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The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
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,
Hiring vs. Hustling: When It’s Time to Add to the Team
There’s a point in almost every growing company where things come to a head. Revenue is up, the pipeline is strong, and the team is stretched but still getting the job done, explained a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners. So leaders decide, “Let’s wait before making that hire.” “On paper, this seems disciplined, responsible, and
RH Perry & Associates Recruits 13th President for Briar Cliff University
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates has placed Matthew J. Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University. Leading the assignment were Sue DeWine, senior consultant, and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. Briar Cliff University launched a nationwide presidential search in January 2024. Four finalists, including Dr. Draud, were invited to campus
Cooper Coleman Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has expanded with the additions of Ben Bisbee and J. Michael Durnil as directors of executive search. “These new appointments come at a time of significant expansion for Cooper Coleman, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to driving meaningful growth and impact for non-profit organizations,” the search firm said. “Driven by their core values of
What You Need to Know When Using a Retained Search Firm for the First Time
Retained executive search firms operate on an exclusive mandate. They focus primarily on C-suite and board positions, although they are also used to fill specialist leadership roles. The retained part of it comes from the upfront fee that you pay to initiate the search process, according to a new report from AltoPartners. The study says
JM Search Recruits CIO for Subaru of America
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, recently helped to recruit Aurelian Sin
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Executive Director for the Head of the Charles Regatta
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted in the recruitment of Tori Stevens as the new executive director of the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR), the world’s largest rowing regatta in Boston. Succeeding Fred Schoch’s 33-year tenure leading the Regatta, Ms. Stevens comes to HOCR as its second executive director in its 59-year history after serving as CEO for
Work&Partners Retained by Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has been selected by Toppan Merrill to lead in its search for a director of ESG. “Our client is the best-in-class partner for complex, secure communications,” said Alan Work, founder and president of Work&Partners. “A company that is trusted, responsive, expert and human, our client delivers premier technology-driven solutions to communicate mission critical content
Conexus Launches Advisory Practice
Irvine, CA-based executive search firm Conexus has launch of its launched a new advisory practice. The addition of the new advisory practice demonstrates the firm’s commitment to serving the “office of the CFO” for private equity-backed and public companies across Southern California. “Comprised of Big Four CPAs with technical and operational expertise in accounting and finance, the
Corporate Culture & Talent: Navigating the New Norms
The keys to unlocking a successful corporate culture are predicated upon how leaders in organizations perceive culture as a top priority. Most senior leaders agree that a healthy company culture is a basic component of any successful organization. It lays the groundwork for strong employee engagement, retention, and performance. In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape,
The Rise of First-Time CEOs in Private Equity Portfolio Companies
In the fast-paced world of private equity, success hinges on effective leadership. With approximately 23,000 PE-owned portfolio companies in the United States alone, the demand for top-tier CEOs is relentless. Traditionally, PE firms have favored seasoned executives with prior industry or exit experience to lead portfolio companies post-buyout, however, a paradigm shift is underway as
Vetted Solutions Tapped by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions was recently selected by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Karen Greenbaum will step down when her current contract expires, effective December 31, 2024. She will close her tenure as president and CEO after 10 years at
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Highland Homes
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Mike Loftus as the new CFO for Highland Homes in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Loftusis a strategic and operationally minded finance executive focused on helping companies grow by building high-performing teams and partnering closely with leaders to develop strategy and drive performance to
Diversified Search Group Expands Corporate Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has strengthened its corporate practice with the additions of Nora Sutherland and John Burnes as managing directors. Ms. Sutherland, who will serve as managing director in the corporate practice’s technology team, will provide talent consulting to private equity clients and other high-growth
Private Equity’s Top Value Lever: Outside Talent
Most research on the CEO labor market looks at public company chief executives while largely ignoring CEOs in private equity funded companies. New research from Paul Gompers, the Eugene Holman Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, contends this is skewing our views of value creation and the big role certain CEOs play in
Bullhorn Acquires Textkernel
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired Textkernel, providers of sourcing AI solutions. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Sourcing AI is a huge investment area for Bullhorn, and we are truly excited to embark on this journey with Textkernel,” said Matt Fischer, president and chief operating officer of Bullhorn. “We congratulate CEO Gerard Mulder, COO
Anthem Executive Recruits CIO for Texas Woman’s University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has placed Henry G. Torres as the new chief information officer Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Torres joins TWU from the Arkansas State University System, where he has served as vice president of information technology & CIO. In his role at Arkansas
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Anthony Cruz as the new president of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters led the assignment. The board made its selection during a special meeting following an expert-led national search. The process included a rigorous review
Kennedy Executive Search Adds Member Firm in Poland
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. Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, recently expanded
ZRG Secures $120 Million in Funding
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has secured $120 million in debt financing from Main Street Capital Corporation and its affiliates. “This significant funding will bolster ZRG’s growth initiatives and enhance its ability to deliver innovative talent solutions to clients worldwide,” the firm said. “It is a great time to
Reffett & Associates Selected to Assist in Search for Architect of the Capitol for the U.S. Congress
The U.S. Senate Rules Committee, along with the U.S. House Committee on Administration, has selected Seattle, WA-based Reffett & Associates to assist with their search for the next Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Reffett & Associates was selected to work with the U.S. Congress based on their history of successful civilian senior level recruitments across all
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Cocoon Inc.
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has recruited James R. Callan as president and CEO of Cocoon Inc., a middle-market leader in innovative corrosion-prevention solutions. This executive search was led by McDermott + Bull partner Jared Moriarty and senior executive recruiter Alyssa Camire. According to Leo Crotty, Cocoon founder and chairman of the board, the company was impressed
Cardinal Grange Assists Stephen F. Austin State University with AD Search
Cardinal Grange recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McBroom as director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University. “We are excited about the future of Lumberjack athletics under McBroom’s leadership,” said Gina Oglesbee, interim president. “His proven ability to build championship-worthy programs — both on the playing surfaces and in the classroom —
Heidrick & Struggles Announces CFO Search
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced that CFO Mark Harris has elected to depart the firm to pursue other opportunities. Heidrick has commenced a formal search for a new CFO, and Mr. Harris, who assumed the role in 2018, will remain with the firm until August 2024 to ensure continuity and a
Navigating DEI When Hiring Executive Leaders In Private Equity
In a historically homogenous sector, diversity rises as a leading differentiator among high performing private equity firms and their portfolio companies. From rising interest rates to increasing C-suite turnover, private equity firms and their portfolio companies have recently faced a spectrum of challenges that have limited their potential to achieve growth, according to a new report from Slayton
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for Boston Medical Center
Lindauer has recruited Susie Posner-Jones as vice president and chief development officer of Boston Medical Center (BMC), the largest essential hospital in New England. The search was led by Lindauer assistant vice president Terri Rutter and senior consultant Elsa Gomes Bondlow. “Susie Posner-Jones brings an exemplary record of success in donor engagement, along with a dedication throughout her career to
Kincannon & Reed Recruits COO for Double Good
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Aaron Scott as chief operating officer – manufacturing at Double Good in Chicago. “A data-driven decision maker, Aaron is a strategic and collaborative leader who is proactive in his approach,” said Paul Izenstark, managing director.
Winsor Historical Society Selects Arts Consulting Group to Find New Leader
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by Winsor Historical Society in Connecticut to lead in its search for a new executive director. Renée Danger-James is leading the assignment. The executive director will serve as the chief executive officer of the Windsor Historical Society and will be a strategic and people-oriented executive who values
Eric Salmon & Partners Launches Leadership Development Services
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has launch its Leadership Development Services, designed to accelerate executive and team performance. “This new service line reinforces Eric Salmon & Partners’ commitment to fostering transformational leadership and sustainable corporate change,” the firm said. The newly launched Leadership Development Services team is dedicated to
How to Partner With an Executive Search Firm
In today’s dynamic talent market, aligning with the right executive search firm can be the difference between merely filling a position and truly transforming your leadership landscape. However, the efficacy of this partnership hinges not only on the capabilities of the search firm but also on the behaviors and actions of the clients themselves, according
Coulter Partners Announces New Senior Management Team
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has announced a strategic leadership transition and the reorganization of its senior leadership team. Effective immediately, Bianca Coulter, co-founder and current CEO, will assume the full-time role of executive chair; Nicholas Green will take up the reins as CEO; Joe Coulter, co-founder, will take a broadened chief operating officer role; Charlotte James becoming chief of staff and operations;
The Millard Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Nuspire
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has placed Brian Lamberger as the new chief revenue officer of Nuspire, a managed security services provider in Commerce, MI. “The addition of Brian to our team marks a significant step in our strategic growth initiatives,” said Lewie Dunsworth, CEO
Noetic Search Seeking New Leader for Children First Fund
Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Noetic Search has been retained by the Children First Fund (CFF) in Chicago to lead in its search for a new executive director. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director will lead the evolution of CFF’s organizational model, including collaboration with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leadership, serving as a
