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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
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
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Alexander Hughes Names Head of Global Legal Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Anthony Dodeman as head of its global legal practice to strengthen expertise across key legal domains. “This strategic move reinforces our commitment to supporting clients with access to legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of today’s complex legal landscape,” Alexander Hughes said. “Our legal practice spans a broad spectrum of expertise,
EY’s CEO Outlook Puts Talent At The Center Of Growth
EY-Parthenon’s 2026 CEO Outlook Survey of 1,200 global CEOs reveals a striking divergence. While confidence in the global economy has softened, nearly nine in 10 U.S. CEOs remain optimistic about their own companies’ prospects. The implication is clear: leaders believe growth, this year at least, will be self-generated rather than market-driven. That confidence rests on transformation. Ninety-seven percent of CEOs report they
Academic Search Tapped by the University of Saint Mary to Find 10th President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Saint Mary (USM), in Leavenworth, KS, to lead a national search for its 10th president. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason are leading the assignment. The university is seeking a dynamic, mission-focused, and visionary leader who will build upon the achievements of the past
The Christopher Group Tapped by Anisa International for HR Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Anisa International to lead its human resources leader search. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, are leading the assignment. “Anisa International is a values-driven organization with a strong legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful leadership,” said Ms. Noble. “This search
Stevenson Search Partners Establishes Advisory Board
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has established an advisory board and appointed Amelia Tyagi as its inaugural member. The creation of the advisory board marks a strategic milestone as the firm enters its next phase of growth, designed to bring diverse perspectives, high-impact networks,
Sanford Rose Associates’ Dimensional Search Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Sanford Rose Associates’ (SRA) Dimensional Search has named Jeff Wittenberg as its chief operating officer. “Jeff Wittenberg has been among the top five percent of producers in the recruiting industry for decades,” said Jon Bartos, chief executive officer of Dimensional Search. “He built the largest construction recruiting practice in the field and remains a trusted thought leader
CFO Appointments Hit Seven-Year High as Expanding Mandate Reshapes the Role
The chief financial officer position has evolved into one of the most strategically consequential positions in the modern enterprise. No longer confined to stewardship of the balance sheet, today’s CFO sits at the intersection of capital allocation, enterprise risk, digital transformation, and long-term value creation. Boards increasingly view the position as a linchpin of stability
GHP Search Assists The Bushwick Starr with Filling Three Board Positions
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has assisted The Bushwick Starr in identifying Katharine English, head of innovation programs, global cloud solutions at Google, Eric Mendez, director at Genesis Credit Partners, and Sunny Park, former general counsel at Saks, as new members of its board of directors. Ms. English is a digital business leader specializing in AI,
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Central New Mexico Community College to Find CIO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Central New Mexico Community College to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. This role is designed for an experienced CIO with strong business acumen, who is ready to lead at scale, shape enterprise direction, and leave
Heidrick & Struggles Names New Practice Heads
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has named Alexis Hennessy as global head of the sales & commercial officers practice as well as Fabrice Lebecq and Seth Steinberg as the new co-global heads of the supply chain officers & operations officers practice. Ms. Hennessy is a partner in Heidrick’s Los
Sheffield Haworth Acquires Tony O’Leary’s Executive Search Business
Global Leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired Tony O’Leary’s executive search business, O’Leary and Partners, as part of the firm’s continued investment in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of this acquisition, Mr. O’Leary recently joined Sheffield Haworth to lead and expand
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
Pearl Meyer Expands Leadership Advisory Practice Through Acquisition of Ampersand Leadership Group
Coalesce Capital, a PE firm focused on investing in human capital and technology-enabled business services companies, has announced that its portfolio company Pearl Meyer, an independent advisor to boards and senior management, has acquired Ampersand Leadership Group, a provider of leadership advisory and organization performance solutions to private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and leading
Nexus Search Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Azurity Pharmaceuticals
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, recently assisted in the recruitment of Vinicius Gomes de Lima as chief medical officer of Azurity Pharmaceuticals, an international specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in the U.S., backed by QHP Capital. The international search, spanning North America and Europe, focused on identifying a medical
NPAG Retained by Proteus Fund to Lead Search for New President and CEO
Executive search firm NPAG was recently selected by Proteus Fund and the Proteus Action League to lead in its hunt for a new president and CEO. The search is being led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. Proteus Fund is seeking a president and CEO who will lead the organization in this context with renewed clarity
Kestria Names New Consumer & Retail Global Practice Leader
Global search consortium Kestria has appointed Giorgio Veronelli as its new consumer & retail global practice leader. “His leadership will play a key role in strengthening Kestria’s global expertise, supporting practice group members as they navigate emerging challenges and driving the continued evolution of our consumer & retail practice,” the consortium said. “Giorgio’s appointment reflects both
CEOs and CHROs: Strategic Alignment or Differing Priorities?
Like the broader business landscape, the roles of the CEO and CHRO have evolved significantly in recent years. CEOs remain focused on driving competitiveness and performance, while CHROs are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, a recent report from Radar HH, IMD International Search
January Hiring Tops Expectations, But Sharp Revisions Reveal Weakest Growth in Years
Employment rose by 130,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate was at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.4 million, changed little in January. However, the bullish
The Tolan Group Fills Board Position for Frontier Psychiatry
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Terry Boch to the board of directors of Frontier Psychiatry, a mission-driven behavioral health organization focused on expanding access to high-quality psychiatric care. “Terry’s extraordinary depth of experience in scaling tech-forward healthcare companies and her passion for innovation make her an invaluable addition to our board,” said Eric Arzubi, co-founder
Kaye/Bassman Integrates Ambulatory Surgery Center & Surgical Hospital Recruiting Practices
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has announced the strategic integration of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) & surgical hospital recruiting practice with its hospital and nursing leadership practice, combining two specialized healthcare recruiting teams to better support healthcare organizations across the surgical and acute care continuum. As part of the integration, Drew Wyatt, managing partner within
DSG Global Announces Formal Launch of Fundraising & Advancement as Specialized Practice
DSG Global recently launched DSG fundraising & advancement, a dedicated practice that formalizes the firm’s 25 years of philanthropic fundraising search expertise. Headed by global managing partner and fundraising & advancement practice founder Gerard F. Cattie, DSG fundraising & advancement builds on the firm’s track record of more than 1,000 successful searches for philanthropic leaders worldwide. “With Giving
Why First-Time Chief People Officers Are Becoming Mission-Critical Business Leaders
Amid ongoing economic, social, geopolitical, and technological disruption, placing the right leaders in the right roles—and ensuring they lead in the right way—has become critical. Yet the greatest obstacle to achieving organizational ambitions remains a lack of leadership talent equipped to navigate unprecedented complexity and change. Chief people officers are uniquely placed to overcome this
Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by JVS for Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently selected by Jewish Vocational & Career Counseling Service (JVS) to lead in its search for a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). This executive will be responsible for overseeing the operational strategy of the organization with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and financial leadership in support of JVS’s mission
AGB Search Seeking President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by the University of Montana (UM) to lead in its search for a new president. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald are leading the assignment. The Board of Regents for the Montana University System and Montana commissioner of Higher Education
ZRG Continues LATAM Expansion
ZRG Partners has appointed Nestor Gonzalez-Monroy as senior vice president and head of Latin America within its interim solutions & project consulting business. “Investing in Latin America is not a one-off commitment but a strategic, long-term focus for us,” said Mark Viner, president of interim solutions & project consulting at ZRG. “Nestor’s appointment strengthens our ability
Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
Buffkin / Baker Assists Florida Atlantic University with Provost Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Ken Dawson-Scully, as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of Florida Atlantic University. “I am excited to welcome Ken back to Florida Atlantic,” said Florida Atlantic president Adam Hasner. “When I became president, I committed to conducting a national search for a
BroadView Talent Partners Leading CEO Search for Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners was recently selected by Freestore Foodbank to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO sets the strategic direction for a $100 million enterprise, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship, operational excellence,
Caldwell Grows Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Christoph Themel as a partner in the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice. He is based in London. “Christoph’s appointment reflects our continued investment in building a strong, globally integrated life sciences and healthcare practice,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His international experience and sector depth expand our
