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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
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
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
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
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
Hyatt-Fennell Seeking 13th President for Marywood University
Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search has been retained by Marywood University in Scranton, PA, to lead in its search for its 13th president. Last semester, Sister Mary Persico IHM, announced she would be retiring effective June 2024. The search process includes Hyatt-Fennell, and a Marywood search committee including the board of trustees, faculty senate president Ann Cerminaro-Constanzi, two other
Claro Analytics Launches AI-Powered Solution
Claro Analytics, a WilsonHCG company and global labor market intelligence provider, has launched its proprietary Labor Market Reports solution. The AI-powered tool compiles and analyzes U.S. talent research based on location, salary, talent mobility, competitor intelligence, DEI, hiring trends, and more. “Claro’s Labor Market Reports are a completely unique offering in the labor intelligence marketplace that will revolutionize HR operations,” said Michael
Biotech Executive Meenu Chhabra Karson joins Bedford Group Transearch Advisory Board
The Bedford Group Transearch life sciences has elected Meenu Chhabra Karson to their North American healthcare advisory board. “We are thrilled Meenu Chhabra Karson has decided to join our advisory board,” said Darren Raycroft, co-managing director, North American life sciences for Bedford Group Transearch. “Meenu is one of those special leaders that has and continues
Using a Recruiting Firm to Improve Your Hiring Process
With the ongoing talent shortage, organizations of all kinds are facing increasing challenges in finding the right talent. This puts a lot of pressure on the HR team, especially in smaller companies, who not only have to bring in the right skills but also ensure that employees are happy and willing to stay, according to
Lindauer Leading Chief Engagement Officer Search for Duke University
Lindauer was recently retained by Duke University to lead in its search for a new associate vice president and chief engagement officer. Senior vice president and managing director Jill Lasman and senior consultant Raegan Harvey are leading the assignment. The chief engagement officer a key leadership role within Duke University’s alumni engagement team, will be
TurnkeyZRG Adds Former 76ers/Nets General Manager to Roster
TurnkeyZRG has named Billy King as managing director in the private equity group and the sports group. “Too many search firms today are really just sales firms,” said Len Perna, chairman and CEO of TurnkeyZRG. ”Talent recruitment is supposed to be about building winning teams. Billy King at Duke, Billy King as a coach, Billy King in
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Lawrence Technological University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the placement of Mary Schutten as the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, MI. This follows a national search led by managing partner Jennifer Muller. “Our College of Health Sciences was formed to address the growing need for technologically educated
COORS Leadership Capital Appoints VP of Talent Strategy
Charlotte, NC-based COORS Leadership Capital has expanded with the addition of Kelly Kirk as vice president of talent strategy. “We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team, Kelly Kirk.,” the search firm said. “With an impressive track record of 20 years in executive management within the healthcare industry, Kelly brings a wealth of expertise
Artificial Intelligence Requires a New Kind Of Leadership
Artificial intelligence will continue to be developed and implemented in the business world. However you may feel about this, you and your organization will need to prepare for the changes it brings, according to a recent report from Brainworks. The firm explains that your organization must be innovation-ready, and that is fostered through leadership. A
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking Provost for George Mason University
George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, has retained Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new executive vice president and provost. Julie Holley and Lois Stetson are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. This role offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic
Spencer Stuart Partners with AI Provider Qlu.ai
Spencer Stuart has formed a strategic alliance with artificial intelligence (AI) company Qlu.ai. Founded by Fahad Jalal in 2020, Qlu is an innovator in using AI to automate the discovery of new companies and talent. “Qlu rapidly deploys new AI models that will integrate with industry leading technology platform and discovery processes used by Spencer
Ormsby Park Names Head of Financial Services/East Coast Region
The financial services industry is in a near-constant state of change. From embracing digital banking in the 2000s, to the rise of fintech, banking-as-a-service, and all of the new options available to consumers today, institutions have almost always been facing an ever growing need to evolve. Today is no different. Financial services firms must strategically
9 Trends That Will Shape Work in 2024 and Beyond
In 2023, business leaders and organizations continued to contend with major shifts affecting the workplace, including the pressure of inflation, the emergence of generative AI, geopolitical turmoil, a series of high-profile labor strikes, increased tension over return-to-office mandates, a shifting societal landscape for DEI initiatives, and more… As we look toward 2024, we can expect disruption to continue.
The Millard Group Assists Language I/O with Chief Marketing Officer Search
As organizations becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology
Artico Search Recruits CEO for Labster
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Alex Klein of Artico Search have assisted in the recruitment of Shawn Boom as the new CEO of Labster, a platform for virtual labs and interactive science in Boston. CEO and co-founder Michael Bodekaer Jensen will transition to executive board member. “My deep love for high-impact edtech innovation has only grown stronger over the past year with the
20/20 Foresight Rebrands to 20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions
20/20 Foresight Executive Search has changed to 20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions. This name change represents the culmination of the firm’s evolution into a full-service, vertically integrated talent advisory firm. In 1994, 20/20 Foresight Executive Search was founded as a real estate-focused executive search firm. Over the last 30 years, it has grown to include 13
Alexander Hughes Acquires DSML Executive Search
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has acquired Chicago-based DSML Executive Search. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The move marks a significant milestone in Alexander Hughes’ global growth strategy, positioning the firm as the global executive search and leadership firm of choice for businesses and corporations worldwide,” the search firm said. “The acquisition includes
2024 M&A Dealmaking Outlook, With An Eye On Human Capital Markets
In the closing days of last year, the dry powder held by private equity firms reached a baffling all time high of $2.59 trillion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence and Preqin data. This marks an eight percent increase from the year earlier total of $2.39 trillion. The unprecedented build-up of dry powder is in
JDG Associates Seeking CEO for The National Board for Certification and Occupational Therapy
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by The National Board for Certification and Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The assignment is being led by Paul Belford. NBCOT seeks an executive with a grounding in health care issues and policy. A fast-paced style is
CarterBaldwin Recruits CFO for Solo Brands
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the placement of Laura Coffey as the new CFO of Solo Brands, Inc. in Grapevine, TX. Partner Jennifer Sobocinski led the search along with search consultant Greg Hart. Leading the company’s financial operations, Ms. Coffey will report to Chris Metz, president and CEO of Solo Brands. “We are thrilled to have
AMN Healthcare Acquires MSDR
AMN Healthcare recently acquired MSDR for a purchase price of $300 million. MSDR consists of two healthcare staffing companies that specialize in locum tenens and advanced practices, Medical Search International (MSI) and DRW Healthcare Staffing (DRW). “We are very excited to welcome the MSDR team into the AMN Healthcare family and expand the workforce solutions
Diversified Search Group Appoints Practice Leader
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has named Caitlin Iseler as practice leader and managing director, software technology. She is based in Philadelphia, PA, and Jackson Hole, WY. “As a VC-backed founder and talent advisor Caitlin approaches every client and engagement with a listen-first approach to ensure the best
5 Interview Questions to Ask a Chief People Officer Candidate
A chief people officer (CPO) is a senior executive responsible for championing an organization’s talent through the development and execution of a comprehensive people strategy and employee experience. A proficient CPO is attuned to employee needs, sentiments, and feedback and is responsible for upholding the company’s commitments to its workforce, according to a recent report
Elevate Sports Ventures Acquires SRI to Launch Elevate Talent
The Elevate Sports Ventures agency has acquired SRI and launched Elevate Talent, a new executive search and global talent advisory practice. The new firm will recruit senior leaders across sports, entertainment, media, lifestyle, technology, and gaming. Elevate is led by Al Guido, who also serves as president of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. Jim Chaplin, formerly CEO of SRI, will become global
RH Perry & Associates Recruits 19th President for New Mexico Highlands University
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Neil Woolfe as the 23rd president of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). Sam Minner recently retired after nine years with the school. The assignment was led by senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak. Dr. Woolf has been appointed to a conditional five-year term with an annual salary of $290,000, and
Buffkin / Baker Finds New CFO for Princeton Theological Seminary
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the recruitment of Jean Hall as the new CFO of Princeton Theological Seminary. Leading the assignment were Martin M. Baker, managing partner, and Pelema Ellis, associate partner. “Jean Hall’s appointment as chief financial officer represents a continuation of her excellent work to date and a commitment to the
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Head of Greater China
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has appointed Sherman Leung as the head of Greater China practice, taking over the leadership role from Grace Cheng to lead the business growth and operations in China. “With over 20 years of experience, Sherman Leung possesses extraordinary vision and leadership in market expansion and client success,” said Ms.
Leveraging Portfolio Talent At L Catterton
In the ever-evolving landscape of private equity, the strategic deployment of talent stands out as a pivotal factor in achieving sustained growth and optimizing returns. As a middle market PE firm with $34 billion in assets under management, L Catterton is a distinguished player in the PE sector. They’ve positioned talent at the core of their investment philosophy,
The University of Nebraska Taps Academic Search for Find Next President
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and George Ross of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Nebraska to lead in its search for a new president. Past president Ted Carter left the school last year to become the president of Ohio State University, a search that was led by Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives. The president must
The Christopher Group Leading Chief People Officer and VP of Talent Acquisition Searches for Vertex Service Partners
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive, and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to executive recruiters. CEOs, in particular, want
Campbell & Company Assists Friendly Center with CEO Search
Campbell & Company has recruited Kenia Hernandez Cueto as the new president and chief executive officer for the Friendly Center, a non-profit that provides free programs and services for low-income families and individuals in Orange County, CA. Leading the assignment were Dan Nevez, vice president, executive search, and Kole Farrise, associate consultant, executive search. After
