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Academic Search Tapped by the University of Saint Mary to Find 10th President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Saint Mary (USM), in Leavenworth, KS, to lead a national search for its 10th president. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason are leading the assignment. The university is seeking a dynamic, mission-focused, and visionary leader who will build upon the achievements of the past
The Christopher Group Tapped by Anisa International for HR Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Anisa International to lead its human resources leader search. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, are leading the assignment. “Anisa International is a values-driven organization with a strong legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful leadership,” said Ms. Noble. “This search
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
Reshaping the Talent Playbook in the Age of AI
In the age of AI, rapid technological advancements are revolutionizing the way organizations are approaching talent management. Heightened levels of automation are already reshaping recruitment, assessment, and team building while improving workforce optimization – all while balancing the critical need for ethical, human-centric decision-making. Hunt Scanlon Media is convening over 250 chief talent officers, CHROs,
Why Organizations are Hiring for Skills Over Experience
COVID-19 has forced companies to rapidly adapt to changing talent needs. More than 70 million U.S. workers filed for unemployment insurance from March through December last year. Now, more organizations are converting what were furloughs early in the pandemic to permanent job losses, according to a new report by McKinsey & Company. “While many companies
The Quest for Venture Talent
Over the past year, executive search firms have seen a growing number of clients showing interest in experienced professionals with established relationships in the venture community. Among those recruitment firms is Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners, which in a new report released by its asset management practice anticipates such demand will only continue to grow, especially
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Lehigh University
Isaacson, Miller has been called in by Lehigh University to lead its search for the school’s 15th new president. John D. Simon has informed the board of trustees of his decision to step down at the end of the academic year, effective June 30, 2021. John Isaacson and Rebecca Swartz are leading this search with Berkley Burke.
WGNinHR Consulting Seeking Chief People Officer for Arena
With the coronavirus crisis still posing a risk to people everywhere, human resources executives are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping their organizations navigate what continues to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Along the way, the importance of people strategy is expanding, and that
NPAworldwide Adds Seven New Member Firms in North America
Seven new independent recruitment firms have recently joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide in North America. These search organizations are looking to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these recruitment firms have
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level in COVID-19 Pandemic Era
The Labor Department reported this morning that 547,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. 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 10,000 from 576,000 to 586,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 603,000 filings. Since last February,
WB&B Executive Search Recruits Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer for Unum
WB&B Executive Search recently assisted financial protection benefits provider Unum in the recruitment of Ericka DeBruce as chief inclusion and diversity officer. Leading the assignment for the search team were Kenneth Roldan, chief executive officer; Toyann King, senior partner and head of recruitment; and Bruce Colligan, senior partner. Ms. DeBruce will report to Liz Ahmed, executive vice
Bespoke Partners Assists Clearlake Capital and Siris-backed Constant Contact in CEO Search
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist private equity-backed firms and their portfolios across the nation find top-level talent, including chief executives, chief people officers, CFOs and other C-suite roles. All are seen as key players as organizations grapple with the continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Just recently, San Diego, CA-headquartered executive
Odgers Berndtson Launches Health and Wellness Recruiting Practice
Odgers Berndtson has launched a new health and wellness recruiting practice led by partner Andrew Dmytryk and designed to provide senior-level talent, leadership and recruitment project solutions for growing Canadian companies. Specifically catering to the cannabis, pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech industries, the new practice will work with Canadian health and wellness organizations. “The industry has really grown up and
Therio Partners Opens to Serve Animal Health and Veterinary Industries
Stacy Pursell, founder of The Vet Recruiter, has launched executive search firm Therio Partners to serve the animal health and veterinary industries. The firm will concentrate on animal agriculture and the full pet health ecosystem. The new venture provides retained search services for the animal health sector, including agricultural technology, pet care, animal nutrition, animal science,
Cargill Selects Hanold Associates to Lead Chief Diversity Officer Search
Chief diversity, equity and inclusion officers have emerged as key leaders during this enormous period of transition for workers and the workplace. With a global workforce shifting in complexity, there is a growing need for diversity experts who can shape the vision, culture and very face of organizations. At issue: Too few women and people
The Four Cs of Recruiting and Retaining C-Suite Talent
Prior to any action being taken regarding human capital in a family-owned business, a discussion about family objectives is not only valuable, but essential, according to a new report by Linda C. Mack, founder and president of executive search firm Mack International. Working with families is imbued in nuance. “Each family has unique needs, a unique culture,
Seattle Mariners Tap Protégé Partners to Assist in President of Business Operations Search
The Seattle Mariners have enlisted executive search firm Protégé Partners to assist in the search for a new president of business operations. Kevin Mather resigned from the position this past February. Managing partner Rory Verrett is leading the assignment for the recruitment firm. “John has given the search committee the opportunity to really spend the
Academic Career & Executive Search Helps Dallas College Recruit President for El Centro Campus
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) recently placed Bradford Williams, former president of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), as the new president of El Centro Campus at Dallas College in Dallas, TX. Dr. Williams replaces José Adames, who stepped down in December after leading Dallas College El Centro Campus for six years.
TRANSEARCH Opens New Office in Singapore
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. TRANSEARCH International Partners recently opened new offices in Singapore in an effort to strengthen its
Leveling Gender Inequity Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created seismic shifts in corporate America and workplace environments. The transition from working in the office to working remotely from home has dramatically blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making many employees feel like they’re always on, according to a new report from Executives Unlimited. Zoom fatigue is a real problem, and
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits President for Union of Concerned Scientists
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has placed Johanna Chao Kreilick as president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in Cambridge, MA. Most recently, Ms. Kreilick managed the Open Society Foundations’ strategy unit responsible for planning, research and assessment for the foundations’ 50 global programs, national foundations and advocacy offices. She will officially join UCS on May
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Americas
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Jaimee Eddington as Americas regional leader. “We are excited to have Jaimee take up the Americas leadership role as we continue to bring our clients an integrated suite of executive search, consulting and on-demand talent solutions to help them navigate the many complex talent
Talent War Group Opens Doors
Mike Sarraille and George Randle have launched Talent War Group, an executive search and leadership consulting firm that will combine top talent processes and insights with executive placement, talent advisory and leadership development services. The authors of ‘The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent,’ the firm’s founders said the new
Shift Underway in Private Equity Talent Acquisition Strategies
The past decade has been widely viewed as a golden era for private equity. As global markets recovered from the shock of the last financial crisis, PE firms did not simply sit back and reap the rewards of improving market conditions, according to a report by Spencer Stuart. In fact, they did quite the opposite.
WittKieffer Teams Up with the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
WittKieffer and NALHE (National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives) have reached an agreement to partner on mutually beneficial activities through 2021 and beyond. Initially, the two organizations will work together to create content (including written articles, webinars and conference presentations) for the exclusive benefit of NALHE members. “Our partnership with WittKieffer will open up many doors for
Buffkin / Baker Assists Oklahoma State University in President Search
Martin M. Baker of Buffkin / Baker has assisted Oklahoma State University (OSU) in the recruitment of Kayse Shrum as the university’s 19th president. With her hiring Dr. Shrum will become the first woman to lead a public research institution in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum, currently president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS)
Frederickson Partners Recruits Head of People for ThoughtSpot
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently recruited Pam Holmberg as head of people for ThoughtSpot, a leader in search and AI-driven analytics. “Throughout the course of the pandemic, our customers have relied on us more than ever to help them embrace the disruption and change transforming every industry,” said Sudheesh Nair, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “Our
CannabizTeam Elects New Advisory Board Members
CannabizTeam, a cannabis-focused executive search firm, has elected Jeff Dayton, Lori Ferrara and Annalie Killian as new members to its advisory board. Members of the CannabizTeam advisory board are experienced cannabis industry leaders with a diverse range of skills and experience. The advisory board will work closely with CannabizTeam’s senior leadership team to provide industry
Five Leadership Attributes Essential for 2021 and Beyond
Leadership capabilities for digital and non-digital businesses are converging. As a result, there is considerable commonality around some core capabilities that organizations are seeking in their executives and managers, according to a new report by NGS Global. “The economy is reaching a threshold where the many businesses that are growing rapidly are likely to have
TSI Group Implements Teamscope
Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. has become the first Canadian search firm to adopt Teamscope, a data and talent analytics platform. TSI Group chose Teamscope to enhance its executive search methodology with data-analytics and decision science. “The move is part of a larger strategy to deliver more value to their clients reinforcing
SearchWide Global Retained by Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky
The non-profit Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky in Montana have retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next president and CEO. Search firm vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. “We are actually mid-way through the search process at this point, finishing up first round of interviews this week with in-person
PFM Executive Search Recruits Chief Information Officer for Smythe LLP
PFM Executive Search has placed Michelle Harrison as the inaugural chief information officer for Smythe LLP, a full-service accounting firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As CIO, Ms. Harrison will oversee the firm’s technology and innovation strategy. Smythe said it views technological innovation as a critical element in becoming the leading professional service firm in the marketplace
Odgers Berndtson Appoints IT Services and Telecommunications Practice Leader in U.K.
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Tim Sleep as leader of its IT services and telecommunications practices in the U.K. Never before have the IT services and telecommunications sectors been in so great a demand as it is now, according to Odgers Berndtson. “Both sectors already have large common traits,” the search firm said. “The economic and disruptive
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since Onset of Pandemic
The Labor Department reported this morning that 576,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. 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 25,000 from 744,000 to 769,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 700,000 filings. Since last February,
The Lapham Group Recruits CEO for IFG Companies
After a national search, executive search firm The Lapham Group has placed Behram Dinshaw as chief executive officer of IFG Companies, a multiline property and casualty insurer. Mr. Dinshaw was most recently executive vice president and president of Global Small Commercial and Middle Market Business Centers at Travelers Insurance Co. Craig Lapham, managing partner and







