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Kestria Adds New Member Firm in the U.K.
Global search consortium Kestria has added Spectrum Executive Search in the U.K. as its newest member firm. Established in London in 2001, Spectrum specializes in retained board, executive and interim search, and leadership advisory solutions, to technology and technology-enabled organizations and their venture capital, family office and private equity investors. Spectrum is functionally agnostic and recruits across
Powering an AI-Driven Workforce
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise infrastructure, organizations are fundamentally rethinking how talent is identified, assessed, developed, and led. AI is no longer confined to isolated recruiting tools — it is reshaping leadership requirements, workforce planning, internal mobility, and how human judgment operates alongside intelligent systems. The challenge today is not whether 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.
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,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
Heidelberg University Retains Spelman Johnson to Lead CHRO Search
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson was recently retained by Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH, to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Senior consultant Laura Puckett-Boler is leading the assignment. This senior leader reports directly to the university
Lindauer Appoints Co-Leader of Advocacy, Policy, and Social Enterprise Practice
Lindauer has appointed Bob Giannino as senior vice president and co-leader of its advocacy, policy, and social enterprise practice. “Bob has made a transformative difference at the highest levels of non-profit leadership by identifying opportunities for impact, making bold plans, and bringing people together to find common cause for the common good,” said Deb Taft, CEO.
Leadership Needs Shift Dramatically as VC Moves to Wartime Footing
Over a 20-plus-year search career, Ben Dewar of NU Advisory Partners has led hundreds of recruiting engagements across every corporate function imaginable. Along the way, he has recruited dynamic executive talent into CxO and VP roles for VC-backed, PE-backed and public high-growth technology and consumer companies. From that perch, he has witnessed up close and personal
Understanding the Difference Between Retained and Contingent Search
Navigating the world of talent acquisition and recruitment can be tricky for both clients and candidates. Whether you are looking to add an individual to your team or seeking a new opportunity; it is important to understand the landscape when considering a talent partner, according to a report from Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI
The Millard Group Helps Recruit Executive Chairman and CEO for NexusTek
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Bobby Christian as executive chairman and Hamilton Yu as CEO of NexusTek in Greenwood Village, CO. Associate partner Nancy Nash, senior search consultant Margo Jenkins, and search consultant Haley
BrainWorks Fills Senior Position for Macrobond Financial
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks placed Carla Mendy as global leader of revenue operations with Macrobond Financial in London. Liam Garrity, national practice leader, led the search. “We are thrilled to welcome Carla to Macrobond’s leadership team,” said Howard Rees, chief commercial officer of Macrobond Financial. “Her wealth of experience and strategic vision will be
Griffith Group Expands to British Columbia
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group Executive Search has expanded its presence with the opening of a new office in British Columbia. “This expansion marks a significant milestone in the firm’s growth and to its commitment to serving its clients with local expertise,” the search firm said. “The firm’s new office in British Columbia strategically
Creating a Positive Corporate Culture for Employee Engagement
Corporate culture, when nurtured properly, creates a workforce that is not only dedicated but also emotionally and intellectually committed to the organization’s goals. This exploration delves into effective strategies for nurturing a resilient and vibrant organizational culture, according to a recent report from EMA Partners’ Chris Hardy. “Additionally, it addresses the critical challenge of rejuvenating
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Carisma Therapeutics
Chief medical officers are typically cited as the senior government official designated head of medical services, sometimes at the national level. The post is held by a physician who advises and leads a team of medical experts on matters of public health importance. According to recruiters, the role of the chief medical officer has evolved in recent years, and
D. Hilton Associates Seeking CEO for Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has about 5,300 federally insured credit unions, with more than $1.5 trillion in assets and 118.3 million members, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000
Vangst Acquires CannabizTemp
Vangst, the cannabis-focused hiring platform, has acquired CannabizTemp, the temporary staffing division of CannabizTeam. The acquisition was 50 percent cash, 50 percent stock, and is the first acquisition in the cannabis HR space. Vangst launched Vangst GIGS, an on-demand hiring platform, in 2018 to address the cannabis industry’s hiring needs. Since launching Vangst GIGS Vangst
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in South Africa
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Edge Executive Search in South Africa as its newest member firm. “In our continuous effort to strengthen and expand our alliance into critical markets, we are excited about our new member firm in South Africa led by Janice Wagner,” said Katerina Meimaroglou, president of
Using Leadership Assessment to Win the PE Talent Wars
Talent has become an increasingly acknowledged driver of value creation in private equity firms as pressure to deliver outsized returns increases. With this, PE funds have invested in executive recruiting services and built out their own internal functions to find the best talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Nevertheless, the evaluation process for talent hasn’t
The Key Strategies for Scaling a Business; More Than Just an Experienced CEO
Scaling a business is an important milestone that many companies hope to accomplish. However, the common misconception is that it takes an experienced CEO at the helm to successfully navigate this crucial phase. In reality, scaling has more to do with readiness, purpose, and a specific set of required leadership traits and skills that often
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief Legal Officer for the U.S. Soccer Federation
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Carlos Kuri as the chief legal officer of the U.S. Soccer Federation in Chicago. Jason Hanold, Mayank Parikh, Meg McElroy, and Catie Nelson led the assignment. “I’m thrilled to join U.S. Soccer at this momentous time for the organization and sport, as we look forward to the Men’s World Cup
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Seeking Chief Program Officer for Point Foundation
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group was recently retained by Point Foundation to lead in its search for a chief program officer. Kevin Chase, managing partner, and Catie DiFelice, senior associate, are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. The chief program officer is responsible for managing Point’s scholarship programs, spearheading program innovation and delivery, and
Egon Zehnder Appoints Co-Head for North America CEO Board Practice
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Pam Warren as a new leader for the North America CEO and board practice. She joins Chuck Gray at the helm of the practice, succeeding Lisa Blais. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam Warren as co-head of the North America CEO and board practice,” said Mr. Gray. “Her commitment
A Look at the Landscape for Hiring a PE Operating Company CEO
Leaders of private equity firms looking to hire a portfolio-business CEO have a great deal to consider. The U.S. PE talent landscape is changing dramatically in real time, due to multiple forces related to economics, industry, and consumer habits, according to a recent report from Heidrick & Struggles’ Jason Henderson and Amanda Worthington. “They’re all
Envision Consulting Assists Ryman Arts with Executive Director Search
Following an extensive search, Pasadena, CA-based Envision Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Audrey T. Salzburg as the new executive director of Ryman Arts. “We are thrilled to welcome Audrey Salzburg as our new executive director,” said David A. Price, board chair. “She is a charismatic and visionary leader, uniquely positioned to build and foster
Buffkin / Baker Leading President Search for Augusta University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker was recently retained by Augusta University to lead in its search for a new president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. Reporting to the chancellor of the University System of Georgia, the president of Augusta University serves as the campus’ chief executive officer, directs the
PoliHire Appoints General Counsel and Senior Advisor
PoliHire, a retained executive search firm and consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., has expanded with the addition of James Banks as senior director and general counsel and Marcia K. Thompson as senior advisor. “I am thrilled to have James and Marcia’s extraordinary talents and expertise on our team as we approach our 19th year in
AltoPartners Elects New Member Firm in Abu Dhabi and London
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Evrima, an executive search and leadership solutions firm with offices in Abu Dhabi and London, as its newest member firm. Led by Karla Dorsch, Evrima specializes in buy-side financial services, with a client base comprising asset managers, private banks, investment companies, sovereign
CHRO Perspectives for 2024 and Beyond
A notable lack of confidence in leadership, coupled with significant skepticism around overall business performance, is raising concerns among HR and people leaders. Pressing questions are emerging about leadership capabilities that demand attention. When a recent report from Leathwaite queried about prioritized current people challenges, leadership capabilities emerged as the top concern, followed by organizational
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CFO for the Los Angeles LGBT Center
McCormack+Kristel recently helped to recruit Robyn Goldman as the new CFO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which fights to advance civil rights and freedoms for LGBTQ people domestically and internationally through education, advocacy, and community organizing. Michelle Kristel led the assignment. “Join us in congratulating Robyn Goldman on her new role as the chief financial officer
Anthem Executive Recruits Provost for Texas Woman’s University
Following a national search, executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has helped to recruit Angela Christine Bauer as the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “We are poised for growth with pioneering faculty, new buildings and infrastructure, a comprehensive fundraising campaign,
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Spryker
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Sarah Scheer of Artico Search have assisted in the recruitment of Dustin Deno as the new chief revenue officer of Spryker, a global composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B, enterprise marketplaces, and IoT commerce. “We are thrilled to have Dustin join the Spryker leadership team,” said Boris Lokschin, co-founder and CEO at Spryker. “His innovative
Miner Lake Partners Launched by Veteran Search Consultants
John Moon and Han Liou have launched executive search firm Miner Lake Partners. “I’m proud to announce Miner Lake Partners, an executive search firm focused on the building products and industrial industries,” Mr. Moon said in a LinkedIn post. “My business partner Han Liou and I are building this firm on a foundation rooted in
7 Ways a Retained Search Recruiter Can Help Your Career
With the increasing number of emails, calls and texts from colleagues and clients, it is understandable why someone would overlook unsolicited messages from recruiters, especially for professionals happy in their current roles. There is a perception that recruiters focus solely on filling immediate job openings, and nothing more—but nothing could be further from the truth,
A Look at the Crucial Role of Talent Advisory in Guiding Hiring Executives
In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, attracting and retaining top talent is a strategic imperative for organizations. As companies recognize the critical link between workforce excellence and overall success, the role of Talent Advisory functions has become increasingly vital, according to a report from Comhar Partners. “Talent advisory is not merely a recruitment service;
True Search Recruits CEO for Funko
Global talent provider True has placed Cynthia Williams as the new CEO of NASDAQ-traded Funko, Inc. in Everett, WA. Todd Zangrillo, Ben O’Reilly, Gail Tifford, and Elizabeth Tyler led the assignment. Michael Lunsford is serving as the company’s interim CEO until Ms. Williams joins the company. “There’s a next level of innovation happening in collectibles category,” said Mr.
Ichor Leadership Search Recruits CEO for OSPRI
New Zealand-based executive recruiting firm Ichor Leadership Search has assisted in the recruitment of Sam McIvor as the new CEO of OSPRI. “OSPRI is thrilled to welcome Sam,” said Paul Reynolds, board chair. “Sam will bring extensive practical and strategic experience and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector to drive OSPRI forward and deliver value to
