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McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
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
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







