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August Leadership Expands in Colombia
August Leadership has appointed Santiago Silva Betancourt as a partner, based in Colombia. With 37+ years of experience, he advises boards and high-growth organizations on C-suite and board appointments, primarily within financial services, and also across energy & natural resources and retail. “His work is defined by placing leaders who drive strategic change in complex environments,”
The CFO Rewired: From Leading Finance to Driving Strategic Value
Today’s CFO plays an active role in shaping corporate strategy, managing risk, and driving long-term enterprise value. They navigate complexity, challenge the status quo, and act as the CEO’s co-pilot in an ever-changing environment. CFO influence now spans capital allocation, M&A, operational efficiency, and digital transformation, according to a recent report from True. “Today’s CFO
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.
Egon Zehnder Acquires The Prince Houston Group
Egon Zehnder has acquired The Prince Houston Group, a leading boutique executive search firm based in New York with a strong focus on asset and wealth management. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor to Egon Zehnder on the transaction. The integration of The Prince
H C Smith Assists The Wallace Foundation in CHRO Search
Beachwood, OH-based executive search firm H C Smith has assisted in the placement of Melkeya McDuffie as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of The Wallace Foundation. She will succeed Sharon Clark, who will retire at the end of 2020. Herbert C. Smith, founder and president of the firm, led the assignment along with Rebecca R. Smith, principal.
Odgers Interim Expands in the U.S.
Odgers Berndtson has added former HR executives Glen Johnson and Lori Rubin to Odgers Interim in the U.S. as partners. They will both be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. “We are delighted to welcome two extraordinary human resources and recruiting professionals to the Odgers Interim team in the U.S. Lori and Glen’s combined experience recruiting senior executives for both internal and
Herbert Mines Associates Appoints Managing Director
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates promoted Caitlin Kenefick to managing director. “We are excited to announce that Caitlin Kenefick has been promoted to managing director,” said chairman and CEO Hal Reiter. “With over 10 years of
Caldwell Unveils Benchmarking Data Behind the CISO Role
In an environment where chief information security officers are increasingly part of the C-suite, and are viewed as business risk executives, time is scarce, and accurate, real-time aggregated benchmarking data is difficult to find, according to a new report by cybersecurity practice leaders at Caldwell and security research firm IANS Research. The CISO study focuses
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as New COVID-19 Lockdowns Occur
The Labor Department reported this morning that 885,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as the new waved of COVID-19 lockdowns takes effect. The average estimate of economists polled by FactSet had anticipated initial claims falling to 790,000 and seeing 5.7 million continuing claims. This was the highest weekly total since
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for GentiBio
Growing pressure to rapidly advance scientific discovery and expand market share in the face of COVID-19 is making the hunt for top talent more fierce than ever before. Recently, Caliber Associates placed Thomas Wickham as chief scientific officer of GentiBio, an emerging biotherapeutics company. The assignment was led by Steven P. Hochberg, the search firm’s
Reffett Associates Assists Air Force Research Laboratory in Filling CMTO Post
Executive recruiting firm Reffett Associates has assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in placing Yadunath Zambre as chief microelectronics technology officer (CMTO). The nationwide search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from managing director Marshall Reffett in the firm’s Seattle location. Dr. Zambre previously led the new
Horton International UK Expands Global Healthcare Recruiting Practice
Horton International UK has expanded with the addition of Emma Whittle as partner in its global healthcare practice. “I feel privileged to be in a position to help access talent that enables these sectors to cope with the scale and growth that will lead to society being able to return to some future sense of normality,” said
Sci.bio Recruiting: Winning the War for Biopharma Talent
One of the hallmarks of companies that are thriving in these challenging days of not only a pandemic but rapidly shifting talent needs is the ability to meet change with speed and agility. That’s why on-demand services and interim staffing are emerging as forces to be reckoned with in the “new normal” that is taking
Prodigy Search Assists United States Association of Blind Athletes in Selecting New Board
The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) has announced its new board of directors, which includes seven new appointees. Freehold, NJ-based Prodigy Search, a recruiting firm focused on sports recruiting, helped to lead the search process for the board member positions. The at-large board directors are chair Mark Ackermann; vice chair Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning; treasurer Gary Remensnyder; secretary Amy
HealthSearch Partners Fill Three Key Positions for Healthcare Organizations
Dallas, TX-based HealthSearch Partners (HSP) recently placed leaders of three important healthcare provider organizations: Phillip Mazzuca was recruited as chief executive officer of Williamson Medical Center (WMC) in Franklin, TN; Helen Johnson joins Sparrow Eaton Hospital, part of Central Michigan’s Sparrow Health System, as president; and Monte Wilson becomes president of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health
AMN Leadership Solutions Names Executive and Physician Leadership Search Practice President; Appoints Other Practice Leaders
Executive recruitment firm AMN Leadership Solutions has named former oncology clinical nurse specialist Christine Mackey-Ross as president of the firm’s executive and physician leadership search practice. This follows two other new leadership appointments. Ms. Mackey-Ross joined AMN Healthcare in 2019. Her expertise in executive-level retained searches is built on a hands-on healthcare foundation. She is
ZRG Opens New Office in Dubai
ZRG has opened a new office in Dubai with the addition of Tim Rotherham as managing director and member of the firm’s financial services and private equity practice. “ZRG is now poised to support clients within the UAE through our global financial services and private equity practice,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Additionally, ZRG will offer
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief DE&I Officer for the Orlando Magic; Fills ACC Commissioner Role
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Esu Ma’at as the new chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer of the Orlando Magic. This becomes the ninth NBA team to add a vice president-level position or higher dedicated to addressing diversity. “Turnkey Search is honored to help the Orlando Magic advance equity because it’s in
20/20 Foresight Acquires Saenger Associates
Chicago-based 20/20 Foresight has acquired Saenger Associates, a retained search firm focused on serving clients in the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain of the industrial products, aerospace and defense, and consumer products verticals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Saenger Associates will operate under its new name, ‘Saenger Associates, a 20/20 Foresight Company,’ and will continue
Spencer Stuart Selected by Blue Apron to Find Next CFO
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, Blue Apron Holdings retained Spencer Stuart to replace its outgoing CFO, Timothy S. Bensley, who resigned to pursue another opportunity. Mr. Bensley will continue to serve
Rush & Company Names Kimber McFadden Vice President
Rush & Company, a national executive search firm focused on the textile industry, has named Kimber McFadden as vice president of nonwovens and industrial textiles. “Kimber has been a tremendous addition to Rush & Company, going back close to a decade,” said Rick Rush, founder, and president. “She has been instrumental in building our nonwoven
The Good Board Expands Search Team
U.K.-based executive search and leadership consultancy firm The Good Board has appointed five new team members. Jo Sands joins as leader and director of interim and executive search, Lexie Sims as director of search and diversity, equity and inclusion; Veronica Linares as director of leadership development; Shivani Patel as a research manager; and Sian Gatenby
Finding the Right Leaders, Step by Step
In business, recruiting the right leaders at the right time is a competitive advantage. A new book, ‘Leadership Recruiting’ is an authoritative guide to doing so, every step of the way, for rapidly growing small companies to global 100 conglomerates. The book is intended for all executives, from candidates for new positions to managers responsible
Hobbs & Towne Assists Impossible Foods in Recruiting Chief Scientific Officer
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the placement of Vanderbilt University biochemistry department chair John D. York as chief science officer at Impossible Foods. CEO Andy Towne led the assignment along with partner Ryan Houder for the search firm. Dr. York, whose first day at Impossible Foods will be Jan. 4, will serve on the senior
RM Nephew and Associates Fills Board Position for Watts Water Technologies
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates’ board diversity practice recently placed Michael J. Dubose as new
Online Talent Platform Assembles $32 Million Funding Round
Turing.com, which describes itself as an automated platform that enables companies to use and manage remote software developers, has assembled $32 million Series B funding. The capitalization round was led by $3.3 billion fund WestBridge Capital. The round includes a number of high-profile investors, including Foundation Capital, which led Turing’s seed round. Altair Capital, Mindset Ventures, Frontier
AltoPartners Appoints Global Chair
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has elected Sonal Agrawal as its new global chair. Ms Agrawal has served on the global board for AltoPartners since its inception in 2006 and has been at the forefront of various initiatives across governance, geographic expansion, and marketing strategy over the years. Ms
Isaacson, Miller Called in by Harvard Business School to Find Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. Pandemic or not, higher educational institutions need talent and these roles are now seen
Five Tips to End the Year Strong
COVID-19. Racial unrest. Remote work. Job insecurity. It’s been a long, strange, difficult and angst-ridden year, for sure. After everything that has happened in 2020, no one would be blamed for wanting to shut down and coast into the new year. However, according to a just released report by Korn Ferry, such an approach won’t
JDG Associates Tapped by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body to Find New CEO
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) to lead its search for a new CEO. Principal Paul Belford is spearheading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will staff and supervise CMMC-AB’s C-suite executives. The individual will have responsibility for the following functional areas:
Acertitude Assists PE-Backed Turkey Hill in CIO Search
Executive search firm Acertitude has assisted in the placement of Julie Rafferty as chief information officer for private equity-backed Turkey Hill, the fourth largest-selling premium ice cream brand. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose and principal Jessica Tvelia led the assignment. The search was completed in just 76 days. Ms. Rafferty brings a demonstrated track-record working for diverse, global
RETS Associates Opens Dallas Office
Executive search firm RETS Associates has expanded with the opening of a new office in Dallas. The firm has tapped Chase Fryhover as director and leader of the new office. With a decade of recruiting experience including almost eight years of commercial real estate recruiting success, Mr. Fryhover emerged as the ideal choice to launch this
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as COVID-19 Cases Rise
The Labor Department reported this morning that 853, 000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 725,000. First-time claims for unemployment insurance totaled 853,000, an increase from the 716,000 total a week before. This was the highest weekly total since Oct. 10 and reflects
Bridge Partners Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City-based Bridge Partners has placed Lavita McMath Turner as the first chief diversity officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The search firm’s founders Tory Clarke and Larry Griffin led the assignment. “Lavita McMath Turner has an exceptional record of success promoting equity throughout her career in cultural and higher education institutions, and she will
Myers McRae Assists the University of West Georgia in Provost Search
Following a comprehensive national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has recruited Jon Preston as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of West Georgia (UWG). Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, led the assignment. The search team evaluated hundreds of candidates and ultimately brought five finalists to the Carrollton







