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Daily Newswire
Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
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
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
Economy Adds 353,000 Jobs in January
Employment rose by 353,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.1 million in January. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, retail trade, and social assistance. Employment declined in the mining, quarrying, and oil
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Ardent Mills
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in the U.S. and internationally. Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which
TurningPoint Executive Search Recruits COO for Beam Global
TurningPoint Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Myers as chief operating officer of NASDAQ-traded Beam Global in San Diego, CA. “We are very proud of our partnership with Beam Global as they continue to expand their executive leadership team,” said Ken Schmitt, CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. “Their focus on innovation within
The Energists Expands to Dallas
Houston, TX-based executive search firm The Energists recently opened a new office in Dallas, TX, and named Elizabeth Linhart as a partner. “I am thrilled to establish a physical presence in Dallas, bringing the firm closer to its mid-continent client base,” said Jon Hill, managing partner at The Energists. “Elizabeth’s addition to the team represents
Diversified Search Group Retained by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to Find Chief Philanthropy Officer
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has been retained by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The assignment is being led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. The search firm is looking for candidates with a profound connection
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
