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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.
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
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?
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
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
4 Talent Trends Redefining Leadership Strategy in 2026
As organizations enter 2026, leadership teams are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape where disruption is constant and competitive advantage is increasingly talent-driven. The most successful companies will be those that align their people strategy with the new realities of speed, technology, and rising expectations for how leaders show up. Against that backdrop, four themes are
How to Avoid Losing a Hire During the Final Stage
The intense competition for executive talent has exploited another facet of the executive hiring process – the treacherous time period between offer and start date. While losing a candidate to a last-minute competing offer was not previously unheard of, the frequency and aggressiveness of incidents happening today requires CEOs, boards, and hiring teams to respond
Making the Right Human Capital Decisions
Change hits, sometimes suddenly and without warning. Value shifts. Money moves quickly to keep up. Talent gets redeployed slowly, lagging behind both money and value. In an era of slow, incremental change, this chain of events might not be a problem. Not so in today’s world of rapid and almost constant disruption, according to CEO.works, a
ZoomInfo Acquires Comparably
ZoomInfo, which focuses on modern go-to-market software, data, and intelligence, has acquired Comparably, a leading recruitment marketing and employer branding platform, to enable companies to proactively attract and engage top talent. Financial terms were not disclosed. The combination of Comparably and ZoomInfo’s TalentOS (formerly RecruitingOS) platform is expected to deliver one of the most powerful
Daversa Partners Recruits CFO for ConsenSys
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of veteran financial leader Phil Davis as the new CFO of ConsenSys, an Ethereum and Web3 software company in New York City. Partner Peter Baiocco led the assignment. “We are delighted to have Phil join us at this critical time in
AEGEUS Executive Search Recruits CEO for Black Swan
Sydney-headquartered AEGEUS Executive Search has recruited Ian Booth as CEO of Black Swan’s State Theatre Company of Western Australia. Mr. Booth has worked in the creative industries in Western Australia for over 20 years, principally in the Australian film and television industry. As CEO of Screenwest (2007 to 2017), he led the organization through a period of great expansion
What Defines an Effective Recruiting Team
For many businesses, recruiting top talent and the right talent can be a challenge. Looking for the most qualified person for each role as well as cultural fit is always the challenge, says Sheila Greco, of SGA Talent, in a new report. “Now more than ever a company’s recruiting team and recruiting partners need to be qualified to
Spencer Stuart Places President for Davidson College
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Douglas Hicks as the 19th president of Davidson College in North Carolina. He succeeds Carol Quillen, who announced in August that she is stepping down after 11 years as president. “Doug learned and led at some of our nation’s top liberal arts colleges,” said Alison Hall Mauzé, chair of
ZRG Recruits CEO of the San Diego Blood Bank
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has placed Doug Morton as the new CEO of the San Diego Blood Bank. Robin Toft, of the firm’s global life sciences and boardroom diversity practice, led the nationwide search. Mr. Morton has dedicated more than 21 years to the organization, joining the team in
Moran Company Seeking CEO for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find a new chief executive officer for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement (CLM), a social and emotional learning program. Scarlett Lewis, who founded the organization shortly after her six-year-old son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School
Pedersen & Partners Names Global Head of Insurance Practice
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed Rod Haire as a client partner and the global head of the firm’s insurance practice based in Hong Kong. “We are very pleased to have Rod join our global team to lead the further development and growth of our insurance practice,” said Gary Williams, CEO of Pedersen & Partners. “Rod is
PE-Backed Checkr Acquires GoodHire in $400 Million Deal
Checkr, a private equity backed HR technology company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Inflection, whose flagship brand GoodHire is a provider in background checks for small businesses. This is Checkr’s largest acquisition to date, enhancing its leadership in the background check sector. “This acquisition is bringing two of the most innovative companies in
ON Partners Recruits Chief Client Officer for ATSG
ON Partners partner Seth Harris has helped to recruit Warren Greenberg as the new chief client officer of ATSG, a leading tech-enabled managed services and solutions company in New York City. Mr. Greenberg joins ATSG’s senior executive team at a time of rapid growth and expansion. With over 25 years of industry experience and deep
Herbert Mines Recruits Chief Merchant Officer for Merrell
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of industry veteran Sumi Scott as the chief merchant officer for Merrell, a leading outdoor performance and lifestyle brand. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sumi to Merrell – we believe her extensive experience, merchant mindset, and passion for the outdoors is
Preng & Associates Recruits CFO for Reabold Resources
Immediate concerns around cash flow, liquidity, and the bottom line are taking precedence at many companies due to continued fallout from the pandemic. But there are high-value lessons emerging from the current health and economic crisis that chief financial officers should bear in mind, according to recruiters specializing in finding talent for finance functional roles. Houston-based
Randstad Acquires France-Based Digital Recruiting Platform
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Randstad N.V. recently confirmed that Randstad France will acquire Side, an end-to-end digital staffing platform in the region. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Randstad’s offering and market position through increased digital presence and capabilities. Side, which
Defining the Barriers of Inclusive Environments in the Workplace
Diverse and inclusive environments in the workplace should provide a sense of normalcy for organizations’ operations. According to Cowen Partners Executive Search, the benefits of establishing a diverse and inclusive workplace should be obvious, and they can include (but are not limited to): supporting the concept of diversity of thought among teams, increasing productivity and retention. and creating cohesiveness among
Diversified Search Group Appoints First Chief People Officer
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has named Linda A. Sanchez as its first chief people officer. “Our exceptional people and mission-driven culture are a hallmark of Diversified Search Group’s success, and we are fortunate to have Linda joining us in this new role, which we’ve created to
Artico Search Assists Insightful Science in the Recruitment of New CMO
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited
Sterling Martin Recruits CEO for AACP
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has placed Lee C. Vermeulen as the new executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) board of directors, effective July 1. He succeeds Lucinda L. Maine, who is retiring
Robert Half Posts 35 Percent Revenue Rise
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted first quarter revenues of $1.398 billion, a 35 percent increase from the same period a year ago. U.S. revenue at Robert Half rose 31.7 percent year over year in the first quarter. International revenue was up 23.4 percent or 28.7 percent on an adjusted basis. Protiviti revenues were $472.3 million,
Using Culture as a Competitive Advantage
The pandemic has not slowed growth for many executive search firms, their clients, or the markets they serve. According to Summit Leadership Partners’ Heather Gordon, at the end of 2021 many of her conversations with chief executive officers and C-suite executives across private and public companies revealed they were all struggling with the same problem:
How Brand Authenticity Attracts Top Talent
In executive recruitment, brand authenticity is becoming an increasingly important moral obligation and tool to attract top talent from your industry. With COVID-19 restrictions loosening up across the nation, more candidates are looking to get back in the office with a company they can trust. The core elements of brand authenticity lie in integrity, transparency,
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Airmeet
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Coherus BioSciences
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Dr. Rosh Dias as the chief medical officer of Coherus BioSciences in Redwood City, CA. “Rosh will make a valuable contribution to the leadership team of Coherus with his deep clinical development experience,” said Steve Hochberg, CEO of Caliber Associates. “Rosh is a terrific addition to Coherus at a
Jobless Claims Fall by 5,000 Amid Tight Labor Market
The Labor Department reported that 180,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 184,000 to 185,000. The four-week moving average was 179,750, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week’s revised average. The
4 Reasons to Focus on Building a Culture of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Everyone knows that diversity and inclusivity are positives in the workplace. Creating a culture where individuals feel valued and respected is crucial to creating an accepting environment. Still, the impact that a culture of DEI plays on your company goes far beyond simply making your team feel welcome, according to a report from IQTalent Partners – an on-demand talent
TurnkeyZRG Seeks Chief Revenue Officer for the Pittsburgh Penguins
TurnkeyZRG has been retained to recruit a senior vice president/chief revenue officer for professional hockey’s Pittsburgh Penguins. The CRO will serve as a forward-thinking leader shaping the continued innovation of the sales and marketing strategy for NHL team. “The individual will be responsible for developing and implementing a forward-looking, fully integrated revenue and marketing plan that
Hudson Gate Partners Fills Senior Roles for Teza Technologies
Hudson Gate Partners recently recruited Joel McAndrew as head of business development and Brandon Johnson as general counsel and chief compliance officer for Teza Technologies, a science and technology-driven global quantitative investment firm. This head of business development assignment was led by Paul Sassa, head of the marketing and investor relations practice at Hudson Gate Partners. “Having raised a significant
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of U.S. Collegiate Sports Practice
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Dan McHale as a partner and head of U.S. collegiate sports practice. “We are thrilled to add Dan to our growing sport and entertainment practice,” said Drew Cloud, head of Odgers Berndtson U.S. sport and entertainment practice. “Dan is a great example of how we are building a team of relatable consultants that can support
Bespoke Partners Appoints Chief People Officer
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
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 46.6 Percent Q1 Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted first quarter revenues of $283.9 million, an increase of 46.6 percent vs. the prior year period. Revenue growth was driven by all regions in executive search, by Heidrick Consulting, and by the addition of on-demand talent. Executive search revenue of $242.5 million increased by $62.9 million, or 35
