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A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
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,
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
The Talent Studios Recruits CEO for The Princeton Review
The Talent Studios has placed Robert Batten as the chief executive officer of The Princeton Review in New York. Jeremy Cohen and Serena Smith led the search assignment. Dr. Batten now also heads The Princeton Review’s affiliate company, Tutor.com, which helps institutions and organizations deliver 24/7, on-demand, personalized homework help at scale. “We are thrilled
Egon Zehnder Recruits CEO for Entrepreneurs’ Organization
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has placed serial entrepreneur and board member Dave Parker as the new CEO of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) in Alexandria, VA. His appointment follows a global, months-long search beginning last July with the selection of Egon Zehnder and led by a committee tasked by EO’s global board of directors. EO global board chair and EO
Glue Executive Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Grupo Ayudin
A chief technology officer is responsible for managing an organization’s technical operations, including research and development, IT and data management, and product and service development. CTOs are also technical advisors to higher executives, such as the CEO or COO, and may report directly to the board of director. In recent months many organizations turned to search
Recruiting Platform Ashby Secures $30 Million in Funding
Ashby, a recruiting platform that efficiently scales hiring from startup through enterprise, has raised an additional $30 million in equity financing. This round of funding comes with a vote of confidence from existing investors following a 6X growth in revenue. Lachy Groom, who also led Ashby’s seed round led the Series C with participation from
A Look at How the Aging Workforce Has Positive Benefits
It’s a fact, the global workforce is aging. In Lithuania in 2024, for the first time more people will retire than enter the job market. Harvard Business Review found that in Germany, Japan, and Italy, the 55+ cohort accounts for 25 percent or more of the workforce, and according to a Bain & Company study,
Furst Group Assists Health First with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has helped to recruit Terry Forde as president and CEO of Health First in Brevard County, FL. “In Terry we found an experienced and sympathetic leader who shares our passion for patient safety, is committed to providing high reliability, has a proven history of success, and
TM² Executive Search Tapped by Paul Quinn College
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), has been retained by Paul Quinn College (PQC) to conduct a national executive search for three roles to serve as the chief financial officer, vice president of academic affairs/chief academic officer, and director of development. “Our partnership with Paul Quinn College is a testament to
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Executive Director for the Eviction Defense Collaborative
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Daniel Casanova as the new executive director of the Eviction Defense Collaborative. Victoria L. Silverman, managing founder of the search firm, led the assignment. Eviction Defense Collaborative was seeking a remarkable civic leader who is passionate about social justice to serve as their next executive director. Mr.
Morgan Samuels Grows Search Staff
Morgan Samuels has expanded with the addition of Eric Tenety as a senior client partner based in New York. “We are thrilled to have Eric join our team,” said Bert Hensley, CEO. “His intense focus on execution excellence is a great fit for our firm. We are confident that he will help us to reduce our median cycle
How Senior Leaders Can Adapt to AI’s Impact on Business
Today, business leaders in all industries can leverage the power of AI to solve challenges that were previously considered unsolvable or very time-consuming, according to a new report from Focus Search Partners’ Adam Charlson. “To effectively do this, however, leaders must skillfully navigate and adapt to critical aspects of this evolving technology,” the study said. “Despite
Funk Associates Leading CEO Search for Purdue for Life Foundation
Funk Associates has been called in by Purdue for Life Foundation to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Managing vice president Willie Funk is leading the assignment. Purdue for Life Foundation is looking to attract an outstanding leader as its next president and CEO to lead and coordinate all engagement, development,
DHR Global Leading Chief People Officer Search for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for the Ontario International Airport Authority
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help find senior talent. After a nationwide search, ADK Consulting & Executive Search has recruited Celeste Heinonen as the new CFO of the Ontario International Airport Authority. Rod Dinger and Sia Schatz led the assignment. In this position, Ms. Heinonen
Spencer Stuart Elects Managing Partner and Chair
Spencer Stuart has elected Jordan Brugg as its next managing partner and Frank Birkel as its next chair. With Ben Williams and David Daniel reaching the end of their second terms as managing partner and chair, respectively, the firm’s leadership succession committee led the planned leadership transition process. They will assume their new roles in late July, working closely with Mr. Williams and Mr.
How to Get Ahead in the Hiring Waiting Game
When teams are stretched thin and leadership vacancies slow momentum, it’s easy to get bogged down. But you can keep advancing the ball down the field—and doing more with less—by harnessing the speed and flexibility of on-demand talent, according to a report from by Kelsey O’Neal, an executive director with Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company. “Innovative
SPMB Executive Search Recruits CEO for Suralink
Bianca Moreno, Will Leach and SPMB Executive Search’s CEO practice, have placed Evan Fitzpatrick as the new CEO of Suralink, a client interaction platform for professional services firms. “From all of us at SPMB Executive Search, it was a pleasure to partner with Suralink and Luminate Capital on this important search,” the firm said. “We look
CarterBaldwin Recruits President for Langham Partnership USA
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has recently assisted in the recruitment of Carl Moeller as new president of Langham Partnership USA. “Carl Moeller will be a marvelous addition to Langham Partnership,” Joel Carpenter, LPUSA board chair, said. “He will bring an extraordinary range of experience in international Christian work and a servant’s heart to this role. We are
Kirby Bates Associates Seeking COO for South Denver Gastroenterology
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates was recently retained by South Denver Gastroenterology, P.C. to conduct a search for their inaugural chief operating officer. Leading the assignment are Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter, and Troy Keach, vice president search services. The chief operating officer, reporting to the chief executive officer, and a dyad relationship with
Cornerstone International Group Names President
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has appointed Dan Heiman as its new president. His appointment is effective January 1, 2025. “This strategic move is part of our leadership succession plan, initiated in 2021, and marks a significant milestone in our 35-year history,” Cornerstone said. “Mr. Heiman’s extensive experience and
M&A Deal Volumes Jump As CEOs Hunt Down Acquisitions
After a year of wait-and-see, 2024 is proving to be action time for U.S. dealmaking. EY’s forecast in its just-released midyear EY-Parthenon Deal Barometer predicts corporate M&A deal volume rising 20 percent year-over-year – nearly doubling the original 12 percent predicted in the inaugural Barometer release in January. PE deal volume, meanwhile, will increase 16 percent year-over-year,
BarkerGilmore Assists Methodist Healthcare System in Finding New General Counsel
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Burroff as the new general counsel of Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio, TX. The search was led by managing director Katie Gilmore and partner Brittney McDonough. “Teresa’s appointment as general counsel not only underscores her legal prowess but also
Parker Executive Search Recruits 21st President for Illinois State University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed Aondover Tarhule as the 21st president of Illinois State University. Trustees also approved a four-year contract for Mr. Tarhule that will expire March 17, 2028. The transition to the new position takes place immediately following Mr. Tarhule’s year-long interim president appointment and a national search, led by a 29-member search
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has helped to recruit Cheri Faunce as the new CEO of YWCA Northeast Kansas. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher led the assignment. Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring of 2024 after serving in
EMA Partners Announces Leadership Changes Across India, UAE, and Singapore
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has announced leadership changes across India, UAE, and Singapore. “Continuity and longevity of our consultants and relationships is our biggest strength” said K Sudarshan, regional chair, Asia Pacific, EMA Partners. “Each of our colleagues have spent considerable time with the firm and bring with them an
The Futurist Role That Chief Talent Officers Are Suddenly Taking On
As talent becomes increasingly recognized as the crucial lever in the broader success and value of a company, the significance of the chief talent officer role has grown exponentially. Chief executives and boards now concede the influence that talent plays in executing broad business objectives. And, according to a new report from Leathwaite, with this shift
The Power of High-Potential Employee Identification
Identifying high-potential employees is a strategic imperative for organizations looking to nurture talent, drive innovation, and secure future leadership, according to a recent report from The Christopher Group’s Morgan Booker. “The process of recognizing individuals with exceptional capabilities requires a keen understanding of their skills, potential, and ability to contribute significantly to the organization’s growth,”
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking CEO for BRIDGES USA
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by Bridges USA in Memphis, TN, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Director Michelle Hall and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. BRIDGES USA’s next CEO will be a values-driven leader who centers youth in all decision-making. Their work and career reflect a deep commitment
Bailey Fisher Executive Search Recruits CEO for Cambridge Wireless
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has recruited Michaela Eschbach as the next chief executive officer of Cambridge Wireless. “We are delighted to welcome Michaela Eschbach as the new CEO of Cambridge Wireless,” said Steve Unger, chair of the Cambridge Wireless board. “Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Cambridge Wireless as our activities, events
Smith + Howard Acquires VIP Search and VIP Solutions Businesses
Smith + Howard, a tax, accounting and advisory firm, has acquired VIP Search Group, LLC and VIP Solutions Group, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition marks the third in the last 12 months as Smith + Howard continues to aggressively expand its services and brand nationally. “We are thrilled to welcome
Colleges and Universities Rely on Search Firms to Find Leaders in Polarizing Times
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
4 Steps to a Successful Onboarding Strategy
Welcome aboard! It’s an exciting time when a new leader joins your organization. You worked hard to attract and hire them, and you want them to stay, so do not underestimate the profound impact of effective onboarding, according to a new report from TurningPoint Executive Search’s Ken Schmitt and Victoria Willenberg. “Beyond the paperwork and procedures, onboarding plays
