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Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
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
Howe-Lewis International Seeking Chief Advancement Officer for The Juilliard School
Executive recruitment firm Howe-Lewis International has been selected by The Juilliard School to lead in its search for a new chief advancement officer. Reporting to the president of Juilliard and leading a team of 22, the chief advancement officer will join Juilliard at a pivotal moment in the school’s history and will have the opportunity to work
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Head of Middle East
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Nicolas Manset as the head of the Middle East. He will lead the firm’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council and neighboring countries, continuing to build on the company’s strategic partnerships in the Middle East. “Nicolas’ appointment indicates the firm’s strong commitment to enhancing relationships and building further business opportunities
8 Traits of Effective Leaders
When thinking about positive leadership traits, what qualities come to mind? Perhaps it’s authenticity, emotional intelligence, dedication, or transparency. Regardless, effective leadership ties back to having a clear purpose. In today’s workplace, that purpose centers on empowering people, according to a recent report from DHR Global’s Christine Greybe. With people and purpose as the guiding
Greenwood Asher & Associates Places Provost at George Mason University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has helped to place James Soto Antony as executive vice president and provost. He will begin this new role on July 1, 2024. Julie Holley and Lois Stetson led the assignment for the search firm. “We searched the nation for the very best provost for George Mason University, and
GHP Search Fills Four Board Seats for Thrive Scholars
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, recently assisted in the placement of four new board members for Thrive Scholars. New board members are: Brian Baron VP, data and analytics at Electronic Arts; Miriam Daniel, VP and general manager, Google Maps for Consumers at Google; Eva De La Rosa, managing director, head of iShares
Cooper Coleman Recruits New Leader for ReVive Center for Housing and Healing
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Kesha Larkins as the new executive director of ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago. Ms. Larkins is a seasoned non-profit leader with a track record in fundraising, operational management, and program development. With a commitment to trauma-sensitive care, she has dedicated her career to making
Calibre One Opens Latin America Practice
Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Manny Corsino to start up and lead its new Latin America practice from Miami. Additionally, this is Calibre One’s first Miami office. “We’re extremely pleased Manny will be leading this new venture for us,” said Tom Barnes, managing partner for Calibre One. “His vast experience working both in the U.S. and throughout Latin
Randstad Digital Acquires AI-Powered Torc
Randstad N.V. has announced that Randstad Digital has acquired Torc, a next-generation AI-powered talent marketplace platform with more than 25,000 digital talent enrolled worldwide, with a specific current emphasis on LATAM, the U.S., and India. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition allows Randstad Digital to further accelerate clients’ access to digital talent, including
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Tapped by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to Find Chief Development Officer
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been chosen by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in New York City to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The assignment is being led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. The CDO will design and lead a comprehensive, robust fundraising strategy to meet the Guggenheim’s current
JM Search Recruits CEO for Starwest Botanicals
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, recently placed Brian Jansen as the new CEO of Starwest Botanicals, Inc. Alissa Moody, Kristian Shannon, and Phil Menzel led the assignment. “We are excited to share the placement of Brian Jansen as CEO of Starwest Botanicals,” said JM Search
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







