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AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
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,
The Expanding CFO Mandate: From Scorekeeper to Value Creator
As business complexity increases across industries, the office of the CFO is experiencing a significant transformation. Traditionally focused on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are evolving into enterprise-wide strategic drivers—supporting growth, overseeing risk, enabling transformation, and acting as key partners to the CEO and board. With the CFO role increasingly viewed as a pathway to
The Philadelphia Fed Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New President and CEO
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. The Philadelphia Fed recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead in its search for a new president and CEO to succeed Patrick T. Harker. A committee
Unemployment Remains Little Changed in August
Employment rose by 142,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in August. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8 percent, and the number of unemployed people
Kaplan Partners Assists the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with CHRO Search
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, has helped to recruit Christopher W. Jackson as CHRO of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mr. Jackson joined the board’s human resources team and will serve as a member of the agency’s executive team. “Chris
Wilton & Bain Names Leader for Middle East and North Africa
Wilton & Bain has appointed Sami Zouehid to lead the firm’s Middle East and North Africa office. “I am absolutely delighted that Sami has chosen to join us,” said David Heron, CEO. “His values, drive, and sense of ambition directly mirror our own. He stood out head and shoulders aside other candidates we met in our
The Year of CEO Ousters
A CEO fired for a run of slow sales, another forced out due to their inability to regain the confidence of customers and other stakeholders, and a third who resigned because his cost-cutting strategy failed to improve profitability. It appears that 2024 is a year in which many boards have lost patience with CEOs, according
ZRG Acquires Linked4HR Solutions’ Executive Interim & HR Advisory Services
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Linked4HR Solutions’ executive interim & HR advisory services in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. With the acquisition the firm added Hicham Hachkal as managing director for interim and HR advisory. “We are
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo
Following a nationwide search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She will replace Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retires this month after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Providing direction, mentorship, and support to this team, Ms. Tisone will evaluate all processes with an
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Tristel
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Matthew Sassone as the new CEO of Tristel plc, a manufacturer of infection prevention products. He will replace Paul Swinney, the company’s founder and CEO of 30 years, who announced his plans to retire during 2023. Mr. Swinney will remain with the company for a suitable
Ferguson Partners Appoints Leader of Southwest Region
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has named Matt McAulay as managing director of the firm’s executive search practice in the Southeast region of the U.S. “Matt’s experience, values, and approach to client servicing align perfectly with Ferguson Partners, and his hire further enhances our reputation as the premier real assets talent management firm,” said William J. Ferguson, co-founder, co-chairman,
What to Consider When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
With the pace at which the global business world is moving forward, it has become crucial for every organization to have the right leadership and the winning team by their side. Every organization’s success hinges on having the most efficient executives strategically placed to outmaneuver the competition. But how to find the perfect pieces to
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CFO for Overtime
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners recently placed Alvin Lobo as the new CFO of Overtime in Brooklyn, NY. “Congratulations Alvin Lobo on joining Overtime as chief financial officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make here.” Mr. Lobo most recently served as CFO of mobile
Allen Austin Recruits CHRO for James Avery Artisan Jewelry
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has assisted in the recruitment of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer of James Avery Artisan Jewelry in Kerrville, TX. “We are thrilled to announce the successful placement of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a brand renowned for its
JamesDruryPartners Helps The Boston Beer Company Fill Board Position
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Chicago-headquartered JamesDruryPartners recently assisted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. with the recruitment of Joseph Jordan as a new
N2Growth Expands in the U.K.
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Richard Armstrong as partner in its London office. He will spearhead the expansion of N2Growth’s executive search practice across the U.K. focusing on executive search, board of directors, and C-suite searches. “We are thrilled to welcome Richard Armstrong to the N2Growth team,” said Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Richard’s
A Candidate Placed; One Year Into the Job
The Energists is a boutique executive search firm focused on the energy sector. Its client list is diverse across the energy industry, geographies, and business scenarios. A boutique, high integrity firm established in 1979, The Energists operates exclusively within the energy industry. Its staff comprises accomplished industry professionals and leaders, each with their own area
Caldwell Appoints CEO; Makes Other Senior Management Changes
Toronto-based Caldwell has appointed Chris Beck as president and CEO. He will succeed John Wallace, who will assume the role of executive chair. Additionally, the independent directors of the board have selected John Young as lead independent director. “The board and I have tremendous confidence in Chris, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares
Myers McRae Retained by Winthrop University to Lead CFO Search
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, to lead in its search for a vice president for finance and business and chief financial officer. Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, led the assignment, along with Jessica Thompson, associate vice president and executive search coordinator. As a leader for
Isaacson, Miller Seeking Chief People Officer
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently looking to hire a chief people officer. The firm is seeking a visionary chief people officer who can guide its people strategy and operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to influence organizational change, enhance employee experiences, and help shape a thriving, inclusive environment. Reporting to the president
Assembly Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Prometheus Group
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. Austin, TX-based executive
How Search Firms are Winning Through M&A and Unlocking Value
Talk to just about any executive search firm founder today and the conversation does not take long to come around to the topic of mergers and acquisitions. Over the last five years, M&A activity across the executive recruiting sector has reached fever pitch. “Consolidation among competitors has been reshaping the industry unlike any previous time,”
CFO Turnover Reaches Three-Year High
CFO turnover can have significant implications for a company, as these executives play a critical role in managing financial strategies, reporting, risk management, and overall financial health. A total of 163 new CFOs were appointed in the first half of 2024, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CFO Turnover Index. After slower starts to the
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Brand Officer for Eighth Day
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Alison Devine as chief brand officer of Eighth Day. Partner Lindsay Stevens, principal Courtney Schluender, and search manager Sarah Basto led the assignment. “Skincare brand Eighth Day sought a chief branding officer to create passion and loyalty among discerning consumers and build an iconic
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search
With over two decades of experience in the executive search industry, countless trends have impacted the way Grey Search + Strategy approaches their work. “Today, clients are navigating a complex web of emerging technologies, new regulations, changing workplace dynamics, and shifting company and candidate expectations,” the firm said. In this article, Grey Search + Strategy
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Summit Golf Brands
As organizations become more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. The Talent Studios recently recruited Thomas De Stio as the new chief marketing officer of Summit Golf Brands. Jeremy Cohen, Kelli Telling,
DHR Global Expands New Bangalore Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Srinivas Maddali as managing partner in the healthcare, life sciences, technology, and private equity practice groups. Based in DHR’s new Bangalore office, Mr. Maddali’s appointment supports the firm’s continued growth and expansion in India. As managing partner, he will assist Indian and multinational organizations in finding senior executive talent. “DHR’s
Advice to New CEOs Building Their Team: Lead with Purpose, Embody Culture & Be Decisive
In Spencer Stuart’s role supporting hundreds of CEO transitions annually, one of the most common aspirations they hear from incoming leaders is the desire to develop an executive leadership team of direct reports that is enterprise-focused, highly collaborative, accountable to each other and widely respected. This ambition is well-founded: Aligned leadership teams grow revenue more
E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Fills Board Position for American Eagle Outfitters
E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has partnered with American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. to identify and place Stephanie Pugliese on its board of directors. Managing director Elaine Hughes spearheaded the search with a personalized approach, tailored to meet the specific needs of American Eagle Outfitters. Her strategy focused on understanding the company’s
Sprockets Acquires HourWork
Sprockets, an AI-powered solution that helps businesses source, screen, and hire quality workers, has acquired HourWork, an AI-powered platform that focuses on post-hire engagement and increased retention. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This strategic acquisition allows Sprockets to expand its product suite, offering businesses staffing services that cover every stage of the
How Strategic HR Leaders Unleash Workforce Potential
The hot U.S. labor market has shown remarkable resilience in recent years. Despite gradual stabilization—driven by a decrease in job openings and recent upticks in the national unemployment rate—the tumultuous echoes of the Great Resignation and quiet quitting continue to disrupt industries. As the war for top talent wages on, hiring, retention, and employee engagement will remain top business priorities in the new
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Kearney Regional Medical Center
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Douglas Koch as the new CEO of Kearney Regional Medical Center (KRMC) in Kearney, AK. “Doug’s Midwestern roots, education and vast operational experience are an ideal fit for the Bryan Health administrative leadership team and to lead KRMC as it
TalentRise Expands Coaching and Leadership Development Practice
TalentRise has appointed Laura Barker as the new director of coaching and leadership development. “Laura’s profound expertise in leadership coaching and her diverse experience in various industries make her a valuable addition to our team,” said Kristen Fox Lampert, practice leader, coaching and leadership development of TalentRise. “We are confident that Laura’s contributions will significantly enhance
