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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
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
AGB Search Recruits 22nd President for Seton Hall University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly as the 22nd president of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Melissa K. Trotta and Matthew J. Kilcoyne led the assignment. “There is no one better suited to leading the university at this
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for Inspirica
New York City-based Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by Inspirica in Stamford, CT, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Susan Gluck Pappajohn and Addie Jones are leading the assignment on behalf of Phillips Oppenheim. Inspirica is seeking an energetic and compassionate leader with a strong operational and fundraising background and a track record
Vanguarde Names Managing Partner and Head of Operations
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Vanguarde has appointed Gabrielle Brown as managing partner & head of operations. She will report to LP Green, chairman and CEO of Vanguarde. “We welcome Gabrielle and the experience that she brings to the Vanguarde team,” said Mr. Green. “With her wealth of knowledge in fostering a best-in-class employee experience, boosting productivity, and
Alexander Hughes Adds New Member Firm in Paris
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. Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has added Kienbaum Executive Consultants International in Paris as its
Connecting Talent with Opportunity Across Borders
Securing top leadership talent is essential in the dynamic and fast-paced business world. Global executive search firms are entrusted with identifying and recruiting experienced and qualified executives worldwide. A recent report from N2Growth’s Leslie Goldhill explains that their reach extends beyond borders, tapping into a wider pool of talent and thus making their services invaluable to
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







