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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
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
Kestria Grows Agribusiness & Agriscience Practice Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has strengthened its agribusiness & agriscience practice group with the additions of Carlos Eduardo Staut, Constanza Ossa, and Pietro Borroni. “In an era where sustainable practices and technological advancements are reshaping industries, agribusiness stands at the forefront of a remarkable transformation,” Kestria said. “The rising demand
Canadian Executive Search Market Shifts to Meet New Demands
Throughout 2023, executive search consultants have Hunt Scanlon Media that the Canadian executive recruiting market experienced shifts in response to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing business environment across the country. Amidst the ongoing transformations in executive recruiting, the Canadian business landscape has become increasingly competitive, requiring a strategic approach to talent acquisition. Recruiters
The American Athletic Conference Selects TurnkeyZRG to Lead Commissioner Search
TurnkeyZRG was recently called in by the American Athletic Conference (AAC) to lead in its search for a new commissioner. Mike Aresco, the AAC’s only commissioner in the league’s 11-year history, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. TurnkeyZRG is helping the AAC in finding a commissioner who
PierceGray Tapped by Four Wheel Campers to Find New CEO
PierceGray has been retained by Four Wheel Campers to lead its for a new CEO. The CEO will have full responsibility for the business and will lead a workforce of 82 employees. They will partner with the management team, the board of directors and Salt Creek Capital on strategic planning, budgeting, capital allocation, financial structure
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the YWCA of Western New York
Following a rigorous, nationwide search, TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Michelle Sawyers as the new CEO of the YWCA of Western New York (YWCA WNY). Current CEO, Jill Ann Robbins-Jabine, is retiring after nearly 10 years of service. “Michelle’s extensive experience in nonprofit operations—coupled with her leadership acumen, community involvement, and ability to build partnerships—makes
Riviera Partners Expands Venture Capital-Backed Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Sam Wilkins as its newest partner, joining the firm’s venture capital-backed practice led by managing partner Eoin O’Toole. “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the team,” said Mr. O’Toole. “In addition to being an incredible
Pitchbook Market Data Points To Uptick In M&A Deal Activity
At the two-year anniversary of an all-time peak reached in 2021, the global M&A market turned in its second weakest year in exactly a decade. With total deal value sitting right around the $3 trillion mark, 2023 closed with a 15.8 percent decrease from 2022. However, according to Pitchbook’s latest Annual Global M&A Report, 2024 may be
AI Today – Challenges and Opportunities for Business Leaders
Today’s business is already being driven by AI as use across industries and around the world is widespread. And AI functionality continues to develop at an accelerated pace, with companies recognizing they can no longer stay on the AI sidelines. However, with changes occurring so rapidly, developing and implementing sound AI strategies comes with significant
JM Search Recruits CEO for Colony Display
JM Search has assisted in the recruitment of Craig Marton as the new CEO of Colony Display in Bartlett, IL. Partner Trista Bleers McCarthy led the assignment. “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Craig to the Colony family,” said Suzanne Yoon, founder and managing partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, investors in Colony Display. “We
Massey Henry Recruits COO for Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Tracey Whittall as chief operating officer of Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust in Toronto. “Tracey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, with demonstrated success in building high performing teams and balancing strategic decisions and fiscal oversight to
The International Executive Search Federation Launches New Standardized Search Process
International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has unveiled a new initiative to standardize executive search processes across its global network. This comes after an intensive collaborative effort culminating in a unanimous agreement among partners during the 2023 annual general meeting. “The decision to standardize the search process underscores IESF’s dedication to fostering best practices and ethical standards
The Massachusetts Port Authority Calls in Isaacson, Miller To Find New CEO
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), one of the nation’s most multifaceted port authorities and a prime engine of economic vitality for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New England, has called in Boston-based Isaacson, Miller to lead in its search for a new CEO. Past CEO Lisa Wieland recently stepped down. Lisa Savereid and Jeff Kessner are leading
Workday Enters Agreement to Acquire AI-Powered HiredScore
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HiredScore, a provider of AI-powered talent orchestration solutions, which enable companies to use data-driven insights to improve recruiting and talent mobility processes. The combination of Workday Talent Management, Workday Skills Cloud, and HiredScore’s Talent Orchestration solutions, will provide customers
Preng & Associates Recruits Senior Operations Leader for PJM Interconnection
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Aftab Khan as executive vice president of operations, planning & security with high-voltage electric power system PJM Interconnection. Consultants Mark Ciolek and John Goodrum led the search on behalf of Preng & Associates. Mr. Khan will report to PJM president and CEO Manu Asthana and will have overall responsibility for
Cornerstone International Group Fills Head of Investor Relations Role for Bitfarms
Investor relations is a strategic management responsibility that is capable of integrating finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial community and other constituencies, which ultimately contributes to a company’s securities achieving fair valuation. With the growing importance of the IR role especially in
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of U.S. Automotive and Mobility Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Marisa Smith as partner and head of its U.S. automotive and mobility practice. “Marisa’s extensive experience and strategic vision are exactly what we need to enhance our leadership in the automotive and mobility sectors and support our ambitious growth strategy in the U.S.,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers
Resilient Recruiting: How The Tolan Group Defied the 2023 Downturn
The executive search sector faced a perfect storm of challenges in 2023. Founders, management teams, and recruiters themselves were weathering a downturn that early indications show likely resulted in a dip of 20 percent in annual revenues. There were outliers, of course, and much of how a search firm beat the odds depended on industry
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 4.3 Percent Revenue Decrease
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.03 billion, a decrease of 4.3 percent, compared to $1.07 billion in 2022. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fourth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income of $54.4 million and diluted earnings per share was $2.62. This compares to
Reffett Associates Retained by New Mexico Military Institute to Find New President
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been selected by the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to lead its search for a new president and superintendent. The new president will succeed Jerry Grizzle, who has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2024. The search will be led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the Washington, D.C. office,
NorthWind Partners Recruits CEO for Slingshot Aerospace
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Tim Solms as the new CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, a provider of satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation. Brian Thomas led the assignment of behalf of NorthWind Partners. “Tim’s business acumen and track record in scaling data, analytics, and software solutions
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Co-Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Gemma Burgess as a managing director to join Deb Barbanel as co-lead of the global real estate practice. She will be jointly based in the firm’s New York and Chicago offices. “We welcome Gemma and the experience she brings to the Russell Reynolds team,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “With her wealth of
Executive Hiring Trends Reshaping 2024
The realm of executive hiring is experiencing a paradigm shift, with notable trends emerging that redefine the recruitment landscape. In a recent report, ON Partners explores four executive hiring trends that indicate talent demand strategies of the future. 1. Middle America Ignites: A Renaissance in the Heartland. The recent Business Insider article highlights the burgeoning trend of tech and innovation
3 Ways to Nurture Talent for Future Leadership in Non-Profit and Social Impact Organizations
In the non-profit and social impact space, identifying and nurturing talent is crucial for sustainable growth and impact. To ensure a pipeline of capable leaders, it is essential to invest in talent development strategies that cultivate the potential within the organization, according to a report from DRiWaterstone Human Capital. The firm addresses three ways to attract
B.E. Smith Seeking CEO for Deaconess Associations Incorporated
Healthcare and life science organizations are facing an increasingly complex landscape, with rapid technological advancements, changing regulatory environments, and heightened public scrutiny. As a result, these companies have been turning to executive search firms more than ever to acquire world-class leadership. The most pressing challenge has been finding high-impact, innovative leaders who can navigate this
The Hawkins Company Assists City of Santa Monica in Finding New Fire Chief
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Matthew Hallock as the next fire chief for the City of Santa Monica, CA. He replaces interim fire chief Wolfgang Knabe, who has held the acting role since September 2023. Mr. Hallock comes to Santa Monica from the city of Monterey Park, where
Hightech Partners Expands Search Staff
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Frédérique Genton as a partner. “Frédérique’s in depth involvement in the German and French markets is very valuable for us as she has a network with leading companies that want to expand and need digital talent, our core business,” said Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren,
3 Actions for Successful Inclusive Leadership
The jury is in: inclusive leadership is successful leadership. According to a recent Kincannon & Reed survey, food and agriculture industry executives indicated that critical leadership characteristics in executive recruitment and engagement include emotional intelligence (74 percent) and diversity, equity and inclusion (77 percent). The growing interest in diversity expectations from employees, customers, and shareholders
Korn Ferry Leading President/CEO Search for the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have chosen the members of the selection committee to find a successor to Mark Murphy, who will retire as the team’s president and CEO next year. Korn Ferry has been retained to lead this assignment. Mr. Murphy is required to retire when he turns 70 in July 2025. Susan Finco, the Packers’
AGB Search Assists Rhode Island College in Finding New President
In recent months, a number of top schools have announced that they are looking for new, high-profile leaders to take them into new eras of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, in some cases, globalization. Some universities that are looking for new leaders after a long spell without turnover are discovering a vastly different and highly competitive
DHR Global Names Chief Operating Officer
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to have Priya take on the role of chief operating officer,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “Her client service orientation, strategic mindset, and dedication to excellence will continue to be instrumental in implementing our growth strategies around the
Amrop Expands to the Dominican Republic
Amrop, a global leadership advisory and executive search partnership, has opened a new office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the addition of Kai Schoenhals. Amrop’s new Dominican Republic team offers executive search and board services, focusing on the tourism, financial services, industrial, telecommunications and construction sectors. “We are delighted to welcome Kai and his ambitious
