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Kincannon & Reed Recruits Executive Director for the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Mariam Parker as executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). She succeeds founding leader Alan Reed, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service. “Mariam brings a rare combination of strategic vision, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership,” said Lisa
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief People and Legal Officer
Korn Ferry has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Kuai as chief people and legal officer. He also currently serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and managing director – corporate responsibility & business affairs at the firm. Mr. Kuai oversees multiple global functions including legal, business affairs, compliance, privacy, and corporate responsibility.
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.
Top 5 Leadership Shifts to Watch After the Summer Break
As the business world slows down for summer, deeper currents are moving beneath the surface. Global dynamics are shifting. Technology is accelerating. Regulations are evolving. And leadership, too, is entering a new phase. International Executive Search Federation (IESF) recently gathered insights from its partners worldwide, and they see five clear shifts taking shape in executive leadership.
SCM Talent Group Names Head of Executive Search
According to executive recruiters, the best companies know that to stay competitive in a time of rapid change, consumer disruption and the fast pace of globalization, they need to treat their operations and supply chain as a strong competitive asset rather than a cost line. Complex, global, time-sensitive supply chains and their increasing strategic importance
Recruiting Diverse Leaders in Healthcare
The dramatically heightened national attention to racial justice has foregrounded the discussion of diversity recruiting in every industry sector, and healthcare is no exception. The issue has multiple contours, and progress depends on a deeper understanding of all of them. A new report by AMN Healthcare draws on independent research and experience to present information
Isaacson, Miller Recruits First Black Executive Director for Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum
Isaacson, Miller recently assisted the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in the recruitment of Christina M. Shutt as its fifth executive director and first person of color to lead the organization. Partner Andy Lee led the search with managing associate Jeff Kessner. “Christina Shutt brings tremendous expertise to the job, as well as new perspectives
Korn Ferry Assists The Greater Cleveland Partnership in CEO Search
Korn Ferry recently recruited Baiju R. Shah has been named President and CEO of The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). He will succeed Joe Roman, who will retire April 30, 2021. “We are grateful to Joe for his decades of impactful leadership and his many accomplishments. He leaves GCP in a very strong position with great momentum,” said
Indeed Launches New Hiring Platform
Job aggregator Indeed has launched the Indeed Hiring Platform, a new solution that allows employers to manage the hiring process, from posting through interview, directly on Indeed, with no additional software. The new platform was designed to shorten the time it takes to get candidates into jobs. “With Indeed Hiring Platform, employers can reach 80 percent of US job
Boyden Appoints Managing Partner for Technology Practice in London
Boyden has named Mark Soden as managing partner of the firm’s technology practice in London. “We have a very experienced and skillful team in London and Mark is an ideal cultural fit,” said Nick Robeson, managing partner, Boyden UK & Ireland. “He will bring gravitas and insight to our clients in the tech space and to
Riviera Partners Acquires Arete Partners, Creates Riviera Ventures
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has acquired Arete Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Arete Partners team will form the foundation of
The Christopher Group Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, has recruited Jameel Rush as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer, the third-oldest continually operating daily newspaper in the United States. The search was led and placed by managing director, Pam Noble, and managing partner Ayla Maloney. “It was an
Jobless Claims Remain High with Hopes of a Springtime Recovery Ahead
The Labor Department reported this morning that 712,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 725,000 filings. The reading lands below the previous week’s revised total of 754,000 and marks a third decline in the last four weeks. Before the virus flattened the U.S. economy a year ago,
Kirk Palmer and Associates Assists Vince Holding Corp. with CEO Search
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer and respond to ambiguity, according to a recent Korn Ferry report. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of
Heidrick & Struggles Names Leader for Consulting Practice in Asia Pacific and the Middle East Region
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Markus Wiesner as regional managing partner for Asia Pacific and the Middle East region for Heidrick Consulting. He will take over from Ian Johnston who served as the APAC Heidrick Consulting lead for the past two years and will continue to focus on driving growth and market share for
How to Create a Culture of Retention
As executive recruiters know well, companies everywhere are full of eager employees poised for fresh starts. There is recharged enthusiasm for conquering previously unconquerable projects, and scaling new heights, according to a report by David Hunt of Hyperion Executive Search. “During lockdown and working from home, time with family and friends has allowed for the
Academic Search Taps New President for Saint Elizabeth University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has helped to place Gary B. Crosby as president of Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Crosby becomes the first African-American and first male president in the university’s 121-year history. He is the institution’s eighth president. Dr. Crosby succeeds Helen J. Steubert, who will continue to lead
KEES Seeks Key Leaders for New Partnership of Envision Unlimited and UCP Seguin of Chicago
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been enlisted to help fill two key leadership positions for a new organization being created by the strategic partnership of the non-profits Envision Unlimited and United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago (UCP Seguin). KEES’ president and CEO Heather Eddy is leading the search for
Allen Austin Launches Interim Leadership Practice
Top experts in talent management and C-suite recruitment agree that interim leaders will likely play a significant and growing role in top grading senior-level positions in a post-pandemic era, where costs and efficiency underpin executive hiring. Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin recently unveiled a new push into the sector by establishing a dedicated interim leadership
SeekOut Secures $65 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an AI component. SeekOut, the AI-powered talent 360 platform, has received $65 million in series B funding led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from existing investors Madrona Venture Group and Mayfield. This capital raise brings SeekOut’s total funding to $73 million. This funding round
Setting the Pace for Virtual Outplacement
The process of looking for a new job after having been laid off has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, which has only been accelerated by the pandemic. Virtual outplacement firm Careerminds, a longtime leader in its field, has met these changing norms by focusing on two key aspects for individuals participating in its
DHR International Forms Alliance with Harvard Business School Latino Alumni Association
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR International has partnered with the Harvard Business School Latino Alumni Association (HBSLAA) to create “21 in ’21” – a program aimed at placing 21 Latinx executives in board roles before the end of this year. DHR will engage its Latino Diversity Network of board-ready executives and its clients to bring more Latinx executives to
SPMB Assists NewView Capital in Recruitment of New COO
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of James Beck as the new chief operating officer of venture capital firm NewView Capital in Burlingame, CA. “NewView Capital is elated to announce Mr. Beck as our new COO,” said Ravi Viswanathan, founder and managing partner of
Corsica Partners Acquires Benz International Group
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Sarasota, FL-based executive search firm Corsica Partners acquired Benz International Group. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founding partner Chris Benz was named managing director and search-for-search professionals practice lead. “We are delighted to
Diversified Search Group Names Global Insurance Practice Leader
Diversified Search Group has expanded with the recent addition of veteran search executive Margaret Resce Milkint as a managing director and leader of its global insurance practice. She will be based in Chicago. “Margaret brings not only a wealth of experience, but also so much more,” said Dale E. Jones, the firm’s CEO. “Her strategic thinking,
Private Equity Firms Invest in Raising Their Talent Game
Getting talent decisions right – especially at speed, across dozens of portfolio companies – is one of the stiffest challenges private equity firms face today. According to a new report by Bain & Company there are many reasons why talent decisions can go awry but those with the highest success rates have something in common:
Executive Transitions and Onboarding During a Crisis
Even in the best of circumstances, leadership transitions are tough. Failure rates are estimated at 40 percent, and it often takes six months or longer for a new leader to get to break-even productivity levels. Today, as leaders are operating in the most challenging circumstances most have ever faced, a new report from Russell Reynolds
Benchmark Executive Search Recruits Chief Product Officer for Janes
Benchmark Executive Search, a boutique provider of cybersecurity talent, has placed Ben Conklin as chief product officer at Janes, a U.K.-based global agency for open-source defense intelligence. The position reports to CEO Blake Bartlett. “Ben Conklin brings a distinguished background, proven leadership and deep product and mission expertise to Janes,” said Jeremy King, president of
CalSTRS Taps Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
Egon Zehnder, the fourth largest search firm globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, has been enlisted by the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to lead its search for a new CEO to replace Jack Ehnes, who is retiring in June. The selection was made following a competitive search process for an executive recruitment firm launched in August.
Kingsley Gate Partners Adds Three New Leaders
Kingsley Gate Partners continues to expand with the recent addition of three key leaders: Thomas Cope joined the firm as a partner based in Singapore. Ed Montoya comes to the organization as a partner in San Francisco. And David Mansbach is a new senior partner in New York. Mr. Cope brings extensive experience specializing in
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists Boston Symphony Orchestra to Find its First Female Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the placement of orchestral music executive Gail Samuel as the first woman president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). She becomes the eighth leader in the organization’s storied 140-year history, succeeding Mark Volpe, who led the Boston Symphony for 23 years. Katherine Armstrong, leader of Russell Reynolds Associate’s arts &
Unemployment Falls to 6.2 Percent as Businesses Continue to Reopen
Employment rose by 379,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
Odgers Berndtson Names President in Canada
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Brad Beveridge as president of its Canadian business, responsible for leading the firm’s continued expansion and the growth of its executive search, executive interim and leadership advisory services. “Brad’s extensive experience as a search professional and business leader will be key to helping us continue to anticipate and support our client’s emerging
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Providence
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 top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
Leathwaite Adds Director to Lead Strategic Communications Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Sarah Crawshaw as a director to lead the company’s executive search practice for strategic communications, government affairs and investor relations. She will also support clients with chief marketing officer and digital marketing leadership appointments across the Asia region. “We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to







