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Cook Silverman Search Helps Recruit Executive Director for Welcoming Home
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Cushing as the first executive director of Welcoming Home, marking a step in the organization’s growth and continued service to formerly homeless families in need across Marin and Sonoma counties. The organization’s founders, Marsha Roberts and Greg Hansen, will work closely with Mr. Cushing during
Caldwell Appoints Co-Leader of Technology Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded the firm’s technology practice leadership team, naming Shawn Banerji to join Jim Bethmann as co-leader of the technology practice. “Under Jim’s leadership, Caldwell’s technology practice has built a strong global reputation advising companies across the tech industry,” said Chris Beck, CEO of Caldwell. “Artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation are reshaping competitive advantage
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,
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Candidate-Driven Market Continues to Complicate Hiring Top Talent
More movement in the job market appears to be on the way. According to a survey of more than 2,500 workers in the U.S. from Robert Half, one-four respondents are currently looking for a new role, and an additional 24 percent plan to start searching by year-end. The combined percentage (49 percent) is up three points
ZRG Partners Finds Chief Growth Officer for Bonchon
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Suzie Tsai as chief growth officer for Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain. Issy Perez, managing director, and Cheryl Malcomb Gonzales, managing associate, led the assignment. Ms. Tsai joins Bonchon with more than 25 years of marketing and
Education Executives Recruits President for Ohio State University
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives has assisted in the recruitment of Walter “Ted” Carter as the 17th president of Ohio State University. He will start in his new role on Jan. 1. Kristina Johnson, who held the role since 2020, stepped down in May. It was also recently announced that Peter Mohler, the university’s executive vice president for
Heritage Executive Search Opens Doors
Executive search and HR veteran Howard Glenn has launched Heritage Executive Search in Birmingham, AL. “I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Heritage Executive Search,” said Mr. Glenn. “After countless conversations and a lot of planning, I’ve taken the entrepreneurial leap to start my own executive recruitment and talent advisory business.” “My goal is to partner
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head of Markets for the Americas
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Michael Nelson as a managing director and head of markets for the Americas. He will be based in the firm’s New York office. “Michael’s expertise and understanding of the markets will allow him to drive forward a thriving business for us in the U.S.,” said Julian
Anxiety About the Economy Hurts Even Hot Sectors like Cybersecurity
Despite the economic uncertainty and inflation, security budgets have generally continued to rise but at a lower rate than prior years, according to IANS Research and Artico Search’s just released 2023 Security Budget Benchmark Report, an annual research study that analyzes detailed cybersecurity budget data. Respondents reported an average security budget increase of six percent,
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
Following an extensive national search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Bobbi-Jo Meuleman as the new chief executive officer for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce in Idaho. She will be replacing current president and CEO Bill Connors who announced his intent to retire earlier this year. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice
ON Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for SmartBear
ON Partners’ Tindall (Sewell) Hein and Aaron Clark recently helped recruit Melissa Campbell as the new chief revenue officer for SmartBear, a Sommerville, MA-based provider of software development and visibility tools. “Melissa believes that high-performing sales teams demonstrate key qualities like high energy, data-driven decision making, results focused, and customer obsession, so I’m certain she will fit right
Odgers Berndtson Boosts Technology Practice, Scale-Up Offering
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is investing in the growth of its technology practice, at the same time as focusing heavily on its investor backed scale-up offering, the Scale Up Collective. The firm recently announced that David Bell will be heading the collective. He is joined by Sam Smith, who brings over a decade of executive
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Montreal
TRANSEARCH International has added Décarie Executive Search in Montreal as its newest member firm. “I am very pleased to welcome Décarie Executive Search, which strengthens our presence in Eastern Canada and our overall Canadian and North American capability,” said Ulrich Ackerman, chairman of the board of TRANSEARCH. “Over the years, Décarie has built a strong reputation in Québec based
Amid Uncertain Economy, Finance Expertise Tops the List of Most In-Demand Skills for 2023
Companies find themselves in a unique position in today’s dynamic and ever-changing business landscape. While fears of an economic downturn have lingered through much of 2023, a significant recession has yet to materialize, and there is now serious debate among economists on whether we’re likely to enter one anytime soon. Amid these uncertain times, leading
Herbert Mines Assists Cooks Venture with CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of John Niemann as the new chief executive officer of Cooks Venture, a vertically-integrated poultry business with proprietary genetics for a slower-growth, pasture-raised bird. “We are delighted to welcome John as our new CEO,” said Matt Feldman, board member. “John
Lindauer Places VP for Inclusive Excellence in Philanthropy for University of Cincinnati Foundation
Lindauer has helped the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) find its inaugural vice president for inclusive excellence in philanthropy. Tammy Bennett was recently hired for the role after serving as chief equity and inclusion officer at national law firm Dinsmore & Shohl. Leading the assignment were Faith Montgomery, vice president and managing director, and Chandra
JW Michaels & Co. Acquires Legerity Group
New York-based executive search firm JW Michaels & Co. has acquired executive consulting firm Legerity Group Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This addition of Legerity fits perfectly in the JW Michaels Holdings portfolio, expanding the family of brands to 20 offices across the country,” JW Michaels & Co. said. “It also provides Legerity
Solomon Page Expands in Southern Florida
As part of its nationwide growth, New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded in Southern Florida with the addition of Sara Yacano, who will focus on growing the company’s presence in the region. She will be based on Boca Raton. Ms. Yacano will join the growing accounting and finance team in Florida, working with Kim Wheeler, vice president
Executive Recruiters Scramble to Find Financial Services Executives
The financial services industry is perpetually in a 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 always faced a growing need to evolve. Today is no different. Financial services firms must strategically differentiate themselves from
The Hawkins Company Seeks Fire Chief for City of Santa Monica, CA
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has been chosen to find the next fire chief for the City of Santa Monica, CA. “The City of Santa Monica is seeking an experienced, energetic, and engaging leader to continue building on the department’s established foundation,” said the search firm. “A strong leader who is
Pearl Street Collective Fills Key Position for Northeastern University
Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has assisted in the recruitment of Chris DeMeo to the newly created leadership role of associate vice president of marketing and communications for the office of university advancement at Northeastern University. Co-founders and managing partners Adele Mezher and Maeve Clifford led the assignment. Mr. DeMeo has a track record
Bespoke Partners Launches People & Talent Leadership Recruiting Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently launched a new people &talent leadership recruiting practice for HR leaders. The firm has named Alexandra Bossetta as a partner and leader of the new practice. “Talent is the most important lever for value creation in private equity portfolio companies. That’s why finding the best human capital leaders
FPC Peachtree, GA, Launched
F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC National), a nationwide network of over 60 franchised executive recruitment offices, has opened FPC Peachtree, GA. Owned and led by Daniel Singer, FPC Peachtree will specialize in finance, accounting, and technology placements. “We are incredibly excited that Daniel has decided to open his office within the FPC family,” said Jeff Herzog,
What is Attracting Top Tech Leaders
For the last 15-plus years, people flocked to tech with promises of a faster pace, career growth, the ability to innovate and drive impact, and the overall prospect of wealth and prosperity. But a new report from Hunt Club says that an interesting phenomenon has been happening for the last 12 months: “For the first time
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Role in Senior Leadership
In today’s interconnected and diverse world, effective leadership must go beyond traditional notions of authority and control. It requires embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles that drive organizational success, according to a recent report from DHR Global. In this study, the search firm explores the pivotal role of DEI as a catalyst for
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting Seeks Chancellor for Southern Arkansas University Tech
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been chosen to help Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) find its next chancellor. Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is spearheading the assignment. SAU Tech’s next chancellor will be expected to be an innovative, inspirational, and visionary leader committed to academic excellence and student success, said Myers
Princeton Theological Seminary Selects Buffkin / Baker to Find New CFO
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by the Princeton Theological Seminary to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner, and Pelema Ellis, associate partner. The search appears to be in its final stages as the firm recently stopped taking new applications. The CFO
Gerard Stewart Rebrands as L.Maxwell Signifying Next Phase of Growth
Gerard Stewart, a global provider of retained search for executives in human capital and professional services, recently rebranded to L.Maxwell Global. The name change aligns with the firm’s continued expansion and underscores the position of its founder Lisa Maxwell. “I am thrilled to share a momentous milestone in our 18-year history with the birth of
What CHROs Need to Know About DEI Moving Forward
What obstacles stand in the way of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the companies of today and tomorrow? What approaches can leaders adopt to drive the necessary changes? And what comes next for chief human resources officers in the context of DEI? These are some of the pressing topics that CHROs explored in a
The Tolan Group Assists Max Surgical Specialty Management with CFO Search
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed chief financial officers at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the placement of Paul Olson as the
Kincannon & Reed Places Two Top Leaders for AgReliant Genetics
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently helped to fill two key leadership roles for AgReliant Genetics in Westfield, IN. Brian Barker is the new chief executive officer and president of the biotechnology research company, and David Pugh, who was hired a few weeks earlier, is
Artico Search Recruits Sales Leader for Mitek Systems
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, Sarah Scheer, and Todd Daniel of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Jason Kontos as vice president of sales for NASDAQ-traded Mitek Systems Inc. in San Francisco. Mr. Kontos previously spent over 10 years with OneSpan, where he most recently served as vice president of North American sales. Prior to that, he spent a brief time
Leathwaite Appoints Co-Managing Partners
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has named Martha Harvey-Jones and Tom Pemberton as new co-managing partners. Co-founder Andrew Wallace, who has served as managing partner since 2017, will step into the chair role as successor to Martin Leuw. All four founders, Martin Phillips, James Rust, Neil Ejje, and Andrew Wallace, will continue to be key members of the team at Leathwaite, central to the firm’s growth strategy
Why Businesses Should Embrace the Imperfect CEO
Imperfection isn’t failure. Yet when it comes to CEO succession, businesses today often expect candidates to be the full embodiment of excellence and success—to be perfect. They expect CEOs to avoid any missteps as they set the direction and strategy of the company, lead and develop the executive team, build and maintain relationships, make decisions,
