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Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Oklahoma State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has helped to recruit Marjorie McLagan as chief information security officer (CISO) of Oklahoma State University. Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock led the assignment. “Cybersecurity is foundational to everything we do at Oklahoma State University,” said Jason Ramsey, chief operating officer. “As we advance research, serve students and support Extension programs in all 77 counties,
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.
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,
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?
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
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
Inside the Recruiter Performance Training Program
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently rolled out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability to recruiter performance. The initiative reflects
Building a Culture of Collaboration Between HR and Talent Acquisition
Hiring the right people requires more than just filling open positions—it demands a strategic partnership across the organization. When HR aligns closely with department leaders, the result is a hiring process that not only meets immediate needs but also drives long-term success. By integrating insight from every corner of the company, HR can identify candidates
Russell Reynolds Associates Names First Chief Science Officer
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has appointed Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic as its first chief science officer. In this new global role, Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic will lead RRA’s research and development (R&D) and innovation initiatives, driving the firm’s data strategy and the development of proprietary insights to further enhance RRA’s advisory capabilities. “The integration of cutting-edge
Spencer Stuart Forms Long-Term Alliance with ONYX
Spencer Stuart has inked a new long-term strategic partnership with ONYX, an invitation-only membership network of recently retired and longer-tenured CEOs, two-thirds of whom have led Fortune 500 companies and who collectively sit on over 400 corporate boards. Spencer Stuart made a minority investment in ONYX and will become its exclusive partner for leadership, talent and human capital
Anthem Executive Seeking CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive was recently retained by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (BGCT) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the assignment. The non-profit seeks a transformational and decisive CEO to lead the organization through a critical period of change and renewal. Reporting directly
The Dark Side of Leadership
When the dark side of leadership emerges, organizational catastrophe is just a step away. Financial news proves this year after year, according to a recent report from Hogan Assessments. For instance, former CEO Adam Neumann contributed to devaluing the commercial real estate company WeWork by approximately $37 billion in mere months. “Now, we all know that
DHR Global Recruits Chief Marketing and Brand Officer for the Atlantic Coast Conference
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has recruited Marques E. Zak as the first chief marketing and brand officer of the Atlantic Coast Conference. This marks a significant step in the conference’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its brand and expand fan engagement. “Marques is a proven marketing innovator whose leadership has consistently brought brands closer to their audiences in
JDG Completes VP Searches for The MIL Corporation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Yolanda Reid and Mike Marshall as vice presidents of cybersecurity at The MIL Corporation. With over 25 years of experience at the forefront of national security and emerging technology, Ms. Reid has led some of the most advanced cyber and intelligence programs supporting the U.S. government
Pacific International Partners with LSG Sky Chefs Americas
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has inked an exclusive 12-month retained search partner agreement with LSG Sky Chefs Americas (Sky Chefs), the market leader in airline catering and hospitality services across North and Latin America. Under the agreement, Pacific International will leverage its expertise to identify and attract senior talent that aligns with Sky Chefs’ culture
The Barton Partnership Appoints Vice President, North America
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has named Melissa Chester as vice president, North America. The firm said she will partner with leaders across the firm to accelerate growth in independent consulting while complementing The Barton Partnership’s established executive search capabilities in strategy & transformation. “Melissa’s extensive experience supporting private equity firms and their
Hunt Scanlon Media Taps ZRG to Recruit New Sales Chief
Hunt Scanlon Media, the long-time trade publisher and media concern serving the global executive search and human capital sectors, has retained ZRG to recruit the company’s new head of sales. ZRG is ranked as the seventh-largest search firm in the U.S. according to Hunt Scanlon. “Given ZRG’s outstanding media and entertainment search practice, we could not
AI and HR: Partners in Building Smarter, More Human Workplaces
The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and HR sits squarely at the center of that transformation. As organizations navigate new technologies, shifting employee expectations, and an increasingly data-driven landscape, HR’s role has expanded from administrative function to strategic powerhouse. The adoption of artificial intelligence marks not just a technological leap, but a
The Talent Studios Places CEO at PE-Backed Foundry Brands
The Talent Studios has recruited Christian Chopra as CEO of Foundry Brands, a growing portfolio of digitally native personal-care and lifestyle brands backed by Monogram Capital Partners and Lightbay Capital. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen and Katlyn Maloney. Mr. Chopra brings two decades of experience building and repositioning consumer brands across
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Experience Officer for Chief
NU Advisory Partners has placed Roshanie Ross as chief experience officer at Chief, the most powerful membership community and platform for senior women leaders. Meredith Rosenberg, Libby Naumes, and Kelsey Kelly led the assignment. “Our members engage with Chief in myriad ways—through coaching, our programming and events, across our five clubhouses and across our digital
McDermott + Bull Expands in Toronto
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded with the addition of Sachin Sama as partner in its Toronto office. He will spearhead the expansion of the firm’s energy and industrials practice across North America, leveraging more than 15 years of experience advising organizations through transformation, growth, and leadership transitions. “Energy and industrial organizations are entering a pivotal
Talent and Technology: A New Generation of Leadership Enters the C-Suite
Riviera Partners recently surveyed more than 1,000 technology executives for its latest report, revealing a major shift in how leadership is structured. According to Riviera, AI, data, and cross-functional collaboration are pushing technology roles to the forefront of enterprise strategy. The report identifies five key positions now demanding space in the C-suite: Chief AI officer (CAIO), chief
Kingsley Gate Assists J. Crew Group with CHRO Search
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has assisted in the recruitment of Gena Smith as the new chief human resources officer of J. Crew Group. “I was honored to work with J. Crew Group, CEO Libby Wadle and team to place Gena Smith as the company’s new chief human resources officer,” Mike Bergen, senior partner, global markets at Kingsley Gate,
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Tristel
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Anna Wasyl as the new CFO of Tristel plc. “Anna’s appointment comes at an exciting and important time for Tristel,” said Matt Sassone, CEO of Tristel. “Her broad international background, commercial mindset, and hands-on approach to both strategy and execution are exactly what we need as we enter
CIO Partners Retained by Trupanion to Fill Senior Technology Position
CIO Partners has been retained by Trupanion to lead their search for the role of vice president of technology operations, located in Seattle. Reporting to the chief information officer, the vice president is responsible for overseeing IT infrastructure, systems, and service delivery functions and for ensuring optimal performance, security, scalability, and availability of IT services
Caldwell Launches Sports & Entertainment Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has launched a sports & entertainment practice, a new global sector group dedicated to connecting senior leaders with organizations at the intersection of sports, technology, media, entertainment, and investment. “As our clients increase their investments in sports, media, and entertainment, we’re launching this specialty practice to support their expanding portfolios,” said Chris Beck, chief
Unlocking the Value of Diverse Leaders
Diversity in leadership is no longer a discussion about representation — it’s a defining factor in organizational performance. Across industries, companies are realizing that when leadership teams reflect a range of experiences, perspectives, and voices, they make better decisions and drive stronger business outcomes. Beyond simply filling seats, true leadership diversity transforms how teams think,
Getting Ahead at Work When the Power Shifts to Employers
The balance of power in the workplace is shifting. After years of employee-driven change, companies are now tightening budgets, redefining priorities, and leaning on technology to do more with less. For professionals, this means career growth is no longer guaranteed by tenure or performance alone — it requires adaptability, visibility, and a clear strategy for
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Chief Information & Technology Officer for the Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) to lead in its search for a chief information and technology officer (CITO). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. The position offers an extraordinary platform to shape the college’s culture, strategy, and technology enterprise, positioning MassArt at the
RevelOne Completes Search for Cache
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne has recruited Angus Kirkby as the new head of growth for Cache. The search was led by consultant Montse Jungers. “Congratulations Angus Kirkby, Cache’s new head of growth,” RevelOne said in a LinkedIn post. “With a strong background in brand, growth, and acquisition within the fintech space, Angus has an exceptional
True Appoints Vice Chairman
Global talent provider True has appointed Adam Kovach as vice chairman. “We couldn’t be more excited for Adam to join us,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and co-CEO of True. “What excites me most about him is our shared belief that there is an opportunity to build something very special in our market and provide more value to our clients,
Why Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking Recruitment as a Core Investment Strategy
Talent is one of the most reliable yet often overlooked factors driving portfolio performance. Its influence on private equity investment outcomes is substantial. The people within portfolio companies are the ones who ultimately turn the firm’s vision into value, which puts having the right PE firm hiring strategy on par with financial modeling, operational planning,
Reimagining Executive Search: Ezekia and HelloSky Bring AI-Powered Precision to Talent Sourcing
Artificial intelligence is redefining how executive search firms identify, engage, and assess top talent. By combining smart data tools with human expertise, firms are building faster, more precise, and more inclusive sourcing strategies. AI-powered platforms are now able to surface insights that were once hidden in fragmented data, helping recruiters make smarter, evidence-based decisions. As
GHP Search Partners with Christel House International to Add Seven Cabinet Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently engaged by Christel House International to assist in expanding its Expansion Campaign Cabinet. New cabinet members identified by GHP Search include: Rushi Amin, COO, Post Trade Engineering at Citadel; Joahne Carter, chief marketing officer at Semaine Health; Derek Koecher, vice president corporate strategy at T-Mobile; Elena Pinakatt, former global VP, marketing
Maven Partnership Expands in New York, London and Dubai
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has made three senior appointments, in New York, London and Dubai, that will play pivotal roles in accelerating the firm’s global growth and deepening its sector expertise. The firm has added Mike Flood as managing partner, Americas (New York), Lewis Ward as partner, investment management and global commodities (London), and Adam El Balawi as partner, global
Mercuri Urval Expands Senior Staff
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has created a new executive committee with the additions of Moa Wennlöf as chief client services officer and Andreas Frische as chief revenue officer. They join the existing CFO Tomas Hedstrom and CEO Richard Moore. “In the past five years MU has successfully strengthened its business as a leading
Navigating Uncertainty: How Non-Profit Executive Search is Evolving in 2025
The non-profit sector is entering a pivotal moment in 2025, marked by financial volatility, leadership transitions, and heightened expectations around organizational performance and equity. As federal funding cuts ripple through social services, education, the arts, and environmental initiatives, many non-profits have paused executive hiring or slowed decision-making, creating an environment of deep uncertainty. As expectations
Agentic AI: Why CIOs and CTOs Must Rethink Their Operating Models Now
The emergence of agentic AI represents a pivotal moment for technology leaders. For years, CIOs and CTOs have delivered incremental transformation, digitizing services, migrating to the cloud and embedding data into decisions, according to a recent report from Leathwaite’s Heather Barnes. “Agentic AI does not offer an increment,” the study said. “It introduces a different paradigm
