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The Execution Gap in AI Is Becoming Private Equity’s Defining Divide
Multimodal’s latest report, The State of Agentic AI in Private Equity, highlights a critical inflection point. While AI adoption is widespread across the industry, very few firms have translated that activity into sustained operational impact. Nearly two-thirds of private equity firms are actively piloting AI, and roughly 40 percent report having formal strategies in place. Yet only
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits President and CEO of Cara Collective
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Karin Norington-Reaves as president and CEO of Cara Collective in Chicago. “This is a defining moment for Cara Collective,” said J. Todd Phillips, chair of Cara Collective’s board of directors. “Karin was selected from a national search conducted by a special committee of the Cara
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Hunt Scanlon Names Kiko Restrepo Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Next-Stage Growth Across Media, M&A, and Talent Intelligence
Hunt Scanlon Media has tapped Kiko Restrepo to serve as chief revenue officer. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading all revenue-generating departments at the company, including sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships to drive, align, and scale revenue growth. Mr. Restrepo joins Hunt Scanlon from Warner Bros. Discovery where he
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has been selected by Milwaukee Area Technical College to conduct a national search for their next college president. Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters are leading the assignment. “We are honored to have been selected by the Milwaukee Area Technical College board to support their
Lindauer Appoints Co-Leader of Higher Education Practice
Lindauer has expanded with the addition of Paula Fazli as senior vice president. She will also serve as co-leader of the firm’s higher education practice along with Faith Montgomery and will expand its executive recruitment, talent management, and consulting services. “Throughout her respected career in executive search, Paula has helped some of the most prestigious institutions
How Companies are Using Interim CFOs
In recent years, the role and responsibilities of CFOs have grown greatly beyond their historical boundaries. No longer seen simply as stewards of the company’s financial management, compliance, and reporting, a Raconteur report recently noted that CFOs today are taking an increasingly prominent role as key strategic partners to the CEO, tapping vast troves of data
The League of Women Voters of the United States Retains BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by The League of Women Voters of the United States in Washington, D.C. to lead in its search for a new CEO. Managing director Kathy Bremer and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and the League of Women Voters Education
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions Assists the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with Marketing and Communications Search
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Julie Stapf as vice president of marketing and communications of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Stapf is a highly accomplished, award winning marketing and communications leader. She joins the Pittsburgh Symphony from the Cleveland Orchestra, where she served for several years as vice president
Newcastle United Taps Odgers Berndtson to Lead Sports Director Search
Given the search industry’s knack for finding a need and filling it, it was only natural that recruitment firms would soon step to the fore in the sports sector, which has become a growth area for executive search businesses. Many C-suite-focused recruiting firms are now active in the sector and some specialize only in the
EMA Partners Adds Dasein in Brazil as Newest Member Firm
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. EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has added Dasein in Brazil as
Conviction And Speed To Drive M&A Deals In 2024
The M&A market has always operated in a boom/bust cycle of expansion and contraction. And the last couple of years have been no exception. According to Bain & Company’s latest Global M&A Report, rising interest rates among other factors represented a significant obstacle for dealmakers. But the biggest hurdle according to the consultancy was the valuation gap between
The Importance of Functional Talent in 2024
Communications and labor relations teams played critical roles in keeping employees safe and informed during the pandemic and during recent labor unrest. These senior executive teams also kept management’s message in the market during the recent labor negotiations, according to a recent report from Holden Richardson’s Beverley O’Connor. The report highlights why these two unplanned
Ivy Group Seeking CEO for The Forum
Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group was recently selected The Forum to lead in its search for a new CEO. After five years of leadership, CEO Paulina Cameron left the organization at the end of December 2023. The incoming CEO will steer The Forum into its next chapter of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will
The Christopher Group Recruits Head of Human Resources for IVS Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Jim Carpenter as the new head of human resources at IVS Group, a trusted source in the industrial services and infrastructure-related construction industries. Managing partner, Tobin Anselmi and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, headed the assignment. “Morgan and I truly enjoy working with Keith
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head of Financial Services and PE Practice in India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Avneesh Raghuvanshi as executive director and head of financial services and private equity practice in India. He will be based in the Mumbai and Delhi offices, overseeing and driving the executive search initiatives in India’s financial services sector and private equity domain. “Avneesh’s
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.9 Percent in February
Employment rose by 275,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose 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 February. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in government, in food services and drinking places, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Empathetics
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Pam Holt as the new CEO of Empathetics, Inc., a provider of evidenced-based techniques to engage and empower healthcare employees to deliver empathic communication. Kaye Johnson, managing partner, and senior search consultants Hailey Brandvold and Mallory Schmidt, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam Holt
Direct Recruiters, Inc. and INNOVA People Join Forces to Form Healthcare and Tech Recruiting Divisions
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) and INNOVA People, Starfish Partners companies, have launched INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech staffing practice areas. “We have diligently been searching for the right firm to merge our existing staffing business with since the inception of Starfish Partners,” said Dan Charney, president and CEO of Direct Recruiters, Inc. “Joel Slenning and
SPMB Executive Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Arlo Technologies
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has recruited Samir Kapoor as the new chief technology officer of NYSE-traded Arlo Technologies, Inc., a smart home security brand in San Jose, CA. The search was led by Sean Lucq and Lea Hagglund from SPMB’s engineering and product practice. “As Arlo looks forward to its
Blue Rock Search Appoints Director of Business Development
Blue Rock Search has expanded with the addition of Madison Rountree as director of business development. “Blue Rock Search is delighted to welcome Madison Rountree to our team,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader of Blue Rock Search. “Madison brings considerable experience in business development and client outreach, as well as a growth mindset
Startup Leaders Upbeat, Poised for Growth After Turbulent Stretch
According to a just-released Business Leaders Outlook report from JP Morgan Chase, innovation economy leaders are still grappling with the fallout from three years of economic turbulence. But three in four leaders at early-stage startups, venture-backed and high growth companies are confident about their company’s performance heading into 2024. U.S. startup leaders, according to the report, differ
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Chief Program Officer for the Sacramento LGBT Community Center
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel was recently retained by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center to lead in its search for a new chief program officer. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key partner on the senior leadership team, the chief program officer is a strategic and visionary program leader for a growing agency. This executive
3 Reasons to Use an Executive Recruiter
Whether you’ve been recently laid off or you’ve finally decided that you need to leave your current company, the idea of launching a job search can seem daunting. Between sending out countless resumes, dealing with constant rejections, preparing for interviews, and struggling through salary negotiations, it’s no wonder that so many people put off job
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Corporate Angel Network with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Robert Stangarone as president and CEO of the Corporate Angel Network in White Plains, NY. “The decision to bring Robert on board was driven by the recognition of his impressive background, extensive expertise and proven success as a corporate leader, journalist and pilot,” said Jean Rosanvallon,
Solomon Page Names Leader of National Development Initiatives
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Austin Walker as director of business development of the professional services, technology division. Under the direction of managing director, Dan Quin, he will lead national business development initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in technology, startups, and sales, Mr. Walker will leverage his
Korn Ferry Posts Two Percent Revenue Decline
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2024 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, a decrease of two percent from the same period a year ago. The decline was primarily due to decreases in the firm’s permanent placement talent acquisition offerings. Korn Ferry notes that this decrease was also due to a decline in demand driven by
Stevenson Search Partners Receives Long-Term Investment from SixSibs Capital
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has received a significant long-term investment from SixSibs Capital, a Milwaukee-based family-owned private investment company, in an effort to advance its expansion into a total talent solution company for the global life sciences market.
ZRG Acquires Ignata Finance Group in the U.K.
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Ignata Finance Group, a U.K.-based executive search & finance recruitment and interim placement business. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Partnering with Ignata will enable our European growth strategy both in private equity but across our shared global customers,
Lochlin Partners Assists SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation with CEO Search
Following a national search, executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the placement of William Chittenden as the new president and CEO of the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation, headquartered at the SMU Cox School of Business. The selection follows previous president and CEO Jeffrey R. Schmid’s appointment to president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank
Recruiting Firms Continue to Focus on Winning New Business in 2024
In the midst of a tumultuous year and uncertain global economy, the recruiting industry in 2023 focused on maintaining revenue and margin in the face of declining job requisitions and slower conversions. As a result of these challenges, firms seem to have stalled in their digital transformation journey, according to a new report from Bullhorn. In 2020
Trends Facing the Executive Recruiting Industry
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has released the results of its twice annual business barometer survey, which provides insights into the current state of the recruitment industry. Completed in February 2024 by over 560 independent NPAworldwide recruitment firm owners, the survey highlights key trends and challenges faced by the industry. According to the study, the global demand
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Tapped by Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Find CHRO
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to find a chief human resources officer. Kim Dukes, Maureen Alphonse-Charles, and Andy Tarsy of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a creative, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as its next
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to Help Recruit Chief Development Officer
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. Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Head of India Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Puneet Kalra as the head of India practice, taking over the leadership role from Sachin Rajan. “I am delighted to be taking over the leadership of a fabulous team in India and we will continue to deliver the highest quality of work to our clients,” said Puneet Kalra, managing director and head of Russell Reynolds
