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Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
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
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
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Jobless Claims Reach Pandemic Low, But New Problems Emerge
The Labor Department reported that 269,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 14,000. 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 2,000 from 281,000 to 283,000. The four-week moving average was 284,750, a decrease
Companies Continuing to Increase Board Diversity
S&P 500 boards appointed 456 new independent directors in the 2021 proxy year, the most since 2004. Of that number, 72 percent were women or men from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, up from 59 percent last year, according to a new study compiled by Spencer Stuart. The 2021 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index found that companies
ChampionScott Partners Assists Apptopia Recruit New Sales Leader
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently assisted in the placement of Arun S. Gupta as senior vice president of sales at Apptopia, a provider of competitive intelligence to brands and financial institutions by generating insights across mobile apps and connected devices. Geoff Champion led the search along with
Carrington & Carrington Retained by Feeding America to Recruit Chief Marketing & Digital Experience Officer
Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has been enlisted to find a chief marketing and digital experience (CMXO) officer for the food bank network Feeding America. Marian Carrington, principal and co-owner, is leading the assignment. The CMXO directs the development and execution of strategies focused on significantly increasing public awareness of the issue of hunger, step-changing public engagement in Feeding
Top Gun Ventures Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for iDonate
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. In one recent search, Plano, TX-based
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Italy
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has added GCH Consulting & Allen Parker Executive Search as its newest member firm in Italy. “We are very pleased to have a firm of the caliber of Allen Parker, part of GCH Consulting, join our alliance and look forward a strong and long-term partnership,” said Rohan Carr, president of IRC. “Italy
Widening Gap Develops in Hybrid Work Arrangements
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered corporate business structures and changed company culture forever. As we were all thrust into a remote working environment, we learned how to adapt our working styles and means of communication to remain productive. Shutdown orders leveled the playing field across many levels of employment, leaving many employees working from home.
De Forest Search Recruits Marketing Leader for National Marine Manufacturers Association
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search recently placed Kevin Williams as vice president of North American marketing at National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We have been so happy with the team, the process and the quality candidates from De Forest Search,” said Kate Plush, vice president of HR at National Marine Manufacturers Association. “They are so conscientious about keeping us up
CarterBaldwin Tapped by Southside Electric Cooperative to Find New CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for Southside Electric Cooperative. Current president and CEO Jeff Edwards has announced his retirement, effective July 2022, closing a 37-year career at electric cooperatives. Partner Chris Guiney and consultant Elizabeth Rushing are leading the assignment. The new CEO will assume leadership of a foundationally
SmartRecruiters Appoints Chief People Officer
SmartRecruiters has named Lisa Sterling as chief people officer. “Hiring success is business success, with our commitment to helping people find the jobs they love and making hiring easier, Lisa will be paramount in leading the effort to ensure that SmartRecruiters continues to change lives all over the world,” said Jerome Ternynck, founder and CEO of
Norman Broadbent Group Names Managing Director
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, has appointed Sean Buchan as its new group managing director, reporting to CEO Kevin Davidson. The firm said Mr. Buchan will be responsible for operational leadership, driving performance and profitability improvements across the business, as well as continuing to generate revenues. He will also lead the Norman Broadbent’s sustainable growth agenda.
What’s Different About Hiring Leaders Today
Historically, priorities for hiring senior leadership were strongly focused on an individual’s technical (hard) skills, as well as focusing on candidates with direct industry and functional experience. This formula proved to be successful for many executive hires, but certainly not all. “Under these requirements, we saw too many losses, and sponsors and search firms were
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Rachael Vegas as chief merchandising officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club. She will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s merchandising and assortment planning and allocation functions, and will report to Paul Cichocki, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We
University of Toledo Taps Collegiate Sports Associates to Find Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), which specializes in athletic director and head coach hirings, has been called in by the University of Toledo to find its next athletic director. Retiring AD Mike O’Brien will serve in his post until his last day April 30, 2022. During
ShiftMed Raises $45 Million in Funding
More recruiting technology firms have announced funding rounds this past week, including ShiftMed, one of the largest workforce management platforms in healthcare with over 60,000 credentialed healthcare professionals, has raised $45 million led by investors, Panoramic Ventures and Heathworx (the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst Holdings, LLC). Existing investors Blue Heron Capital, Motley Fool
The International Executive Search Federation Names President
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has appointed Gertjan van de Groep of IESF The Netherlands (Van de Groep & Olsthoorn Executive Search) as its new president. He takes over from Victor Carulla from IESF Spain (Headway Executive Search) who is stepping down after completing three years as president. Mr. van de Groep has been a partner of IESF since
Strategies for Diversity Talent Acquisition Planning
Many organizations now realize how critical diversity is to high performance and various data points to companies being more success when they adopt more inclusive hiring strategies. However, the realization that it is beneficial does not mean that it will become a reality overnight. According to a new report from ExecSearches, time is a critical
Korn Ferry Assists UAB in the Recruitment of New CHRO
Following a nationwide search, Korn Ferry has assisted in the placement of Janet L. May as the next chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She will begin work full time at UAB on Nov. 1, succeeding Alesia Jones, who announced her intent to retire in February after 27 years at UAB —
Waverly Partners Assists the City of Dayton in the Recruitment of New Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious, and adaptable, report recruiters, with the capacity to deal with
Focus Search Partners Acquires Southerland Group
Executive search firm Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has acquired Dallas-based Southerland Group, complementing its existing expertise across the healthcare industry. Southerland Group is a nationally recognized retained executive search firm with specialization in complex integrated delivery systems, hospitals, academic medical centers, children’s hospitals and payer organizations. Under the agreement, Southerland Group’s founder Keith Southerland
IIC Partners Elects Global Chair and Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner as global chair, and three new directors to its board. ‘In her role as chair, Charlotte will facilitate and develop IIC Partners initiatives to drive improved results for all members,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “We are fortunate to have her leadership, and to
Despite Jobless Claims Dropping to New Low, Companies Still Having a Hard Time Finding Talent
The Labor Department reported that 281,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 10,000. 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 1,000 from 290,000 to 291,000. The four-week moving average was 299,250, a decrease
Leathwaite Expands in New York
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Gus de Camargo to its New York team. He will be responsible for leading and expanding the firm’s technology offering in North America, driving revenue and helping deliver talent to corporate functions. “We are extremely excited to welcome Gus to our team,” said Andrew Wallace, managing
Majority of Workers Now Favor Hybrid Work Model
Fifty-three percent of workers globally want a hybrid working model where more than half of their work time is remote, according to a new study from Toronto-based LHH (formerly LHH Knightsbridge) and The Adecco Group. The firms just released “Resetting Normal: Defining the New Era of Work” study probed workers’ attitudes about remote vs. in-person
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Trinity Metro to Find New CEO
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted recruiting firms to help them find senior talent. Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates was recently called in by Trinity Metro to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Bob Baulsir, who has served as president and CEO of Trinity
Massey Henry Expands Search Staff
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has expansion with the addition of Elaine Lajeunesse as partner and head of the leadership practice, and Clio Straram who joins the firm’s advisory board. “Massey Henry was founded on the strong belief that female and underrepresented voices need to be amplified to drive meaningful change at the executive level,”
Hedge Funds Fall Short in Diversity Efforts
It goes without saying that diversity, equity, and inclusion have moved to the forefront of hiring and recruiting among all sectors. Leaders across every industry have advocated to support this public movement including an increased focus in financial services, the sector with arguably the most significant inequality represented. Despite this, financial services companies, and particularly
WittKieffer Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Brandeis University
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has been enlisted to find a chief diversity officer/ vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Brandeis University. Leading the assignment are principal Charlene L. Aguilar and consultant Shelley Arakawa. “Brandeis seeks a leader who, in consultation with the entire campus community, can build upon current diversity and
Egon Zehnder Tapped by Intelsat to Find New CEO
Intelsat SA has announced that its CEO, Stephen Spengler, will retire from the position after the satellite network operator emerges from its financial restructuring process. The company has tapped executive recruiters Egon Zehnder to lead the search process for a new chief executive. “We are nearing the conclusion of our restructuring with enhanced financial strength and are
Bespoke Partners Adds Software and Tech Partner
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Tess Fischer as a partner. “Tess is a proven search leader with an outstanding track record and exceptional industry knowledge that will be a major benefit to our clients as they enhance their leadership teams,” said Kristie Nova, CEO of Bespoke Partners. “Her expertise
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Marketing & Business Development Leader
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has expanded with the addition of Michael Buckingham as vice president of marketing and business development. “I am excited by the leadership Michael will bring to our story,” said William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO. “For over a decade, we have helped Christian organizations of all
