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How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
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.
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
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?
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
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
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
How Executives Are Using AI to Gain a Competitive Edge
Private equity firms are increasingly evaluating chief executive candidates through a new lens: digital fluency and the ability to translate emerging technologies into enterprise value. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation across industries, leadership teams are expected to move beyond curiosity and into disciplined execution. For incoming CEOs, demonstrating practical command of AI
Longship Group Acquires Lawton Group
Longship Group, a workforce consulting and solutions firm, has acquired Lawton Group, a healthcare and office/professional recruiting firm based in San Diego, CA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The new leader of the Lawton Group’s operations will be Katherine Sullivan of Longship Group’s healthcare division. “With Lawton Group’s prior 35-plus years of outstanding
Leathwaite Expands in London
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite recently expanded with the addition of Heather Barnes as a partner. “We are absolutely thrilled that Heather has chosen to join Leathwaite,” said Richard Buckingham, lead global technology partner. “We have long admired Heather’s impact, presence, and reputation in the technology, digital, and data market, and we look forward to integrating her
High Demand for CHRO Within the Private Equity Sector
Private equity’s impact on the global economy is growing every year. The sector has become a financial behemoth worth as much as $7 trillion dollars globally, according to a McKinsey report — and, as a result, an important direct employer of millions of people worldwide. Like other recruiters that work with PE firms and their
Hiring CFOs for the Private Equity Sector
A recent trend to emerge among Russell Reynolds Associates’ private capital clients is an increased willingness to make a creative chief financial officer hire. While the firm has seen the emergence of preferred archetypes for private equity and venture capital CFOs, there is also greater appetite to test the norm. To better understand the CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Boise State University
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been called in by Boise State University to lead its search for a CHRO. Reporting directly to the president, the CHRO is a senior member of Boise State’s leadership team, responsible
Artico Search Recruits Leader for Newly Formed Night Capital
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited Alexandra K. Moore as the founding managing director of a new investment company, Night Capital, which was recently launched by The Chernin Group (TCG) and digital talent-management and media firm Night Inc. In addition, TCG has invested an undisclosed sum in Night to “further accelerate Night’s growth as the
Gaia Human Capital Consultants Places Three Sustainability Leaders
San Francisco-based Gaia Human Capital Consultants has recently placed three key sustainability leaders for three clients, NYSERDA (the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), A.O. Smith Corp., and Sabert Corp. Dawn Dzurilla, founder and managing partner, and Zoë Van Schyndel, partner, led the assignments for the search firm. At NYSERDA, which promotes energy
Avoiding Bias in Performance Management
Humans are inherently biased – it’s how our survival instincts enable us to make faster decisions. Thus, we make a majority of choices based on beliefs, biases, and gut instincts, rather than data, facts, and logic, according to a report from Morgan Samuels Company. While biases themselves aren’t good or bad, they can result in
ON Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Arbolus
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Dolly DeNyse as chief revenue officer of Arbolus, a London-based knowledge-sharing platform. Partner Seth Harris led the assignment. “Dolly is such an exciting hire for us at the perfect time,” said Sam Glasswell, CEO. “Arbolus has evolved from its roots of improving the user experience in the expert network industry, towards a
Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for A Place Called Home
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting recently placed Norayma Cabot as the new chief executive officer of A Place Called Home (APCH), a non-profit that provides a safe, nurturing environment and a variety of programs for young people in South Central Los Angeles. She assumes the role effective next Monday. Ms. Cabot joins the organization from the Los
Diversified Search Group Fills Board Position for Jack in the Box
Recruiting for board of directors roles, considered by many to be the very backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging in recent years, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm
Mogul Inks Diversity Partnership with SmartBiz
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul has signed a deal with SmartBiz, an AI-powered financing platform for small businesses. Mogul offers a talent acquisition platform, diversity recruiting services, inclusive networking events, educational events, a job board, and online social communities. According to the agreement, SmartBiz will use Mogul’s diversity-focused recruiting software to access more than 494
Why There Are 6 Million Unemployed and 10 Million Job Openings?
With the U.S. phasing out most of its pandemic-related restrictions, a new topic has taken over our news feeds — labor shortage. Across the nation, companies are having great difficulty finding and retaining workers. At its height, the unemployment rate hit a record high of 14.8 percent in April of 2020. Since then, it has dropped to four
Ways To Improve the Candidate Experience
In the midst of the Great Resignation, competition for talent is fierce. The market is still candidate driven, which means that companies must examine their employee value proposition (EVP) but also carefully consider their recruitment process and leverage this as a competitive advantage when hiring “best athlete” talent. In a new report, Julian Rives, managing
Patagonia Retains Hanold Associates for Head of Total Rewards Search
Patagonia, a high-performance outdoor apparel and accessories brand, has selected Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. Kile Hanold and Adam Watson will lead the assignment. As Patagonia continues to grow, this individual will be expected to align HR functions and policies to support the company’s employees. This leader
B.E. Smith Seeking Chief Clinical Officer for Island Hospital
Healthcare-focused B.E. Smith has been enlisted to find a chief clinical officer for Island Hospital in Anacortes, WA. Recruiter Christine Young is leading the assignment. The chief clinical officer will oversee ancillary and clinical departments in facilitating the design and implementation of quality, patient care, while directing and coordinating the functions and activities within the departments for
SPMB Appoints New Partner
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has named Radley Meyers as its newest partner. “Radley’s passion around the IT market, and specifically his deep knowledge of the security and data landscape, has enabled him to guide both his Fortune 500 clients as they evolve to compete in an
7 Best Practices For Building Client Relationships
Think about your experience as a customer from when you first started spending your own money up until now. Chances are, you’ve been exposed to a poor customer experience at some point in time. When you have these negative experiences, it impacts your view of the establishment for the long road, according to a report
More Companies Want Leaders Who Can Deliver Immediately
What the future holds for the executive search industry, and the business world in general, is an open question, especially in these volatile times. But a new report from Joel M. Koblentz, founding partner of The Koblentz Group in Atlanta, says that some key indicators are pointing to a robust next 12 months. Among those
TurnkeyZRG Assists Pac-12 Conference with Chief People and Inclusion Officer
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted the Pac-12 Conference in the recruitment of Quashan Lockett as chief people and inclusion officer. “The Pac-12 is committed to building a best-in-class organization and culture, and we are thrilled to have found a leader who brings a track record of success and deep experience in both human capital management and diversity, equity, inclusion, and
SearchWide Global Seeks CEO for Discover Santa Clara
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been enlisted to find a president and CEO for Discover Santa Clara (DSC), the official destination marketing organization for Santa Clara, CA. Search firm vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of the directors, the CEO is the senior officer for Discover Santa Clara. This position will oversee
Amrop Opens New Office in Vienna
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the 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. Global recruiting organization Amrop has added Gabriele Gradnitzer and Sandra Schrögenauer to represent the Amrop brand
Transforming the Traditional HR Operating Model
To achieve change, companies need to trust and invest in their leaders, ensuring the capabilities and design of the organization can support a new model. A change in organizational design alone cannot be successful unless there is alignment throughout the business. As HR leaders consider what might be best for their companies going forward, they
CIO Partners Tapped by UMGC Ventures for Portfolio President and Chief Information Officer Search
CIO Partners was recently selected by UMGC Ventures as its exclusive partner to lead the search for a portfolio president and chief information officer for AccelerEd. UMGC Ventures, a supporting organization to the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and a portfolio company that includes AccelerEd as its prominent venture, wants an experienced portfolio president
Preng & Associates Fills Board Position for 8 Rivers Capital
Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of former BP CEO Bob Dudley as a new member of the board of directors for 8 Rivers Capital LLC, a global Net Zero solutions provider. “As long as I can remember, Bob was ahead of the curve in driving to Net Zero,” said Bill
Financial Services Search Firm Secura/Isaac Talent is Launched
Global advisory firm Secura/Isaac Group has launched Secura/Isaac Talent, an executive search firm dedicated to recruiting senior-level talent for financial services clients. The firm will be led by CEO Jamie Peretz, who brings over two decades of top-level executive search experience. “Secura/Isaac Group’s team of highly experienced financial executives and former regulators operate at the
True Search Appoints COO and CFO
Executive recruiting firm True Search has named Kate Vanek as global chief operating officer and chief financial officer. “Kate is a proven strategic COO and a high-impact finance executive who will help solidify our operational maturity, which will ultimately benefit our clients, teams and candidates,” said Brad Stadler, True co-CEO and co-founder. “Kate’s expertise will also ensure we
Aligning Diversity and Talent in Board and C-Suite Recruitment
Global business leaders recognize the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. But while senior leaders are adopting diversity and inclusion initiatives at greater rates within their organizations, those initiatives don’t always impact recruitment for their board and C-suite roles in meaningful ways, according to a recent report from BoardEx. For example, a recent BoardEx survey
How Recruiters Can Use LinkedIn to Their Best Advantage
With the power of the internet, mobile apps, and social media platforms – it is only going to get harder to recruit top talent with all of the demand being generated. Long gone are the days of putting up paper job ads or leaving your inbox open for hundreds of resumes. With over 575 million
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for LendingPoint
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of Ryan Scully as chief marketing officer of LendingPoint, an AI-driven credit-tech platform. Partner Brian Lawton led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to LendingPoint,” said Tom Burnside, CEO of LendingPoint. “We believe Ryan’s broad experience and strategic leadership skills will be invaluable as LendingPoint continues to expand its offerings
McAleer Gray Seeking New Leader for Space Foundation
Denver-based executive search firm McAleer Gray has been retained by Space Foundation to lead in its search for a chief executive officer. Founding partner Brad Gray is leading the assignment. Current CEO Tom Zelibor will retire following the 38th Space Symposium, to be held April 17-20, 2023. In 2017, McAleer Gray recruited Mr. Zelibor for the Space







