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How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
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 Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
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
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
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for AbilityFirst
Following an extensive search, Pasadena, CA-based Envision Consulting has helped to place Sergio Rizzo-Fontanesi as the new president and CEO of AbilityFirst. “From our first conversation with Sergio, the board was impressed by his profound empathy, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of our values,” said Kathryn Sanders Platnick, board chair of AbilityFirst. “I knew immediately that he was
Nolan Partners Assists United States Tennis Association with CFO Search
Nolan Partners, an Excel Sports Management company, has placed Kevin Flaherty as chief financial officer of United States Tennis Association (USTA) in White Plains, NY. “Congratulations to Kevin Flaherty on his recent appointment as CFO of United States Tennis Association,” Nolan Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you to our partners at USTA for trusting us
Griffith Group Expands Search Staff
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Daniel Atlin as associate of leadership assessment and coaching. “Griffith Group Executive Search is very pleased to announce that Daniel Atlin will be joining the team as our associate, leadership assessment and coaching expert,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “A very
Global Hiring Intentions Hold Steady from Q2, Drop Year-over-Year
Global hiring intentions are holding strong for the third quarter of 2024, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 22 percent, though outlooks weaken since Q3 2023 according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which gathered data from over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, reveals that while the NEO remains unchanged from
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Seeking Chief Development Officer for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The assignment is being led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. Reporting directly to the president and serving on the executive leadership team, the chief development officer will be responsible
HARTZ Search Recruits CHRO for LCMC Health
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Names CEO
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has appointed Doug Trout as its new CEO succeeding Jennifer Dunlap, who has served as president and CEO since the organization opened its doors in 2001. Ms. Dunlap will continue to serve as an advisor to the CEO and to work with a limited number of clients until her retirement from the organization
ZRG Appoints Leader of Global Education Practice
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has named Rosa-Lyn Morris as the new leader of its global education practice. “We are excited to have Rosa Morris join our team,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we pursue our vision to build education
Human Sustainability: A Strategic Imperative for HR Leaders
Human sustainability ensures the long-term well-being, development, and engagement of an organization’s employees. Put into practice, it encompasses initiatives promoting physical, mental, and social health, diversity and inclusion, continuous learning, and ethical labor practices, according to a recent report from Odgers Berndtson’s Ramona Kraft and Elaine Roper. The study explains that human sustainability is about
Korn Ferry Assists the Green Bay Packers with President and CEO Search
Korn Ferry has assisted the Green Bay Packers with the recruitment of Edward R. Policy as its next president and CEO. He will succeed Mark Murphy, who will retire as the team’s president and CEO next year. Mr. Murphy is required to retire when he turns 70 in July 2025. The Korn Ferry team is led by Jed
Shelli Herman and Associates Fills Senior Position for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has helped to recruit Megan Longo as the new senior vice president of guest experience, brand, and revenue of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. With a national search led by Shelli Herman and Associates, Ms. Longo emerged as the top choice, bringing expertise in customer-centric leadership, communications and strategic operations.
RH Perry & Associates Recruits 13th President for Briar Cliff University
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates has placed Matthew J. Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University. Leading the assignment were Sue DeWine, senior consultant, and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. Briar Cliff University launched a nationwide presidential search in January 2024. Four finalists, including Dr. Draud, were invited to campus
Cooper Coleman Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has expanded with the additions of Ben Bisbee and J. Michael Durnil as directors of executive search. “These new appointments come at a time of significant expansion for Cooper Coleman, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to driving meaningful growth and impact for non-profit organizations,” the search firm said. “Driven by their core values of
What You Need to Know When Using a Retained Search Firm for the First Time
Retained executive search firms operate on an exclusive mandate. They focus primarily on C-suite and board positions, although they are also used to fill specialist leadership roles. The retained part of it comes from the upfront fee that you pay to initiate the search process, according to a new report from AltoPartners. The study says
JM Search Recruits CIO for Subaru of America
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, recently helped to recruit Aurelian Sin
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Executive Director for the Head of the Charles Regatta
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted in the recruitment of Tori Stevens as the new executive director of the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR), the world’s largest rowing regatta in Boston. Succeeding Fred Schoch’s 33-year tenure leading the Regatta, Ms. Stevens comes to HOCR as its second executive director in its 59-year history after serving as CEO for
Work&Partners Retained by Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has been selected by Toppan Merrill to lead in its search for a director of ESG. “Our client is the best-in-class partner for complex, secure communications,” said Alan Work, founder and president of Work&Partners. “A company that is trusted, responsive, expert and human, our client delivers premier technology-driven solutions to communicate mission critical content
Conexus Launches Advisory Practice
Irvine, CA-based executive search firm Conexus has launch of its launched a new advisory practice. The addition of the new advisory practice demonstrates the firm’s commitment to serving the “office of the CFO” for private equity-backed and public companies across Southern California. “Comprised of Big Four CPAs with technical and operational expertise in accounting and finance, the
Corporate Culture & Talent: Navigating the New Norms
The keys to unlocking a successful corporate culture are predicated upon how leaders in organizations perceive culture as a top priority. Most senior leaders agree that a healthy company culture is a basic component of any successful organization. It lays the groundwork for strong employee engagement, retention, and performance. In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape,
The Rise of First-Time CEOs in Private Equity Portfolio Companies
In the fast-paced world of private equity, success hinges on effective leadership. With approximately 23,000 PE-owned portfolio companies in the United States alone, the demand for top-tier CEOs is relentless. Traditionally, PE firms have favored seasoned executives with prior industry or exit experience to lead portfolio companies post-buyout, however, a paradigm shift is underway as
Vetted Solutions Tapped by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions was recently selected by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Karen Greenbaum will step down when her current contract expires, effective December 31, 2024. She will close her tenure as president and CEO after 10 years at
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Highland Homes
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Mike Loftus as the new CFO for Highland Homes in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Loftusis a strategic and operationally minded finance executive focused on helping companies grow by building high-performing teams and partnering closely with leaders to develop strategy and drive performance to
Diversified Search Group Expands Corporate Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has strengthened its corporate practice with the additions of Nora Sutherland and John Burnes as managing directors. Ms. Sutherland, who will serve as managing director in the corporate practice’s technology team, will provide talent consulting to private equity clients and other high-growth
Private Equity’s Top Value Lever: Outside Talent
Most research on the CEO labor market looks at public company chief executives while largely ignoring CEOs in private equity funded companies. New research from Paul Gompers, the Eugene Holman Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, contends this is skewing our views of value creation and the big role certain CEOs play in
Bullhorn Acquires Textkernel
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired Textkernel, providers of sourcing AI solutions. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Sourcing AI is a huge investment area for Bullhorn, and we are truly excited to embark on this journey with Textkernel,” said Matt Fischer, president and chief operating officer of Bullhorn. “We congratulate CEO Gerard Mulder, COO
Anthem Executive Recruits CIO for Texas Woman’s University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has placed Henry G. Torres as the new chief information officer Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Torres joins TWU from the Arkansas State University System, where he has served as vice president of information technology & CIO. In his role at Arkansas
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Anthony Cruz as the new president of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters led the assignment. The board made its selection during a special meeting following an expert-led national search. The process included a rigorous review
Kennedy Executive Search Adds Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, recently expanded
ZRG Secures $120 Million in Funding
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has secured $120 million in debt financing from Main Street Capital Corporation and its affiliates. “This significant funding will bolster ZRG’s growth initiatives and enhance its ability to deliver innovative talent solutions to clients worldwide,” the firm said. “It is a great time to
Reffett & Associates Selected to Assist in Search for Architect of the Capitol for the U.S. Congress
The U.S. Senate Rules Committee, along with the U.S. House Committee on Administration, has selected Seattle, WA-based Reffett & Associates to assist with their search for the next Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Reffett & Associates was selected to work with the U.S. Congress based on their history of successful civilian senior level recruitments across all
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Cocoon Inc.
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has recruited James R. Callan as president and CEO of Cocoon Inc., a middle-market leader in innovative corrosion-prevention solutions. This executive search was led by McDermott + Bull partner Jared Moriarty and senior executive recruiter Alyssa Camire. According to Leo Crotty, Cocoon founder and chairman of the board, the company was impressed
