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Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
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
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Nexus Search Partners Appoints SVP of Client Relations
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has expanded with the addition of Darci Galvin as senior vice president of client relations. In this position, she will focus on optimizing client success and fostering growth through the creation and execution of strategic initiatives. “We are thrilled to welcome Darci to the Nexus
Bullhorn Makes Third Acquisition this Year with the Addition of KonaSearch
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired KonaSearch, a BasisTech portfolio company that offers match and discovery solutions for staffing, recruiting, and executive search businesses on the Salesforce platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Executive search firms need access to deep, comprehensive historical data on job histories and career achievements,” Bullhorn said. “KonaSearch’s powerful cross-entity search solution
The Moran Company Tapped by Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise to Lead CEO Search
The non-profit sector is appealing because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on important social issues and contribute to positive change in communities, according to executive recruiters. Additionally, working in this sector often fosters a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfillment by aligning your career with your values and passions. This
Odgers Berndtson Names Co-Head of Education Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Dario Cortes as partner and co-head, education practice. “Our education clients invest in senior talent with the expertise and experience to manage institutional and social tensions, evolving fiscal circumstances, and an urgent need to drive impactful innovation,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers Berndtson USA. “Dr. Cortes possesses unparalleled first-hand experience
Riviera Partners Expands Search Staff
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Austin Douglas as a partner. “We are thrilled to have Austin back with us,” said Eoin O’Toole, managing partner of Riviera’s venture-backed practice. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of the engineering and product space, combined with his
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Revenue Decrease of Three Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal first quarter revenues of $674.9 million, a decrease of three percent from the same period a year ago. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to lower fee revenues in professional search & interim and RPO driven by a decline in demand due to the current economic environment, partially offset by
The Philadelphia Fed Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New President and CEO
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. The Philadelphia Fed recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead in its search for a new president and CEO to succeed Patrick T. Harker. A committee
Unemployment Remains Little Changed in August
Employment rose by 142,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in August. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8 percent, and the number of unemployed people
Kaplan Partners Assists the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with CHRO Search
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, has helped to recruit Christopher W. Jackson as CHRO of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mr. Jackson joined the board’s human resources team and will serve as a member of the agency’s executive team. “Chris
Wilton & Bain Names Leader for Middle East and North Africa
Wilton & Bain has appointed Sami Zouehid to lead the firm’s Middle East and North Africa office. “I am absolutely delighted that Sami has chosen to join us,” said David Heron, CEO. “His values, drive, and sense of ambition directly mirror our own. He stood out head and shoulders aside other candidates we met in our
The Year of CEO Ousters
A CEO fired for a run of slow sales, another forced out due to their inability to regain the confidence of customers and other stakeholders, and a third who resigned because his cost-cutting strategy failed to improve profitability. It appears that 2024 is a year in which many boards have lost patience with CEOs, according
ZRG Acquires Linked4HR Solutions’ Executive Interim & HR Advisory Services
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Linked4HR Solutions’ executive interim & HR advisory services in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. With the acquisition the firm added Hicham Hachkal as managing director for interim and HR advisory. “We are
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo
Following a nationwide search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She will replace Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retires this month after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Providing direction, mentorship, and support to this team, Ms. Tisone will evaluate all processes with an
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Tristel
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Matthew Sassone as the new CEO of Tristel plc, a manufacturer of infection prevention products. He will replace Paul Swinney, the company’s founder and CEO of 30 years, who announced his plans to retire during 2023. Mr. Swinney will remain with the company for a suitable
Ferguson Partners Appoints Leader of Southwest Region
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has named Matt McAulay as managing director of the firm’s executive search practice in the Southeast region of the U.S. “Matt’s experience, values, and approach to client servicing align perfectly with Ferguson Partners, and his hire further enhances our reputation as the premier real assets talent management firm,” said William J. Ferguson, co-founder, co-chairman,
What to Consider When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
With the pace at which the global business world is moving forward, it has become crucial for every organization to have the right leadership and the winning team by their side. Every organization’s success hinges on having the most efficient executives strategically placed to outmaneuver the competition. But how to find the perfect pieces to
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CFO for Overtime
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners recently placed Alvin Lobo as the new CFO of Overtime in Brooklyn, NY. “Congratulations Alvin Lobo on joining Overtime as chief financial officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make here.” Mr. Lobo most recently served as CFO of mobile
Allen Austin Recruits CHRO for James Avery Artisan Jewelry
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has assisted in the recruitment of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer of James Avery Artisan Jewelry in Kerrville, TX. “We are thrilled to announce the successful placement of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a brand renowned for its
JamesDruryPartners Helps The Boston Beer Company Fill Board Position
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Chicago-headquartered JamesDruryPartners recently assisted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. with the recruitment of Joseph Jordan as a new
N2Growth Expands in the U.K.
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Richard Armstrong as partner in its London office. He will spearhead the expansion of N2Growth’s executive search practice across the U.K. focusing on executive search, board of directors, and C-suite searches. “We are thrilled to welcome Richard Armstrong to the N2Growth team,” said Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Richard’s
A Candidate Placed; One Year Into the Job
The Energists is a boutique executive search firm focused on the energy sector. Its client list is diverse across the energy industry, geographies, and business scenarios. A boutique, high integrity firm established in 1979, The Energists operates exclusively within the energy industry. Its staff comprises accomplished industry professionals and leaders, each with their own area
Caldwell Appoints CEO; Makes Other Senior Management Changes
Toronto-based Caldwell has appointed Chris Beck as president and CEO. He will succeed John Wallace, who will assume the role of executive chair. Additionally, the independent directors of the board have selected John Young as lead independent director. “The board and I have tremendous confidence in Chris, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares
Myers McRae Retained by Winthrop University to Lead CFO Search
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, to lead in its search for a vice president for finance and business and chief financial officer. Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, led the assignment, along with Jessica Thompson, associate vice president and executive search coordinator. As a leader for
Isaacson, Miller Seeking Chief People Officer
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently looking to hire a chief people officer. The firm is seeking a visionary chief people officer who can guide its people strategy and operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to influence organizational change, enhance employee experiences, and help shape a thriving, inclusive environment. Reporting to the president
Assembly Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Prometheus Group
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Austin, TX-based executive
How Search Firms are Winning Through M&A and Unlocking Value
Talk to just about any executive search firm founder today and the conversation does not take long to come around to the topic of mergers and acquisitions. Over the last five years, M&A activity across the executive recruiting sector has reached fever pitch. “Consolidation among competitors has been reshaping the industry unlike any previous time,”
CFO Turnover Reaches Three-Year High
CFO turnover can have significant implications for a company, as these executives play a critical role in managing financial strategies, reporting, risk management, and overall financial health. A total of 163 new CFOs were appointed in the first half of 2024, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CFO Turnover Index. After slower starts to the
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Brand Officer for Eighth Day
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Alison Devine as chief brand officer of Eighth Day. Partner Lindsay Stevens, principal Courtney Schluender, and search manager Sarah Basto led the assignment. “Skincare brand Eighth Day sought a chief branding officer to create passion and loyalty among discerning consumers and build an iconic
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search
With over two decades of experience in the executive search industry, countless trends have impacted the way Grey Search + Strategy approaches their work. “Today, clients are navigating a complex web of emerging technologies, new regulations, changing workplace dynamics, and shifting company and candidate expectations,” the firm said. In this article, Grey Search + Strategy
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Summit Golf Brands
As organizations become more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. The Talent Studios recently recruited Thomas De Stio as the new chief marketing officer of Summit Golf Brands. Jeremy Cohen, Kelli Telling,
DHR Global Expands New Bangalore Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Srinivas Maddali as managing partner in the healthcare, life sciences, technology, and private equity practice groups. Based in DHR’s new Bangalore office, Mr. Maddali’s appointment supports the firm’s continued growth and expansion in India. As managing partner, he will assist Indian and multinational organizations in finding senior executive talent. “DHR’s







