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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,
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.
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
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?
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Kaye/Bassman Completes Top Search for Vornado Realty Trust
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has recruited Elisa Young as executive vice president, head of retail leasing at Vornado Realty Trust, one of the most prominent owners and managers of commercial real estate in Manhattan. Managing partner Scott Huey led the assignment. For Huey and Kaye/Bassman, this placement underscores the importance of specialized executive
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Egon Zehnder Examines the Great AI Divide Reshaping Private Equity Leadership
Private equity firms are moving quickly to determine where AI can create the greatest advantage across portfolio operations and investment strategy. As adoption accelerates, firms are rethinking what kind of AI leadership they need and where those roles should sit. That shift is beginning to reshape talent strategies across the PE market. Over the past
DHR Global Acquires Life Sciences-Focused Discovery Search Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has acquired Discovery Search Partners, a retained executive search firm focused on the life sciences industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bill O’Callaghan of Discovery Search Partners will join DHR as managing partner and Don Evans will join as partner, while Brian Evans will help build out the life sciences vertical
The Lancer Group Recruits CHRO for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group recently assisted in the recruitment of Karen Fascenda as chief human resources officer of NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. Chairman and CEO Bill Angrick highlighted Ms. Fascenda’s strong track record of aligning talent strategies with business growth. Ms. Fascenda, in turn, described Liquidity Services as a proven market leader with significant
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Sales Officer for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
SearchWide Global has placed Cahal Mowery as chief sales officer of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “Cahal brings the experience, leadership and energy we need to continue Nashville’s success as a leading meetings, group and events destination,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO. “His work in
Riviera Partners Expands in APAC Region
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded it the APAC region with the addition of Gaurav Dev Burman as a partner based in Bengaluru. In this role, Gaurav will advise boards, CEOs and investors on technology leadership searches across India and the APAC region. “Gaurav
Standing on the Shoulders of the CHRO: Shaping the Modern Workforce Era
As organizations confront rapid technological change, workforce disruption, and mounting pressure to build stronger leadership pipelines, the role of the chief human resources officer continues to expand. Today’s CHRO is expected to help shape business strategy, guide organizational transformation, and ensure companies develop the talent, culture, and leadership needed for long-term success. At the same
Resource Management Group Assists U.S. Oral Surgery Management with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, recently helped to recruit Jennifer L. Ellis as CFO of private-equity backed U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM). “Congratulations to Jennifer Ellis on her appointment as chief financial officer at US Oral Surgery Management,” RMG said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you to Doug Drew,
RH Perry & Associates Seeking CFO for Metropolitan Community College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, Missouri (MCCKC) to lead in its search for a new CFO. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Joanne Bashford and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The CFO provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the College’s financial stewardship, long-range planning,
Heidrick & Struggles Launches Performance Culture
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Performance Culture, a new solution that integrates the firm’s existing culture shaping capabilities with the purpose-driven transformation expertise of businessfourzero, the next-generation consultancy acquired by Heidrick in 2023. “Today’s leaders are simultaneously navigating AI-driven transformation, margin pressure, and the need to build more agile organizations in an increasingly uncertain environment,”
The International Executive Search Federation Elects First Woman President
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has elected Adelina Rosca, managing partner of Rosman Talent Solutions (RosMinds), as president of its global network. She became the first woman and the first leader from Eastern Europe to lead the organization since its establishment in 2002. Ms. Rosca takes over this month from Gertjan van de Groep of
The Hidden Cost of Getting the CEO Decision Wrong
Russell Reynolds Associates’ latest report, The CEO Decision: How PE Investors Select and Reassess Leaders from Entry to Exit, puts numbers behind one of private equity’s most important human capital questions: how much does the CEO decision matter to investment performance? The answer is significant. Russell Reynolds Associates notes that top-quintile portfolio company CEOs generate
DSG Global Retained by Ronald McDonald House for Inaugural Global Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Search
DSG Global has been retained by Ronald McDonald House to recruit its inaugural global chief financial & administrative officer (CFAO). The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. This executive will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a global System spanning 250 Chapters across 61 countries and regions. This newly expanded
Isaacson, Miller Tapped by Dartmouth College for CIO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by Dartmouth College to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Becca Kennedy is leading this search with Kristen Andersen and Ryan Smillie. The CIO will oversee enterprise technology, cybersecurity, research computing, enterprise systems, and business transformation while providing strategic guidance on technology governance, resource allocation, operational resilience, and emerging
Calibre One Names Co-Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
New York City-based Calibre One has named Rebecca Wilson as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in New York, she will also co-lead the global real estate practice alongside managing partner David Schumer. “Rebecca combines decades of senior experience in financial services with a strategic consultant’s perspective and a proven track record
Amplified People Group Acquires Higher
Amplified People Group, the people services specialist that supports technology companies from inception to initial public offering (IPO), has acquired Higher, the executive search firm that specializes in AI and engineering leadership hires. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition addresses the pressing demand for AI talent and brings more specialized expertise into
Unlocking Competitive Advantage with Interim Executives
In today’s dynamic economic environment, both investor-backed and public companies are reconsidering how they add senior talent. “In my 15+ years of experience in the interim space, I’m now seeing a significant shift: companies are increasingly embracing senior interim or fractional executives not just as a temporary fix, but as a strategic alternative or complement
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
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
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Leader of On-Demand Talent
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has named Sunny Ackerman as global managing partner, On-Demand Talent, effective February 12. In this role, Ms. Ackerman will lead on-demand talent solutions across all Heidrick & Struggles globally, which is inclusive of Business Talent Group (BTG) and Atreus. “High-end independent talent solutions are increasingly being
Key Areas in DEI to Prioritize in 2024
Workplace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is in the midst of a perfect storm. The Supreme court decision to overturn race-based affirmative action policies in college admissions gave way to a series of legislative challenges targeted at workplace DEI. Now, organizations are grappling with the aftermath and continued close inspection on DEI, with many asking ‘what now?’. To address







