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Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
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. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
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,
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
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
SearchWide Global Names Global Head of New Division, SearchWide Connect
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has appointed Wendy Moran as the global head of its new division, SearchWide Connect. “This strategic move comes as part of the firm’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for swift and high-quality mid-level management placements in all sectors currently being served in the retained search division,” the search firm said. “We
Signium Expands in France
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of three new partners in France. The new partners include Pascal Moreau-Luchaire, managing director of PG&C Consulting, Alexandre Trotto, director at Hajime RH, and François Barbier, founder of FB Consulting. “France has always been a strategic market for Signium and we are delighted to welcome such experienced and successful individuals to the Signium
Unveiling the CEO’s Ultimate Role: Why Ensuring the Right Leader is Key to Organizational Success
Many have debated the single most important role of a CEO, often focusing on strategy, culture, vision, and shareholder value. Nobody could so precisely synthesize the unending responsibilities of a CEO into a single most important role. However, Price Harding and CarterBaldwin believes there is one … Mr. Harding explains that a simple search of
The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Ideal Image
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Monna Nevils as the new chief people officer of Ideal Image. Managing partners Nat Schiffer and Ayla Maloney led the assignment. “Leadership transitions can present both challenges and opportunities,” said Mr. Schiffer. “Recently, I had the privilege of collaborating with the interim CEO
ON Partners Expands Search Staff
ON Partners named Chris Clements and Ashley Day as partners. Based in San Francisco, Mr. Clements is an experienced search executive with expertise in energy transition, climate tech, industrials, and software sectors. “Chris’ passion and expertise make him an invaluable asset to our team,” said Bryan Buck, partner. “His experience enhances our focus on technology and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Partners with Bryan & Jordan Consulting
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has formed a partnership with Bryan & Jordan Consulting LLC, a Richmond, VA-based consulting firm focused on historical organizations, museums, libraries, and educational institutions. “With this collaboration, we can better serve public history and education clients through our partnership with specialized consultants with deep, industry-specific networks,” said Doug Trout, CEO at DRiWaterstone.
When Ghosting Reappears to Haunt Your Career Opportunities
Every time a person makes a decision to not do the right thing regarding the search for a new job or trying to change careers, it will come back to haunt them, according to Russ Riendeau, Ph.D., senior partner and chief behavioral scientist with New Frontier Search Company. “The trail of evidence around a lack of self-awareness, common
Harris Search Associates Assists Simmons University with Search for New Dean
After a comprehensive search process, Harris Search Associates assisted Simmons University in the recruitment of Ammina Kothari to serve as the new dean of the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Jeffrey Harris and Jon Schwantes led the assignment. The appointment of Dr. Kothari follows an expansive search which included vetting more than 60 candidates.
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Fairview Health Services
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with
Academic Career & Executive Search Places CEO and Dean, School of Nursing at Tarleton State University
Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed John Michael Leger as chief executive officer and dean, school of nursing at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “Dr. Leger is well-equipped to lead our School of Nursing, having over 20 years of experience as a
L.Maxwell Global Appoints New CEO
Executive search firm L.Maxwell Global has named Kevin P. LeCompte as CEO. “As a private equity operating partner and former CEO of one of the country’s largest private equity backed staffing and professional services firms, Kevin LeCompte understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing leaders in human capital,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder of L.Maxwell Global.
Understanding Organizational Culture
Culture is a complex construct and, as you’d expect, measuring it is equally as complex. The best approach to understanding a company’s culture is by taking a holistic measurement approach, according to Jeffrey Hanrahan, Ph.D, director of organizational optimization, TI Verbatim Consulting, a culture assessment and DEI-oriented consulting firm. “This includes a combination of survey
BarkerGilmore’s 2024 Compliance Compensation Report: Rising CCO Pay and Gender Pay Gaps Highlight Industry Trends
As a compliance professional, how does your compensation benchmark against that of your peers? How can your organization leverage compensation to create a competitive advantage within its compliance department? To answer these questions, BarkerGilmore has released its 2024 Compliance Compensation Report. The report reflects changes in chief compliance officer (CCO) total compensation, factoring in salary,
SearchWide Global Recruits Executive Director for the Alaska Raptor Center
After an extensive six-month national search, SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Carol Bryant-Martin as the new executive director of the Alaska Raptor Center. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, led the assignment. “We conducted a national search and are thrilled to welcome Carol and her family from Tallahassee, Florida,” said Roger Hames, board chair. “She
RH Perry & Associates Recruits First VP of People, Culture and Equity at Holyoke Community College
RH Perry & Associates has helped to recruit Marlowe Washington as the first vice president of people, culture, and equity at Holyoke Community College. Senior consultant Jessie Thompson and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer, led the assignment. “I am very excited about the hiring of Dr. Washington as our inaugural vice president for people, culture, and
Taylor Bennett and Birchwood Knight Merge to Create New International Search Firm
Taylor Bennett and Birchwood Knight have joined forces to create a new international search firm, Taylor Birchwood. Merged firm will be jointly led by Taylor Bennett’s managing partner, Matthew Wall and Birchwood Knight’s founder and managing director, Wayne Reynolds. The firm will focus on finding senior talent in corporate affairs, communications, government relations, investor relations, and adjacent disciplines. They will recruit
Recruiting Women in Asset Management
As an executive search practice led by women, Jamesbeck has been on the front lines of recruiting qualified, diverse leaders in the investment management industry for the past 22 years. When economic historian and labor economist Claudia Goldin was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences last year for her work on the gender
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Empower AI
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Jennifer Sample as the new chief technology officer of Empower AI in Reston, VA. The assignment was led by director Jonathan Rice. “Federal agencies know the importance of emerging technology when it comes to operational performance, but they need a trusted partner,” said Jeff Bohling, CEO of Empower AI. “Dr. Sample
Herbert Mines Associates Assists PacSun with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Aina Konold as the new CFO of PacSun. She succeeds Russell Bowers, who was appointed chief operating officer of the company last year. “We are pleased to welcome Aina Konold to our leadership team as Pacsun’s new CFO,” said Brie Olson, CEO
20/20 Foresight Launches ESRA
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has launched of Executive Search Research Assistant — known as ESRA — a proprietary technology developed by the firm that improves candidate identification and research process. A cornerstone of any successful executive search firm is the ability to efficiently and accurately identify both active and passive candidates and match them with
August Leadership Creates Media & Entertainment and Legal Practices
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has added two new specialized practices: media & entertainment and legal. Leading these new practices are partners Marina Paganucci, John Zaffarano, and Glenn Tannous. Ms. Paganucci and Mr. Zaffarano have joined the firm to lead the media & entertainment practice which spans leadership and talent within film, TV, streaming, VFX, VR/AR, video games, eSports, live events, sports, and gaming. “Our
