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Why AI in Executive Search Demands Judgment, Not Just Speed
Executive search has always balanced rigor with discretion, speed with judgment, and data with human insight. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in professional services, search firms and hiring organizations are increasingly testing where technology can enhance outcomes—and where it risks undermining the very qualities that define effective leadership hiring. The challenge is not whether
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Trevi Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed David Hastings as the new CFO of NASDAQ-traded Trevi Therapeutics, Inc. in New Haven, CT. “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the leadership team as we enter an important chapter of growth at Trevi,” said Jennifer Good, president and CEO of Trevi Therapeutics. “His proven track record
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.
Seizing The Shift – Bain’s Midyear Take On Private Equity
2025 opened with promise. The first quarter brought strong deal activity and favorable credit markets. But by April, new tariff announcements upended sentiment. The policy shock sent ripples through global markets, and deal momentum quickly faltered. According to Bain & Company’s Midyear Private Equity Report, “tariff turmoil has held back deals and exits while investors digest
Jobless Claims Soar Above One Million Mark Again
The Labor Department reported this morning that 1.1 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists were expecting initial claims of 923,000 based on median estimates. Those collecting benefits for at least two weeks, known as continuing claims, declined by 636,000 to 14.844 million. The unadjusted data, which some economists say
BrainWorks Recruits CFO for MackeyRMS
New Providence, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has recruited Ross Sullivan as the new chief financial officer of Resurgens Technology Partners-backed MackeyRMS, a global provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based research management software. The assignment was completed in 60 days by Eric Frickel, partner of private equity at Brainworks. He closely advised Resurgens Technology Partners and the Mackey
Miller Black Associates Recruits CHRO for RHA Health Services
New York City-based executive search Miller Black Associates has placed Josh Christian as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) of RHA Health Services in Asheville, NC. Joanna Miller led the assignment. “Because of the quality of the company, their growth prospects and their important mission, there was a high level of interest in this position from
Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University Taps Opportunity Resources to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Opportunity Resources has been chosen to find the next executive director for the Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University (FSU) in Framingham, MA. President and chief executive officer Freda Mindlin is leading the assignment. “Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University is seeking a visionary, innovative and collaborative executive director to lead
Kingsley Gate Partners Strengthens Healthcare Practice
Kingsley Gate Partners is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of former CHRO Shannon Libbert as a partner to serve the firm’s healthcare clients. She will be based in Pensacola, FL. “With the addition of Shannon, we have strengthened our access to senior executives in the healthcare providers sector, to bring our clients the leadership
Egon Zehnder Seeks Inspector General for Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has retained Egon Zehnder to lead its search for a new inspector general. Current inspector general Mouhamadou Diagne informed the board earlier this year that he was stepping down. The firm is seeking candidates with proven skills in leadership and strategic oversight, emanating from broad and diverse backgrounds.
Leading Through Disruption and Uncertainty
George Floyd’s death and subsequent events are incredibly tragic and disturbing. Taken together with the impact of COVID-19, they have not only shaken the country but also disrupted business as usual. In recent discussions with directors, CEOs and other business leaders, Crenshaw Associates has found that companies have largely taken an aggressive approach to the
Kirby Bates Associates Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Cambridge Health Alliance
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 chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
KBRS Expands HR Consulting Practice
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR and talent executives looking for a career change. Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm KBRS recently added Barbara Meens Thistle to its human resources consulting practice. She will work with organizations and leaders in Atlantic Canada as a senior strategic HR advisor, providing guidance
Career Partners International Adds New Member Firm
Columbus, OH-headquartered Career Partners International (CPI) has added Career Management Associates (CMA Midwest) as its newest member firm to serve the Greater Kansas City, KS market. Career Management Associates offers a full range of services including executive search, career transition services/outplacement, executive coaching, leader development and MPO assessment solutions. The industries the firm has served represent all
Executive Search Industry Navigates a Crisis
Like industries across the country, and the world, executive search was devastated by the initial impact of the COVID-19 crisis. But a newly-released Q2 report on the industry by recruitment software developer Thrive suggests that recovery may be closer than many people expect. Early on in the crisis, one Thrive survey revealed that nearly 80
3P Partners Shares Tips for Virtual Interviews
As the world of recruitment is adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19, and in-person interviews are being quickly replaced with Zoom, the 3P Partners recruitment team offers some quick tips to better navigate this virtual platform. The firm said to start with downloading and practicing Zoom before the interview. This might seem obvious but candidates tend
R. William Funk & Associates Secures New President for Columbia College
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has recruited William T. Bogart to become the 20th president of Columbia College in Columbia, SC. He succeeds Carol A. Moore who stepped down in March after four years in the top leadership role. “As Columbia College transitions to its new coed
TRANSEARCH International Opens Office in Shanghai
TRANSEARCH International has recently added a new office in Shanghai with the addition of Carren Shi as managing partner, great China regions. Ms. Shi is a cross-border leadership acquisition and development consultant and business partner with over 20 years of experience in consumer, life science, healthcare and industrial sectors. Previously, Ms. Shi was founder and managing
DHR International Assists National Association of Basketball Coaches in Finding Next Leader
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Craig Robinson as the new executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He succeeds Jim Haney, who held the position for the past 29 years, and becomes just the fifth executive director in the NABC’s history. Mr. Robinson is
Windle B. Priem, Visionary of Modern Recruiting Era, Dies at 83
Windle B. Priem, a veteran of the executive search industry and a former CEO of Korn Ferry, died on August 7, 2020 in Boston. “You can’t think about Korn Ferry and our history without thinking of Win Priem,” said Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison. “Over nearly three decades of service to Korn Ferry, he was a
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeks Two Campus Presidents for Dallas College
West Hartford, Conn-based Academic Career & Executive Search has been chosen to find two campus presidents for Dallas College in Texas. One will lead the school’s El Centro campus; the other will oversee the Mountain View campus. Leading the assignment is managing partner Jennifer Muller. Each Dallas College campus offers unique opportunities in size, setting, location
The Chason Group Seeking CEO for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
The economic strength of the non-profit field has increased in recent years and it is now the third largest employer in the U.S. This has certainly kept search firms busy. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, based in Valdosta, GA, recently retained The Chason Group to lead an executive level search for a president and chief
Executives In Sport Group Forms Alliance with Hitmarker to Serve Gaming and esports Sector
Steve Bornstein, former CEO of ESPN and the NFL Network, recently said that he believes “esports will rival the biggest traditional sports leagues in terms of future opportunities, and between advertising, ticket sales, licensing, sponsorships and merchandising, there are tremendous growth areas for this nascent industry.” To that end, executive search firm Executives In Sport Group has
Turnkey Search and Ventura Partners Tapped by the Atlantic Coast Conference to Find Next Commissioner
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, and Ventura Partners have teamed to lead the commissioner search for the Atlantic Coast Conference. John Swofford recently announced his intention to retire after serving 24 years in the position. Len Perna, Turnkey chairman and CEO, will be joined by colleagues Gene DeFilippo, Kelly Lewis, Allie Crone and Rick Alessandri
The Lancer Group Recruits CEO for Affinitiv
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group has recruited Sid Nair as the new CEO of CIP Capital-backed Affinitiv, a provider of data-driven marketing and software solutions to the automotive market. “We have continued to make significant investments in technology, data and analytics, with a focus on strengthening the value and insights we can
The McCormick Group Assists Pacific Science & Engineering Group with CEO Search
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
JM Search Expands Retail and Consumer Goods Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the addition of Michael Neff as a partner in its retail and consumer goods practice supporting clients’ strategic growth on a national scale. Mr. Neff brings over 25 years of experience in driving business value and operational excellence
Calibrate Legal Forms Alliance With The Tilt Institute
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses and all levels of
Jobless Claims Fall Below One Million for the First Time Since March
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 963,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. While not exactly good news, this is the first week since March where claims were reported below the one million mark for the week. Economists were expecting initial
JDG Associates Seeks General Counsel for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal corporation that insures private-sector defined benefit pension plans, has enlisted Rockville, MD-based JDG Associates to find its next general counsel. Leading the assignment is Darren DeGioia, the search firm’s president. The general counsel, who reports to the director of Washington, D.C.-based PBGC, serves as secretary to the
Principal Connections Seeks CIO for Maxol Group
Ireland-based executive search firm Principal Connections has been selected by Maxol Group to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Practice leader Darren McCabe is leading the assignment. Reporting to the group CEO, the CIO will lead the company’s IT infrastructure across its retail network, manufacturing facilities, fuel card operations, head offices and other
Stanton Chase Appoints New Private Equity Global Practice Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase named Mikael Stelander, managing partner of the firm’s Finnish office, as global practice leader for all private equity activities. “Mikael will bring a fully updated and in-depth experience from servicing clients and the PE environment over the past 10 years,” said Flemming Riber, vice chair of practice groups. “He has been an active
AIMS International Appoints Global Head of Talent Management
Executive search consortium AIMS International has named Maria Shishkova as its new global head of talent management. “AIMS International’s board of directors welcomes Maria in this challenging position and looks forward to working with her and taking the talent management practice to the next level,” said Bernardo Entschev, president of AIMS. “Growing sustainable leaders has become a key focus area
Ezekia and BoardEx Form Strategic Alliance
Innovative executive search software platform Ezekia and BoardEx, an advanced enterprise solution connecting users with an exclusive network of global business leaders and decision makers, have partnered to offer recruiting firms a solution that will enable them to access their BoardEx account via Ezekia. The integration will be operationally ready in the last quarter of this year. Established in 1999, BoardEx is
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Cultural Analytics Business
Historically, recruiting has been largely dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform







