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The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
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
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
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
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Christine Pendleton, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
True Launches Longevity Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched its longevity practice, built to place the leaders shaping a complex and fast-evolving category. The practice unites talent experts from its consumer, healthcare, and life sciences teams to drive performance for companies operating at the intersection of science and everyday health. The practice is spearheaded by managing director Todd Zangrillo in North
A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
