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Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
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.
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
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?
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
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
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Prestige Scientific Appoints VP of Finance and Operations
Prestige Scientific has named Vanda Hart to vice president of finance and operations. “Vanda’s exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving our success,” said Stephen Provost, managing director and co-founder. “We look forward to her continued contributions as we embark on our next chapter of growth.” In her
A Changing Market Has AI and Cybersecurity Recruiters on Alert
The landscape of AI and cybersecurity recruiting is dynamic and constantly evolving. Executive recruiters say that there is a significant demand for skilled professionals in AI, including machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI researchers. Companies across various industries are actively seeking talent to leverage AI for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Meanwhile, with the
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Taps DRiWaterstone Human Capital to Find New Leader
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been retained by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Arlington, VA, to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Reporting directly to the chair of the board, the CEO of AFP is responsible for the overall strategic direction, governance, and leadership of the organization, driving its
TurnkeyZRG Assisting the Los Angeles Sparks with Head Coach Search
TurnkeyZRG has been tapped by the Los Angeles Sparks to spearhead their search for a new head coach. Managing director Billy King, Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, and Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, are leading the assignment. The three-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a head coach
Slone Partners Launches Fractional Talent Service
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has launched a new fractional talent service. This new service line is designed to complement the firm’s executive search practice, providing current and new clients access to a network of fractional talent comprised of hundreds of verified seasoned leaders and functional experts. These professionals are available on-demand to fill commercial, clinical development, financial,
Randstad Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Randstad has named Jesus Echevarria, chief client and talent officer, as chief operating officer. He succeeds Chris Heutink starting on January 1. The supervisory board and Mr. Heutink have jointly agreed that he will officially step down from the executive board at the annual general meeting in March 2025 and Mr. Echevarria nomination as an executive
Forging Strategic Alliances: The Collaborative Efforts of PE Firms and Search Firms to Enhance Value
In the rapidly evolving landscape of private equity, the interplay between private equity firms and search firms has transformed dramatically. No longer confined to a simple client-vendor relationship, these interactions have grown into strategic alliances that are essential for success in a highly competitive environment, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. As the demand for
Parker Executive Search Seeking Director of Athletics for Villanova University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search was recently selected by Villanova University to lead in its search for a new vice president and director of athletics. The director of athletics is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, management and administration of the university’s athletic and recreation program, in addition to overseeing budgets, personnel, planning, fundraising, revenue generation, marketing, media
NU Advisory Partners Retained by USA Swimming for CEO Search
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) continue to collaborate with search firms to identify and recruit new talent for various roles, including coaching C-level roles, administrative roles, and other leadership vacancies. The latest, NU Advisory Partners has been retained by USA Swimming in Colorado Springs, CO, to find its next CEO. “NU Advisory Partners
Spencer Stuart Names Leader of the Global Technology, Media, Telecommunications & IT Services Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Emanuela Aureli as leader the global technology, media, telecommunications & IT services practice. “I’m excited to announce my new role as partner and global practice leader, tech, media, telco & services practice at Spencer Stuart,” Ms. Aureli said in a LinkedIn post. “To my clients, candidates and colleagues: thank you for your trust,
The Critical Role of Executive Leadership in Navigating Change
Executive leadership has long played a critical role in navigating organizational change, but the question remains, how do executives effectively lead people, and an organization, through change? A new report from Paul Frankenberg, founder and managing partner of Focus Search Partners, points to Warren Buffet, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “He is admired
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Openhouse to lead in its search for a director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI). Bryan Epps is leading the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, the new director will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI
Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Development Officer for Rainforest Flow
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is Job No. 1. Following an extensive national search,
NU Advisory Partners Appoints Partner
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has expanded with the addition of Matt Levy as a partner. “Matt’s deep knowledge of talent markets, combined with his curious and analytical approach, aligns perfectly with NU’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients,” said Nada Usina, co-founder and CEO. “We’re excited to see the impact Matt will make as a trusted advisor
The Barton Partnership Forms Alliance with Strategy in Action
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has formed alliance with Strategy in Action, a leader in the field of strategy formulation and execution. “We are delighted to partner with Strategy in Action to offer our clients a comprehensive and innovative approach to strategy,” said Oliver Phoenix, managing director EMEA. “By integrating SiA’s platform
Bridging Leadership Gaps: The Journey from Education to Executive Search
People are often drawn to the executive search industry for a multitude of reasons. It could be due to their interest in talent acquisition and helping organizations find key leadership. For many, the opportunity to engage with diverse industries and build strong professional networks can be appealing. Also enticing is the potential for high earnings
Funk Associates Leading Searches for College of Charleston and University of Houston
Funk Associates has been retained by College of Charleston to lead in its search for a founding dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics. Willie Funk is leading the assignment. Separately, Funk Associates was selected by University of Houston to lead in its search for new dean of its prestigious C. T. Bauer College of
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for General Catalyst
Carlos Cata and Anna Power of Caldwell have assisted in the recruitment of Arielle Gross Samuel as chief marketing and communications officer of General Catalyst. She succeeds Jennifer Zimmerman, who will remain as a consultant with the company. “Arielle’s rich experience across both technology and finance brings to the forefront the impact these sectors have on
Egon Zehnder Expands in Canada with New Vancouver Office
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has opened a new office in Vancouver, British Columbia. The expansion comes on the heels of opening a Seattle office last year and reflects the firm’s efforts to serve clients across the Pacific Northwest. “We are thrilled to expand our footprint into Vancouver, a city known for its innovation and unique, vibrant business
Livingston James To Fill Several Senior Roles for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Livingston James has been tapped to launch searches for the leadership team for the “sustainable” 2026 Commonwealth Games. The firm will spearhead efforts to find a CEO, chief operating officer, chief finance and corporate services officer, chief information officer, chief marketing and communications officer, and several non-executive directors. The selected candidates will be responsible for shaping
Understanding Executive Search Pricing
Executive search pricing can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the search, the level of the position being filled, and the specific services offered by the search firm, recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Generally, firms charge a retainer fee, which is a percentage of the estimated first-year compensation for the position.
PFM Executive Search Seeking CEO for Bright Health
PFM Executive Search has been retained by Bright Health to lead in its search for a new CEO. Partners Allison Rzen and senior consultant Suchin Pawa are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the chair of the board, the CEO is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the organization including the development and ongoing refinement of
TritonExec Recruits CHRO for Ness Digital Engineering
London-headquartered executive search firm TritonExec has assisted in the recruitment of Elizabeth Rafferty as the new chief human resources officer of Ness Digital Engineering in New York City. “Congratulations to Elizabeth Rafferty on being appointed as the new CHRO of Ness Digital Engineering,” TritonExec said in a LinkedIn post. “At TritonExec, we’re excited to have supported Ness
Catalyst Advisors Expands Search Staff
Catalyst Advisors, a boutique executive recruitment and assessment firm specializing in the broader life-sciences sector, recently added Jane Vaynerov as a new director working out of its Los Angeles office. “Jane’s unique experiences and the expertise she has built within the life sciences industry will bring immense value to our firm and our clients as we continue to
General Counsel Compensation Jumps 25 Percent Since 2019, Reflecting Rising Demand for Legal Expertise
According to Equilar‘s 2024 General Counsel Pay Trends report, compensation for general counsel has skyrocketed nearly 25 percent since 2019, reaching a median total of $3.3 million in 2023. The report, based on an analysis of the Equilar 500 — the 500 largest U.S. companies by revenue — reveals that the median total compensation for general counsel
Nexus Search Partners Recruits Director of Talent for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Taylor McKenzie as the new director of talent at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company. “Charlotte Pipe has a long-standing tradition of prioritizing their workforce and the hiring of this role is further evidence of the company’s commitment to
Vetted Solutions Seeking CEO for CoreNet Global
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions was recently retained by CoreNet Global to lead in its search for a new CEO. Angela Cain recently stepped down. CoreNet Global’s next visionary, change agent CEO will build and engage the diverse global community of corporate real estate professionals whose perspectives, expertise, and innovation are shaping the ever-evolving nature of work,
BoardWalk Consulting Tapped by the National Endowment for Democracy to Lead Chief People Officer Search
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Director Michelle Hall and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. NED seeks a skilled and visionary chief people officer to join its leadership and drive organizational change to support its urgent mission. As
Korn Ferry Expands Interim Talent Operations into France
Korn Ferry is expanding its interim talent operation into France. As part of this expansion, the firm appointed Laurent David to lead this solution in France. He is located in the firm’s Paris office. “Organizations today continue to pursue a blended approach to acquiring talent,” said Michael Distefano, CEO, global professional search and interim at
Strengthening Your Employment Brand to Attract and Retain Top Talent
Why should a high-performing employee who is head down, working hard, not looking for change, and doing a great job for your top competitor come to work for you? If your words don’t yet paint a very compelling why, you’ve got work to do, according to a recent report from Allen Austin’s Rob Andrews. “Short of
Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent as Employers Add 245,000 Jobs
Employment rose by 254,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.8 million in September. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8 percent, and the number of unemployed people
