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Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
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.
Bridging Talent Gaps Across HR, Private Equity, Higher Education
In today’s complex talent environment, organizations across industries are facing a growing (and increasingly urgent) challenge: navigating critical talent gaps. Whether you’re scaling a portfolio company in private equity, rebuilding your human resources function, or filling a leadership void in higher education, the stakes are high, according to a new report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben
How Boosting Your Visibility on LinkedIn Pays Dividends
Too many business leaders make the mistake of dismissing the very idea of having a LinkedIn profile. After all, they say, they are not looking for a job. What’s the point? Here’s the point: Contrary to popular belief, looking for a job is not the top use for LinkedIn, according to a new report by
Acertitude Recruits CFO for OnSolve
Executive search firm Acertitude recently recruited Bruce Duner as the new chief financial officer of Veritas Capital-backed OnSolve, a global provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based mass notification and critical communication solutions for enterprise, mass market and government organizations. During the pandemic, OnSolve has played a critical role in helping businesses and government agencies with communication and crisis planning challenges,
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Assists St. John’s Board of Trade in CEO Search
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette (KBRS) has assisted the St. John’s Board of Trade in the recruitment of AnnMarie Boudreau as its new CEO. “AnnMarie’s experience providing counsel and strategic advice to diverse companies throughout the region will be an outstanding asset to our membership and our team,” said Andrew Wadden, board chair of
How One Executive Search Firm is Weathering the Global Pandemic Storm
Since being declared a pandemic in March, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the executive search sector. Industry leaders were forced to make swift changes. Budgets were scaled back. And plans were put on hold. Adopting a wartime mindset, search firms have quickly shifted the prime directive of their business to strengthening relationships with
Lindauer Expands Higher Education Leadership Practice
Boston-based Lindauer has expanded with the addition of higher education leader and former college president Carolyn J. Stefanco as senior vice president to significantly expand its higher education leadership practice. Ms. Stefanco, who stepped down as president of the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York on June 30, will focus on partnering with colleges
Buffkin / Baker Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for University of San Diego
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in by the University of San Diego (USD) in California to assist in its search for a chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and access. Leading the assignment are managing partner Martin M. Baker and principal Chelsie Whitelock. “The chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and
Greenwich Harbor Partners Places Four Board Members for Teach for America
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. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners recently partnered with Teach for America to expand its board of advisors
Four Corners Group Adds Former Marketing Executive to Staff
Toronto-headquartered executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has expanded with the addition of Karen Hsiung as its newest partner. She brings over 25 years of fast-moving consumer goods experience and knowledge to the business. “Karen is uniquely positioned to build competitive advantage for companies in the retail and consumer goods sector through people,” Four Corners Group said.
Adapting to a New Normal
Boards and senior management must be more open to radical ideas while ensuring business sustainability as well as the health of their employees, according to a new report by InterSearch’s Clementina Mustapha. The world is facing challenging times and this will have a significant impact on how we go about our daily activities. InterSearch collected advice and guidance
Noetic Search Tapped by After School Matters for CFO Search
After School Matters (ASM), a non-profit that provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to Chicago high school teens, has retained Noetic Search to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. The CFO reports to the CEO and is responsible for promoting integrity and transparency in all matters relating to fiscal operations, human resources, information technology,
DRG Seeks Leaders for NYC-Based Non-Profits
DRG Search, which serves the non-profit sector, is conducting searches for executive directors for two New York City non-profits, an unnamed, new, family foundation and the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. Leading the foundation search is Dara Z. Klarfeld, CEO, and Amichaim Abramson, chief strategy officer. The alliance assignment is being spearheaded by
Charles Aris Appoints VP Human Capital and Organizational Development
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR and talent executives looking for a career change. Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris recently expanded with the addition of talent management veteran Danielle Bowman as vice president of human capital and organizational development. “I know I speak for the entire Charles Aris family
Kaye/Bassman Names Managing Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. promoted Nasrin Akter to managing partner in its insurance and risk practice. The firm said she will be “leading the team with mentoring and developing the search consultants and project consultants under her.” Prior
Latest Jobs Data Shows Braking Recovery in Labor Market
Employment rose by 1.8 million in July as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 10.2 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
The Clark Partnership Assists OakNorth in Talent Acquisition Director Search
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of talent acquisition leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top-flight experts? Corporate leaders want talent acquisition leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to executive recruiters. CEOs, in particular, want their
Diversified Search Seeks Executive Director for ACLU of Colorado
Diversified Search has been enlisted by the ACLU of Colorado (ACLU-CO) to find its new executive director. The assignment is being spearheaded by J. Veronica Biggins, managing partner; Denielle Pemberton-Heard, managing director and general counsel; and Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate. “The ACLU-CO seeks an experienced, strategic and visionary leader with a demonstrated commitment
De Forest Search Finds Top Sales Executives for Ja-Ru Toys and Rehrig Pacific Company
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search has placed Steve Sandler as executive vice president of sales at Ja-Ru Toys and Marc Scott as vice president of environmental sales at Rehrig Pacific Co. “Marc has been a joy to work with,” the search firm said. “His larger than life and engaging personality makes you want to be his friend.
Boyden Expands Presence on West Coast
Boyden has expanded with the addition of Liesl Forve, who will serve as a partner and attend to clients throughout California. Boyden has seen strong growth in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast. The firm has doubled the number of partners there in the last six months. “Liesl is a major asset for Boyden and our clients, bringing geographic
Layoffs Remain Elevated as Pandemic Persists Across U.S.
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.2 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 20th week in a row that the figure has risen to well over one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for 1.42 million.
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for Major League Baseball
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Michele Meyer-Shipp as chief people and culture officer for Major League Baseball. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led the assignment along with partner Keri Gavin. “Michele is an exceptional leader and an inspirational person,” said Mr. Hanold. “She will have an incredibly positive impact on
AlbertHall&Associates Seeks Executive Director for Second Stage Theater
Not-for-profit-focused executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates has been selected to find the next executive director for Second Stage Theater, one of New York’s leading non-profit theaters. Leading the assignment are managing partner Thomas Hall and principal Christine O’Connor. “Second Stage’s next executive director will be an individual who shares this deep commitment to celebrating the work of 21st
Hudson Global Posts Seven Percent Revenue Loss; Americas Down 44 Percent
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted second quarter of $24.6 million, down seven percent from a year ago. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 6.84 percent. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific was up 14 percent, while the Americas and Europe were down 44 percent and 27 percent, respectively. The Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm posted a
Agilium Worldwide Adds New Member Firm in Nigeria
Global executive search consortium Agilium Worldwide has added Michael Stevens Consulting in Lagos, Nigeria, as a member of the international network. Led by Francis Kudayah, Michael Stevens Consulting is an international multi-disciplinary company and has extensive activities in executive search and selection as well as other human capital consulting services. It provides expert advice in the fields of multi-disciplinary management,
Why the True Cost of a Poor Hire Can be Steep
A bad hire can be the most expensive mistake a business could make. A bad hire at the senior level, in particular, can wreak havoc on a business’ reputation, among other hard-to-fix problems. “What can be costlier than a faulty product or poor budgeting is the price of repeatedly hiring underqualified, short-term employees,” says the
B.E. Smith Seeks CFO for Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. B.E. Smith, a healthcare-focused executive search firm, was recently called in by non-profit Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) to lead its search a new CFO. Andrea Merideth is heading the assignment. The
CohenTaylor Executive Search Assists Children’s Cancer Research Fund in CEO Search
Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Daniel Gumnit as the new chief executive officer of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). He succeeds John Hallberg, who retired in July. “Daniel has exceptional experience as a leader and true passion for the vital role of science and medical research in our communities,” said Michelle Johnson, board chairperson. “He is the right person
True Search Launches Edtech Practice
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has launched an edtech practice to support the rapidly evolving world of technology-supported education. Having worked with numerous global companies, True has developed deep experience in the space and a talent network of executives who understand what’s needed to keep edtech moving forward. From VC-backed start-ups to established organizations, True has
Jobplex Announces Expansion
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR International, has expanded with the additions of Frank Morogiello as a managing partner in the firm’s industrial and consumer practice groups; Renato Amador as a partner in its advanced technology, HR and non-profit practice groups; and Jacob Humbert as partner in the business and professional services practice group. Mr. Morogiello, who is based in Joblex’s Dallas office, has a primary focus on the aviation and
Diversity Recruiting . . .What Does That Actually Mean?
Diversity hiring and recruiting is accelerating in importance and is an expanding focus for many organizations. Diverse organizations have many benefits in terms of perspectives, talent and culture, according to Steven Landberg, managing director of Claymore Partners, in a new report. But what does diversity mean for an organization and recruiting? “In my experience, it varies
Valor Partners Recruits Head of Talent Acquisition for Starburst Data
Doug Johnson of Roanoke, VA-based executive search firm Valor Partners has placed former Datastax executive Jenna Connell as head of talent acquisition for analytics company Starburst Data in Boston. Mr. Johnson said that his client wasn’t necessarily looking for someone with Ms. Connell’s qualifications to fill the role. “They were looking for someone at a
Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search Seeks Founding Dean for School of Nursing at Emory & Henry College
Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search has been chosen by Emory & Henry College in Emory, VA to find a founding dean for its new school of nursing. Reporting to the vice president for health sciences, the dean of nursing will be charged with creating and fostering a collegial and collaborative environment that promotes innovation and excellence in
