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Taurean Names VP in Value Creation Practice
Taurean recently appointed Abby Spare as vice president in the firm’s value creation practice. “This marks an important milestone for Taurean, fueling our mission to build distinct, enduring investment firms,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Abby’s reputation for delivering an exceptional experience to clients and candidates is well-known, and her deep network across the
AI Moves from Hype to Workflow in Executive Search as Innova Launches Hands-On Summit
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution within executive search, reshaping how firms approach everything from business development to candidate delivery. As expectations rise around speed, insight, and precision, search firms are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional workflows and identify where technology can meaningfully enhance performance rather than simply add complexity. Unlike
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
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 has 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
Why Executive Search Firms Remain Essential for High-Stakes Leadership Hires
Executive search firms deliver unique value when filling leadership positions that impact organizational performance, according to a new study from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Reports find that most qualified executive candidates (85 percent) aren’t actively seeking opportunities, making traditional recruitment methods insufficient. These firms provide access to a network of passive candidates developed through years of relationship
How Artificial Intelligence is Affecting Private Equity
By now, everyone’s heard both ample hype and ample skepticism around the topic of AI, as well as predictions for how it will either jump-start or ruin our economy (or both), with plenty of sector-specific considerations, many of which are all equally speculative. What is clear is that AI is a hot topic and one
Options Group Acquires Dubai-Based Octavian Partners
Options Group has acquired Octavian Partners, an executive search firm based in Dubai and focused on financial services in frontier, emerging and developed markets across the U.K., Middle East and Asia. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We always believed that a global perspective with a local footprint was the right approach for us
Lochlin Partners Recruits General Counsel for National Audubon Society
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in the U.S. and internationally. Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in
SPMB Executive Search Places CEO for Dremio
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Sendur Sellakumar as chief executive officer of data platform Dremio in Santa Clara, CA. Leading the assignment were managing partner Kevin Barry and partner Dean Nacey. “From all of us at SPMB, it was a pleasure to partner
6 Steps for Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture
The culture around us influences everything we do. On a global scale, it influences the food we eat, the languages we speak, and the social norms that are expected. On a smaller scale, the culture of a company can speak volumes to its mission, values, and ideals. Even though culture is all around us, even
Isaacson, Miller Seeks President for Michigan State University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been enlisted to find the next president for Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Leading the assignment are John Isaacson, the search firm’s chair; Joanna Cook, managing associate; and Debbie Scheibler, senior associate. MSU has seen three presidents depart over the last five years, the most
Acertitude Places New Leader for SLV Lighting Group in Germany
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Mark Körner as chair of the management board (chief executive officer) of Düsseldorf, Germany-based SLV Lighting Group (SLV), a European leader in the lighting industry backed by private investment house Ardian. Michael Klingler, a partner and leader within Acertitude’s global healthcare and life sciences practice, led the assignment. Mr. Körner
The Evolution of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Executive Search
Over the past few years, every aspect of the business world has been touched by the growth of the diversity, equity, and inclusion field. As organizations attempt to move towards more expansive definitions of belonging and culture, finding the right leaders is critical for shaping the future, according to Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for Tivity Health
Spencer Stuart has placed Hill Ferguson as the new president and chief executive officer of Tivity Health, a Franklin, TN-based provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living. Richard Ashworth recently stepped down to pursue another opportunity. Stone Point Capital, which acquired Tivity Health in 2022, was seeking a leader to sustain Tivity
Anthem Executive Recruits Provost for Western Oregon University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Jose Coll as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of Western Oregon University. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “Dr. Coll’s experiences in higher education leadership have prepared him perfectly to take the helm as provost at Western,” said Jesse Peters, president of
In Changing Times, Higher Education Sector Seeks New Types of Leaders
Recruiting senior leaders in the higher education sector has become a dynamic and evolving process. As universities face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, enrollment declines, and the need to prioritize diversity and inclusion, the demand for visionary and transformational leaders has never been higher. In recent years, the higher education sector has witnessed a significant
How to Maintain Remote Employee Engagement
Studies show that the last three years have brought the biggest workplace shift since the industrial revolution, as pandemic lockdowns put hybrid and remote work options in place for many. With some corporate leaders wanting staff back in the office while others are convinced of the benefits of working from home (WFH, also referred to
AMN Healthcare Leadership Recruits CHRO for Tanner Medical Center
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse
A Look at the High Demand for Top CFOs for Private Equity Firms
In times of volatility, financial stability becomes an understated hallmark of business success. Private equity firms have, appropriately, responded to the severe macroeconomic challenges of recent years with caution, making unprecedented pullbacks in investment and reaching record levels of dry powder, according to a new report from Slayton Search Partners’ Dan Dunn. “Today’s firms are steadying their balance sheets
ON Partners Recruits Chief Legal Officer for Meta Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Daniel Eaton as chief legal officer of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “As we stand on the cusp of significant product launches and continue to engage with new partners and suppliers, Dan’s diverse background will offer important strategic support at the executive and board level,” said George Palikaras, president and
WittKieffer Recruits CEO for March of Dimes
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has recruited Elizabeth Cherot as the new president and chief executive officer of non-profit March of Dimes, which supports the health of mothers and babies. The search was led by consultants Jim King, Donna Padilla, Christine Pendleton, and John Fazekas. As March of Dimes’ first physician leader, Dr. Cherot is responsible for the development and implementation of
Why Search Firms, and Their Clients, are Embracing Interim Talent
Business trend studies come and go, but you can be certain that executive search firm leaders everywhere sat up a bit straighter when they came upon the findings of this spring’s Business Talent Group (BTG) report on “high-end independent talent,” also known as on-demand or interim talent. Since last year, said the study, the need
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Claire’s Holdings
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has helped to recruit Claudia Lima-Guinehut as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Claire’s Holdings in Hoffman Estates, IL. “Our product takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary for our consumers every day, and we are thrilled that Claudia is joining the
Work&Partners Recruits Chief Claims Officer for AIG Japan
New York-based Work&Partners has recruited Farhad Farshad as chief claims officer for AIG Japan. Founder and president Alan Work led the assignment. “Farhad brought a unique blend of the business side of the insurance world, coupled with his consulting experience and transformation background to this opportunity,” said Mr. Work. “In addition, being fluent in three languages
A Look at Leadership in Today’s Workforce and What Trends Lie Ahead
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership is not a static concept. It must continually adapt, be situational, and embrace emerging trends to drive organizational success. As we navigate the ever-changing workplace dynamics, a new report from DHR Global says it is essential to stay informed about the latest leadership trends that can shape
Diversified Search Group Places General Counsel for Veralto Corp.
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has placed Sylvia A. Stein as the new senior vice president and general counsel for Veralto Corp., a company being spun off by Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corp. Veralto will be formed from Danaher’s Environmental and Applied Solutions segment, a provider of water
Korn Ferry Appoints Senior Leaders
Korn Ferry has named Jeanne MacDonald as chief executive officer, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Mathias Herzog will assume leadership of the firm’s digital solution. “Jeanne and Mathias are proven executives, and we are thrilled to have people of their caliber lead these offerings,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry. “Jeanne is the
Predicting Future Behavior And Avoiding Costly Hiring Mistakes
Recruiting the right top talent is one of the biggest challenges in business today. Recruiters say that regardless of the ups or downs of the economy or changes in the workplace environment due to cultural trends or a worldwide pandemic, finding, hiring, and onboarding the people who will positively contribute to your team for the
Coulter Partners Places Two Leaders for Dalriada
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of two key leaders for Dalriada in Mississauga, Ontario. Adam Davenport joins the small molecule drug discovery company as chief research and development officer, and Frosty Loechel signs on as senior vice president biology, discovery strategy group. Both individuals previously worked for Hamburg, Germany-headquartered life science
IMSA Search Global Partners Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Nordic Headhunting as IMSA Denmark
Top 5 Trends Impacting Senior Leaders Half Way Through 2023
Organizations around the world are facing historic disruption that hasn’t been seen in generations. With continuous shifts in the economic and employment outlook, the rapid rise of technological advancements, and other unprecedented factors that are helping to define today’s workplaces, it’s imperative that organizations grasp these trends and harness them to their advantage. “As we enter
Kincannon & Reed Recruits VP of HR for Highline Mushrooms
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Brian McCarthy as vice president of human resources of organic mushroom grower Highline Mushrooms in Leamington, Ontario. The assignment was led by managing partners Janet Wightman and John Wright. With more than two decades of experience as an
Walking the Talk Appoints CEO
Walking the Talk, a consulting and advisory firm focused on culture transformation which was acquired in 2021 by ZRG, has appointed Amanda Fajak as CEO. Walking the Talk founder Carolyn Taylor will transition to a senior advisor role and focus on key client and keynote speaking engagements. Ms. Fajak has been an integral part of the
Why Companies Miss the Most Important Factor in Executive Hiring
Surprisingly, the ability to make effective, timely decisions is often overlooked in leadership candidates. As companies search for new senior executives to navigate in these uncertain times, this skill is critical. In a new report, Kingsley Gate explains why this “missing piece” is so important in hiring strategy. The firm found that a quarter of
Bryant Group Seeks Vice Chancellor for Advancement for University of Washington Tacoma
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to help recruit the next vice chancellor for advancement for the University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma). Sarah Hempen, vice president, and Heather Wilensky, senior recruiter, are leading the assignment. The University of Washington Tacoma’s next vice chancellor for advancement will be responsible for
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Seattle
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new Seattle office. The new location will focus on cloud computing and senior technology searches to support the executive search practice globally. EMA Partners Seattle will be co-led by the firm’s two managing partners, Ezra Hodge and Scott McKinley. Alberto Miranda, Barcelona-based chair







