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Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
RPA Nearing End Stages of President Search for Slippery Rock
Williamsport, PA-based higher education executive search firm RPA Inc. has been involved in the recruitment of a new president for Slippery Rock University (SRU). William Behre, who has led the school since 2018, announced in February that he plans to retire, effective June 30, 2023. Dana John Cohick and Kendra Mozug are leading the assignment. The search firm has
ZRG Partners Opens New Office in Dubai
ZRG Partners has opened a new office in Dubai which will be led by Natalie Sleiman, managing director and EMEA lead for the firm’s professional and technology services practice. The firm now has team members positioned in key global markets on five continents. “UAE is a crucial financial and cultural hub,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Our
Caldwell Posts 31 Percent Revenue Gain
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $35.9 million (Canadian), a 11.6 percent decrease from a year ago. Full year revenues rose by 31 percent, from $119.5 million last year to $156.2 million. Financial results include those of IQTalent Partners, Inc. “This was an exceptional year in our firm’s history, as we shattered previous records for revenue and
Effective Reference Checking: A Definitive ‘Why’ and ‘How-To’ Guide
In an era of increasing artificial intelligence, automation. and digitization, the importance of traditional reference checking as a risk management mechanism cannot be understated. A recent report from NGS Global’s Steve Lavelle, Mark Lelliott, and Fernando Zavala looks at why it is so fundamental to hiring success, and provides helpful tips for ensuring that your process
NFP Acquires Juno Search Partners
Philadelphia-based executive search firm Juno Search Partners LLC, has been acquired by NFP, a property and casualty broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager, and retirement plan advisor. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Co-founders Mikal C. Harden and Vicki Sack will join NFP as senior vice presidents. “I’m beyond excited to welcome Mikal, Vicki,
Riviera Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Versapay
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 on
SearchWide Global Seeks CEO for Visit Spokane
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for Visit Spokane, a destination marketing organization in Washington State. Last month, Meg Winchester announced her retirement from the non-profit’s top job effective Jan. 1. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, is leading the assignment. Responsibilities of the role
True Names Leaders for Climate Tech and Healthcare & Life Sciences Practices
Executive recruiting firm True Search has named EMEA and APAC leaders for its climate tech practice as well as its healthcare and life sciences practices. Partner Nathaniel Hook, formerly managing director of global executive search firm WittKieffer, is now head of healthcare and life sciences practices, EMEA, and APAC. Partner Rafe Jackson, who has been instrumental in True’s expansion into new markets as a global
The Benefits of Using an Executive Search Firm
Great recruitment takes hard work. You need a solid and effective process end to end to be able to access the best candidates and provide the offers that keep them once you’ve found them. This all requires a certain expertise and approaching not just those officially interested in a position, but also those who don’t
DHR Global Recruits CFO for Scotts Miracle-Gro
DHR Global has placed Matthew Garth as the new CFO of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., a leading lawn and gardens products company. Rob Tillman, managing partner of DHR’s global financial officer practice, led and completed the search in less than 60 days. “The chairman and CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro challenged us to move quickly while
Arts Consulting Group is Tapped to Find Executive Director for New England Foundation for the Arts
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA). Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, is leading the assignment for the search firm. NEFA values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive world and is committed to hiring individuals who share, value, and support
Morgan Samuels Appoints Chief Financial and Operations Officer
L.A.-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels has named Jarrod Gray as chief financial and operations officer. “We are delighted to have Jarrod on our team. His strong background in finance, human resources, and business development operations is in direct alignment with our growth strategy goals,” said Bert Hensley, CEO of Morgan Samuels. “He is a world class leader, and
Mercuri Urval Names Leader of Frankfurt Office
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Thorsten Kocherscheidt as group director and leader of the Frankfurt office. “I am confident that Thorsten will support our growth plans in Europe and help us to become even stronger in financial services, and I am convinced that he will bring further success for our clients particularly
How CHROs can Prevent Top Talent from Leaving
The COVID-19 pandemic, rising economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk, and the increasing emphasis on environment, social, and corporate governance matters all have important leadership implications. As advisors to the C-suite, Russell Reynolds Associates has been closely monitoring these trends and advising leaders and teams through this tumultuous time. The search firm’s Netila Demneri and Harsonal
Winning and Keeping Talent During the Great Reshuffle
In today’s post-pandemic talent landscape, employers and companies not only need to worry about the Great Reshuffle and Great Resignation, but also the latest workforce trend of “quiet quitting.” The pandemic upended the traditional workforce, giving candidates and employees more power than ever when it comes to hiring, compensation, and benefits. In a new report,
Northwind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Integral Federal
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Jason Siminski as the new chief growth officer of Integral Federal, an intelligence and national security solutions provider. The assignment was led by director Jonathan Rice. “We are happy to bring on board Jason Siminski as Integral Federal’s new chief growth officer as we focus on our next level of
Artico Search Recruits Chief Customer Officer for Showpad
Customers matter. It sounds simple. But these days, companies are coming to better accept and understand that concept and weave it into their strategic vision. So it is that businesses of all kinds are increasingly bringing aboard chief customer officers (CCO), the most effective of whom wield influence across an organization and into the C-suite.
Leathwaite Adds Two Non-Executive Board Members
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has added two new non-executive members, Beatriz Rodriguez and Raashi Sikka, to its board. “It’s such a pleasure to welcome Raashi and Beatriz to our board,” said Andrew Wallace, managing partner. “The fresh perspectives they both bring will be invaluable as we continue to grow and thrive as a business. I’m
Successfully Hiring Your First Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader
In the past two years, there has been an unprecedented focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Prompted by the 2020 murder of George Floyd, followed by months of Black Lives Matter protests, business leaders have finally begun to recognize the racial inequities embedded deep in the systems in which we operate each day, including
10 ‘No Cost’ Ways to Improve Employee Retention
If you are an executive, business owner, or team leader, employee retention is undoubtedly top-of-mind. You’ve may have even done a web search on “how to retain employees.” Recent data suggests that as much as 70 percent of all Google searches related to teams, talent, employees, and human resources right now are focused on the
TurnkeyZRG Retained by West Virginia University to Lead Athletic Director Search
West Virginia University has called in TurnkeyZRG to lead its search for a new athletic director. The school recently parted ways with director of athletics and associate vice president Shane Lyons. The search firm is looking to have a new director in place within three to four weeks. “I deeply appreciate Shane’s leadership over the past eight
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for Fanatics
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Orlando Ashford as the new chief people officer of Fanatics in New York City. The search was led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Mayank Parikh, and Eleanor Tetreault. “Orlando is an outstanding person and business leader, who brings an exceptional sense of wisdom, innovation and drive to
TRANSEARCH Adds Y Scouts to Network
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International recently added Scottsdale, AZ-based Y Scouts as its newest member firm.
How Diversity Initiatives Have Become More Prevalent
There is a quiet revolution taking place that is affecting every company that is looking for transformational leadership. So what is that revolution? Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue Rock Search, explains that one in which candidates are saying: “I am no longer going to take full responsibility for moving a company’s DEI initiatives forward.
Vetted Solutions Seeks CEO for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been chosen to find the next chief executive officer for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), a Chicago-based association dedicated to fee-only financial planning. At the same time, Leslie M. Stokes, vice president of the search firm, who has worked for various associations throughout her career, was named interim
ON Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Arcserve
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum and executive search firms have been there to meet this demand. Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Christian van den Branden as chief technology officer of Arcserve. “Christian is an exciting addition to Arcserve’s leadership team,” said Brannon Lacey, CEO of Arcserve. “His in-depth
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for AffiniPay
Jay Millen and Carlos Cata of Toronto-based Caldwell recently assisted in the recruitment of Ana Villegas as chief marketing officer of AffiniPay, a leading SaaS for professionals. Following the news of AffiniPay’s acquisition of legal practice management software company MyCase, Ms. Villegas will lead marketing and help drive growth for AffiniPay’s payment and software offerings. “As AffiniPay and MyCase join
Egon Zehnder Opens Office in Dublin
Egon Zehnder recently opened a new office in Dublin, Ireland. The Dublin location marks Egon Zehnder’s 63rd global office, now across 36 countries. The office is led by Andrew Roscoe and senior advisor Karl Croke. “While we’ve served clients in Ireland for more than 20 years, this deepening of our commitment strengthens our presence in Ireland, so we
Creating Purpose in the Workplace
The U.S. labor market has undergone various changes since March of 2020. From historical wage growth to a shift in worker habits, today’s economy is much different from what it was just a few years ago, according to a new report from Executives Unlimited’s Tomilee Tilley Gill. Still, with ongoing inflation and repeated interest rate hikes
ZRG Partners Acquires SEBA International
ZRG Partners has acquired SEBA International, a retained executive search firm focused on finance, risk, marketing, and revenue roles. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are excited to welcome SEBA to the ZRG family,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Their client-focused method is a perfect fit with our own. We think that
AGB Search Seeks President for Ohio University
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been chosen to help find the next president of Ohio University. Hugh Sherman, who previously served as dean of the university’s College of Business, will be completing his two-year term in the role next year. Sally Mason, Larry Ladd, and Garry W. Owens are leading







