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Sheffield Haworth Names Managing Director of the Real Estate Practice in the U.S.
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Sun-Sun de Swaan as managing director of the real estate practice in the U.S. She will work closely with Sheffield Haworth’s international real estate teams to build and strengthen the firm’s global search and advisory practice. “We are delighted to welcome Sun-Sun to Sheffield Haworth,” said
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Adapting to the Evolving Candidate Landscape
Executive search consultants continue to say that the landscape of recruitment is experiencing profound changes. Driven by technological advancements, evolving workforce demographics, and shifting candidate expectations, the candidate marketplace today presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay competitive, organizations must adapt their executive search strategies to navigate these new dynamics effectively, according to a recent
TM² Executive Search Assists Prairie View A&M University Find New VP of University Advancement
After a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Shaw as the new vice president for university advancement of Prairie View A&M University. The search was led by managing principal, Dr. Dakota Doman and principal, Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett.
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Akebia Therapeutics
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently placed Erik Ostrowski as SVP and CFO of NASDQ-traded Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. “Chartwell’s biopharmaceuticals team was pleased to work with Akebia Therapeutics on this important search,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Erik Ostrowski on being named chief financial officer and chief business officer of the organization.”
SP&A Executive Search Recruits 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has helped to recruit Suresh Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona. The unanimous board vote follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A presidential search advisory committee and informed by robust community feedback. He succeeds Robert C. Robbins. “Dr. Garimella is student-focused and considers
NGS Global Expands in Brazil
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. In response to the growing client demand in Latin America, Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded in Brazil with the additions of Fernando Cesar and Giselle Moraes. “Both
Record Holding Periods for PE Portfolios Drive Urgent Focus on Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies
The median holding period for private equity-backed portfolio companies has reached 5.7 years, the highest since tracking began in 2000, according to Private Equity Info. With a record peak deal year in 2021, many portfolio companies are closing in on their exit timelines in the next few years. And, amid fluctuating market conditions and interest
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Rachal as the new chief human resources officer and senior vice president of people and culture of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Hanold Associates’ Val Lopez, Meg McElroy and Catie Nelson led the assignment. The search, selection and hiring process was facilitated through a partnership with
McDermott + Bull Assists Inari Medical with CTO Search
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Irvine, CA-based search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking CFO for the City of North Miami Beach
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the City of North Miami Beach to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. The search is being led by senior consultant Barry Bratton and senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn. The CFO is a senior management role that reports directly to the city manager.
Riviera Partners Establishes Cybersecurity Practice
As companies innovate to combat the growing complexity of cyber threats, organizations across all industries are facing unprecedented security challenges. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread, companies are under immense pressure to secure their infrastructure and protect sensitive data. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for experienced, technical leadership has never
Integrating Business and Talent Strategies: How Diagnostics Fuel Growth
As organizations face change, growth, and new leadership, one key question often arises: Is our talent strategy aligned with our business goals? A talent diagnostic assessment helps business leaders and boards understand how their current talent strategies support – or hinder – business growth, according to a just release report from DHR Global’s David Sheahan
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for Cancer Research Institute
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has recruited Alicia Zhou as the new CEO of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). She succeeds Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, who led CRI with distinction since 1993. CRI’s board of trustees, with the help of NU Advisory Partners, led a sustained and comprehensive search to identify the organization’s new CEO. Nada Usina, Meredith
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Seeking New Leader for Americans for the Arts
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Managing director Anne McCarthy, vice president Chartise Clark, senior search associate Nikki Lynch, and senior search coordinator Kaley Blaszinski are leading the assignment. The well-publicized departure of its long-serving CEO in 2021 was followed
Talent Connections Tapped by Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
Executive recruiting firm Talent Connections, LLC has been retained to lead an operations manager search with Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa in Blairsville, GA. This role is pivotal in ensuring exceptional guest experiences, smooth operational workflows, and a thriving workplace culture. Talent Connections notes that the ideal candidate will reside in the North Georgia area and have a passion
Eric Salmon & Partners Appoints CEO
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has appointed Jean-Etienne Boisseau as new CEO. He succeeds Raoul Nacke, who has led the firm for the past seven years. “Jean-Etienne’s strategic vision and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with our company’s values and long-term objectives,” said Mr. Nacke. “He is a perfect choice
CHRO Turnover Stabilizes as Gender Diversity Increases
CHRO turnover is showing signs of stabilizing, with only 39 global public company CHROs stepping down in the second quarter of 2024—down from 50 in the second quarter of 2023, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates. These figures reflect CHROs from the world’s largest indices, including the ASX 200, FTSE 100, FTSE 250,
Unlocking Potential with Executive and Leadership Coaching
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the demand for effective leadership is more pressing than ever. But what exactly is leadership coaching, and why is it gaining traction among executives and organizations worldwide? At its core, leadership coaching is a commitment to a thought-provoking and creative journey, says a recent report from TalentRise’s Laura Barker. It’s not
The American Nurses Association Taps Campbell & Company to Find New Leader
Campbell & Company has been called in by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Vice president of executive search Colleen Rogers, senior consultant Joey Scheiber, and managing director Kris McFeely are leading the assignment. The executive director provides visionary and strategic leadership in partnership with the ANA enterprise
LHH Knightsbridge Tapped by the City of Toronto to Find Head of Customer Experience
LHH Knightsbridge has been retained by the City of Toronto to lead in its search for an executive director of customer experience. Partners Laura Machan and Stephen Hime are leading the assignment. The search firm is seeking an experienced customer service leader in large, complex, multi-channel environments with demonstrated commitment to excellent service delivery. The customer experience division
Kestria Expands in Panama
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Arden & Price Inc. in Panama as a new member firm, strengthening its presence in Central America. “As the premier global alliance of top-tier executive search firms, we are committed to delivering deep market insights across all key regions,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria global alliance director.
The Ultimate Guide to Assisting CFOs — From Recruitment to Reaching Growth Goals
Today’s CFO serves as a strategic leader, guiding the organization in financial planning and risk management while aligning financial goals with overall business objectives. They leverage data analytics to drive informed decision-making, collaborate with other executives, and ensure transparency with stakeholders. However in recent years, the CFO role has shifted from being primarily focused on
Massey Henry Recruits CFO for Peoples Group
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Tim Wilson as the new CFO of Peoples Group. Current CFO Samson Lim is retiring later this year. “Massey Henry is pleased to have once again served as a trusted partner of Peoples Group — this time in the appointment of Tim Wilson as chief financial
Kirby Bates Associates Assists South Denver Gastroenterology with COO Search
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates has placed Troy Keach as the new chief operating officer of South Denver Gastroenterology, P.C. Leading the assignment were Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter, and Mr. Keach, who is Kirby Bates’ vice president search services. Mr. Keach brings more than 20 years experience to his role. His healthcare career started
Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers Join Forces to Create CenterPeak
Legal search firms Johnson Downie and Lippman Jungers recently formed a strategic merger combining the expertise and networks of Sabina Lippman, Clint Johnson, Mark Jungers, and their respective colleagues. The name of the new firm is CenterPeak. Combined, the two firms have placed more than 2,000 law firm partners and opened more than 40 offices
Fairway Consulting Group Appoints VP of Executive Search
Executive search firm Fairway Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of Brennan Clark as vice president of executive search. “As we further expand our business globally, we are excited to welcome Brennan to our leadership team,” said Dan Gold, president of Fairway Consulting Group. “Our clients will benefit from his unique experience and insights.” Mr. Brennan
ZRG Acquires Bravanti
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Bravanti, a Chicago-based advisory firm specializing in services including executive coaching, executive team coaching, developing leaders, and outplacement/career transition services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bravanti brings expertise in three key areas: executive coaching, leadership acceleration, and outplacement career transition,”
Bespoke Partners Forms Alliance with Alphaskill
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has formed an alliance with Alphaskill, a U.K.-based executive search and deal advisory firm. The partnership is intended to enable private equity firm portfolio companies to accelerate execution on geographic expansion strategies. “We’re seeing an increase in European companies looking to expand into the U.S. and hire their first U.S country
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
