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6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
As leadership transitions become more frequent and stakes continue to rise, boards are facing increasing pressure to ensure continuity at the top. Yet many organizations remain underprepared, exposing themselves to significant operational and financial risk when succession is left unaddressed. The gap between those that treat succession as a strategic priority and those that view
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the Academy of Country Music for CEO Search
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, and Anne Johnson are leading the assignment. The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
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,
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
SPMB Recruits President for Omnidian
Todd Greenhalgh and Gina Burns of SPMB Executive Search’s innovation & sustainability practice, have placed Minesh Shah as president of Omnidian in Seattle, WA. “After an exhaustive and careful selection process, we are pleased to welcome Minesh to our team,” said Mark Liffmann, co-founder and CEO of Omnidian. “His demonstrated leadership skills and alignment with our values
Bryant Group Recruits Chief Development Officer for Target ALS
Following a national search Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Jessica Chapman as chief development officer at Target ALS. Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jessica Chapman to Target ALS as our chief development officer,” said Manish Raisinghani, CEO of Target ALS. “Her distinguished expertise
Preng & Associates Seeking Senior Operations Leader for PJM Interconnection
Houston-based Preng & Associates has been retained by high-voltage electric power system PJM Interconnection to lead in its search for a new executive vice president – operations, planning & security. Consultants Mark Ciolek and John Goodrum are leading the search on behalf of Preng & Associates. This important role will continue to focus on reliability, planning for
HireQuest Acquires TEC Staffing Services
HireQuest Inc., a NASDAQ-traded national franchisor of on-demand, temporary and commercial staffing services, has closed the acquisition of Fort Smith, AK-headquartered recruiting company TEC Staffing Services. Simultaneously with the closing of the acquisition, HireQuest closed the sale of all TEC’s offices throughout Northwest and Central Arkansas to franchisees and completed their conversion to HireQuest’s Snelling franchise
Seven Steps to Successful CEO Succession
The market for qualified, motivated, and innovative CEOs is rapidly shifting. The external risks of 2020 and 2021 saw CEO departures fall each quarter. Then, in 2022, global CEO turnover hit a five-year high. And the trend of significant turnover at the top continues, creating a supply imbalance for great CEOs. This is making isolated CEO
How Senior Leaders are Using AI in the Life Sciences Sector
Unlocking value and automation through Artificial Intelligence (AI) is top of mind for business leaders today. As organizations across industries look to differentiate themselves and grow, technology leadership continues to be a key driver. A new report from talent advisory firm DHR Global’s John Baker, Sal DiFranco, and Patrick Haberland, explain how AI is impacting the life science
ON Partners Recruits CEO for ReviveHealth
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Eric Leaver as the new CEO of ReviveHealth, a Ponte Vedra Beach, FL-based whole-person care solution for employer groups and association members. The assignment was spearheaded by Brad Westveld, the search firm’s co-founder and partner, and Alexis Rohe, partner. “We are thrilled to welcome Eric to Revive and the Eir investment
The Hawkins Company Assists Los Angeles Urban League with CEO Search
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Cynthia Mitchell Heard as its new president and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL). Michael A. Lawson recently announced he is retiring as CEO. Yonnine Hawkins Garr, Todd Hawkins, and Adrienne Montgomery led the assignment. Ms. Heard will become
ZRG Partners Opens New Office in Mexico City
Following recent growth in Middle East, South America, Europe, the U.K., and Australia, ZRG Partners has expanded with the addition of a new office in Mexico City. The office will be led by managing director Pablo Perella-Berdun and senior advisor Hugo Lara. “The new office of ZRG Partners Mexico SRL de CV is positioned to deliver
What Talent Acquisition Trends Will Dominate 2024?
It’s been another busy year for talent acquisition leaders but what does 2024 have in store? Will AI continue to dominate? Will we see more organizations adopting skills-based hiring strategies and will there be more uncertainty? The answer is a resounding yes, according to a new report from Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG). The firm outlined
Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 3.7 Percent
Employment rose by 199,000 in November 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 6.3 million in November. Job gains occurred in healthcare and government. Employment also increased in manufacturing, reflecting the return of workers from a strike. Employment in retail
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Soccer Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in its search for a new men’s head soccer coach. Katy Young Staudt is leading the assignment. Carl Rees is stepping down as the head coach. He is the winningest coach in Fairfield and MAAC men’s soccer history with a record of 252-184-70 (.567) in 28 seasons leading
Ohio State University Taps Education Executives to Find New Provost
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives has been called in by Ohio State University to lead in its search for its next executive vice president and provost. The committee of Ohio State faculty, staff and students will work closely with Education Executives to provide input and feedback, and coordinate campus listening sessions. Earlier this month, Ohio State shared that
Kaye/Bassman Expands Search Staff
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has expanded with the addition of Michael Pietrack as a managing director within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology recruiting practice. He will lead the expansion of Kaye/Bassman’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology search practices. “Michael is not only one of the most prolific search professionals in the history of our industry
Navigating The Tech Talent Battlefield In Silicon Valley
By focusing on the tech sector, Brad Warga, a partner in Heidrick & Struggles, has developed a keen understanding of this slice of the talent market. In a recent market intelligence briefing, What Silicon Valley CPOs Are Saying About the War for Talent, he covers a range of urgent talent topics with CPOs across Silicon Valley
The Christopher Group Seeking Top HR Leaders for System Pavers and United Educators
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by System Pavers and United Educators to lead in the searches for a chief talent officer and head of human resources, respectively. System Pavers is the Nation’s largest outdoor remodeling and lifestyle company. “This is one of the most
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Chief People Officer for the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has assisted in the recruitment of Carlo Giovanni as the new chief people officer for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which fights to advance civil rights and freedoms for LGBTQ people domestically and internationally through education, advocacy, and community organizing. Managing partner Michelle Kristel led the assignment. “Join us in congratulating Carlo Giovanni
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Chief Compliance Officer for The University of Texas Permian Basin
The chief compliance officer is a corporate executive within the C-suite responsible for overseeing and managing regulatory compliance issues within an organization. The CCO typically reports to the CEO of the chief legal officer. The responsibilities of the chief compliance officer include: Leading enterprise compliance efforts; designing and implementing internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance
H.I. Executive Consulting Expands
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has expanded with the addition of John Smith as a partner in the technology & software practice, based in London. “We are thrilled to welcome John Smith to our team,” said Tim Chamberlain, managing partner & global co-leader, technology & software practice, HIEC. “His extensive experience and proven track record
Korn Ferry Revenue Falls Three Percent; Workforce Restructuring Underway
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2024 fiscal first quarter revenues of $704 million, a decrease of three percent (five percent at constant currency) from the same period a year ago. The restructuring charges, which amounted to $63.5 million, were a significant factor in the quarter’s financial results, as Korn Ferry sought to align its workforce
Operationalizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Psychological Safety
Psychological safety, specifically in the workplace, is a shared belief by a team or group of people that that they are safe to express their individuality of self, thought, and expression. “This fostered belief allows team members to contribute, offer perspectives, and even make mistakes without fear of negative consequences,” said Justin Clark, COO of
Academic Search Recruits CEO for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and Maria Thompson of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has recruited Charles L. Welch as its new president and CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). After five years of service, the current president, Mildred García, has stepped down. “We are thrilled to welcome Chuck Welch as the new president and
Wilton & Bain Recruits CFO for Spring Fibre
Wilton & Bain has assisted in the recruitment of Sarah Herriman as the new CFO of Spring Fibre in the U.K. Jay Siddiki, a partner in the global technology & digital infrastructure practice at Wilton & Bain, led the search. “Sarah joins Spring Fibre at a pivotal time for the business,” said Mr. Siddiki. “Her wealth of experience to
WittKieffer Expands Interim Leadership Solutions into Life Sciences and Investor-Backed Healthcare
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has expanded its interim and on-demand leadership solutions to the life sciences and investor-backed healthcare markets. Ysette Witteveen, a veteran interim and on-demand talent advisor and former management consultant, has been named as managing partner & practice leader, interim leadership – life sciences and investor-backed healthcare. “WittKieffer specializes exclusively in the quality of life ecosystem
Strategic Talent Acquisition Planning in 2024
In the competitive landscape of talent acquisition and executive-level hiring, having a well-curated strategic plan is crucial. With the year coming to a close, a new report from McDermott + Bull’s Jason Levi Pinegar explains that it becomes pivotal to map out an executive hiring and human capital strategy for 2024 to ensure sustained success,
Bespoke Partners Assists Princeton TMX with CEO Search
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Mark McEntire as the new CEO of Princeton TMX in Fort Wayne, IN. Partner Katherine Baker and principal Chelsea Mansfield led the assignment on behalf of Bespoke Partners. He will assume the responsibilities of outgoing CEO and founder, Tim Minnich, who will remain on the
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief People Officer for Shoals Technologies Group
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
Focus Search Partners Expands
Executive search firm Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has appointed industrial executive search expert John Davidson as managing director. “Our ability to provide substantive recommendations, unparalleled service and unwavering support to our clients means having the right talent in-house,” said Paul Frankenberg, founder and managing partner at Focus Search Partners. “We are thrilled to
Recruiting Platform Nursa Secures $80 Million in Funding
Nursa, a per diem nursing recruiting platform, recently completed an $80 million series B funding round. The round was led by Drive Capital, a Columbus, OH-based venture capital firm. Joining the round were existing partners Pelion Venture Partners, a Salt Lake City, UT-based venture capital firm, and Kickstart Fund, a Cottonwood Heights, UT-based venture capital
A Look at How to Retain Top Leaders
Today’s independent senior executives have plenty of choice when it comes to selecting their work. In fact, in competitive, cutting-edge fields like innovation, data science, and supply chain strategy, competition for top independent talent is as fierce as it is for full-time hires, according to a recent Business Talent Group (BTG) report. Meanwhile, top professionals
Odgers Berndtson Leading CEO Search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group
Carmel Gibbons of executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is currently leading the CEO search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group, part of U.K.-based Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The right candidate will provide high quality and visible operational and strategic leadership and will have full responsibility for the effective delivery of Integrated and Specialist
