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Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for Belmont University
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Michele Miller as associate vice president for advancement services at Belmont University. Executive search director Colleen Rogers Aivazian conducted a nationwide search. “I am thrilled to welcome Michele Miller to Belmont University as our new associate vice president for advancement services,” said
DSG Global Expands Corporate Practice
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Dustin Laws as managing director for its corporate practice. In this role, he will focus on recruiting financial, operational, and legal leadership for organizations across the business, professional, and commercial services sectors, supporting clients as they strengthen executive teams and position their organizations for long-term growth. Mr. Laws
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.
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
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?
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.
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
What Talent Acquisition Will Really Demand in 2026
Talent acquisition looks nothing like it did a couple of years ago. A new Korn Ferry report says AI is the headline—84 percent of talent leaders plan to use it next year—but it’s only one piece of the 2026 puzzle. The bigger challenge is connecting AI, skills, leadership pipelines, and workplace policies into a strategy
Elite Search Partners Places Managing Director for Global Sage in Hong Kong
London-based Elite Search Partners has placed Kong To as the new managing director, head of technology and industrial markets for Global Sage in Hong Kong. Leading the assignment for Elite Search Partners was Matthew Eley, managing director. Mr. Kong has over 25 years of senior executive search and leadership consulting experience, including 15 of those years
United Talent Agency Acquires James & Co.
United Talent Agency (UTA), a global provider of talent, entertainment, sports and advisory, has acquired James & Co., a New York City-based executive search and human capital consulting firm working across the sports, media, entertainment, digital, and consumer sectors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Industry veterans Michele James and Roysi Erbes, who
The Christopher Group and Six Summit Leadership Form Partnership
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has formed a partnership with Six Summit Leadership, an executive coaching and leadership development firm. “We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between The Christopher Group and Six Summit Leadership, two industry-leading firms dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals to achieve their
Keys to Executive Onboarding at Private Equity Firms
Onboarding plans tend to be generic—and an afterthought. Rarely do they consider the specific context in which a person must do their work and deliver the results expected of them, says a new report from Bill Allen, managing partner of CEO.works. “In private equity, I believe that is a mistake,” said Mr. Allen. “All too often, PE
Why Chief People Officers Can be Great CEOs
There is a growing shift in the way that companies view their people and culture function. No longer simply the human resources department or another cost center, the name change appears to be helping people and culture become recognized as the strategic business partner they always were – one that not only enables but also
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for BootUp
After an intensive nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Savita Raj as CEO of BootUp Professional Development (BootUp). The assignment was led by executive search consultant Paul Towne. “We are grateful to our staff, board, and partners who played a crucial part in our decision-making, and to the entire BootUp community
Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Experience Officer for Cava Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates recently helped place Andy Rebhun as chief experience officer for Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava Group Inc. in Washington, D.C. The assignment was led by partner Dana Levine and search manager Jennifer Riemer. The chief experience officer position is reportedly new and will oversee the brand’s creative and digital teams.
DHR Global Names Leader for Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Supriya Dikshit as managing partner, Asia-Pacific industrial practice and managing partner, Singapore. “I am thrilled to have Supriya leading one of our key practice groups and offices within the region,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “Her hard work and dedication to DHR has led to much success, and I know
Opportunities and Challenges in Private Equity Recruiting
Private equity firms are saying that talent is the most important factor in driving growth. While financial engineering, inorganic growth, and market expansion remain important tools in the private equity toolbox, talent continues to emerge as key to growing companies and achieving the investment thesis, according to a report from Bespoke Partners. Yet unlike strategic
Five Key Qualities to Look for in a Successful Executive Hire
The direction of the company does not just rest upon the shoulders of the CEO. For an organization to perform to the best of its ability and capacity, building an executive team that complements each other’s expertise is critical. “Executive hires must be able to effectively embody and promote the philosophy of the company they
RSR Partners Tapped to Lead CEO Search for The Shyft Group
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners was recently called in by The Shyft Group in Novi, MI, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Brett Stephens and Alan Renne are leading the assignment. “Congratulations to the board of The Shyft Group and its CEO, Daryl Adams, on a terrific succession plan,” RSR Partners said. “This
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for CommerceHub
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Iaquinto as the new chief marketing officer of CommerceHub. “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the team,” said Bryan Dove, CEO of CommerceHub. “He is a proven leader and innovator with tremendous experience in creating category-leading brands and teams. I am confident that Kevin will
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CFO and CHRO for Riceland Foods
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently recruited Craig Parr as CFO and Lionel Riley as CHRO of farmer-owned rice and soybean cooperative Riceland Foods. As the organization’s new CFO, Mr. Parr’s expertise is expected to be instrumental as the organization continues to grow, said
Talent Continues to be the Driving Force Behind Private Equity Firms
It has never been harder to attract top talent to private equity and PE portfolio companies. “We’re seeing a huge reluctance to leave jobs for anything less than top brands, and successfully recruiting out the absolute all-stars is requiring more than just outsized economics,” said Jordan Brugg, global head of private equity for Spencer Stuart.
Nexus Search Partners Places VP of HR for Positec Tool Corp.
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Sid Levy Jr. as vice president of human resources for Positec Tool Corp. Mr. brings a diverse background of management in many different business fields. “Levy is a rare-find-hire in the business world with such diverse and impactful experience across different
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Selected to Find New Leader for TransitCenter
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, was recently retained by TransitCenter in New York City to lead its search for a new executive director. Managing director Anne McCarthy, senior search associate Claire Hunt, and senior search coordinator Kaley Blaszinski are leading the assignment. The executive director must be a strategic and visionary leader
Wilton & Bain Grows Leadership Team
Wilton & Bain has expanded with the addition of Sam Wallace as a partner in its North American technology practice and as part of the wider leadership team. She will be based in Los Angeles. Ms. Wallace joins the firm to support its strategic global expansion, partnering with the current U.S. team, and deepening the opportunities for global
Solomon Page Appoints VP of Business Development
Responding to increased global demand for healthcare services, New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its healthcare staffing division by naming Tricia Weathers as vice president of business development. She will lead business development initiatives under the direction of Ron DeGasperis. Based in Georgia, Ms. Weathers will be supporting the team on
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Nvolv
Leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has acquired Nvolv, a boutique leadership consulting firm serving CEOs and C-suite executives of global businesses. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our acquisition of Nvolv represents a powerful opportunity for us to bolster our client offerings and further strengthen our preeminent position as leaders in C-suite leadership
Digital Technology’s Effect on Recruitment
Professional recruitment has changed considerably in the past decade or so, and, not surprisingly, the rise of digital technologies has played a major role. These technologies have made it so convenient to get the word out about a vacancy that needs to be filled, according to a recent report from Ward Howell International. “One job
SPMB Executive Search Places CFO for Komodo Health
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted Komodo Health, a leading healthcare technology company, in placing Vikas Mehta as its new chief financial officer. The assignment was led by partner Steven Popper. In his role as CFO, Mr. Mehta will be expected to help build on the company’s consistently
ZRG Acquires Helbling & Associates
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Helbling & Associates, an executive search firm focused on real estate, facilities, and construction. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The addition of the Helbling team to the ZRG family will bolster our growing real estate practice,” said
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Clio
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The position typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work
For PE Firms, a Call to Embrace ESG
Despite growing support for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, many private equity firms have dismissed the concept. In a report last summer, McKinsey & Company cited four main criticisms of ESG – that it distracts from companies’ ultimate mission of creating profits, that it’s not feasible, that it’s not adequately measurable, and that even
The Outsized Role That PE, VC And Tech Play In Executive Recruiting
In their latest Executive Search Report, Thrive noted that following a precipitous drop in executive hiring to close out 2022, the market seems to have found stability. Opened searches increased nearly 12.5 percent in Q1, the largest quarterly uptick Thrive said it has seen in its dataset in almost two years. Closed searches also increased, similarly
ZRG Partners Places CEO for HomeRise
After a national search, ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has placed Janéa Jackson as chief executive officer of HomeRise, a leading provider of permanent supportive housing in San Francisco. Leading the assignment were managing directors Diane Charness and Matt Slepin. “We were incredibly proud to work
Bryant Group Recruits AVP of Outreach and Innovation for Western Michigan University
Following a national search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Michael Carlton as the first associate vice president of outreach and innovation for Western Michigan University (WMU). Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. For more than 15 years, Mr. Carlton oversaw annual giving, alumni relations, special events, and donor relations for public universities
Massey Henry Expands
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has expanded with the addition of Charlotte Berry as partner. “Charlotte’s addition to the firm is reflective of our significant growth, as well as the industry’s rising demand for leadership solutions tailored to financial services,” said Michael Henry, founder and managing partner. “Her breadth of talent management expertise — in both
Is an Executive Hiring Crisis Approaching?
The Great Resignation made headlines in 2021, with scores of employees leaving their jobs amid the pandemic and societal upheaval. But while these issues have receded, another crisis looms in the distance: the upcoming executive labor shortage as baby boomers leave the workforce. Baby boomers — generally defined as people born between 1946 and 1964
EssentialDx Announces Launch
EssentialDx, a new business diagnostic solutions provider, has been launched. The Austin, TX-based solutions provider is looking to tap into “a new frontier of enterprise data to provide transformative insights that directly address the highest priorities of today’s C-suite.” “In the face of one of the most dynamic and challenging business environments in history, leaders
Mercuri Urval Acquires Delta Management Consultants
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has acquired German executive search firm Delta Management Consultants GmbH. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are pleased to be acquiring such a longstanding firm with such exceptional colleagues,” said Richard Moore, CEO. “Together we will create even further value for both our clients. Today clients need effective,
