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Fractional CHRO vs. Interim HR Leader: Key Differences and When to Hire Each
As organizations grow, restructure, prepare for investment, or navigate leadership change, many realize they need experienced HR leadership – but not always in the same way. That’s where fractional CHRO and interim HR solutions come in, according to a recent Talent Connections report. “While these terms are often grouped together, they solve very different business
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading General Counsel Search for Illinois State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) was recently selected by Illinois State University to lead in its search for a general counsel. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jim Johnsen are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet, the general counsel will serve as the University’s chief
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 Strengthens Global Leadership Team
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has expanded with the additions of Carlos Gómez-Arnau, Doug Roberts, and Stuart Penney as client partners. “These strategic hires further strengthen the firm’s international presence and reinforce its commitment to supporting clients across key healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology markets,” Coulter Partners said. The appointments expand Coulter Partners’ capabilities across Europe and North
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?
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Jakarta
Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Jakarta, a strategic gateway to expand its retained executive search and leadership advisory practice across Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region. Leading the new office is Nadya Soetedja, founder of Inspire Recruitment Indonesia and a veteran of more than 20 years across executive recruitment, consulting, talent
Why CEOs Leave — and What Boards Can Do About It
CEO turnover is placing greater pressure on boards to think about leadership retention long before a search becomes necessary. For executive search firms, that means helping clients look beyond succession planning to understand the factors that influence whether a high-performing leader stays, disengages, or ultimately decides to leave. “Over the past two decades of placing
Occam Global Recruits CFO for Tortugas Neuroscience
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Ramzi Benamar as CFO of Tortugas Neuroscience, a clinical-stage biotech company developing medicines for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. “Ramzi brings meaningful capabilities and an understanding of the life sciences industry,” said Jeff Jonas, CEO of Tortugas. “He has had a documented and successful track record of
McDermott + Bull Recruits General Counsel for Corning Credit Union
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Rachel Carlson Toth as vice president and general counsel at Corning Credit Union. This executive search was completed by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, partner Courtney Wade, and executive recruiter Ella Canning. Ms. Toth brings more than a decade of in-house legal and business leadership experience
WittKieffer Elects New Chair
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has elected Angelique David as chair of its board of directors, succeeding L. Thomas Richards, who completed a distinguished tenure as board chair and concluded more than a decade of service on the firm’s board. “We are honored to have Angelique David serve as board chair for WittKieffer,” said Andrew P. Chastain, WittKieffer
Caldwell Appoints Leader of Global HR Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Staines as a partner and leader of the firm’s global HR practice. “We’re pleased to welcome John to Caldwell to lead our human resources practice,” said Chris Beck, CEO. “John’s addition, together with Ali Palmer’s recent arrival in London, strengthens our global human resources practice and our ability to serve clients
With millionways Investment Hunt Scanlon Ventures Backs the Future of AI-Powered Talent Platforms
Hunt Scanlon Ventures (HSV) has spent the last several years building an investment portfolio around a central conviction: as AI becomes embedded across the human capital and private markets ecosystem, the greatest opportunities will extend beyond automation and productivity. The next generation of platforms, according to Hunt Scanlon, will increasingly help organizations make better decisions
In NYSE Interview, HelloSky CEO Alex Bates Explains the ‘Moneyball’ Approach to Executive Search
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how executive search firms identify and evaluate leadership talent, but the technology alone is not replacing the judgment that experienced recruiters bring to senior-level hiring. Instead, the opportunity increasingly lies in combining better data and targeting with the intuition, pattern recognition, and relationship skills that have long defined successful executive search.
Academic Search Retained by William Penn University to Find Next President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been retained by William Penn University (WPU) to lead in its search for a new president. The search is being led by senior consultant and Dan DiBiasio and consultant Andrea Cowsert. President John Ottosson will retire in June 2027 after more than a decade of leadership, leaving William Penn poised for further growth and
McCormack + Kristel Recruits CEO for Resource Center
McCormack + Kristel recently placed Christopher Wagley as CEO of He will join Resource Center in November 2026 following an extensive national search prompted by the planned retirement of long-standing CEO Cece Cox in early 2027. “The board is thrilled to welcome Christopher Wagley as the next CEO of Resource Center,” said Chris LaGrone, board
Lindauer Forms Alliance with Cedars-Sinai to Grow Development Team
Lindauer and Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest non-profit academic medical centers in the U.S., have form an alliance in an effort to expand its development team and build the infrastructure needed to sustain that growth. In preparation for an ambitious new philanthropic campaign and to help Cedars-Sinai respond to the evolving needs of the communities it serves, the
The Last Mile of Executive Search: Turning Candidate Conversations Into Defensible Shortlist Decisions
As executive search becomes more data-driven, firms are under growing pressure to show clients not only who made the shortlist, but why. That is putting greater emphasis on consistent evaluation, clearly defined criteria, and stronger evidence around leadership capability, risk, and fit. The shift is also creating a larger role for AI in helping search
TurnkeyZRG Leading Chief Commercial Officer Searches for the University of Kentucky and the Indianapolis Colts
College athletics is moving into a new era as the business of sports continues to evolve, making commercial leadership increasingly important and creating new opportunities for experienced executives. As universities and professional teams place greater emphasis on revenue growth, partnerships, fan engagement, and brand strategy, the chief commercial officer role is becoming increasingly central to
TOC Arts Partners Seeking Chief Marketing Officer for by Brooklyn Academy of Music
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners was recently retained by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The search is being led by senior strategist Brenna Thomas. The CMO will lead marketing, creative services, ticketing, audience research, revenue forecasting, communications, and brand storytelling for an organization that showcases both emerging artists and modern icons. The chief marketing officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for SkyCity
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has helped to recruit Basil O. Dosunmu as the new CFO of SkyCity, a purpose-built consortium for the transformative U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Airports. Linda Frankl, director, senior practice leader, led the assignment. Mr. Dosunmu brings more than 30 years of financial and executive leadership experience, with extensive
Stevenson Search Partners Names Head of Life Sciences Tools and Services
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has named Allen Reed as partner and head of life sciences tools and services. “Allen’s breadth of experience will be a key asset to Stevenson,” said Kris Steen, president, executive search at Stevenson Search Partners. “His
Spencer Stuart Expands CEO and Board Advisory Capabilities Around Succession and Value Creation
Spencer Stuart has strengthened its global CEO and board advisory offering with the appointment of Colin Graham as global head of its board and CEO practice and with additions of Sandy Ogg and Chris Gagnon. “CEOs and boards face an increasingly complex leadership agenda where creating value depends on connecting the right leaders to the most
Funk Associates Retained by Troy University to Assist Chancellor Search
Funk Associates has been retained by Troy University to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The Troy University board of trustees has appointed a 14-member search committee. Gibson Vance, president pro tempore of the board of trustees, will chair the committee, which includes representatives from the board of trustees, senior administration, faculty, the
TalentRise Assists the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology with CEO Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Denise Harris as president and CEO of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT). The search follows the planned retirement of the organization’s current CEO, who has provided dedicated leadership to BCAT and its community mission for nearly 10 years. “Denise stood out early in a thorough search, and it
Lochlin Partners Recruits CHRO for Communities Foundation of Texas
Lochlin Partners has placed DeLancey Johnson as chief human resources officer of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). “Delancey brings new perspective, experience, and leadership to CFT as we continue building a culture that supports our mission and our staff experts,” said Wayne White, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas. “His depth of experience leading
HTP Group Expands in Europe and Transatlantic Markets with Four Partner Appointments
HTP Group has expanded with the additions of François Carloni, Diego Chinnì, Sandrine Lebouc, and Chloë Sonnois as partners. These appointment marks a significant milestone in HTP Group’s international growth, strengthening its capabilities across France, Italy, and Switzerland, while establishing its first-ever dedicated bridge to the North American market. “We are thrilled to welcome Chloë, Diego,
Fractional CHRO vs. Interim HR Leader: Key Differences and When to Hire Each
As organizations grow, restructure, prepare for investment, or navigate leadership change, many realize they need experienced HR leadership – but not always in the same way. That’s where fractional CHRO and interim HR solutions come in, according to a recent Talent Connections report. “While these terms are often grouped together, they solve very different business
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading General Counsel Search for Illinois State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) was recently selected by Illinois State University to lead in its search for a general counsel. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jim Johnsen are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the president’s cabinet, the general counsel will serve as the University’s chief
ESGI Potomac Recruits CFO for MTSI
ESGI Potomac recently assisted in the recruitment of Ashutosh Gokhale as executive vice president and CFO of Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI). “We welcome Ashutosh Gokhale as our new executive vice president and chief financial officer,” said Kevin Robinson, MTSI president and CEO. “As MTSI continues its growth trajectory, Ashutosh’s leadership, financial expertise, and strategic perspective
Marovi Targets Executive Search’s Evaluation Gap With AI-Driven Platform
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has shared details of its market momentum and customer experience. Core to Marovi’s success is its proprietary evaluation intelligence engine, which weights every candidate against role-specific requirements and generates scorecard comparisons and curated shortlists before the interviewing process commences. Executive search has long been a high-stakes, challenge-filled endeavor, where misalignment can cause significant disruption. Ensuring
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting 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, Christine Pendleton, 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







