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6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
As leadership transitions become more frequent and stakes continue to rise, boards are facing increasing pressure to ensure continuity at the top. Yet many organizations remain underprepared, exposing themselves to significant operational and financial risk when succession is left unaddressed. The gap between those that treat succession as a strategic priority and those that view
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the Academy of Country Music for CEO Search
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, and Anne Johnson are leading the assignment. The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of
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.
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,
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
PFM Executive Search Recruits Chief Social Purpose Officer for British Columbia Lottery Corporation
PFM Executive Search has placed Natasha Questel as the new chief social purpose officer and vice president, marketing with British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Partners Allison Rzen and Jennifer Madden led the assignment. “As British Columbia Lottery Corporation continues to mature as a social purpose company working to generate win-wins for the greater good, it’s integral that we
Riviera Partners Expands Private Equity Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has added Rick Harris to its private equity-backed practice as a partner. “With more than 20 years of experience placing top executives for many of the world’s leading software and consumer tech companies, Rick will be a valuable asset within our private equity-focused team,”
Keys for First-Turn Portfolio Companies Using Executive Search Firms
For first-turn portfolio companies—companies that are typically founder-led and partnering with a private equity firm for the first time—the experience of working with an executive search firm often varies. Founders are often new to partnering with search firms, as they have mostly hired through their networks. While PE firms want to hire world-class talent and
Pearl Street Collective Recruits Chief Development Officer for the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street
Morris & Berger Leading CEO Search for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group and Pediatric Management Group
The non-profit sector is one of the fastest growing areas within executive search today. Recently, Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, was called by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group and Pediatric Management Group to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search committee is seeking an exceptional visionary
The Chason Group Recruits CEO for Southern Conservation Trust
The Chason Group has placed dedicated and proven conservation enthusiast Chris Doane as president and CEO of Southern Conservation Trust in Fayetteville, GA. He is replacing Katie Pace Quattlebaum who served seven years as CEO and executive director until stepping down in May of 2023. “Chris’ experience in the areas of leading and building a
Horton International Forms Alliance with Brown & Chase
Horton International has formed a strategic partnership with Brown & Chase, a distinguished name in the Australian Search and HR Advisory landscape. The search consultancy will leverage the expertise brought in by Brown & Chase managing director, Brian Russell and partner, Noel Rowland. “With this latest collaboration, Horton International continues its journey of global expansion which has seen it extend
Managing Cultural Friction Along The M&A Deal Cycle
New research from McKinsey & Company confirms that companies that regularly and systematically pursue moderately-sized M&A deliver better shareholder returns than companies that don’t. To be sure, M&A offers companies an unparalleled opportunity to scale. Why, then, do so many acquisitions fail? According to Culture Partners, a West Coast-based culture consultancy, poor outcomes are the result of a
Caldwell Assists the ONE Campaign with CEO Search
After an extensive global search, John Strackhouse and Bethany George of Toronto-based Caldwell assisted in the recruitment of Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as CEO of the ONE Campaign in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Gayle Smith. “I’m most thrilled to welcome Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli to The ONE Campaign,” said Tom Freston, board chair. “Ndidi is an incredibly accomplished professional, a passionate
ON Partners Helps Place CTO for RB Global, Inc.
Josh Nathanson and Bryan Buck of ON Partners have recruited Nancy King as chief technology officer of NYSE-traded RB Global, Inc. in Westchester, IL. “Nancy is a thoughtful and driven leader – an innovator and culture builder who brings strong vision and delivers solutions that deepen relationships with customers to ultimately gain market share,” said Jim Kessler, CEO of RB Global. “Her leadership
Storbeck Search | Diversified Search Recruits President for Monmouth College
Higher education-focused Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Patricia Draves as the 15th president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL. Julie E. Tea, Anne Koellhoffer, and Danielle Mebert led the assignment. She succeeds Clarence R. Wyatt, who has been the College’s 14th president since July 2014 and will retire at the end of
AIMS International Names Senior Advisor for Board Services
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded with the addition of Annika Hall as the new senior advisor for board services, bolstering its family business advisory services worldwide. “It’s an honor to welcome Annika Hall to our team at AIMS International,” said Titti Hammarling, global head of board services practice at AIMS International. “Her extensive background in family
Using Artificial Intelligence to Drive DE&I Initiatives
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our world in ways that were previously unimaginable. From self-driving cars to personalized healthcare, it is changing every aspect of our lives including business, where its integration into operations is arguably the biggest shift since the internet was developed. Understanding the relationship between AI and diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) is
Shelli Herman and Associates Retained by the Santa Barbara Zoo to Find New CEO
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by the Santa Barbara Zoo to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO will be responsible for utilizing the zoo’s platform and the community’s trust to advocate for animal conservation and the protection of the planet. To succeed in this role, Shelli Herman and Associates
Lancor Assists VERTEX with CFO Search
Executive search firm Lancor has assisted in the recruitment of Ron Charow as the new CFO of VERTEX in Weymouth, MA. “We are proud to collaborate with the leadership team at The Vertex Companies on the appointment of Ron Charow as chief financial officer,” said Tim O’Toole, partner at Lancor. “Congratulations to Ron and best of luck from the Lancor search team.”
m/Oppenheim Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Creative Alliance
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has placed Jason Steer as the new executive director of Creative Alliance in Baltimore, MD. Lee Kappelman, Oscar Quiros, and Steve Oppenheim led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jason Steer to Creative Alliance and to Baltimore,” said Amy Seto, Creative Alliance board president. “Jason brings to us his vision and
True Appoints Regional Lead for Middle East and North Africa
Global talent provider True has named Paul Navratil as regional lead for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “Paul’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for True in MENA,” said Sam McGrath, True’s general manager, EMEA & APAC. “His wealth of international experience and strategic acumen align perfectly with our vision for growth and client success in the
Executive Recruiting Sector Declines 12 Percent
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual productivity report of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2023, but at a slower rate than in previous years. “Market turbulence and a soft economy impacted most executive recruiters who pulled through a challenging year,” said Scott A.
Howard Fischer Associates Assists Agility Robotics with CEO Search
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has helped to recruit Peggy Johnson as the new CEO of Agility Robotics, creator of the bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) called Digit. “Peggy Johnson’s long track record of engineering and business success at Qualcomm and Microsoft, and her recent achievements driving change as CEO of Magic Leap, make her
Harbour West Consulting Recruits Chief Librarian for the New Westminster Public Library
Executive recruitment firm Harbour West Consulting Inc. has placed Carolyn Caseñas as chief librarian for the New Westminster Public Library. Ms. Caseñas was selected for the role after a comprehensive search process in collaboration with the search committee, Harbour West Consulting, and with the approval of the library’s board of trustees. “New Westminster Public Library is thrilled
Borderless AI Secures $27 Million in Funding
Borderless AI, an AI-powered startup in the Employer of Record (EOR) space, has raised $27 million in seed funding. The seed round was led by Susquehanna and Aglaé Ventures, the venture arm of Bernard Arnault, with participation from additional institutional investors. The company was founded by serial entrepreneur Willson Cross and Lyft’s founding investor Sean Aggarwal. “As the first company in the world to bring
Pedersen & Partners Names Head of Boston Office
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed John Durkey as a client partner and head of Boston office. “We are excited to welcome John Durkey to our team as client partner and head of the Boston office,” said Gary Williams, CEO of Pedersen & Partners. “John’s extensive experience in the life sciences & healthcare and industrial sectors,
The Critical Role of Interim Executives
In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, companies often face unexpected challenges that demand swift and effective solutions. One such solution gaining prominence is interim management, according to a recent report from SpenglerFox. The global search firm delves into the pivotal role that interim management plays in times of crisis in transforming businesses, especially
The Moran Company Seeking CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by YWCA Northeast Kansas to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher is leading the assignment. YWCA Northeast Kansas is seeking a CEO who can build on the organization’s successes as a leader
Kittleman & Associates Recruits CEO for National Industries for the Blind
Following an extensive nationwide search, Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Soraya Correa as president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind. Kevin Lynch, who has been NIB president and CEO for more than 15 years, announced last summer
Charles Aris Combines Finance, Accounting and Corporate Development Teams
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has announced that its finance, accounting and corporate development teams have combined as one practice. The groups will now operate as the finance and corporate development practice. “Senior firm leaders agreed on this development after recognizing the value one unified practice will bring to clients seeking specialized expertise at
Karen Harvey Consulting Group Grows Search Staff
Karen Harvey Consulting Group (KHC), an international executive search and brand advisory firm in fashion, luxury, lifestyle and beauty, has appointed Anais Goujon to director, executive and creative search, Kate Sunderland as vice president, creative search, and Charlotte Reeve as associate director, executive search. “Since founding Karen Harvey Consulting, my goal has been to build
Why High-Performing Executives Don’t Always Operate as High-Performing Teams
It might sound counterintuitive, but a group made up of individual high performers does not always translate to a high-performing team. The fact that these professionals excel at their primary jobs doesn’t automatically mean they will work cohesively and effectively as a team, a new report from Odgers Berndtson explains. A poorly functioning team is
ECA Partners Recruits CEO for RedCAT Systems
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Jason Phillips as the new CEO for RedCAT Systems, a Boulder, CO-based compensation platform with people-centered solutions for performance and pay. “With a rich background in global business leadership spanning over a decade, Jason’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for
Bob Murray & Associates Leading Search for Top LAPD Position
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious, and adaptable, report recruiters, with the capacity to deal with
Pekarsky & Co. and Humanis Advisory Merge
Calgary-based Pekarsky & Co. and Edmonton-headquartered Humanis Advisory have formed a strategic partnership. Combining their renowned expertise and deep-rooted legacies, the newly company will be called Humanis Talent Acquisition & Advisory. “This merger is a testament to our shared values and vision,” said Adam Pekarsky, founding partner of Pekarsky & Co. “We are excited to
