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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.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
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.
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
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?
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
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
Companies Don’t Have a Talent Problem—They Have a Judgment Problem
As organizations scale, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the quality of decisions made around people, not just strategy. Leaders who consistently outperform tend to approach hiring, team development, and execution with greater discipline, clarity, and adaptability. After 15 years as a founder and CEO of venture-backed companies, John Levisay of
The Unseen Drivers of Leadership Misalignment
Boards often treat executive recruiting like a precision fix: identify the capability gap, import the proven performer, and expect momentum to follow. But leadership isn’t installed into a vacuum—it lands inside a living system with habits, loyalties, and unwritten rules that shape what’s possible. When that system isn’t ready for the kind of authority, pace,
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by Holyoke Community College for Provost Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Holyoke Community College (HCC) to lead in its search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Levy Brown are leading the assignment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, compassionate, and innovative leader to advance equitable student success and academic excellence at Massachusetts’
Bryant Group Fills Senior Finance Role for HonorHealth Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Christine Sullivan as senior vice president of finance for HonorHealth Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “We are thrilled to welcome Christine to HonorHealth Foundation as our new senior vice president of finance,” said Jared Langkilde, president and CEO, HonorHealth Foundation. “Christine
hyrUP Acquires Evolve Partners
hyrUP, an executive search and recruiting firm specializing in accounting, finance, technology, and operations, has acquired boutique search firm Evolve Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our mission has always been to combine speed, precision, and partnership in how we help companies hire,” said Andrew Feldman, co-founder and co-CEO of hyrUP. “Evolve Partners shares
LHH Opens New Search Practice in the U.S.
LHH, a global provider of interconnected talent solutions and a division of the Adecco Group, has launched its new retained executive search practice in the U.S. Aram Lulla is the newly appointed executive search leader, U.S., at LHH. “Leadership mobility is accelerating at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Nicole Gable, LHH U.S. country
How to Mitigate Rising Time-To-Hire Before You Lose Top Talent
Data indicates that time-to-hire is rising across industries. On the surface, this looks like a shift back to “normal” — returning to pre-pandemic levels from a period when the labor market was unusually volatile. However, a higher time-to-hire metric is detrimental for employers, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Longer hiring cycles make it
Why “Reason for Departure” Matters on Short Tenures
A brief note explaining why you left a short role can flip a quick exit from a red flag into a credible, context-rich career move. In today’s job market, where economic shifts and unexpected challenges have led to an uptick in shorter tenures, candidates are frequently faced with the challenge of explaining rapid role changes,
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits COO for Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Hollis R. Towns as the first chief operating officer of Deep South Today. Founder Sam Pettway, director Cynthia Moreland, and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. His appointment is the result of a national search conducted over the last six months by BoardWalk Consulting. “Hollis Towns is bringing precisely
Flatiron Search Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer at TRUEWERK
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed Emily Sly as chief marketing officer of Stride Consumer Partners-backed TRUEWERK in Denver, CO. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Stride and TRUEWERK for several years now, helping to assemble an incredibly talented leadership team, and we’re excited to welcome,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As TRUEWERK continues to
Leathwaite Appoints Non-Executive Director
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed (John) Duncan Edwards to its board as non-executive director. “Duncan’s appointment to the board comes at an important and exciting time for our company,” said Andrew Wallace, chair and co-founder. “His proven leadership as a CEO through periods of significant growth, together with our ongoing ambitions to expand across North America, make his
KPMG Finds Success in M&A Remains Stacked Against Acquirers. Here’s Why.
New research from KPMG found that 57.2 percent of acquirers ultimately destroyed shareholder value, despite many appearing promising before closing. “Although many deals looked promising in the months leading up to closing – generating an average 13.2 percent in total shareholder return above the relevant S&P sector index – TSR dropped an average of 7.4 percent in the
Experience vs Resilience: The Age of Disruption is Changing How Firms Approach Leadership
Executive hiring used to follow a simple rule: find someone who’s already delivered the next stage of growth. That worked when markets moved in straight lines. Now they don’t—and leaders are judged less by replaying old playbooks and more by how quickly they adapt when conditions change. The way firms have hired executive leadership has
The Moran Company Seeking New Leader for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by The Arc of New Mexico to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott is leading the assignment. The executive director is the key management leader of The Arc of New Mexico, responsible for
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Låkril Technologies
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has recruited Justin Brown as the new CEO of Låkril Technologies in Chicago. “Justin’s leadership will accelerate the company’s mission to replace petroleum-based feedstock with sustainable, agricultural alternatives, enabling seamless drop-in solutions for the global chemical industry,” Låkril Technologies said. “Combined
JM Search Expands Technology Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has appointed Christy Mihos as partner in the CFO center of excellence within the firm’s technology practice. He joins Felix Korostin in leading the fast expanding practice. “With more than 40 percent year-over-year growth in 2025, the technology CFO center of excellence continues to expand its capabilities to deliver transformative financial
Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change
As we look ahead to 2026, global business leaders are navigating a shared set of challenges: employee engagement is declining, burnout is rising, and the pace of change—driven by economic uncertainty, AI advancements, and evolving work models—continues to accelerate. DHR Global’s second annual Workforce Trends Report recently surveyed global leaders to understand how these forces
AI Talent: The Full Spectrum
In private equity, the game is to solve, acquire, optimize, professionalize, and ultimately exit. But when it comes to AI, that word — “solve” — belongs in quotes because AI isn’t a problem you fix, according to a recent report from Chris Benz, partner at Corsica Partners. “It’s a capability you continuously evolve,” the report
ON Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for CytomX Therapeutics
Partner Suzanne Zebedee of ON Partners recently placed Rachael Lester as senior vice president and chief business officer of NASDAQ-traded CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. in South San Francisco, CA. “Rachael brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and business development across the biopharmaceutical industry and joins CytomX at a time when our platform and pipeline are well positioned to deliver
The Forum Group Expands
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Jesse Bernesby as director of financial services. In this newly created leadership role, Mr. Bernesby will focus on building a high-performing vertical across compliance, risk, product, and quantitative functions, critical areas in today’s regulatory and data-driven world. “Jesse began his recruiting career at The Forum Group in
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for the University of Virginia
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently seeking the 10th president for the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen are leading the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to
The Real Cost of a Wrong Executive Hire — and How to Steer Clear of It
Few decisions shape a company’s trajectory more than choosing the right leader at the top. Every organization knows the pain of a hire that didn’t work out, however, when that hire sits at the executive table, the cost isn’t just financial — it’s strategic, cultural, and reputational, according to a recent report from Avant Executive Search
DRiWaterstone Assists MOST Policy Initiative with Executive Director Search
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Allison R. Davis as the new executive director of MOST Policy Initiative. “We are excited to welcome Allison as our next executive director,” said board president Katie Steen-James on behalf of the MOST executive committee. “Her experience at the intersection of research and policy is uniquely suited
JDG Associates Seeking Chief Investment Officer for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. The CIO provides executive leadership in the development and implementation of investment policy for the TSP including reviewing investment performance and appropriateness of
Cowen Partners Executive Search Launches Steward, Family-Office Practice
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has launched Steward, an advisory practice dedicated to serving family offices and private enterprises across generations. Jacob Gamble, principal at Cowen Partners Executive Search, leads the practice and specializes in identifying senior executives for family offices. “Family offices operate on a generational horizon, which demands leadership that can balance operational excellence with
Private Equity Turns To Leadership Diligence To Gain A Sharper Edge
ghSMART’s latest report, Leadership Diligence in PE: 4 Tips to Spot Strengths and Risks Before You Buy, opens with a stark reminder: “Leadership is often the single biggest swing factor in the success of an investment.” Yet as Dina Wang, a ghSMART partner and co-leader of its private equity practice explains, that recognition alone isn’t enough. “The
Boyden Recruits CEO for Sonic Healthcare Limited
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Newcombe as managing director and CEO of Sonic Healthcare Limited. Current CEO Colin Goldschmidt recently announced his retirement. “We are delighted that Dr. Jim Newcombe will succeed Dr. Colin Goldschmidt in leading Sonic Healthcare, preserving its unique medical leadership culture while embracing the transformational changes in healthcare which Sonic
ExecSearches Seeking New CEO for Lighthouse Vision Loss Center
ExecSearches is currently seeking a new CEO for Lighthouse Vision Loss Center in Sarasota, FL. F. Jay Hall, managing director, is leading the executive recruitment process. The CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization’s mission alignment, financial sustainability, and community impact. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will oversee all aspects
Furst Group Assists CommonSpirit Health with CFO Search
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Browning as system senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of CommonSpirit Health in Chicago. He will succeed Daniel Morissette, who is retiring after nearly a decade of distinguished service. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael
IIC Partners Announces New Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has announced new appointments to its board of directors. The appointments were confirmed during IIC Partners’ annual general meeting in Bangkok on October 21, 2025. The candidates were recommended by the 2025 nominating committee, composed of Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner (Vienna), Jeff Harris (Columbus), and Jyoti Bowen Nath (Mumbai). The new appointments are
Why Targeting Passive Candidates Is a Game-Changer & Creating a Big Impact
As competition for specialized talent intensifies, organizations are rethinking how they identify and engage top performers. Companies increasingly recognize that the strongest candidates often aren’t scanning job boards—they’re succeeding in their current roles. To secure these high-value professionals, employers are adopting more strategic, relationship-driven approaches to talent acquisition. In today’s global talent market, forward-thinking companies
Caldwell Posts 19 Percent Full-Year Revenue Increase
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $31.6 million (Canadian). Full-year revenue was up 19.4 percent to $104.1 million (Canadian). “Fiscal 2025 marked a strong return to growth for Caldwell and IQTalent,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “After two years of volatility and suppressed hiring demand, we saw a resilient rebound in both revenue and profitability, capped
