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Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
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.
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
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?
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How Search Firms Make the Most of Their Global Reach
Search firm clients expect to be able to choose from the widest possible talent pool. “Whether that is a global multi-billion dollar corporation or privately-owned business, a global search firm is able to access the best talent, wherever that candidate may be located,” said Anthony Harling, founding partner at Harlschon. “Having a strong global brand is
Academic Search Assists the University of Nebraska in Recruiting New President
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and George Ross of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Jeffrey P. Gold as the ninth president of the University of Nebraska. Past president Ted Carter left the school last year to become the president of Ohio State University, a search that was led by Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives. Dr. Gold’s appointment concludes a
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Red River
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has placed Brent Pugh as the new CFO for Red River in Claremont, NH. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “Brent’s track record serving the defense industrial base provides tremendous value to Red River and will have immediate benefits to our team, our customers and partner community,” said Brian Roach, CEO for Red
True Launches Talent Advisory Practice
Global talent provider True has launched a talent advisory practice and a strategic alliance with Hogan Assessments, a tool for workplace personality assessment and leadership development. Debu Mishra, partner and head of talent advisory for True, will lead the talent advisory practice from Dubai. “With the launch of our talent advisory practice, we are even better equipped to
Kelly to Acquire Motion Recruitment Partners
Global specialty talent solutions provider Kelly has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC (MRP), from Littlejohn & Co., LLC, a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT. Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will acquire MRP for $425 million in cash to be paid at close, with additional earnout potential
ECA Partners Recruits CFO for American Lithium Energy
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Danny Joe as the new CFO of American Lithium Energy. “Mr. Joe is a highly versatile financial leader from the technology sector with a core investment banker toolkit from Goldman Sachs,” ECA Partners said. “His work at Symantec, Blackline, Flywheel.io and others gave him
Frederickson Partners Fills Top HR Post for July Business Services
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has placed Ginger H. Gibbs as the new senior vice president of human resources at July Business Services in Waco, TX. “We are thrilled to have Ginger join JULY as our senior vice president of human resources during this exciting period of growth,” said John Humphrey, CEO of JULY. “Ginger’s wealth of
The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clements Fluids
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Luanne Carr as the new chief people officer for Clements Fluids in Tyler, TX. Managing partner Pam Noble and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clements Fluids by connecting them with Luanne Carr
Ratliff & Taylor Expands Executive Search Practice
Cleveland, OH-based executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has expanded its executive search practice to support regional demand and continued growth. The firm has named Linda Gray as senior vice president, non-profit executive search and Michael Johnson as senior vice president, executive search. “After opening our New York office in 2023, search engagements surged among our new and
A Look at How to Attract and Retain Gen Z Talent
As the workforce continues to evolve, organizations are facing a new challenge – how to attract and retain the young and upcoming generation, known as Gen Z, with the end goal of filling senior-level positions with professional, experienced leaders. This tech-savvy, ambitious, and socially conscious generation is poised to make a significant impact, but tapping
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.9 Percent
Employment rose by 175,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.5 million in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for
Lindauer Recruits Chief Engagement Officer for Duke University
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Heilenday as associate vice president and chief engagement officer of Duke University. Senior vice president and managing director Jill Lasman and senior consultant Raegan Harvey led the assignment. Ms. Heilenday’s appointment follows a national search led by Lindauer and an advisory committee that included Duke senior leaders, trustees, Duke
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Credit Officer for First Northern Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Brett Hamilton as chief credit officer of First Northern Bank in Dixon, NY. This search was led by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, and executive recruiter Rachel Camonayan. “Brett’s leadership and financial acumen should be instrumental in guiding our credit culture and supporting
Ferguson Partners Names President
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has appointed Graham R. Beatty as president. “As president, Graham is the ideal candidate given his deep expertise in the real assets industry, unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, and great respect by clients and colleagues alike. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and CEO of the firm. “With a
Adapting to Today’s Evolving Search Market
In 2023, TRANSEARCH International navigated the challenges of the market with resilience, maintaining revenue levels in comparison to 2022. “Our commitment to adapt and innovate has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that we remain well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market at large,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH,
Utilizing the Power of Job Architecture and Career Frameworks
From police departments to libraries, public sector organizations face increasing challenges in attracting, retaining and developing talent — under growing internal and external scrutiny. Organizations must take a more strategic approach to human resources management. Job architecture and career frameworks can strengthen public sector employers, according to a recent report from Gallagher’s Erik Henry Smetana
Funk Associates Leading Dean Search for the University of South Alabama’s College of Engineering
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of South Alabama to lead its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. The dean, reporting to the EVP and provost, serves as the chief academic officer for the college and guides the college’s efforts in academic curriculum development, faculty and staff development, research and
BoardWalk Consulting Helps Recruit New CEO for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Following a nationwide search of more than 250 diverse leaders, executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Kim R. Ford as the new CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC). Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Kim is an exceptional leader with a track record of nurturing youth and families,” said Barbara Krumsiek, Girl
How Recruiters Facilitate Founder-PE Firm Agreements When Sourcing New Talent
In the high-stakes world of private equity acquisitions, aligning the strategic visions of PE firms and the founders of the companies they acquire is pivotal for achieving aggressive growth targets and operational excellence. However, this alignment often encounters its first significant hurdle regarding talent acquisition—a critical component for scaling operations and enhancing value, according to
Flatiron Search Partners Assists Exaltare Capital Management with CEO Search
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Heather D’Agosta as the new CEO of Exaltare Capital Management – GF Venture Group Inc. “Congratulations to Heather D’Agosta on her new role as CEO at Exaltare Capital Management, LLC- GF Venture Group, Inc.,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “This platform is a leading franchisee
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New Leader for Communities in Schools
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Communities in Schools in Ohio to lead in its search a new executive director. Christie Angel, Johanna Vargas, Donna Young, and Elizabeth Keyser are leading the assignment. The executive director will serve as the primary leader and director for Communities In Schools, guiding the organization toward successfully realizing
Education Executives Seeking Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives is currently leading a search for the new dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware. Ilene H. Nagel, John D. Simon, and Charles E. Kaler are leading the assignment. The search began in January. The school seeks a forward-looking, engaged, and strategic new dean of its College
Per Ardua Associates Names Leader of Board Practice
London-based financial services search firm Per Ardua Associates has expanded with the addition of Karin Barnick to lead its board practice and strengthen its asset and wealth management practice. “I am very excited to welcome Karin into the firm. Amongst other things, she will lead our board practice,” said Simon Hearn, chair. “With her leadership we
9 Things Executive Search Consultants Say Not To Do
Over the decades, executive search professionals have gathered much intelligence about critical aspects of how candidates need to present themselves when represented by their search practice. Recruiters are retained by the hiring company, so they know the firm, know the pay range, know the benefits plan, know the hiring manager requirements, know the culture, know
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Palmetto Infusion
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the placement of Tim Hadley as the new president of Palmetto Infusion in Columbia, SC. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “Tim’s wealth of experience and dedication to healthcare align seamlessly with our mission,” said David Goodall, CEO of Palmetto Infusion. “As we focus
Bespoke Partners Recruits CFO for Exostar
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rick Simpson as the new CFO of Exostar. Vice president Katelyn Quaresma, Ross Kinnaird, and Leeta Gupta led the assignment. The move comes as the company anticipates building on its record-setting success in the aftermath of its acquisition by private equity firm Arlington Capital
Bryant Group Helps Fill Positions for the University of Washington
Following nationwide searches, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Brad Joutras as assistant vice president, health sciences, and Suzanne Rinker as assistant vice president, schools and colleges for the University of Washington (UW). Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. “Reimagining the UW legacy structure will help ensure our
Strategies for Engaging Millennials in the C-Suite
For HR professionals and business owners, the rise of the Millennial workforce represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Traditional management practices, workplace structures, and career paths often do not align with Millennials’ expectations. This mismatch can lead to disconnects in recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies. However, by understanding the unique attributes and aspirations of
SP&A Executive Search Tapped to Find 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has been chosen by the Arizona board of regents to lead in the search for the 23rd president for the University of Arizona. According to reports, the contract with SP&A is worth $275,000. The announcement comes after current president Robert C. Robbins said he would be stepping down. In 2017, the University
SearchWide Global Tapped by the Alaska Raptor Center to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by the Alaska Raptor Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s multi-faceted programs and business
True Partners with Leadership Circle
Global talent provider True has partnered with Leadership Circle, a global provider of executive coaching, assessments, and advisory services. “We help the most innovative companies recruit the right talent to drive their visions, and Leadership Circle understands, assesses and drives leadership effectiveness better than anyone,” said Joe Riggione, True co-CEO and co-founder. “Our companies are both data-centric and







