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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.
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
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?
DHR Global Adds New Partner in Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Veronique Denis-Pelliet as a partner in its technology and retail & consumer practices in Singapore. A seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience in executive search, ESG leadership, sales, and international business development, Ms. Denis-Pelliet has led multicultural teams and driven growth in Southeast Asia, China, Europe,
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
Fabric.AI Taps Egon Zehnder for Critical Search
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been retained by NASDAQ-traded AI infrastructure company Fabric.AI to lead the search for a senior project management executive. “Egon Zehnder’s reputation, global reach, and deep expertise across AI, advanced technologies, and organizational leadership make them an ideal partner for Fabric.AI at this stage of our growth,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
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.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Korn Ferry Q1 Revenue Rises Five Percent to $708.6 Million as Executive Search and Interim Lead Gains
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $708.6 million, an increase of five percent year-over-year at actual, and four percent at constant currency. Fee revenue grew year-over-year in each solution, led by professional search & interim (10 percent actual) and executive search (eight percent actual). “I am pleased with our company’s performance,” said
4 Lessons on Leading Through a Crisis
Having worked through a global pandemic that affected every business, some leaders are emerging from this crucible more agile, energized and better prepared to guide their organizations through recovery and beyond. In a recent report, ChampionScott Partners showcased four such leaders and the opportunities they saw in adversity to make their companies stronger, more resilient
Furst Group Places Chief Growth Officer for Paradigm
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Tom Mafale in the newly created role of chief growth officer at Paradigm, an industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex healthcare challenges. Paradigm created the chief growth officer position to focus on delivering new and existing products and services to a wider range of
The Bedford Consulting Group Recruits CEO for AceAge
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider Bedford Consulting Group has helped to place John Simmons, former general manager of Abbot Diagnostics, as the new chief executive officer of AceAge Inc. “John is a proven leader with a track record of delivering outstanding results in senior roles with an extensive background in medical devices,” stated
ClearPath Solutions Introduces Franchise Match Division
ClearPath Solutions, an Irvine, CA-based executive search firm focused on the restaurant and retail industry, has launched ClearPath Franchise Match. “A firm dedicated to serving the franchise industry, ClearPath Franchise Match connects high-growth brands with well-capitalized, proven and operationally savvy franchisees,” the search firm said. ClearPath Solutions partners with founders, brands, family offices and private
Penn State Hires Spencer Stuart to Assist in Search for Next President
As part of a phased approach, the board of trustees of Pennsylvania State University has gathered an array of critical characteristics that the university community wants in the successor to president Eric J. Barron, who is retiring next year. The school has called in Spencer Stuart to assist in the search for a new leader.
Diversified Search Group Names Vice Chair and Leader of Global Corporate Practice Group
Diversified Search Group has appointed Aileen K. Alexander to the newly created position as vice chair and leader of the firm’s global corporate practice group. “Aileen Alexander is an innovator,” said founder and chair Judith M. von Seldeneck. “Her exceptional experience and industry insights will contribute significantly not only to our rapidly growing firm, but also
Caldwell Recruits Senior Partner for Apollo Global Management
Caldwell recently assisted Apollo Global Management in the recruitment of Craig Farr as a senior partner to lead capital solutions activities for the firm. Paul Heller, managing partner of Caldwell’s global financial services practice, led the assignment along with consultant Cristina Toohey. In this newly created position, Mr. Farr will spearhead Apollo’s centralized origination, structuring and distribution platform, reporting
Rosin Executive Search Assists TMX Group in the Recruitment of New CFO
Rosin Executive Search recently assisted TMX Group in Toronto in the recruitment of financial services industry David Arnold as its new CFO. “We are excited to add a dynamic and experienced financial professional with an impressive track record of execution to TMX Group’s senior leadership team, as we work to advance our global growth strategy
Signium Names Co-Leaders of Global Technology Practice
Executive search consortium Signium appointed Stéphanie Engels and Alexander de Freitas as new co-leaders of the global technology practice. Based in Zurich, Ms. Engels has developed new business models and coached intrapreneurs as well as partner start-ups. As a partner at Signium, she is experienced in defining new business models with different types of partners (big companies, SMEs and start-ups)
U.S. Employers Report Strongest Hiring Outlook In 21 Years
Employers in 32 percent of U.S. businesses surveyed expect an increase in payrolls during the next three months, while three percent expect to trim payrolls and 63 percent anticipate no change, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. “Employers are ready to bring their workers back as restrictions lift and America gets ready to work,”
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity Officer for Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the placement of Michael Moxley as vice president/chief diversity, inclusion and health equity officer for Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) in Charleston, SC. RSFH, a joint venture between Bon Secours Mercy Health and the Medical Society of South Carolina, is a four-hospital integrated health system with over 671-licensed beds and
JM Search Recruits CMO for TrueLearn
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 — and much more influential. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in
Academic Search Assists North Park University in the Recruitment of Provost
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has helped to place Michael S. Carr as the new provost and chief academic officer for North Park University, a Christian university in Chicago. Andrea Warren Hamos and Mahauganee D. Shaw led the assignment. Dr. Carr will join the president’s cabinet, beginning July 1. He succeeds Craig Johnson, who held the role
Raines International Opens Offices in Miami and Philadelphia
New York-based Raines International has opened new offices in Miami and Philadelphia. According to the search firm, the opening of the Miami office supports Raines’ strategic client development and growth plan, balancing current market demands and the opportunity to pursue accelerated growth in new sectors. “I am thrilled to be personally opening our newest office in Miami,” said CEO
3 Ways Your Company Can Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As various social movements have heightened the focus on diversity issues worldwide, more and more organizations are creating senior diversity leadership roles as one way to help effect sustainable change, according to Spencer Stuart. The firm recently hosted a virtual roundtable to gather some of these diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) leaders to discuss best
Anthem Executive Recruits President for Lamar University
Following a national search, Lamar University (LU) has named Jaime R. Taylor, who serves as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Marshall University, as the school’s next president. Leading the assignment were Anthem Executive’s Scott Watson, Michael Ballew and Florene Stawowy, supported by Mike JR Wheless and John Rudley. Current president Kenneth Evans announced
Human Resource Solutions Assists Hunter Communications in CFO Search
Golden, CO-based executive search firm Human Resource Solutions has assisted in the placement of Sam Pauley as chief financial officer for Hunter Communications, a portfolio company of Grain Management LLC. The search was led by R. Woody Daroca. “Sam brings both financial and operational telecommunications experience, which will help us align our business goals and strategies with operations as
Diversified Search Group Names Managing Directors in Chicago and Washington D.C.
Diversified Search Group has added three managing directors – Steve Edwards, Robin Goolsbee and David Kuguru – to its burgeoning non-profit, corporate and life sciences practices. Following an accelerated demand for new leadership in the wake of the pandemic, the search firm says it has seen a 30 percent surge in business and market growth
Frazer Jones Appoints Head of U.K.
Executive search firm Frazer Jones, part of The SR Group, has appointed Nick Croucher as partner and head of Frazer Jones U.K. “Nick has been an integral part of the Frazer Jones management team since he joined in 2014,” said David Buckley, CEO of The SR Group. “He was, and continues to be, instrumental in growing our capability
3 Predictions for 2021 That Every CHRO Must Know
The last year has been, by many accounts, one of the most disruptive periods for HR teams – and many human resource professionals up and down the line are still finding their bearings as 2021 unfolds. But the best people teams are those that choose to make the best out of a messy situation. A new
St. Bonaventure Selects CarrSports to Find New Athletic Director
CarrSports Consulting has been called in to help St. Bonaventure University (SBU) find a new athletic director. Last month, the university chose not to renew the contract of Tim Kenney, who held the role since 2015. Barb Questa, who has been the senior member of SBU’s athletics administration team for 30 years, was named interim
Pender & Howe Executive Search Recruits CEO for CAAIN
Toronto-based Pender & Howe Executive Search recently placed Kerry Wright as the new chief executive officer for CAAIN, the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network in Edmonton, Alberta. The non-profit organization supports the creation of technological solutions for challenges facing Canada’s agri-food sector. The search was spearheaded by managing principals Glenn Lesko and Travis Hann. Canada is
Boyden Elects Chair and Names New Global Board Members
Boyden has elected Craig Stevens to a two-year term as chairman. Three new board members have also been elected: Dina Akimova, managing partner, Russia; Kathleen Dunton, managing partner, Germany and EMEA leader, private equity & venture capital practice; and Kristen Smit, managing partner, France. Jim Harmon, managing partner, Canada, was re-elected. Board members completing their
Dinte Global Executive Search Appoints President
Mclean, VA-headquartered Dinte Global Executive Search has appointed Sam Dinte as president. In an elevated role, Mr. Dinte will drive growth strategy in delivering executive search, talent mapping and human capital diligence in aerospace and defense, and other core industries. As president, Mr. Dinte draws on a career as an aerospace and defense specialist with a
Help Wanted: As Companies Search for Workers, Interim Solutions Gain a Foothold
The Labor Department reported that 376,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expected 370,000 new jobless claims. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. The four-week moving average was 402,500, a decrease of 25,500 from the previous week’s unrevised
CarterBaldwin Recruits 12th President for Cornerstone University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Gerson Moreno-Riaño as the 12th president of Cornerstone University, a private, non-denominational Christian institution, in Grand Rapids, MI. Partner Bill Peterson led the assignment. Dr. Moreno-Riaño succeeds Joseph M. Stowell, who retired this spring after 13 years in the role. Cornerstone’s new president previously served for over seven years as
Herbert Mines Fills Board Positions for The Container Store
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently partnered with The Container Store Group in the recruitment of Anthony Laday, CFO of Fogo de Chão, and Nicole Otto, former VP of Nike Direct North America, as new members of its board of directors. They will be officially elected as class ii directors
WilsonHCG Appoints Talent Consulting Division Leader
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has appointed Steven Davis to head its talent consulting division. Based in New York, he will lead the firm’s global consulting team. “Having known Steve for a long time, I am very pleased to officially welcome him,” said John Wilson, founder and CEO. “He will play a
Daversa Partners Appoints 14th Partner
Executive search firm Daversa Partners, which serves the technology sector, has named Nicolette Stanise as the firm’s 14th partner. Ms. Stanise, a leader within the firm’s consumer practice, has spent the last decade building executive teams for some of the most disruptive consumer and healthcare start-ups across the globe. She recently built out the vice
DHR International Assists Northwestern University in Landing New Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Chicago-based DHR International recently assisted Northwestern University in the recruitment of Derrick Gragg as the Combe Family vice president for athletics & recreation. He succeeds Mike Polisky, who resigned as the university’s athletic director last month. Dr. Gragg, the NCAA’s senior vice president for
True Search Names New Leaders
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has named new co-leaders to several specialized practices: the financial officers practice, the consumer practice and the financial services practice. Managing director Matt Goldstein has joined partner Rhoda Longhenry as co-practice lead of the financial officers practice. It’s a homecoming for Mr. Goldstein, who launched the practice with Ms. Longhenry in 2017 before turning
