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Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Oklahoma State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has helped to recruit Marjorie McLagan as chief information security officer (CISO) of Oklahoma State University. Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock led the assignment. “Cybersecurity is foundational to everything we do at Oklahoma State University,” said Jason Ramsey, chief operating officer. “As we advance research, serve students and support Extension programs in all 77 counties,
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,
Why Companies Need to Develop an AI-Ready Workforce
AI has emerged as one of the most valued tools in today’s corporate environment. Across nearly every sector—from finance to healthcare—organizations are embracing AI as a critical driver of innovation, automation, and competitive advantage. And yet, for all its promise, one critical issue holds back progress – a shortage of qualified AI talent, according to
From Crystal Ball to Reality In 2024
Organizations moving from their “crystal ball” stage to an action stage are beginning 2024 with an advantage. Their planning is over – now they are accelerating their reality. A new report from Cornerstone International Group’s Larry Shoemaker explains that this year will continue to offer complex and formidable challenges with different solutions for Mid-market and
Daversa Partners Extends Senior Management Team
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Will Brewster as the firm’s newest partner. “With a track record spanning over a decade in executive recruiting, Brewster’s promotion to the company’s partnership indicates a significant milestone for the company,” Daversa Partners said. “The elevation of Will to our partnership is a
Intuitive Entrepreneur George Matthews Dies
George J. Matthews died on January 11, 2024. Mr. Matthews was an energetic and fearless entrepreneur, owning and managing a number of companies during his lifetime, most recently, The Registry. “George was a highly skilled and intuitive businessman with good values and a strong moral compass,” said Scott A. Scanlon, CEO of Hunt Scanlon Ventures.
EY Deal Barometer Predicts M&A and PE Deal Volume Rise In 2024
EY just launched its first-ever EY Deal Barometer which uses historical economic and financial market indicators to predict future trends and deal volume outlooks in corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) deals. At the moment, the Deal Barometer is predicting that corporate U.S. M&A deal volume will rise by 12 percent year-over-year in
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Director of Athletic for the University of Iowa
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted in the recruitment of Beth Goetz as the director of athletics for the University of Iowa. Past athletics director Gary Barta announced last year that he is retiring after 17 years at the university. “Beth is a talented and dynamic leader, and the national search we conducted has substantiated that she is the best athletics director for
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CEO for Solo Brands
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
JM Search Appoints COO and CHRO
JM Search has named Seth Gillespie as chief operating officer and Ashley Jaspersen as chief human resources officer. “This announcement follows another year of impressive organic growth for the firm, which has more than doubled in revenue and size over the past three years,” JM Search said. “These promotions will empower this collective group to
WilsonHCG Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has named Marisa Kacary as its first chief marketing officer. “We’re thrilled to welcome Marisa to our executive team,” said John Wilson, CEO of WilsonHCG. “Marisa’s extensive experience in marketing and knowledge of the industry will be invaluable to WilsonHCG as we embark on our next stage of growth and
4 Perspectives on What Top Talent Looks Like Today
Last year was riddled with confusion, change, and uncertainty. A series of paradoxical events. We navigated a recessionary market amidst a record-strong jobs landscape. Meanwhile, downsizing across tech resulted in deep fears, while advances in AI simultaneously paved the way for new, revolutionary opportunities. But with 2024 on the horizon, there’s the sense and hope
McDermott + Bull Recruits CFO for 1st Capital Bancorp
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Joel Keller as executive vice president and chief financial officer of 1st Capital Bancorp and 1st Capital Bank in Salinas, CA. The search was completed by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, and executive recruiter Mary Heiman. “I am pleased to welcome
R. William Funk & Associates Seeking Dean for Southern Methodist University
R. William Funk & Associates has been retained by Southern Methodist University (SMU) to lead in its search for a dean of the Perkins School of Theology. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a school as it charts a course for its future. “SMU is entering the third year of a $1.5 billion capital campaign to attract
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sabarras George as director for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, a $230 million, 425-acre zoo expansion project that is scheduled to open to the public in 2027. He succeeds Jo-Elle Mogerman, who assumed the role of president and CEO of Philadelphia Zoo in October. “I
Solomon Page Appoints Head of Alternative Asset Management
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its financial services division with the appointment of Lissa Rosenthal as managing director and head of alternative asset management. Reporting to founding partner and managing director Scott Page, Ms. Rosenthal will be based in the New York City office and focused on expanding the global footprint of
Why Investing in Top Private Equity Talent is Key to Future Growth
As competition for top talent grows, private equity firms must reevaluate their leadership needs and strengthen retention strategies. The private equity industry has entered a lull, according to a new report from Slayton Search Partners’ Dan Dunn. An article from Bloomberg says that firms are raising new funds at the slowest rate in over a decade; deal volumes
Embracing Change and Innovation for Executive Search in 2024
With 2024 underway, the executive search and recruiting industry continues to evolve. The past few years, particularly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, have ushered in significant shifts in workplace dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving candidate expectations. An article from Gertjan Van de Groep, global president of International Executive Search Federation (IESF) and country manager Netherlands, delves into
Reffett Associates Places Administrative Officer at Spokane Regional Health District
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has recruited Alicia Thompson as administrative officer of Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). Speaking to the placement of Dr. Thompson, mayor Kevin Freeman, City of Millwood and SRHD board of health chair said: “The board of health is delighted to welcome Alicia Thompson as our administrative officer. Both
ON Partners Recruits COO for See Rock City
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Greg Scheid as chief operating officer of See Rock City Inc. in Lookout Mountain, GA. Partner Tara Flickinger led the assignment. “I am thrilled to have Greg step into this critical role for the future of See Rock City Inc.,” said Doug Chapin, president and CEO of Rock City. “Since stepping into
H.I. Executive Consulting Expands in Hong Kong
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (H.I.E.C.) has expanded with the addition of Lee Brantingham as a partner based in Hong Kong. “Lee brings invaluable expertise to both the technology & software and private equity practice groups, enhancing the firm’s presence across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region,” the search firm said. “We are excited to have Lee join
Top 5 Executive Search Trends for 2024
As the landscape of executive search evolves into 2024, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era in leadership recruitment. This year is poised to redefine the norms and expectations of executive talent acquisition, shaped by a confluence of technological advancements, shifting work dynamics and a renewed emphasis on diversity and adaptability, according to
Gen Z’s Job Search Wish List
In the fast-evolving landscape of job searches, the priorities and concerns of Gen Z candidates are shaping the employment market. As these digital natives step into the workforce, their expectations and preferences are steering the conversation around what matters most in the quest for meaningful employment, according to recent report from Protis Global. For Gen
Renovata & Company Fills Chief People and Culture Officer for Kobalt Music
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has recruited Dylan Berthier as chief people and culture officer of Kobalt Music, a London-based provider of publishing administration and royalty-collection services to owners of music-publishing copyrights. “Dylan has more than 20 years of experience as an HR leader,” said Lucy Brealy, consultant at Renovata &
Vetted Solution Recruits CEO for Leader Dogs for the Blind
Following an extensive, national search process, Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has placed Melissa Weisse as its new president and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind. She replaced Susan Daniels, who in May of 2023 announced her intention to retire. “After an extensive, national search process, we are delighted to welcome Weisse as our new
Search Industry Veteran Bernard Zen-Ruffinen Dies
Bernard Zen-Ruffinen passed away suddenly on January 17, 2024, near his home in Zermatt, Switzerland. “Korn Ferry has lost a dear friend, gifted leader and a widely-regarded colleague who has formed so many lasting connections with colleagues across our firm – truly making a difference in their lives,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn
The Imperative of Women in Private Equity
As with many sectors, the urgency of diversity and gender equality is taking center stage in the world of private equity (PE). But why is having diversity in leadership roles, particularly women, so vital in private equity and PE organizations’ portfolio companies? The answer lies not just in numbers – although the metrics do speak
Hanold Associates Executive Search Recruits Chief People Officer for Impossible Foods
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with
Herbert Mines Associates Fills Board Position for Vera Bradley
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in selection of Bradley Weston, seasoned retail executive and former CEO of Party City Holdings, Inc., who has been nominated to join its board of directors of NASDAQ-traded Vera Bradley Inc. “We are so pleased to welcome Brad Weston as the newest member of
Acertitude Recruits CEO for United Site Services
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited James Hyman as CEO of United Site Services (USS), a provider of portable sanitation and temporary site services. Kevin O’Neill, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of the Industrial practice at Acertitude, led the search together with Max Stubenvoll, principal overseeing business services in North America. The team is relied upon by
Talentor International Adds New Partner in India
Executive search consortium Talentor International has expanded with the addition of Accrete Executive Search in India as its newest member firm. “We are very pleased to consolidate our presence in India,” Talentor International said. “Jay (GC Jayaprakash) is the founder director of Accrete Executive Search, the company that joins Talentor to cover the Indian market
Heidrick & Struggles Taps Outsider as CEO; Other Leadership Moves Announced
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced that president and CEO Krishnan Rajagopalan has decided to retire, after more than 23 years with the firm. Following a planned succession process, the board has appointed Thomas L. Monahan to succeed Mr. Rajagopalan as CEO and member of the board, effective March 4. Mr.
Salveson Stetson Group Recruits CEO for Episcopal Community Services
Radnor, PA-based executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group has recently placed Anne Rice-Burgess as the new CEO of Episcopal Community Services in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Rice-Burgess has more than 30 years of experience in faith-based human services organizations, most recently leading Methodist Services as president and CEO. Her career stemmed from experience as an adopted child and
August Leadership Tapped by Paradigm for Parity to Find New CEO
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has been select to find a new CEO for Paradigm for Parity, an advocate for gender equality in the corporate world. This marks the firm’s second collaboration with Paradigm for Parity. Together, they are embarking on a purpose-driven mission to identify and appoint a CEO dedicated to steering organizations towards a future marked
