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Daily Newswire
CHRO Succession Grows More Deliberate as Organizations Prioritize Experience and Transformation
The role of the chief human resources officer continues to evolve as organizations navigate workforce transformation, leadership succession, technological disruption, and shifting employee expectations. Once viewed primarily as a steward of talent and culture, today’s CHRO is increasingly expected to serve as a strategic business partner, helping shape enterprise priorities while ensuring organizations have the
DHR Global Tapped by Texas Southern to Lead Men’s Basketball Head Coach Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has been retained by Texas Southern to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. DHR emerged from what the university described as a competitive review process. The firm will help the school build and vet a broad pool of candidates capable of sustaining a program that ranks among the conference’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.
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
Bain Data Signals a More Selective Hiring Market
Bain & Company’s Global Job Market Trends report shows a synchronized global slowdown in hiring activity. Job postings declined across all major markets, with the U.S. down 32 percent, Germany down 34 percent, and India down 29 percent. Even sectors historically insulated from labor volatility, such as healthcare, saw meaningful contraction. The breadth of the decline
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.7 Percent
Employment rose by 216,000 in December 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 5.7 million in December. Employment continued to trend up in government, healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while transportation and warehousing lost jobs. Among the major worker groups,
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Director of Athletics for the University of Iowa
TurnkeyZRG was recently selected by the University of Iowa to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Past athletics director Gary Barta announced last year that he will retire after 17 years at the university. The director of athletics provides leadership and strategic direction to the university’s athletic programs, ensuring the overall success, integrity, and compliance
Work&Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has placed Jonathan Chu as chief product officer of Toppan Merrill. The search firm was seeking executives with demonstrated success in taking products from discovery to execution, producing measurable business value as well as a track record of success in driving culture change and mind-set shifts. Mr. Chu fit the bill. He was
Sinecure.ai Acquires Grace Blue Partnership
Sinecure.ai, an SaaS software company dedicated to finding talent through AI and Large Language Model (LLM) innovation, has acquired London-based executive search firm Grace Blue Partnership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The most effective hiring outcomes in the future will involve a balance of advanced technology with human understanding and ingenuity,” said Joel
Reasons for Cautious Optimism in 2024
The labor market didn’t follow the script many people wrote for it last year. Despite many projections for a recession, a historically fast tightening of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve, a banking crisis, and geopolitical crises and uncertainty, the labor market stands strong. Getting to this spot required a few unexpected things to happen,
RH Perry & Associates Assists New Mexico Highlands University with President Search
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Neil Woolf as the 19th president of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). Sam Minner recently retired after nine years with the school. Senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak led the assignment. Dr. Woolf has been appointed to a conditional five-year term with an annual salary of $290,000, and he will begin
ON Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Victory Live
Matt Mooney and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have helped to place Sathish Gaddipati as chief technology officer of Victory Live, a Clearlake Capital Group backed technology platform. “I am honored for Sathish to join Victory Live as CTO,” said Sam Soni, founder of Victory Live. “Sathish is an experienced executive that will help propel our engineering and product
The Moran Company Seeking New Leader for Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States to lead in its search for a new executive director. Ann Graff, senior search consultant, is leading the assignment. The executive director has primary responsibility for the strategic and organizational
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints New Global and Regional Leaders
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced a series of global and regional leader appointments. “I look forward to the positive impact these dynamic leaders will make across the industries we serve as they continue to advise our clients on critical leadership and human capital issues in an increasingly complex
Preparing Your Search Firm for AI Adoption
AI isn’t just a buzzword in recruiting anymore. A recent survey of Bullhorn customers revealed that 63 percent have started using generative AI, and 54 percent plan to roll out new AI-driven solutions within a year. If you’re not already using AI during the hiring process, now is the time to prepare your business, according to a recent report from Bullhorn. The
AGB Search Tapped by Mount Saint Mary College to Find New President
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months,
NorthWind Partners Recruits CEO for Frontgrade Technologies
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Mitch Stevison as president and CEO of Frontgrade Technologies in Colorado Springs, CO. He succeeds Mike Elias, who is transitioning out of his role as president and CEO. Mr. Stevison brings substantial leadership and industry experience to his new role. He previously led Mercury Systems’ Mission
SearchWide Global Assists the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Marsha Flanagan as the new president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). She succeeds David DuBois, who left the association to take the role of president and CEO of Exhibitor Group last October. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic led
Sheffield Haworth Partners with Progress Together
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has formed an alliance with Progress Together, an initiative focused on addressing the socio-economic disparity within the financial services sector. This strategic alliance comes in response to the recent study commissioned by Progress Together and conducted by Bridge Group called Shaping Our Economy, which highlighted socioeconomic background is more
CHRO’s Impact on CEO Succession Planning
The role of the chief human resources officer (CHRO) has become increasingly complex, with responsibilities ranging from navigating the “future of work” to addressing the implications of artificial intelligence. However, nowhere is the significance of the CHRO more evident than in CEO succession planning, where HR leaders can play a crucial, nuanced and pivotal role,
WittKieffer Tapped by Franklin Pierce University to Lead President Search
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been selected by Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, to lead its search for a new president. Current president Kim Mooney has announced she is retiring at the end of this academic year. Lucy Leske, Jeff Compher, and Kim Migoya are leading the assignment. “As the search process gets underway, the WittKieffer team will
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Major Gifts Officer for American Humane
For not-for-profit organizations, these are particularly challenging days. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable groups must overcome to stay afloat each year. With COVID-19, donations are down even further. Simply put, major gift officers are top-level fundraisers.
Peña Search Finds New Leader for the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas
Peña Search has assisted in the recruitment of Shalaina Abioye as the new executive director of the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI). Bill Holston recently stepped down from his role after 11 years at the helm. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney led the assignment. Ms. Abioye joins HRI with more than a decade of experience leading immigrant-and-refugee-serving agencies.
Cowen Partners Launches Operating Partners Cohort
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has launched its operating partners cohort. The group consists of six strategic executives who are available for consulting engagements and also provide support to new and existing executive search clients. Many of the executives in the cohort have leadership experience. “These strategic operating partners reinforce Cowen Partners’ commitment to providing
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2023
For the recruiting industry, 2023 was a mixed bag. Recruiters continued to look for new ways to provide value to clients, AI remained a hot topic, and market consolidation led by investors continued to impact the industry. While fears of a recession, talent shortages, and candidate-driven market have been challenges for search consultants. Meanwhile, finding
Cook Silverman Search Retained to Find New Executive Director for the Eviction Defense Collaborative
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently called by the Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Victoria L. Silverman, managing founder of the search firm, is leading the assignment. Eviction Defense Collaborative is seeking a remarkable civic leader who is passionate about social justice to serve as their
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in South Africa
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Drayton Glendower in Johannesburg, South Africa as its newest member firm. “We are thrilled to welcome Drayton Glendower to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their remarkable standing in South Africa and track record across sub–Saharan Africa enhance our global reach and introduce highly valued knowledge and
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 5 Recruiting Acquisitions of 2023
Acquisitions made huge news in the executive search industry this year, and for good reason. Outside investors finally caught on to the sector’s expansion potential and long growth runway ahead. Top search leaders also found ways to maximize profit. That made them highly attractive to private equity firms looking for platforms they could accelerate. Hunt Scanlon
TurningPoint Executive Search Fills HR Post for Hyundai Motor America
TurningPoint Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kara Vande Hoef as director of human resources for Hyundai Motor America (HMA). “Kara’s professional journey to date speaks to her wealth of expertise across all HR functions,” said Raquel Gallant, TurningPoint’s managing director of executive search. “She has successfully developed and implemented HR programs, scaled operations, and
Buffkin / Baker Assists Princeton Theological Seminary with CFO Search
Following a comprehensive national search, partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker assisted in the recruitment of Jean Hall as the new CFO of the 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
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2023
2023 was a challenging year for many sectors. But it was also a year when the best recruiting leaders stepped up their game. Across the board, from non-profits, universities, and even the royal family, to start-ups, the Fortune 500, and PE-backed companies, top leaders were in high demand to help guide organizations through formidable challenges
LHH Knightsbridge Assists Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, with CEO Search
LHH Knightsbridge has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Kobe as the new president and CEO of Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes. Partner Tara Veysey led the assignment. She succeeds Michelle Quintyn, who will remain with the organization for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition of her role and responsibilities. “This is an
True Appoints Head of Advisory, MENA & APAC
Global talent provider True has announced that Debu Mishra has joined True Search as head of advisory, MENA & APAC, and partner in the CEO/BOD practice, EMEA. “Debu is a student and teacher of leadership who offers clients more than just high caliber executive search,” said Sam McGrath, general manager, EMEA & APAC. “He has crafted a winning formula to help
Report Validates CEO and C-Suite Pay Disparities Grow with Company Size
In anticipation of the new year, a new report from ON Partners delves into major shifts impacting the business world, including average compensation rates by company size, geo-market hiring demand, and industry sectors experiencing the greatest shifts in talent management strategies. “This year’s report leverages transparency and data innovation, specifically as it relates to overall compensation
McCormack+Kristel Assists The Funders Network with CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel recently assisted in the placement of Dion Cartwright as the new president and CEO of The Funders Network in Coral Gables, FL. Managing partner Michelle Kristel led the assignment with search consultant Zaria Davis. “When TFN president and CEO Pat Smith announced her retirement this summer, we began the daunting but admittedly exciting
Caldwell Recruits Chief Legal Officer for the Alberta Investment Management Corporation
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of Shelley Nixon as chief legal officer of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). The search was led by Les Gombik, Sameera Sereda, and Meaghan Loughry. “Shelley brings significant experience as a chief legal officer, leader and change agent to AIMCo,” said Evan Siddall, CEO of the Alberta Investment
