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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
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
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 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
How Digital Misconduct is Reshaping Workplace Risk Management
Workplace misconduct rarely starts in the workplace anymore. Increasingly, the earliest signals appear online, often long before employers are aware of any issues, according to Fama Technologies’ latest State of Misconduct at Work report. The study found that digital platforms have become the first place where behaviors are expressed, documented, and observed. The findings show that misconduct signals
Lochlin Partners Assists the National Audubon Society with CDO Search
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Shabina Bahl as chief development officer of the National Audubon Society. She will serve as a key member of Audubon’s executive team, responsible for overseeing principal, institutional, planned, and corporate giving. Ms. Bahl is an accomplished development executive with over two decades of experience leading high-performing fundraising
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Macomb Community College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Macomb Community College to lead in its search for its seventh president. The current president, James O. Sawyer, will retire at the end of the current fiscal year. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and George Santiago are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments the college has made under
SpenglerFox Announces Leadership Changes
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has announced leadership developments designed to strengthen the firm’s ability to serve clients in high-growth sectors. Michael Klingler will be taking on expanded responsibilities as he assumes leadership of the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice in addition to his current role heading the private equity practice. “This move reflects the increasingly strong overlap we’re seeing between these
Korn Ferry Becomes Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games is one of the most complex operational undertakings in the world, requiring a massive workforce to execute everything from security and logistics to transportation, technology, hospitality, and athlete services. It is essential to hire the right people and build a strong leadership structures. Korn Ferry has established a strategic partnership
Egon Zehnder Elects Chair
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has elected German Herrera as the next chair by its worldwide partnership. The announcement comes in accordance with the firm’s established governance and three-year election cycle. Mr. Herrera will assume the role effective March 1, 2026 and will succeed Michael Ensser, who has held the position since 2022, in a planned succession
SPMB Recruits Chief Customer Officer for Rivian
Natalie Ryan of SPMB Executive Search has recruited Greg Revelle as chief customer officer of NASDAQ-traded Rivian in Irvine, CA. “I’m grateful to have led this search with my team at SPMB Executive Search,” Ms. Ryan said. “Greg brings a strong blend of eCommerce, marketing, and automotive leadership, and was drawn to Rivian’s commitment to AI, software-defined vehicles,
CarterBaldwin Assists Montreat College with Provost Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Hardin as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of biblical studies at Montreat College. Partner Bill Peterson led the assignment. “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Hardin to Montreat College,” said Paul J. Maurer, president. “He is a deeply respected scholar, a gifted administrator,
Pacific International Grows Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has added Tony Milando to its advisory board, following its formation earlier last year. He joins existing advisory board members Bjarne Sandager, Nielsen, Sameer Pagnis, and Eric Alström. “Tony’s experience in global operations, water technology, and large-scale mergers & acquisitions strengthens the strategic insight we provide to clients navigating their
The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
TM² Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently retained by Fort Valley State University (FVSU) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu are leading the assignment. The CHRO oversees the strategic direction of the human resources department. The CHRO provides leadership and direction for
McDermott + Bull Recruits COO for ClinNEXUS
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Jovan Hollins as chief operating officer of ClinNEXUS in Los Angeles. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “We are thrilled to welcome Jovan, a seasoned executive, change agent and visionary, with nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare industry,” said ClinNEXUS’ CEO,
Buffkin / Baker Appoints Partner
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has named Jim May as partner in its technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas. “Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results”, said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a partner in
BCG Says Dealmakers Are Learning to Win in Uncertainty
Global M&A activity is showing signs of recovery, but not a return to the playbook of the last cycle. According to Boston Consulting Group’s 2025 M&A Report, global deal value rose 10 percent in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as geopolitical tension, regulatory shifts, and macro uncertainty continue
Funk Associates Retained by Clemson University for President Search
Funk Associates has been retained by Clemson University to lead in its search for its 16th president. The university is seeking candidates who possess extraordinary managerial skills, are adept at fund-raising, and are both innovative and visionary. James P. Clements announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2025. “We continue to make outstanding progress in our search
Preng & Associates Assists Pacific Coast Energy with CFO Search
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Travis Thomas as the new president and CFO for Pacific Coast Energy Company LP. Mr. Thomas brings more than 16 years of financial leadership experience in the oil and gas industry, with a proven track record supporting both public and private energy companies across upstream and midstream
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for the Land Trust of Napa County
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group recently placed Melanie Parker as the new CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County. This follows a national search for a leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of conservation, stewardship, and community partnership. She succeeds Doug Parker, who has retired after 13 years of distinguished
L.Maxwell Global Names Leader of Chief People Officer Practice
L.Maxwell Global has appointed Shelton Guinn as partner, where he will lead the firm’s chief people officer practice and expand its advisory work with CEOs, boards, and private equity sponsors. “Shelton brings a rare combination of operating depth and board-level perspective at a time when leadership and culture are under real pressure to perform,” said Lisa Maxwell,
2026 Report Finds Executive-Level CISO Titles More Prevalent than Ever
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Consequently, chief information security officers (CISOs) are increasingly expected to serve not just as technical leaders, but as enterprise-wide strategists. Their rise to the executive ranks brings greater influence but also greater demands, including wider accountability, more cross-functional engagement, and intensified
Why AI in Executive Search Demands Judgment, Not Just Speed
Executive search has always balanced rigor with discretion, speed with judgment, and data with human insight. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in professional services, search firms and hiring organizations are increasingly testing where technology can enhance outcomes—and where it risks undermining the very qualities that define effective leadership hiring. The challenge is not whether
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Trevi Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed David Hastings as the new CFO of NASDAQ-traded Trevi Therapeutics, Inc. in New Haven, CT. “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the leadership team as we enter an important chapter of growth at Trevi,” said Jennifer Good, president and CEO of Trevi Therapeutics. “His proven track record
Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Spencer Stuart has recruited Kent Syverud, chancellor and president of Syracuse University, as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. He becomes the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be appointed president. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and Alexis Stiles, a University of Michigan alumna and a
The Key Gaps in Hiring for AI
Artificial intelligence is progressing more quickly than most organizations can keep pace with. From predictive analytics to generative models, companies everywhere are racing to establish their AI strategies. But while many are investing heavily in data, technology, and infrastructure, one critical piece of the equation is being overlooked: the human one, according to a recent
Massey Henry Seeking Chief People and Culture Officer for Kindred Credit Union
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has been retained by Kindred Credit Union to lead in its search for a new chief people and culture officer. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the chief people and culture officer provides strategic leadership and oversight of Kindred’s human resources and
HTP Group Adds New Partners
HTP Group has expanded with the additions of Francesco D’Aniello as partner for Germany and Els Van de Water as partner EMEA. Mr. D’Aniello brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search, consulting, and human resources. His core expertise lies in the identification and selection of senior executives and highly qualified specialists for national and international
From Experimentation to Infrastructure: How AI is Redefining Executive Search
What was once considered “experimental” technology (AI-powered sourcing, workflow automation, and predictive analytics) has quickly become foundational, according to a recent Cluen survey. It found that a majority of firms are not only adopting these tools but reshaping entire business models around them. Yet with maturity comes new challenges. How do you balance speed with
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for A Place for Mom
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Michelle Deitchman as the new chief people officer for A Place for Mom in Seattle, WA. “Congratulations Michelle Deitchman on joining A Place for Mom as chief people officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your deep HR expertise, business acumen, and dynamic leadership drive
Rokos Group Recruits CFO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has placed Christian Pass as CFO of Keck Medicine of USC. “Pass has more than 30 years of health care finance leadership experience with a proven history of cultivating high-performing teams and guiding organizations through critical financial and operational transformations,” said Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine. “He brings tremendous
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Howmet Aerospace
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Winterlich as the new CFO of executive vice president and CFO of NYSE-traded Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. He succeeds Ken Giacobbe, who is retiring after more than two decades at the company. Mr. Winterlich most recently was executive vice president and chief financial officer at
