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JDG Associates Retained by SPIE to Lead CEO Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to lead its search for a new CEO. The Bellingham, WA-based society, the premier global organization advancing light-based research and technologies, seeks a strategic, globally minded executive to succeed CEO Kent Rochford, who will depart in February
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Resideo
CIO Partners was recently tapped by Resideo to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. This executive is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise technology strategy that enables innovation across connected home products, digital services, and global distribution operations at Resideo Technologies. This leader ensures that enterprise technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, 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.
Lochlin Partners Recruits CHRO for Communities Foundation of Texas
Lochlin Partners has placed DeLancey Johnson as chief human resources officer of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). “Delancey brings new perspective, experience, and leadership to CFT as we continue building a culture that supports our mission and our staff experts,” said Wayne White, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas. “His depth of experience leading
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?
HTP Group Expands in Europe and Transatlantic Markets with Four Partner Appointments
HTP Group has expanded with the additions of François Carloni, Diego Chinnì, Sandrine Lebouc, and Chloë Sonnois as partners. These appointment marks a significant milestone in HTP Group’s international growth, strengthening its capabilities across France, Italy, and Switzerland, while establishing its first-ever dedicated bridge to the North American market. “We are thrilled to welcome Chloë, Diego,
Fractional CHRO vs. Interim HR Leader: Key Differences and When to Hire Each
As organizations grow, restructure, prepare for investment, or navigate leadership change, many realize they need experienced HR leadership – but not always in the same way. That’s where fractional CHRO and interim HR solutions come in, according to a recent Talent Connections report. “While these terms are often grouped together, they solve very different business
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading General Counsel Search for Illinois State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) was recently selected by Illinois State University to lead in its search for a general counsel. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jim Johnsen are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet, the general counsel will serve as the University’s chief
ESGI Potomac Recruits CFO for MTSI
ESGI Potomac recently assisted in the recruitment of Ashutosh Gokhale as executive vice president and CFO of Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI). “We welcome Ashutosh Gokhale as our new executive vice president and chief financial officer,” said Kevin Robinson, MTSI president and CEO. “As MTSI continues its growth trajectory, Ashutosh’s leadership, financial expertise, and strategic perspective
Marovi Targets Executive Search’s Evaluation Gap With AI-Driven Platform
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has shared details of its market momentum and customer experience. Core to Marovi’s success is its proprietary evaluation intelligence engine, which weights every candidate against role-specific requirements and generates scorecard comparisons and curated shortlists before the interviewing process commences. Executive search has long been a high-stakes, challenge-filled endeavor, where misalignment can cause significant disruption. Ensuring
Parker Remick Appoints Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has expanded with the addition of Amy Lewis as partner. Kevin Williamson, founder of Parker Remick, believes technology leadership has become one of the defining competitive advantages for large enterprises. “Technology leadership has never carried greater responsibility than it does today,” he said. “Every board is evaluating how AI, product innovation, and engineering capability
From Performance Reviews to People Intelligence: Rethinking How Organizations Assess Talent
Performance management is increasingly moving beyond a once- or twice-a-year exercise as organizations look for more timely insight into how leaders and teams are actually performing. For search and talent leaders, that shift is creating new opportunities to use people data more strategically in decisions around succession, development, retention, and leadership readiness. As companies place
millionways and Waxell Form Alliance to Bring Behavioral Intelligence to AI Governance and Agent Observability
millionways, the behavioral intelligence layer for the human-agent workforce, recently formed a strategic partnership with Waxell, an AI governance and agent observability company. The alliance was formed to help enterprises govern, observe, and improve AI agents operating in high-stakes human environments. As enterprises move from copilots to autonomous and semi-autonomous agents, AI systems are being given
How to Build a Perpetual CEO Succession Pipeline
CEO succession planning is increasingly being treated as a continuous leadership priority rather than a process that begins only when a departure is announced. With chief executives serving for a relatively limited period compared with the lifespan of most organizations, boards are under growing pressure to build deeper pipelines, develop internal talent, and maintain visibility
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Perspectum
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Warren Cresswell as CEO at Perspectum, an Oxford, England-based precision health company that delivers non-invasive solutions to accelerate drug development and improve patient outcomes in liver and cardiometabolic disease. “Warren brings an exceptional combination of global leadership experience, commercial expertise, and deep knowledge across diagnostics and precision health,” said Leslie
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Assists Texas A&M International University with Director of Athletics Search
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics has assisted Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) with the recruitment of director of athletics. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome Tyler to Texas A&M International University and to join our Dustdevil family,” said University president Christopher Maynard. His commitment to the academic
The Invisible Month in Executive Recruitment: The Overlooked ROI of Shortlist Due Diligence
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to protect both client outcomes and their own reputations as leadership decisions become more visible and consequential. That has put greater focus on when risk is identified in the search process, not simply whether it is identified at all, and on how earlier diligence can help firms avoid
AI Moves Deeper Into Executive Search Workflows as Innova Heads to Chicago
Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from experimentation into the day-to-day work of executive search firms, but adoption remains uneven across the industry. As search leaders evaluate a growing number of tools, many are looking for practical examples of where AI can improve research, business development, search delivery, and operations without compromising judgment or quality. The
JDG Associates Retained by SPIE to Lead CEO Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to lead its search for a new CEO. The Bellingham, WA-based society, the premier global organization advancing light-based research and technologies, seeks a strategic, globally minded executive to succeed CEO Kent Rochford, who will depart in February
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Resideo
CIO Partners was recently tapped by Resideo to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. This executive is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise technology strategy that enables innovation across connected home products, digital services, and global distribution operations at Resideo Technologies. This leader ensures that enterprise technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, and
DSG Global Appoints Managing Directors
DSG Global has expanded with the additions of Kris McFeely, Chris Clarey, and Scott Murray as managing directors. Ms. McFeely, who joins the firm’s nonprofit and social impact practice, brings more than two decades of executive search experience to the team. She specializes in identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations. Drawing on experience across
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform







