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Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
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,
Juicebox Secures $80 Million in Funding at an $850 Million Valuation
AI recruiting platform Juicebox has announced $80 million in Series B funding at an $850 million valuation led by DST Global, with meaningful participation from Sequoia, Coatue, Y Combinator, NFDG, and Verified Capital. The company has tripled ARR since its Series A in July 2025, and now serves 5,000 customers spanning fast-growing technology companies and
Norman Broadbent Expands in Scotland; Opens Second Office in Edinburgh
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, has more than doubled its headcount in Scotland and opened a second office in Edinburgh amid continued growth. Since establishing its physical footprint in Aberdeen, Norman Broadbent has opened a second office on Alva Street in Edinburgh’s West End and hired an additional seven staff
When to Start the CEO Succession Planning Process
Boards are often reluctant to engage CEOs on their inevitable departure—even when the event may be imminent. Orchestrating succession timing feels like a complicated, delicate maneuver, even though discussing it should be part of business as usual, according to a new report from Egon Zehnder’s Kati Najipoor-Smith and Frank Heckner. “Highly effective boards ensure that
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Meiogenix
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Ricardo Garcia de Alba as CEO of Meiogenix, Inc., an agriculture biotech company that develops disruptive new products based on its proprietary chromosome editing technology. He will succeed Luc Mathis, who has led the company
A Guide to Serving on a Search Committee
Search committees harness a range of perspectives to determine or advise on who will be placed in critical leadership roles. In offering their time, wisdom, and points of view during periods of change and transition, members of a search committee work together not only to fill a position but to build a bridge from one
SearchWide Global Seeking New Leader for Visit Florida Keys
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been selected by Visit Florida Keys to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is spearheading the assignment. The CEO of Visit Florida Keys oversees the use of the tourism development taxes (TDT) collected in Monroe County, FL, through the Tourist Development Council
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Dean for Boise State University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been tapped by Boise State University to lead in its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The next dean must have a growth mentality and future-oriented outlook for the acquisition and allocation of resources to address strategic goals that position the
Caldwell Posts 12.8 Percent Revenue Gain
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q3 revenues of $29.5 million (Canadian), a 12.8 percent gain from the same period a year ago. “Our team delivered significant revenue growth in the third quarter,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “Caldwell saw an 77 percent increase in professional fees over our second quarter, which we are attributing to two factors. First,
The Moran Company Tapped by Options for Supported Housing to Find New Leader
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by Options for Supported Housing to lead in its search for a new executive director. Ann Graff, senior search consultant, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for leading the organization in conducting and facilitating operations, working to market
AI to Inject Rigor, Value and Agility into the Talent Game
More than 75 percent of CEOs predict that AI will change their businesses in the next 36 months. That means the very structure of organizations and their future talent demands are in for one massive jolt. It also begs the larger question: What changes are in store for recruiters and talent acquisition leaders as AI
Frederickson Partners Recruits Interim Chief People Officer for SeekOut
Many changes in the workplace today are making it hard for companies to find and retain top senior-level talent. This has caused more organizations to look to interim leaders to fill talent gaps. Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Katie Coupe as the new interim chief people officer of
Bay Street Advisors Expands Investment Banking Team
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has expanded with addition of Rhona Crockett as a key member of its investment banking team. “Rhona’s extensive experience and proven track record in the industry make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Larry Baum, founder and CEO of Bay Street Advisors. “Her expertise will significantly bolster our capabilities
Why Every Private Equity Portco CEO Needs a Chief of Staff
The role of a chief of staff has evolved from its origins in the military and government to become a pivotal position in the corporate world. Initially coined by McKinsey for the U.S. government, the chief of staff role has transitioned into the private sector, proving particularly invaluable in private equity portfolio companies (portcos). For
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Tapped by the San Diego Workforce Partnership to Lead CEO Search
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been selected by the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior consultant BJ Davis is leading the assignment. Following a competitive RFP process this spring, SDWP’s joint personnel committee selected DRiWaterstone Human Capital to lead the search due to the firm’s record
Human Capital Solutions Expands to Miami
Human Capital Solutions a boutique consulting firm specializing in retained executive search, professional recruiting, and professional coaching, has opened a new office in Miami. The addition of an office in downtown Coral Gables, FL, is what Human Capital Solutions’ CEO, Bo Burch, believes to be a necessary step in the growth of the business. “With offices
7 Ways To Build A Stronger C-Suite Leadership Pipeline
Hiring from within can often manifest itself in stagnant, slow growth environments. What PE operating partners have figured out is that talent – especially at the top of an organization – is the critical value creation lever. In case after case, that talent is injected from the outside. “When you need fresh insights, new approaches and a clear-eyed
Academic Search Recruits Provost for Aurora University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Paaige Turner as the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs for Aurora University. Maya Ranchod Kirkhope led the assignment. “Dr. Turner is an exceptional individual who embodies the enterprising, service-oriented, and creative academic leadership that defines our university,” said Susana Rivera-Mills, president
The ECI Group Adds BeecherHill as Newest Member Firm
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. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. The ECI Group, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added BeecherHill
Leadership Confidence Falls to Three-Year Low
During the three years that Russell Reynolds Associates has tracked leadership confidence, the world has faced a relentless cycle of multiple, conflicting, and often unpredictable issues. From the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and their destabilizing effects on the world, to inflation, rising interest rates, and the launch of ChatGPT igniting massive interest in
Borrer Executive Search Recruits CHRO for Teoxane
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
FMG Leading Introduces New Approach to Developing Next Generation Healthcare Leaders
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has unveiled a new approach to developing high-potential and next-generation healthcare leaders. “The data-driven, collaborative process has reliably delivered high value to healthcare organizations for more than four decades, preparing leaders to effectively navigate the industry’s most pressing challenges and yielding substantial, measurable results,” the company said. This process is
The People Side to AI in the Workplace
AI, including generative AI, will automate tasks humans perform today, giving us the capacity to focus on strategic and creative tasks which only humans can do—those that require intuition, experience, empathy and the other attributes which will continue to elude the “smartest” AI is indeed reshaping how businesses operate, but people will remain at the
Reffett & Associates Recruits 13th Architect of the Capitol
After an intensive, nation-wide search a bipartisan coalition from the United States Congress has named Thomas Austin as the nation’s 13th Architect of the Capitol. Seattle, WA-based Reffett & Associates assisted with the search. The assignment was led by Marshall Reffett, managing director in Seattle, and Washington D.C., along with assistance from the entire Reffett &
Employers Add 206,000 Jobs in June
Employment rose by 206,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate rose 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 June. Job gains occurred in government, healthcare, social assistance, and construction. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult women
A Look at How Data-Driven, Tailored Search Drives Growth in Today’s Market
Executive search has entered a new phase of evolution. Recruiters say that while old-school search firms across the industry continue to ply the same old trade they always have, a new breed of search is producing outsized returns for clients. “At Bespoke Partners, we are at the forefront of this evolution,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO
Preng & Associates Recruits CEO for Kimmeridge Texas Gas
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of David Lawler as CEO of Kimmeridge Texas Gas (KTG), an affiliate of Kimmeridge. “We welcome David to the Kimmeridge Texas Gas team as it enters a compelling new era of growth, while accelerating carbon neutrality through the development of environmentally responsible, low-cost energy assets,” said Ben Dell, managing partner of
The Energists Assists Covenant Testing Technologies with CFO Search
Houston, TX-based executive search firm The Energists has helped to recruit Scott McReaken as the new CFO of oilfield services and equipment (OFSE) business Covenant Testing Technologies (CTT) in The Woodlands, Texas. Elizabeth Linhart led the search, supported by Jon Hill and the research team. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know the team at both
McCormack+Kristel Helps Recruit New Leader for Project HOME
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Donna Bullock as the new CEO of Project HOME in Philadelphia. Ms. Bullock, who has served as a Pennsylvania State Representative since 2015, will join Project HOME this summer and build upon the incredible work of co-founders sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon who, over the past 35 years, have
Atlantic International Acquires Lyneer Staffing Solutions
Atlantic International Corp. has acquired Lyneer Staffing Solutions, a 28 year old national strategic staffing outsourced services and workforce solutions company servicing the commercial, professional, finance, direct placement, and managed service provider verticals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lyneer has over 1,100 customers, including, among others, enterprise scale customers UPS, DHL, FedEx,
The Role of Values-Based Hiring in Talent Attraction and Retention
Today’s employees are more concerned than ever with aligning their work lives and their personal beliefs. This shift has given rise to a trend of values-based hiring, which can help to attract like-minded talent while increasing retention rates, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. “June is home to both Pride Month and
AGB Search Recruits 8th President for Mount Saint Mary College
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, recently assisted in the recruitment of Robert Gervasi as the eighth president of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. Current president Jason Adsit announced that he has decided not to seek a renewal when his current contract expires at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Melissa
Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for AbilityFirst
Following an extensive search, Pasadena, CA-based Envision Consulting has helped to place Sergio Rizzo-Fontanesi as the new president and CEO of AbilityFirst. “From our first conversation with Sergio, the board was impressed by his profound empathy, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of our values,” said Kathryn Sanders Platnick, board chair of AbilityFirst. “I knew immediately that he was
