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Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New 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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Cultivating Talent for Relevance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The fourth industrial revolution is happening now. Building on the foundation of the third industrial revolution—which was defined by advancements in cloud computing, big data, social media, e-commerce, and mobile technology—a new wave has emerged. This era is marked by the rise of the Internet of Things, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, according a
SearchWide Global Tapped by Visit Estes Park to Lead CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global was recently retained by Visit Estes Park in Colorado to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. Visit Estes Park is seeking an outgoing, supportive, and motivating leader to serve as the new CEO. The CEO is responsible for the efficient administration of
Herbert Mines Fills Another Board Position for Vera Bradley
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to recruit Ian Bickley as a new member of the board of director at NASDAQ-traded Vera Bradley, Inc. “We are pleased to welcome Ian to our board,” said Jacqueline Ardrey, president and CEO of Vera Bradley and an executive member of the company’s board. “Ian’s
Riviera Partners Launches Gaming, Entertainment, Media, and Sports Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has launched its gaming, entertainment, media, and sports practice. The new practice will be led by Greg Sherman, who joins the firm as a partner, and Matt Skiba, who returns to Riviera as a partner after a decade in executive
Workforce Confidence Wavers Amid Job Market Shifts
Workers today generally feel less confident about job security than in previous years, and several factors contribute to this. Vaco‘s Q4 Talent Pulse Report found a drop in confidence compared to the third quarter of 2024. But confidence levels in both job security and financial status were higher compared to last year. Forty-one percent of
Ways to Inspire and Motivate a Team to Exceed Expectations
Building a high-performing team is essential for private equity-backed companies aiming to surpass goals and achieve successful exits. In today’s competitive market, it’s no longer enough for teams to simply meet expectations; they must be motivated to consistently overperform, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Doing so requires not only a deep understanding of what
Academic Search Seeking New President for the University of Southern Indiana
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by the University of Southern Indiana to lead in its search for its fifth president. Jay Lemons, Stuart Dorsey, Jennifer Kooken, and Amy Bonsiero are leading the assignment. Ronald S. Rochon announced that he would be stepping down to become the president of California State University. The president is the
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Adapt Integrated Health Care
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently called in by Adapt Integrated Health Care in Rosenburg, OR, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Founder Sam Pettway and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. Greg Brigham will retire in May 2025, after 42 years of service and over a decade at Adapt. Dr. Brigham
ECA Partners Expands Search Staff
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has expanded with the addition of Robert Meara as senior director of industrials, distribution and services. “Bringing on Robby this year will continue to strengthen ECA’s presence within the Industrials and B2B services sectors,” said Burton Francis, managing director at ECA Partners. “We’re excited to see Robby drive new relationships
Navigating Multigenerational Workplaces Across Cultures
In today’s globalized business environment, managing a multigenerational workforce is both a challenge and an opportunity. With employees ranging from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, organizations must adopt strategies that cater to the diverse needs, expectations, and working styles of their workforce, according to a new report from Cornerstone International Group Atlanta’s Anne Glenn. “This
Partnering with an Executive Search Firm to Recruit Higher Education Leaders
Executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media that the competition for superior, senior leadership talent is fierce. With the general shortage of executive talent, exacerbated by the pandemic, higher education institutions appear highly motivated to retain effective current leaders making counteroffers more prevalent than ever, and in some instances, extreme in their composition
Preng & Associates Fills Board Position for Unitil Corporation
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. Houston-based Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jane Lewis-Raymond as a member of the board of directors at NYSE-traded
Envision Consulting Recruits Executive Director for The Children’s Collective
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has helped to recruit Charles Lee-Johnson as the new executive director of The Children’s Collective Inc., a non-profit human services corporation dedicated to the health and development of the youth and families of South Los Angeles. “The Children’s Collective’s staff and clients are excited to welcome Dr. Lee-Johnson as our new executive director,” said Jackie Kimbrough,
Wilton & Bain Appoints Managing Partners
Wilton & Bain has named Erin Callaghan and Tim Baker as managing partners in its European search business. “I am absolutely delighted to confirm the promotions of Tim Baker and Erin Callaghan to managing partner in our European search business,” said David Heron, CEO. “In addition to their roles leading our people & culture and go-to-market
A Look at How the CFO Role is Evolving
There has been a steady evolution in the CFO role. Today’s fittest are guided by wise and purposeful leadership, working with the CEO. But a volatile operating context is setting the CFO at the epicenter of a risk storm, and regulatory and ESG reporting are proving burdensome, according to a recent report from Amrop. “In the finance
TurnkeyZRG Assists the New York Jets with General Counsel Search
Professional sports teams are increasingly hiring general counsels to help navigate the complex legal and business landscape in sports today. These lawyers handle a wide range of responsibilities, from contract negotiations for players and staff to ensuring compliance with league regulations and labor laws. They also manage intellectual property issues, protecting the team’s brand and
BarkerGilmore Recruits Chief Compliance Officer for Atlantic Health System
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has helped to recruit veteran compliance professional Wayne McNulty as vice president and chief compliance, privacy, internal audit, and research integrity officer of Atlantic Health System (AHS) in Morristown, NJ. The search was led by Brittney McDonough, partner, and Katie Gilmore, managing director. “Wayne McNulty brings a rare
Rudish Health at Closing Stages of Chief Revenue Officer Search for Novant Health
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health was recently selected by Novant Health in Winston-Salem, NC, to lead its search for a senior vice president and chief revenue officer. This executive will provide centralized leadership for all revenue cycle functions for Novant Health. They will strategically oversee programs to ensure efficient operations of
SpenglerFox Adds Searchers International in Denmark to its Global Affiliate Partner Network
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has added Searchers International in Denmark to its global affiliate partner network. “We have been active on the Danish market for well over a decade already, and with the addition of Torsten Miland and his team at Searchers International, we are in a stronger position to serve our fast growing clientele across the
Redefining Talent Management: The Chief Talent Officer’s Role in a New Era
The world of work has shifted permanently. Recruiters say that today’s talent leaders face an environment marked by macroeconomic upheavals, demographic changes, and rapid technological advances—creating a landscape that is not just different but highly complex. Thriving in this new era calls for a holistic, forward-looking approach to talent management, according to a new report
The Critical Role of Human Capital in Assessing Founding and Leadership Teams
Evaluating founding and leadership teams of portfolio companies and acquisition targets has become crucial for investment and operating partners. As businesses grow and adapt to shifting market demands, the strength of the leadership team often dictates a company’s ability to scale and succeed, according to a recent report from N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm.
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by Empire State University to Find VP of HR and Chief Human Resources Officer
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Empire State University to lead in its search for a vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The executive will play a critical role in translating strategic vision into action. In this inaugural position, they
Bauer Harris Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Melissa Gebhard as the new chief operating officer of Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group in Winter Park, FL. The assignment was led by Bauer Harris founding partner, Jeff Harris. “Congratulations to Melissa Gebhard on her new role as chief operating officer with Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise
Odgers Berndtson Aligns U.S. and Canadian Businesses
Odgers Berndtson has announced that their businesses in the United States and Canada will implement a unified go-to-market strategy; thereby, further enhancing the firm’s ability to offer industry-specific expertise and market intelligence for clients operating on both sides of the border. As part of this alignment, the firm will continue to offer a full suite of integrated
A Look at How HR Teams Can Implement Successful Employee Retention Strategies
Employee retention has become an increasing priority in the current business climate. While human resource teams generally take center stage in the implementation of retention strategies, the role of executive leadership cannot be overemphasized, according to a recent report from Talento. “Success for HR initiatives and messages across the company requires strong executive support,” the
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief People Officer for Central States
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Arturo Towns as the chief people officer of Central States, a provider of metal building components, roofing, and building systems. The search was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and search consultant Ted Wieber. “Arturo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Central States Inc. as we reinforce
Lochlin Partners Recruits Chief Data and Analytics Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Ankur Jain as chief data and analytics officer of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our selected candidate, Ankur Jain, is an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience in both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer business models,” Lochlin Partners said. “Ankur will help propel the continued growth of St. Jude and
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments of the college and lead the institution to greater heights as it continues to provide quality educational programs and services.
DHR Global Adds New Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global expanded with the additions of Sarah Zielke and David Morgenbesser as partners. Ms. Zielke, who joins the firm’s Chicago office will also be member of the healthcare services & solutions and private equity practice groups. She brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a deep focus
Heidrick & Struggles Records 5.9 Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $278.6 million, a 5.9 percent increase compared to revenues of $263.2 million a year ago. The firm experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in the Americas and Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decrease in
Rutgers University Selects WittKieffer to Lead Search for 22nd President
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Rutgers University to lead in its search for its 22nd president. The university board of governors’ announcement officially initiates the process of selecting a successor to president Jonathan Holloway, who announced last month he would step down on June 30, 2025. “This is an important time for Rutgers University and
