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Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
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,
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Rachal as the new chief human resources officer and senior vice president of people and culture of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Hanold Associates’ Val Lopez, Meg McElroy and Catie Nelson led the assignment. The search, selection and hiring process was facilitated through a partnership with
McDermott + Bull Assists Inari Medical with CTO Search
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Irvine, CA-based search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking CFO for the City of North Miami Beach
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the City of North Miami Beach to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. The search is being led by senior consultant Barry Bratton and senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn. The CFO is a senior management role that reports directly to the city manager.
Riviera Partners Establishes Cybersecurity Practice
As companies innovate to combat the growing complexity of cyber threats, organizations across all industries are facing unprecedented security challenges. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread, companies are under immense pressure to secure their infrastructure and protect sensitive data. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for experienced, technical leadership has never
Integrating Business and Talent Strategies: How Diagnostics Fuel Growth
As organizations face change, growth, and new leadership, one key question often arises: Is our talent strategy aligned with our business goals? A talent diagnostic assessment helps business leaders and boards understand how their current talent strategies support – or hinder – business growth, according to a just release report from DHR Global’s David Sheahan
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for Cancer Research Institute
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has recruited Alicia Zhou as the new CEO of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). She succeeds Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, who led CRI with distinction since 1993. CRI’s board of trustees, with the help of NU Advisory Partners, led a sustained and comprehensive search to identify the organization’s new CEO. Nada Usina, Meredith
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Seeking New Leader for Americans for the Arts
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Managing director Anne McCarthy, vice president Chartise Clark, senior search associate Nikki Lynch, and senior search coordinator Kaley Blaszinski are leading the assignment. The well-publicized departure of its long-serving CEO in 2021 was followed
Talent Connections Tapped by Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
Executive recruiting firm Talent Connections, LLC has been retained to lead an operations manager search with Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa in Blairsville, GA. This role is pivotal in ensuring exceptional guest experiences, smooth operational workflows, and a thriving workplace culture. Talent Connections notes that the ideal candidate will reside in the North Georgia area and have a passion
Eric Salmon & Partners Appoints CEO
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has appointed Jean-Etienne Boisseau as new CEO. He succeeds Raoul Nacke, who has led the firm for the past seven years. “Jean-Etienne’s strategic vision and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with our company’s values and long-term objectives,” said Mr. Nacke. “He is a perfect choice
CHRO Turnover Stabilizes as Gender Diversity Increases
CHRO turnover is showing signs of stabilizing, with only 39 global public company CHROs stepping down in the second quarter of 2024—down from 50 in the second quarter of 2023, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates. These figures reflect CHROs from the world’s largest indices, including the ASX 200, FTSE 100, FTSE 250,
Unlocking Potential with Executive and Leadership Coaching
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the demand for effective leadership is more pressing than ever. But what exactly is leadership coaching, and why is it gaining traction among executives and organizations worldwide? At its core, leadership coaching is a commitment to a thought-provoking and creative journey, says a recent report from TalentRise’s Laura Barker. It’s not
The American Nurses Association Taps Campbell & Company to Find New Leader
Campbell & Company has been called in by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Vice president of executive search Colleen Rogers, senior consultant Joey Scheiber, and managing director Kris McFeely are leading the assignment. The executive director provides visionary and strategic leadership in partnership with the ANA enterprise
LHH Knightsbridge Tapped by the City of Toronto to Find Head of Customer Experience
LHH Knightsbridge has been retained by the City of Toronto to lead in its search for an executive director of customer experience. Partners Laura Machan and Stephen Hime are leading the assignment. The search firm is seeking an experienced customer service leader in large, complex, multi-channel environments with demonstrated commitment to excellent service delivery. The customer experience division
Kestria Expands in Panama
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Arden & Price Inc. in Panama as a new member firm, strengthening its presence in Central America. “As the premier global alliance of top-tier executive search firms, we are committed to delivering deep market insights across all key regions,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria global alliance director.
The Ultimate Guide to Assisting CFOs — From Recruitment to Reaching Growth Goals
Today’s CFO serves as a strategic leader, guiding the organization in financial planning and risk management while aligning financial goals with overall business objectives. They leverage data analytics to drive informed decision-making, collaborate with other executives, and ensure transparency with stakeholders. However in recent years, the CFO role has shifted from being primarily focused on
Massey Henry Recruits CFO for Peoples Group
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Tim Wilson as the new CFO of Peoples Group. Current CFO Samson Lim is retiring later this year. “Massey Henry is pleased to have once again served as a trusted partner of Peoples Group — this time in the appointment of Tim Wilson as chief financial
Kirby Bates Associates Assists South Denver Gastroenterology with COO Search
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates has placed Troy Keach as the new chief operating officer of South Denver Gastroenterology, P.C. Leading the assignment were Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter, and Mr. Keach, who is Kirby Bates’ vice president search services. Mr. Keach brings more than 20 years experience to his role. His healthcare career started
Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers Join Forces to Create CenterPeak
Legal search firms Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers recently formed a strategic merger combining the expertise and networks of Sabina Lippman, Clint Johnson, Mark Jungers, and their respective colleagues. The name of the new firm is CenterPeak. Combined, the two firms have placed more than 2,000 law firm partners and opened more than 40 offices
Fairway Consulting Group Appoints VP of Executive Search
Executive search firm Fairway Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of Brennan Clark as vice president of executive search. “As we further expand our business globally, we are excited to welcome Brennan to our leadership team,” said Dan Gold, president of Fairway Consulting Group. “Our clients will benefit from his unique experience and insights.” Mr. Brennan
ZRG Acquires Bravanti
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Bravanti, a Chicago-based advisory firm specializing in services including executive coaching, executive team coaching, developing leaders, and outplacement/career transition services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bravanti brings expertise in three key areas: executive coaching, leadership acceleration, and outplacement career transition,”
Bespoke Partners Forms Alliance with Alphaskill
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has formed an alliance with Alphaskill, a U.K.-based executive search and deal advisory firm. The partnership is intended to enable private equity firm portfolio companies to accelerate execution on geographic expansion strategies. “We’re seeing an increase in European companies looking to expand into the U.S. and hire their first U.S country
Buffkin / Baker Assists Augusta University with President Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the recruitment of Russell Keen as the new president of Augusta University. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. Her appointment follows an announcement last fall by AU president Brooks Keel, that he would retire following the 2023-24 academic year, ending a 40-year career in higher education. Reporting to the
TRANSEARCH International Opens New Office in South Korea
TRANSEARCH International has opened a new office in South Korea. Heading the new office is managing partner JH Baek. “This addition is a significant milestone for us, as it strengthens our presence in a key market that is critical to the growth and development of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH International. “South
Executives Prioritize Financial Rewards Over Job Titles
Despite evolving workplace trends emphasizing holistic motivators, reports continue to find that executives prioritize monetary incentives as a key validation of their efforts and value. Additionally, while company culture and alignment with organizational missions are important, Cowen Partners Executive Search’s Annual State of Executive Employment Survey found that executives place a stronger emphasis on competitive pay
Villanova University Retains WittKieffer to Find VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by Villanova University to lead in its search for a vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (VPDEI). Leading the assignment are consultant Charlene Aguilar, senior associate Sandra Chu, and senior partner Robin Mamlet. The VP for diversity, equity and inclusion is a member of the president’s cabinet and reports directly to
Funk Associates Assists Purdue for Life Foundation with CEO Search
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Julie Dussliere, a Purdue alumna and longtime executive with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), as president and chief executive officer of the Purdue for Life Foundation. She was selected following a national search that included the assistance of Funk Associates and resulted in a large and
True Appoints Head of Talent Advisory in North America
Global talent provider True has named Tom Granado as the new head of talent advisory in North America. With his extensive leadership advisory background, he will collaborate with Debu Mishra, global head of talent advisory, to enhance the practice’s leadership impact. “Tom’s experience helping companies strategically define what clear leadership, successful talent management, and cultural alignment looks like will
TeamBridge Secures $28 Million in Funding
Workforce operating system TeamBridge has raised $28 million in a Series B round led by Mayfield, with participation from existing investors General Catalyst and Abstract Ventures. The new funds will be used to accelerate the product and AI roadmap, enhance client services, and continue to scale its enterprise-grade infrastructure. “Most tech companies are building for
Global Recruitment Outlook Steady for the Fourth Quarter Despite Year-Over-Year Decline
Global hiring intentions are holding steady for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25 percent, though outlooks remain weaker compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which gathered data from over 40,000 employers across 42 countries between July 1-31,
The Talent Studios Recruits CEO for ZICO Coconut Water
The Talent Studios has placed Chris Gallant as the new CEO of coconut water and hydration brand ZICO Coconut Water. Jeremy Cohen and Serena Smith led the assignment for The Talent Studios. Past CEO Tom Hicks will transition to chief commercial officer, continuing to lead ZICO’s sales and distribution efforts. “We are excited to welcome
Heidrick & Struggles Places Chief Marketing Officer for FloQast
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Ben Schechter as the new chief marketing officer of accounting transformation platform FloQast in Los Angeles. “Ben’s extensive experience in building and scaling marketing organizations, along with his proven ability to drive growth through innovative multi-channel strategies, makes him a valuable addition to the
