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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Coulter Partners 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
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?
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
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Toronto’s Executive Search Market Heats Up Amid Talent Shortage
The Canadian job market in 2025 is showing signs of resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While higher interest rates and slowing consumer demand have created challenges in sectors like real estate and retail, the country continues to experience steady demand for workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Immigration remains a key driver of labor
SPMB Recruits CFO for Pear VC
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Anna Nitschke as the new CFO of Pear VC. Suzanne Heske, who heads SPMB’s
Cejka Search Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Merrick Medical Center
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
Kincannon & Reed Expands Search Staff
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has expanded with the addition of veteran food value chain executive Jared Spader as managing director. “We were thrilled when Jared indicated he was interested in working for Kincannon & Reed,” said David Turner, president of the firm. “His service industry experience, combined with his passion for people will be a strong asset
Hunt Club Raises $10 Million to Grow Candidate Referrals and Talent Networks
Chicago-headquartered referral recruiting service Hunt Club has raised $10 million in Series A funding from Teamworthy Ventures to further the development of the firm’s Talent Expert Network candidate referral technology, and its growing high-performance recruiting team. This round of funding complements the company’s seed round of $4.5 million with key investors, including Brian Spaly (chairman of Tecovas,
Occam Global Places Leader of Gene Therapy Company Ensoma
New York City-based recruitment firm Occam Global has placed Emile Nuwaysir as president, chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of gene therapy company Ensoma. In conjunction with the CEO appointment, Ensoma executive chairman Paula Soteropoulos will transition to the role of chairman of the board, and Kush M. Parmar, managing partner
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Sales Officer for VisitPittsburgh
Following a nationwide search that began in May, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Andrew Ortale as the new chief sales officer for VisitPittsburgh, the tourism promotion agency for Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson led the assignment. Mr. Ortale’s appointment marks a return to Pittsburgh for the seasoned industry veteran, who previously served
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Oceus Networks
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the placement of Paul McQuillan, a strategic partner at Battle Investment Group, as the new chief growth and strategy officer at Oceus Networks. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. The company provides hardware and software for government and military command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations. “Paul brings
SpenglerFox Enters Swedish Market
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has entered into the Swedish market with the appointment of Peter Billing as client partner. In his new role, Mr. Billing will be responsible for the firm’s coverage across Sweden, supporting Swedish clients with local and international talent acquisition, and new clients entering the Swedish market. “Given our expansion into key markets across Western Europe
The Case for Promoting Women
From negotiating pay to combating biases and non-inclusive workspaces, women face a variety of challenges in proving their worth in the workplace. Yet, there is an abundant and growing amount of research that substantiates that companies with women in leadership positions are more innovative and make more money. A new report from McDermott + Bull reveals
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by Case Western Reserve University to Find New Athletics Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland has called in TurnkeyZRG to lead the search for its next director of athletics. The firm is seeking a dynamic and energetic leader to head the school’s athletic department. Case Western Reserve University is seeking a dynamic and energetic leader to
Isaacson, Miller Seeks CHRO for the University of Virginia
Isaacson, Miller has been enlisted to find a chief human resources officer (CHRO) for the University of Virginia (UVA). Partner Ponneh Varho is leading the assignment along with senior associates Katherine Stellato and Kelly McLaughlin. “This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and innovative leader in the field to play a critical role in
Diversified Search Group Expands Non-Profit Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has expanded with the addition of Kim Dukes as managing director in its non-profit practice. Ms. Dukes brings to the role 25 years of experience creating balanced talent pools to drive better placement outcomes for organizations in the non-profit space, the firm says. “Kim’s addition to the team comes at a perfect time,”
Mogul Partners with Cupertino Electric to Help Meet DE&I Goals
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul recently inked a deal with San Jose, CA-based Cupertino Electric Inc. (CEI), an electrical engineering and construction company. Mogul offers a talent acquisition platform, diversity recruiting services, inclusive networking events, educational events, and online social communities. “CEI has been actively developing a diversity, equity and inclusion framework to create a
Spencer Stuart Tapped by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to Find New Leader
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston recently selected Spencer Stuart to help in its search for a new president and CEO. Eric Rosengren announced his retirement
BroadView Talent Partners Seeks CFO for Microlending Platform Kiva
Executive search firm BroadView Talent Partners has been retained to find a chief financial officer for Kiva, an international person-to-person microlending platform. “This mission-oriented, dynamic and strategic professional will lead the finance department, working with the executive leadership team to build Kiva and expand the organization’s impact,” said the search firm. Based in San Francisco,
The Moran Company Seeks New CEO for The Animal Foundation
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for The Animal Foundation (TAF) in Las Vegas. Senior search consultant Becky Hauk is leading the assignment. “The CEO of The Animal Foundation will hold one of the most visible and important
Kingsley Gate Partners Expands in London
Kingsley Gate Partners recently named Andy Davies as senior partner. He will be based in the firm’s London office. “We are thrilled to have Andy join our team,” said Nancy Albertini, senior partner at the search firm. “Our continued global growth into this key market strengthens our ability to deliver above and beyond the expectations
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since March 2020
The Labor Department reported that 293,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 36,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 3,000 from 326,000 to 329,000. The four-week moving average was 334,250, a decrease
How PE Firms Can Attract the Best Portfolio Leadership
The global private equity sector is more than three times bigger than it was just 10 years ago. How can PE firms ensure that they are attracting the best talent to lead their portfolio companies? Despite a COVID-induced 22 percent downturn in private equity fundraising and deal volume in 2020, the broader multi-year trend is
Westmont Search Places Chief Transformation Officer for Essentia Health
Executive search firm Westmont Search has placed Karyn Baum as chief transformation officer of Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. As CTO she will be responsible for leading clinicians in process improvement and innovation across the Essentia Health System. The search was conducted by Peter Blau, managing partner and Carolyn Lecocq, search director. Most recently, Dr. Baum served
Caldwell Fills Technology Posts for Concentra Bank
Drew Railton and Adam Cotterall of Caldwell recently recruited Dave Baldarelli as chief digital officer and Wendy Murphy as chief technology and operations officer at Concentra Bank. Mr. Baldarelli is a motivational leader with a demonstrated ability to guide an organization through innovation and extensive business transformation. He is passionate about creating value for customers and offering products that drive business
Charles Aris Executive Search Opens New Office in Washington, D.C.
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has opened a new office in Washington, D.C. The firm was prepared for the expansion in 2020, but the pandemic put the plans on hold until now. The office will allow the search firm to strengthen relationships with existing clients and establish connections with new organizations. “The opening
LifeSci Partners Teams With Expert Network FirstThought
LifeSci Partners, a life-sciences focused consultancy, has entered into a strategic partnership with FirstThought, a global life sciences expert network, which specializes in connecting clients with life sciences and healthcare subject matter experts. FirstThought’s services, which include one-on-one consultations (virtual or in-person), group meetings, surveys and direct engagements, will be accessible to clients and employees
Disruption in Financial Services Presents Big Opportunities for Recruiters
The profile of modern financial services leaders continues to shift amid the sector’s renewed focus on customers for revenue growth, service digitalization, a renewed focus on risk management, and increasing investor and regulatory scrutiny, according to executive recruiters. The COVID-19 crisis has only heightened the need for top talent that has the ability to pivot
The Christopher Group Leading Top Diversity Search for Standard Motor Products
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, was recently called in by Standard Motor Products (SMP) to lead the organization’s vice president of talent, diversity and corporate social responsibility search. Managing director Pam Noble and managing partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the critical assignment. “TCG is honored to have been selected for this prestigious
Hartz Search Recruits Chief Administrative Officer for East Jefferson General Hospital
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based Hartz Search has helped to place Jennifer Parks as chief administrative officer of Louisiana Children’s Medical Center Health (LCMC Health) and East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH). Ms. Parks will strategically plan, lead, and manage all business aspects of the EJGH’s physician group. EJGH, which recently joined the LCMC Health
Miller Black Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for Kroll Business Services
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives will only
NPAworldwide Adds Five New Member Firms
With the number of people vaccinated against the coronavirus growing daily, 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. Member-owned
The Ins and Outs of Executive Recruiting
As individuals reach the rarefied heights of the executive tier, more than their title changes. The way executives are hired at this level differs from non-executive roles. According to a new report by AboveBoard, even the language of hiring shifts. Instead of being “recruited,” for example, executives are “placed” by an “executive search professional.” Most
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.8 Percent
Employment rose by 194,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in retail trade, and in transportation and warehousing.
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the placement of Audrey Williams-Lee as chief people officer of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The hospital said it changed the title of this role from chief human resources officer to emphasize the importance of people in advancing its
