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TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the University of North Carolina to Find Men’s Head Basketball Coach
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by the University of North Carolina to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. Hubert Davis, who has served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to coach the Tar Heels. This was after UNC was upset in the first round by VCU in the NCAA
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CFO for Team Air
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, recently helped to recruit Jonathan Williams as the new CFO of Team Air, an HVAC distribution platform backed by Kian Capital. “Please join us in welcoming Jonathan Williams to the team,” Team Air said in a LinkedIn post. “A decade of CFO experience, scaling
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.
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
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?
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
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, Robin Mamlet, 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.
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
The Prospect of a Recession Remains Murky
The Conference Board forecasts that weaknesses emerging in some parts of the economy will intensify and grow more diffuse over the coming months, leading to a recession. This outlook is associated with numerous factors, including, persistent inflation, Federal Reserve hawkishness, dampened bank lending amid the banking crisis, reduced government spending due to the debt ceiling deal,
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Executive Director for the NFL Players Association
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Lloyd Howell as the fourth executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). He will succeed DeMaurice Smith, who is serving in his last term as the organization’s leader. “We are excited to have Lloyd lead our union into its next chapter and succeed DeMaurice Smith, who
Enhancing CEO Succession Planning
Successful CEO succession planning is vital for the long-term sustainability and growth of an organization. Poor planning, however, continues to be a prevalent issue, leading to potential disruptions and instability in corporate leadership. There are reasons behind inadequate succession planning and potential solutions that corporate board members can implement to address this critical issue, says
Peña Search Seeks VP of HR for The Meadows Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Meadows Foundation to lead its search for a vice president of human resources. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney are leading the assignment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of handling complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, balancing short–and–long–term planning and projects with the urgency of immediate demands. They should demonstrate the ability
Bespoke Partners Names Leader of Product and Technology Executive Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has appointed Ned Lanphier as partner and leader of its product and technology executive practice. “Since day one at Bespoke, Ned has displayed an unwavering commitment to deepen our expertise in technology executive recruiting and grow the business,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “Ned brings unmatched understanding of
How Search Firms Can Help Their Clients Grow
As various pundits ruminate about the likelihood of a recession in 2023, executive search firms are already feeling the pinch, and many are seeing the industry stall when it comes to provocative thinking and creative problem-solving, according to Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Executive search firms generally feel the recession first,” she said. “Tepid results
JM Search Recruits CEO for Elliott Aviation
Robert Sargent, Jim McGinley, and Bruce MacLane of JM Search have recruited Dan Edwards as president and chief executive officer of Elliott Aviation, a Moline, IL-based leader in developing and delivering quality aircraft solutions. “Dan is a strong communicator and team builder, bringing to Elliott Aviation a record of proven leadership and accomplishment,” said Bob Calton, co-managing partner of
Acertitude Recruits CFO for AIS Global
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Mary Heitmann as the new chief financial officer of AIS Global (AISG) in Coeur d’Alene, ID. The search was completed by Acertitude’s industrial practice and co-led by Kevin O’Neill, co-founder and managing partner, and Dan Staats, principal. The search was completed in 85 days. “Mary’s blend of excellent financial expertise,
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks Executive Director for Temple Israel
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next executive director for Temple Israel, one of America’s largest and most historic Reform Jewish synagogues, in Memphis, TN. Managing director Kathy Bremer and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. “The executive director has a lifetime opportunity to join a visionary team that
Talentor Adds New Member Firm in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet 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 consortium Talentor International recently expanded its presence in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
THRUUE Acquired by TiER1 Performance
TiER1 Performance recently acquired THRUUE, a Washington, D.C.-based culture, strategy, and leadership consulting firm serving commercial and not-for-profit clients. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’ve been an established consultancy expert partnering with CEOs, C-suites, and boards to set their strategy and shift their culture to grow and achieve greater business and social
A Look at How DEI Can be Navigated Regionally
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion is far more than just a catchphrase as both the concept and its goals are vital to good business practice and ultimately an organization’s bottom line,” said Alexander de Freitas, Signium partner Greater China, co-leader global technology practice, in a recent report. However, Mr. De Freitas notes that even while global policies and programs
R. William Funk & Associates Tapped to Find New Leader for University of Florida Foundation
R. William Funk & Associates has been enlisted to conduct a nationwide search to find the next vice president of advancement and president of the University of Florida (UF) Foundation in Gainesville. Reporting directly to president Ben Sasse, the selected individual will be a member of the president’s cabinet and a key member of the
Salveson Stetson Group Recruits SVP of Global Talent Acquisition for AmerisourceBergen
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive, and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Diversified Search Group Appoints Leaders for Education Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has announced that managing directors, Jim Sirianni, and Susan VanGilder, will co-lead the firm’s education practice following the retirement of its current leader, Shelly Storbeck, who will remain with the firm as a strategic advisor. “Over the last three years, our education practice has grown
Korn Ferry Posts Eight Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2023 fiscal year-end revenues of $2.8 billion, up eight percent from a year ago. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – also reported fourth quarter revenue of $731 million, an increase of one percent. The revenue gains were primarily due to an
How Keywords Can Energize Your Job Search
Have you ever heard of a Boolean search? It’s a powerful tool hiring managers use to sift through many resumes and find the most qualified candidates for open jobs. And to be sure that your resume makes it through this search and in front of a human being, it’s crucial to understand the importance of
SearchWide Global Seeks New Leader for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic is leading the assignment. The incoming leader will be expected to provide executive leadership and inspire growth and innovation and position the
Preng & Associates Fills Board Positions for NET Power
Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the placement of Alejandra Veltmann, Joseph Kelliher, and Ralph Alexander as new members of the board of directors for NYSE-traded NET Power LLC, in Durham, NC. “Preng & Associates is delighted to have played an integral role in the comprehensive search for NET Power’s exceptional board of directors,”
DHR Global Forms Alliance with Lezama & Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has added search firm Lezama & Partners to its platform. The partnership between the 20-year-old Mexico City-based firm and DHR Global will strengthen DHR’s presence in Latin America with the addition of four partners and five associates and administrative professionals. “We are thrilled to build our team in Latin America by investing
ON Partners Recruits CEO for TalentNeuron
ON Partners’ Tim Conti and Tindall (Sewell) Hein recently placed Julie Peck as the new chief executive officer of TalentNeuron, a Leeds Equity Partners company in New York City. “As a now stand-alone business with a plethora of strategic opportunities to partner with business leaders to address key human capital business imperatives, we are excited to have Julie
August Leadership Recruits CEO for Forum One
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has helped to place Elisabeth Bradley as the new chief executive officer of digital consultancy Forum One in Arlington, VA. Ms. Bradley has been with the company in a leadership role since 2017 and has been, since 2021, the chief strategy officer responsible for advising senior client stakeholders on digital strategy
ZRG Partners Names Chief Commercial Officer
ZRG Partners has named James Absalom to the position of chief commercial officer – international. “James will be responsible for maximizing growth across all our business lines, including executive search, DEI, interim management, leadership and assessment consulting, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and showcase our truly collaborative, end-to-end talent advisory firm,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added StautGROUP Executive Search in Brazil as its newest member firm. “Latin America is an economically promising region in global trade due to its abundant commodities, growing middle class, improving infrastructure, and regional integration efforts,” said Stepan Motejzik, alliance director at Kestria. “Brazil, as the
5 C-Level Roles Being Impacted by AI
The predicted potential of AI can be a contentious subject depending on the industry. Some, including Elon Musk, foresee a Skynet-like future, as in the Terminator movies, if AI advances unchecked. Others believe the threat is overblown, and genuine AI autonomy acting with malicious intent towards humans is dubious. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), businesses cannot
The Next Gen Recruiting Strategy for Consulting Firms
Consulting firms have long been known for their high workload and fast-paced environment. Current trends, however, may call for a significant shift in the way these firms operate, according to a recent report from Business Talent Group‘s Laura Klein. “From 2020 and into the first half of 2022, the professional services industry was booming,” the
RMN Electi Recruits CEO for Northwoods
RMN Electi, formerly RM Nephew and Associates, recently assisted in the recruitment of Dave Minning as CEO of Northwoods. He is succeeding founder Gary Heinze, who will maintain ownership of Northwoods and transitioned to his role as chairman of the board. “I am thrilled to welcome Dave Minning to Northwoods,” said Mr. Heinze. “Dave brings a
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for Feeding Pennsylvania
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for Feeding Pennsylvania (FPA), the statewide association of nine Feeding America affiliated food banks. Senior search consultant Mike English is leading the assignment. The non-profit’s former leader, Jane Clements, stepped down this
InterSearch Worldwide Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has added Brazil-based Weplace as its newest member firm. “We are proud to have Weplace as our new member in Brazil, which is a strategic country for InterSearch in Latin America,” said Frank Schelstraete, chairman of the InterSearch. “Their team has expertise in the most strategic industries in the
How the CISO Role Continues to Gain Importance and Evolve
Even in the context of a cooling hiring market, the role of the chief information security officer is maturing as organizations’ technological needs and risks become greater and multiply, according to the 2023 Global Chief Information Security Officer Survey, just released by Heidrick & Struggles. “To ensure success and continued organizational sustainability, organizations and leaders must recognize the critical
Academic Search Seeks President for Saint Michael’s College
Jay Lemons, Scott Flanagan, Jennifer Kooken, and Kate Cusimano of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search was recently selected by Saint Michael’s College to lead its search for its 18th president. Lorraine Sterritt recently announced she was stepping down after becoming the first woman to lead the college. Ideally, the college’s next president will be person of faith with







