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Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Chief Experience Officer for the Saint Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Kirby Meyer as chief experience officer (CXO) at the Saint Louis Zoo. This is a brand-new executive leadership on the Zoo’s executive team focused on shaping a unified, strategic approach to all external engagement functions. In this role, Ms. Meyer will oversee the Zoo’s creative services, events, guest experience, marketing,
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
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.
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
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?
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
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
Bain & Co. Says Building A Value Creation Plan Starts With Building An A-Team
In a recent report, Bain & Company highlights a number that immediately changes the temperature in the room: private equity owners replace 50 percent to 70 percent of portfolio company CEOs during the hold period. It is a stark reminder of how demanding the PE ownership model can be for leaders unfamiliar with the speed and discipline
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for American Chemical Society
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Emily Kunchala as the new treasurer and CFO for the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Albert G. Horvath, who recently moved into the CEO position. “We are very pleased that Emily has agreed to join ACS,” said Mr. Horvath. “She brings with her
Education Executives Seeks President for The Ohio State University
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives has been chosen to find the next president of The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus. Former president Kristina Johnson announced in November that she would be stepping down from the role at the end of the academic year, in May. She later said that her resignation was fueled by
WilsonHCG Integrates Recent Acquisitions
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has announced that two of its brands, Profile Search & Selection (Profile) and Personify, are being fully integrated into WilsonHCG in the coming weeks. The integration follows the acquisitions of Profile and Personify, which closed in 2020 and 2023, respectively. Profile is an executive search firm with offices
The Trends and Changing Market for C-Level Executives
Today, companies are looking for leaders who are not only capable of driving growth but also have the skills to navigate the changing business landscape. The C-level job market is likely to continue to evolve rapidly in response to changes in the economy, technology, and society. The leaders who are most successful in this environment will be
DHR Global Recruits Men’s Head Basketball Coach for University of New Hampshire
Talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Nathan Davis as the new men’s head basketball coach for the University of New Hampshire (UNH). DHR’s managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama headed the assignment. Mr. Davis replaces Bill Herrion, who served as coach for the past 18 years. “Nathan’s ability to recruit talented
The Millard Group Recruits Chief Digital Product Officer for Evolv Technology
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Parag Vaish as chief digital product officer of Evolv Technology, a Waltham, MA-based provider of AI-based weapons detection security screening products. Craig Millard and Nancy Nash led the assignment. “We
AGB Search Places President of West Liberty University
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has placed Tim Borchers as the next president of West Liberty University (WLU) in West Virginia. Dr. Borchers is currently vice president for academic affairs at Peru State College in Nebraska. Richard A. Wueste, senior executive search consultant, and Jerome A. Gilbert, executive search consultant,
PE Firm Trivest Sells Workforce Solutions Provider PeopleShare
Trivest Partners LP, a private equity firm focused on investing in founder and family-owned businesses, announced that Trivest Fund V, along with PeopleShare co-founders Dave Donald and Ryan Clark and its employee shareholders, have completed the sale of its portfolio company PeopleShare to PROMAN, the U.S. based subsidiary of Groupe PROMAN. Financial terms of the
Cracking The Code For Talent: Why Leadership Decisions Are Now Tied To Capital Efficient Growth
Despite a drop-off in deal-flow last year, all signs indicate that the tight market for seasoned talent in the private equity sector will continue for the foreseeable future. And with that, experienced leaders will continue to command premium compensation packages. All good news, right? In a sense, the PE sector could almost be viewed as
McCormack+Kristel Seeks Executive Director for Alaska-Based Identity Inc.
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been enlisted to find an executive director for Anchorage, AK-based Identity Inc. The non-profit works to advance Alaska’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, two-spirited + communities through advocacy, education, healthcare, and connectivity. Search consultants Zaria Davis and Bryan Epps are leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Penn State With Provost Search
Following a national search, Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Schwartz as Pennsylvania State University’s permanent executive vice president and provost. During the search Dr. Schwartz held the position on an interim basis. “Justin is the right person to lead our academic enterprise to new levels of success, and I am thrilled
Development Guild DDI Seeks Chief Development Officer for United South End Settlements
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI was recently selected to find a chief development officer for United South End Settlements (USES). The chief development officer will be expected to build on the organization’s success of more than doubling the annual fundraising program and lead USES’ fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communications. USES is embarking into a
McDermott + Bull Adds Advisor to Help Lead Expansion in Germany
McDermott + Bull recently expanded with the addition of Hans Matthijsse as an advisory board member in Europe with a focus on the consumer brands, retail, and hospitality industries. His primarily focus is to serve the German market, playing a leading role in expanding the firm’s footprint and services across the region. “We are thrilled
Building a Thriving Company Culture in a Work-From-Home World
In a WFH (work from home) world, creating an engaging company culture can be challenging. Many questions arise: How does one lead a team effectively without seeing them every day? How do you retain top talent? How do you hold people accountable in a WFH setting? But there’s one question that Tim Gardner of Teamalytics
Harris Search Associates Seeks CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been enlisted to find the next vice president and chief human resources officer for Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Northeast Ohio. Managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. “Tri-C seeks a collaborative and visionary leader with the experience and ability to intentionally and proactively guide
ZRG Partners Recruits CEO for Zennify
Todd Wesson of ZRG Partners recently recruited Chris Conant as the new CEO of Zennify, a Salesforce and nCino consultancy specializing in financial services. “We founded Zennify in 2013 on the conviction that people could solve any major challenge with the right data and technology,” said Manvir Sandhu, Zennify co-founder and the company’s new chief innovation officer.
Hatch Henderson Fivel Launched to Serve Legal Sector
Legal recruiters Dan Hatch, Jennifer Henderson, and Michelle Fivel have launched Hatch Henderson Fivel (HHF), a legal search firm with a presence in both California and New York. The firm is focused on helping lawyers find their career paths while also helping law firms find the best legal talent for their unique needs. With over
Cornerstone International Group Adds New Member Firm in Montreal
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has expanded into Montreal with the addition of DERGEL Executive Search. The firm is led by managing partner Samuel Dergel. “This new addition to our growing network of offices reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional executive search and recruitment services to our clients
7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Diversity Recruiting Strategy
With recent, rising pressure from social justice movements; greater media attention; and growing scrutiny by the public, organizations are greater paying attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. Data from HBR shows that having exemplary diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and inclusive leadership significantly enhances team productivity and company performance. While business leaders are
TurnkeyZRG Seeks Head Men’s Golf Coach for Yale
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Yale University to lead its search for a new head men’s golf coach. The incoming coach will develop a varsity program within the parameters of the structure and regulations of the Ivy League, the NCAA, and the university. They will develop and determine the recruitment program for and final selection of
JDG Associates Seeks Chief Human Capital Officer for USAID
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been enlisted to find a chief human capital officer (CHCO) for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the lead federal agency for development and humanitarian assistance around the world. Based in Washington, D.C., the chief human capital officer, a senior executive service position, serves as the director
Slone Partners Expands Search Team
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Kate Portland as vice president of client partnerships. “Kate Portland is an accomplished and highly respected executive talent recruiter and client development specialist with an impressive track record of success over more than 20 years,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO. “With her vast experience formulating and executing high-level
Perrett Laver Appoints New Leadership Team
International executive search firm Perrett Laver has appointed a new global leadership team to steer the company through its next phase of growth. Arabella Chichester, Sinead Gibney, and Tom Weinberg will take over from co-founders Dan Perrett and Simon Laver, who after 20 years will transition to non-executive roles in the employee-owned company. Ms. Chichester and Dr. Gibney will be
How to Attract, Build, Retain & Engage Your Workforce Today
The COVID-19 crisis changed the world of work in many ways. And though it caused significant hardship, it also had some silver linings. “The greatest has been the increase in workplace flexibility including the expansion and acceptance of hybrid and remote work,” said JM Search’s Louis Montgomery. “This change has provided individuals and organizations much
6 Critical Skills for Senior Leaders
The most important factor for team success is cultivating a psychologically safe work environment where everyone feels comfortable showing up as their authentic selves. This means practicing the C-suite skills that matter most to enhance and improve your workplace culture. So how do we get there? For decades, “soft skills” weren’t considered essential for leaders to climb the
ON Partners Recruits COO/ CFO for Meta Materials
After a rigorous search, Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Uzi Sasson as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He replaces current CFO and COO Ken Rice, who is retiring. “We are excited to welcome Uzi to the executive leadership team,” said George Palikaras, president and CEO
The Moran Company Seeks New Leader for Texas Counseling Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find a new CEO for the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) in Austin. Senior search consultant Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The search firm is looking for an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled leader to work collaboratively with the
HireVue Acquires Modern Hire
HireVue, a global provider of video interviewing, assessments, and text-enabled recruiting solutions, has acquired recruiting platform Modern Hire. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “HireVue’s mission is to change lives by connecting talent to opportunities,” said Anthony Reynolds, CEO of HireVue. “The acquisition of Modern Hire will enable us to continue to push
Nexus Search Partners Enters the Search Industry Built on Four Pillars for Success
When looking to fill an executive role, finding a value-aligned candidate is vital to your company’s future. Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, was launched last year by Thaddeus Jones with this in mind. “At Nexus Search Partners, our team is reimagining the executive search process built on four
3 Reasons For Job Seekers to Work with a Recruiter
Whether you’ve been recently laid off or you’ve finally decided that you need to leave your current company, the idea of launching a job search can seem daunting. Between sending out countless resumes, dealing with constant rejections, preparing for interviews, and struggling through salary negotiations, it’s no wonder that so many people put off job
N2Growth Recruits CHRO of EnerSys
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed Shannon Thomas as the new chief human resources officer of EnerSys, a global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications. Ms. Thomas succeeds Ted Fries, who announced his retirement after 26 years of service. Jessica Toth, senior director at N2Growth, led the assignment. “We are thrilled







