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SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
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.
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
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?
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
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
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
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,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
BraddockMatthews and David Barrett Partners Join Forces
Alliances and partnerships continue to gain traction in the executive search industry. BraddockMatthews LLC and David Barrett Partners have closed a transaction to combine their firms, creating asset management executive search firm BraddockMatthewsBarrett. The merging of the two firms, which serve complementary segments of the investment management industry, creates an international executive search firm with
KEES Tapped by the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to Find New Leaders
The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) has tapped Kistner Eddy Executive Search (KEES) as its executive search consulting partner leading the spring 2024 interim CEO search, followed by the permanent CEO search anticipated to begin in November 2024. Leading the assignment for KEES are president and CEO Heather Eddy, executive search manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and
Cardinal Grange Retained by Stephen F. Austin State University to Lead AD Search
Stephen F. Austin State University has hired search firm Cardinal Grange to lead in its search for a new athletic director. The school has also formed an in-house committee to work alongside Cardinal Grange during the recruitment process. “The decision means that Stephen F. Austin will benefit from the leadership and vision of Cardinal Grange’s Jim Nichols, who has over
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for ProCare
Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy has placed Jonathan Duncan as the chief commercial officer for New Zealand-based healthcare provider ProCare. “Jonathan will focus on two key areas across the organization,” said Bindi Norwell, group CEO at ProCare. “The first, is ensuring that the organization is future-proofed and has the resources and capability to deliver services
Private Equity’s Shift In Thinking On Talent
More than half of the assignments NU Advisory Partners works on these days are for companies owned by private equity investors. To be sure, private capital is becoming an increasingly significant player in a growing number of industries and search firms dedicated to the space are reaping big rewards. In the U.S., some 12 million people are
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO of THOR Industries
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,
University of New Hampshire Using Isaacson, Miller to Find 21st President
Vijay Saraswat, Gale Merseth, Raul Bernal, and Debbie Scheibler of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently seeking a new president for the University of New Hampshire (UNH). President James Dean announced that he would be stepping down on June 30, 2024, after serving six years in the school’s top role. The search firm seeks a passionate, articulate, and visionary
Mirams Becker Retained by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to Lead in its Search for a New CEO
Ontario-based Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has secured Mirams Becker as the executive search firm to lead the recruitment process for its next president and CEO. Current president and CEO Lori Marshall recently announced her retirement in the summer of 2024. “The utilization of an executive search firm ensures that the hospital receives specialized knowledge and
Mercuri Urval Appoints Global Practice Head for Newly Formed ESG Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Peter Torjussen as global practice head for its new ESG practice. “MU has a clear strategy that aims to constantly strengthen our position in the leadership segment, international business, and industry expertise,” the firm said. “Our plan is to grow all these areas with care and continue to
10 Benefits of Using an Executive Search Firm
Are you tired of sifting through endless resumes, conducting unproductive interviews, and still struggling to find the perfect addition to your team? Time wasted on recruitment can feel like a never-ending drain on productivity, leaving you longing for those hours back to focus on what truly matters – building exceptional teams, according to a recent
Spencer Stuart Retained by Dentons to Lead CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has been retained by global law firm Dentons to lead in its search for a new CEO. Elliott Portnoy recently announced that the 5,900-attorney law firm would maintain its aggressive international growth strategy when he leaves his post as global CEO in November, promising business as usual. “A new global CEO will have to
RH Perry & Associates Recruits 12th President for Saint Martin’s University
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of William Brownsberger as the 12th president of Saint Martin’s University in Lacy, WA, to lead in its search for a new president. Leading the assignment were senior consultants Sue DeWine and Jean Scott. “We look forward to this next chapter for Saint Martin’s with Dr. Brownsberger’s
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







