Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
December 22, 2025 – Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly spanning Fortune 500 turnarounds, public-sector stewardship, mission-driven institutions, and culture-shaping roles.
Spencer Stuart supported Intel’s CEO transition by placing semiconductor and software veteran Lip-Bu Tan after Pat Gelsinger’s retirement, while Egon Zehnder helped the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors land David Steiner as the 76th postmaster general and CEO following Louis DeJoy’s resignation.
In higher education, Isaacson, Miller recruited Eduardo M. Peñalver as Georgetown University’s 49th president, and Myers McRae guided Florida A&M’s presidential process that resulted in Marva Johnson’s selection.
Talent leadership and organizational performance also featured prominently: Lindauer placed longtime L.L.Bean HR leader Sarah Cox as chief people officer at the Broad Institute, and Heidrick & Struggles recruited Bola Olusanya as MacArthur Foundation CIO to oversee a multibillion-dollar endowment. In sports and live events, NU Advisory Partners installed Brett Parker as CFO and COO of the combined Legends and ASM Global business, while DHR Global led Miami City Ballet’s search for artistic director Gonzalo Garcia.
On the legal and policy front, CarterBaldwin placed Sheldon Gilbert as the second president and CEO of The Federalist Society, succeeding longtime leader Eugene B. Meyer. Rounding out the list, Shelli Herman and Associates launched a search for the Houston Zoo’s inaugural chief brand and experience officer—an executive remit centered on revenue growth, brand visibility, and guest experience in support of conservation and education.
Spencer Stuart Assists Intel with CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Lip-Bu Tan as the new CEO of Intel Corporation. Pat Gelsinger retired from the company after a distinguished 40-plus-year career and has stepped down from the board of directors, effective December 1, 2024. “Lip-Bu is an exceptional leader whose technology industry expertise, deep relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems, and proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Intel needs in its next CEO,” Mr. Yeary said. “Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has earned a reputation as an innovator who puts customers at the heart of everything he does, delivers differentiated solutions to win in the market and builds high-performance cultures to achieve success. Mr. Tan will also rejoin the Intel board of directors after stepping down from the board in August 2024. Frank D. Yeary, who took on the role of interim executive chair of the board during the search for a new CEO, will revert to being the independent chair of the board upon Mr. Tan becoming CEO. Mr. Tan is an accomplished technology leader with deep semiconductor industry experience. He is a longtime technology investor and widely respected executive with more than 20 years of semiconductor and software experience as well as deep relationships across Intel’s ecosystem. Mr. Tan served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, where he led a reinvention of the company and drove a cultural transformation centered on customer-centric innovation. Intel Corporation is a multinational technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, known primarily for designing and manufacturing microprocessors used in personal computers and servers. Privately held since 1956, Spencer Stuart focuses on delivering knowledge, insight, and results through the collaborative efforts of a team of search professionals — now spanning 56 offices, 30 countries, and more than 50 practice specialties. The firm helps boards and leaders address their leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive search, board recruitment, board effectiveness, succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment and many other facets of organizational effectiveness.
Lindauer Recruits Chief People Officer for Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Sarah Cox as chief people officer of Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The search was led by Lindauer senior vice president Paula Fazli, who co-leads the firm’s higher education practice alongside SVP Faith Montgomery. “With Paula Fazli’s support and guidance, we cast a wide net and considered candidates from a range of backgrounds, including from outside academia,” said Dan Shore, chief operating officer of the broad. “We hired someone as chief people officer who we couldn’t have anticipated at the beginning of the search. And yet she is exactly who we hoped we’d find for the role. That speaks to the level of trust we had in Paula as our search partner from start to finish.” Prior to joining the Broad, Ms. Cox served at L.L.Bean in functional management and leadership roles for more than two decades before being named vice president of human resources in 2016 and then chief human resources officer in 2021. She played an important institutional executive leadership role and cultivated strong trust and followership from L.L.Bean’s varied stakeholder groups. At the Broad, Ms. Cox will shape the institution’s human resources strategy in alignment with its scientific and operational excellence, overseeing a team to grow and cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. The Broad Institute brings together a diverse group of individuals from across its partner institutions — undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, professional scientists, administrative professionals, and academic faculty. Lindauer serves higher and secondary education, hospitals, academic research centers, think tanks, research facilities, and foundations, as well as advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven non-profits. The firm has led searches for the Boston YMCA, Center for Applied Special Technology, Healthy Minds Innovations/Center for Healthy Minds, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Cockrell School of Engineering, among others. Deb Taft, chief executive officer, leads Lindauer with over 25 years of executive and senior-level experience across the non-profit sector, from education to healthcare/academic medicine to the youth service and voluntary sectors.
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 49th President for Georgetown University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has recruited Eduardo M. Peñalver as the 49th president of Georgetown University. John Isaacson, Anita Tien, Berkley Braden, and Jane McInerney led the assignment. Mr. Peñalver will succeed interim president Robert M. Groves, who has led Georgetown for the past year after former president John J. DeGioia stepped down from his role in 2024 to recover from a stroke. “We are pleased to welcome Eduardo Peñalver to Georgetown University,” said Thomas A. Reynolds, chair of the board of directors. “President Peñalver is an exceptional leader steeped in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition who brings a wealth of experience in higher education, a global mindset, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and a bold vision for Georgetown’s future. We look forward to him joining our Georgetown community.” Mr. Peñalver has served as the 22nd president of Seattle University, a Catholic, Jesuit institution, since 2021. He was the first layperson to lead the university since its founding in 1891. Prior to Seattle University, Mr. Peñalver served as the dean of Cornell Law School. He studied philosophy and theology at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and law degree from Yale Law School. He also clerked for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., and founded in 1789, is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit University in the United States. Over its 236 years, Georgetown has become a leading global research university, routinely ranked among the top twenty-five in the country, with individual schools ranked more highly. A nationally recognized search firm focused on recruiting transformational leaders for mission-driven organizations, Isaacson, Miller has conducted thousands of placements over more than three decades. More than half of the firm’s work has been in academia, involving university presidents, college chancellors and deans.
Egon Zehnder Assists with the Recruitment of America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder assisted the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors in the recruitment of David Steiner to be America’s 76th postmaster general and CEO. He succeeded former postmaster general Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, and current acting postmaster General Doug Tulino, who will return to his permanent position as deputy postmaster general and chief human resources officer. “Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future,” said Amber McReynolds, chair of the Postal Service Board of Governors. “Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service. Our board looks forward to working with Dave as he takes on the core mandates of providing universal and excellent service for the American public and doing so in a financially sustainable manner.” As the president and CEO of Waste Management for 12 years, Mr. Steiner is credited with leading tremendous change in the organization, transforming operations and culture, and delivering strong financial results. The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Egon Zehnder currently ranks as a Top 5 global executive search firm, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. With more than 500 consultants in 67 offices and 36 countries around the globe, Egon Zehnder works with public and private corporations, family-owned enterprises, and non-profit and government agencies to provide board advisory services, CEO and leadership succession planning, executive search and assessment, and leadership development solutions.
Myers McRae Assists Florida A&M Recruit 13th President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified finalists. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. “Congratulations to Marva Johnson on her confirmation as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” said Raymond Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “President Johnson brings a strong vision for student success and a commitment to elevating FAMU’s national profile. I am confident she will lead the university to greater heights.” Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, Brian Lamb, noted Ms. Johnson’s corporate connections, coupled with her vision for student success, will enhance the FAMU career pipeline to new levels. “Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university’s legacy,” he said. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.” Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, located in Tallahassee, is the third oldest university in Florida’s State University System and is the state’s only public historically Black university. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, FAMU ranks among the nation’s Top 100 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” ranking. Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
NU Advisory Partners Recruits COO and CFO for Legends
NU Advisory Partners has placed Brett Parker has been appointed chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the combined Legends and ASM Global business. “Brett brings exceptional experience in finance and operations, further enhancing our leadership team to deliver the best for our partners and their fans and guests,” said Dan Levy, CEO. “His track record in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth will be invaluable as we bring together Legends and ASM Global and expand our global impact.” A seasoned executive with extensive experience in strategic finance and business operations, Mr. Parker joins Legends after more than two decades as an executive leader at Lucky Strike Entertainment, where he transformed the business from a single entertainment center location into a public company with hundreds of locations across North America. Before joining Legends, he held several senior positions, including executive vice chairman, president, and CFO at Lucky Strike Entertainment, previously known as Bowlero Corp. Legends is the world’s preeminent premium live events company dedicated to delivering exceptional fan and guest experiences globally. They provide a data-driven, customizable solution across all areas of venue operations and revenue generation for many of the world’s most iconic brands and venues in the sports, entertainment, attractions, conventions, and leisure industries. In 2023, NU Advisory Partners was launched by former Russell Reynolds Associates recruiters Mar Hernandez, Libby Naumes, Meredith Rosenberg, and Nada Usina. The firm is focused on senior executive, operating, and board positions. NU Advisory Partners also assisted in the recruitment of Luke Loucks as its men’s basketball head coach for Florida State University (FSU). “I’m excited to announce that Luke Loucks has accepted our offer to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Florida State,” said Michael Alford vice president and director of athletics. “Luke will bring a unique combination of qualities to our program, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our basketball history under his leadership.
DHR Global Assists Miami City Ballet with Artistic Director Search
DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Gonzalo Garcia as the new artistic director of the Miami City Ballet. The search was led by Philip DeBoer, partner. “As to be expected for a company with the illustrious artistic reputation of Miami City Ballet, we received tremendous interest in the opportunity from around the world,” Mr. DeBoer said. “By the end of a very comprehensive search, with dozens of candidates vetted, Gonzalo was the unanimous choice of the search committee. Gonzalo’s achievements and accolades from his esteemed career speak for themselves, but what truly sets him apart is his character. He has this rare, remarkable ability to innately inspire and motivate others through his authentic love for ballet, for people, and for hard work.” Mr. Garcia is a celebrated international artist, mentor, and arts leader whose 25-year career spans two of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States: San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet (NYCB). He brings to Miami City Ballet a global perspective, deep artistic integrity, and a vibrant vision that balances classical tradition with creative expansion Mr. Garcia joins Miami City Ballet from his dual positions as repertory director for New York City Ballet and faculty member for School of American Ballet (SAB), where he has been mentoring dancers, staging ballets, and collaborating across departments to support new commissions, development initiatives, and marketing efforts. Founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin, Miami City Ballet has grown into one of the nation’s premier ballet companies. Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.
CarterBaldwin Assists The Federalist Society Recruit Second President and CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Sheldon Gilbert as the second president and CEO of The Federalist Society, the influential U.S. conservative legal organization. The assignment was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and associate partner Gerri Williams. He will succeed Eugene B. Meyer, who has served as executive director, CEO, and/or president of the organization for more than 40 years. “Sheldon is a superb choice to take over as president of the Federalist Society,” said co-chairman of the board of directors Steven Calabresi. “His boundless energy and enthusiasm and deep engagement with all segments of the legal community, including different strands of the conservative and libertarian legal movement, make him the right person to lead the Federalist Society at this time. Sheldon is both a thinker and a doer,” said co-chairman of the board Leonard Leo.” Mr. Gilbert previously served as Walmart’s senior lead counsel for strategic initiatives. Founded in 1982, the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians dedicated to reforming the current legal order. CarterBaldwin is a retained executive search firm that partners with its clients to build senior leadership teams. Since its inception in 2001 as a corporate firm, they have expanded its client portfolio to include the non-profit and academic sectors, serving both domestic and international clients from the firm’s headquarters in Atlanta, GA and our Washington, D.C. office. CarterBaldwin is listed among a variety of rankings published by Hunt Scanlon Media, including its Top 50, Private Equity Power 100, and Top 50 Higher Education Search Firms.
Heidrick & Struggles Assists the MacArthur Foundation with Chief Investment Officer Search
Heidrick & Struggles assisted in the recruitment of Bola Olusanya as vice president and chief investment officer of the MacArthur Foundation. “Olusanya has earned a reputation for delivering returns while applying strategic leadership, vision, and a commitment to advancing the mission,” said MacArthur president John Palfrey. “We are grateful he will fill this critical role and lead our skilled and accomplished Investments team.” With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Olusanya has a track record of growing endowments while aligning investment portfolios with organizational values. He deploys an investment philosophy integrating long-term thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing global challenges through responsible capital deployment. As chief investment officer, Mr. Olusanya will manage the foundation’s nearly $9 billion endowment, with the objective of earning a five percent real return annually. Prior to joining MacArthur, Mr. Olusanya served as vice president and chief investment officer at The Nature Conservancy, where he managed an investment portfolio of over $4 billion and built the organization’s first internal investment team. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the United States, renowned for its commitment to fostering a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. With an endowment of over $7 billion, the foundation supports a wide range of initiatives, including global climate solutions, criminal justice reform, public interest media, nuclear risk reduction, and local Chicago-based community development. As globalization, change and disruption create many opportunities and risks in the investment management sector, Heidrick & Struggles brings in-depth knowledge and boutique-like qualities across six sector teams: wealth management, asset management, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure investment, and private equity and venture capital.
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeking Chief Brand and Experience Officer for the Houston Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by the Houston Zoo to lead in its search for a chief brand and experience officer (CBEO). This leader will help maximize earned revenue, increase brand awareness, and improve the guest experience to support the Zoo’s mission. As a prominent global leader in zoo-based conservation, the Zoo has a significant impact on conservation and education efforts in Houston and around the world. In June 2025, the Zoo welcomed Lisa Peterson as its president and CEO. She will work closely with the inaugural chief brand and experience officer, a member of the senior executive team, to maintain the Zoo’s leadership in conservation, sustainability, and global impact. The CBEO will be an innovator who can envision new revenue-generating opportunities and experiences that strengthen guests’ connection to the mission. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of achievement and experience leading a capable, collaborative, and motivated team that upholds the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity. This energetic and engaging professional will support new ideas, methods, and opportunities and will work to improve the organization’s mission delivery, impact, and reach. The Houston Zoo is the largest conservation and education organization in Texas, welcoming over two million visitors annually. It ranks among the top 10 zoos in the country in terms of attendance and is one of Houston’s most popular and cherished cultural attractions. Shelli Herman and Associates Inc. serves trailblazing clients across the corporate, non-profit, and higher education sectors. Shelli Herman, who has more than 25 years of executive recruitment experience, has a strong record of leading searches and building upper management teams for a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies. She has completed senior-level assignments in many industries, including consumer products, healthcare, high technology, and finance, as well as for non-profit, conservation, and cultural organizations.
Related: Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
