private equity funds and professional investors. “This partnership is an opportunity for H.I.E.C’s network of world-class chairs, chief executives, private
IIC Partners Expands to Los Angeles in Partnership with B. Riley Farber
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded in Los Angeles through its affiliation with global member firm B. Riley Farber. “We are excited to see B. Riley Farber extend its exceptional executive search and interim management services to Los Angeles, further enhancing IIC Partners’ capabilities in the United States,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC
Adapting to the Evolving Candidate Landscape
Executive search consultants continue to say that the landscape of recruitment is experiencing profound changes. Driven by technological advancements, evolving workforce demographics, and shifting candidate expectations, the candidate marketplace today presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay competitive, organizations must adapt their executive search strategies to navigate these new dynamics effectively, according to a recent
TM² Executive Search Assists Prairie View A&M University Find New VP of University Advancement
After a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Shaw as the new vice president for university advancement of Prairie View A&M University. The search was led by managing principal, Dr. Dakota Doman and principal, Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett.
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Akebia Therapeutics
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently placed Erik Ostrowski as SVP and CFO of NASDQ-traded Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. “Chartwell’s biopharmaceuticals team was pleased to work with Akebia Therapeutics on this important search,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Erik Ostrowski on being named chief financial officer and chief business officer of the organization.”
SP&A Executive Search Recruits 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has helped to recruit Suresh Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona. The unanimous board vote follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A presidential search advisory committee and informed by robust community feedback. He succeeds Robert C. Robbins. “Dr. Garimella is student-focused and considers
NGS Global Expands in Brazil
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. In response to the growing client demand in Latin America, Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded in Brazil with the additions of Fernando Cesar and Giselle Moraes. “Both
Record Holding Periods for PE Portfolios Drive Urgent Focus on Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies
The median holding period for private equity-backed portfolio companies has reached 5.7 years, the highest since tracking began in 2000, according to Private Equity Info. With a record peak deal year in 2021, many portfolio companies are closing in on their exit timelines in the next few years. And, amid fluctuating market conditions and interest
