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From Experimentation to Infrastructure: How AI is Redefining Executive Search
What was once considered “experimental” technology (AI-powered sourcing, workflow automation, and predictive analytics) has quickly become foundational, according to a recent Cluen survey. It found that a majority of firms are not only adopting these tools but reshaping entire business models around them. Yet with maturity comes new challenges. How do you balance speed with
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for A Place for Mom
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Michelle Deitchman as the new chief people officer for A Place for Mom in Seattle, WA. “Congratulations Michelle Deitchman on joining A Place for Mom as chief people officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your deep HR expertise, business acumen, and dynamic leadership drive
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.
A Closer Look at Private Equity’s Evolving Playbook for Executive Talent
Private equity firms are raising the bar for executive talent, driven by a post-pandemic return to in-office expectations and an intensified focus on leadership performance. As firms prioritize in-person leadership to rebuild culture and drive alignment, a disconnect is emerging between employer demands and candidate preferences for flexibility. At the same time, a slowdown in
BIPOC Executive Search Launched in Canada
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: BIPOC Executive Search Inc. has been launched to focus on the recruitment of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) for organizations across Canada. The new venture is inspired by the
How the Talent Game is Changing
Much like everything else having to do with hiring and recruiting, executive search is changing. The inability to meet face to face has had a big impact on every organization’s ability to effectively assess the quality of senior-level candidates, according to a new report from Rhys Metler of IQ Partners. But there’s more: The search
Academic Search Recruits President for United Lutheran Seminary
Following an extensive search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted the United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) in the placement of Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin as its next president. His appointment is effective Aug. 1. Bishop Erwin succeeds interim president, the Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann. Bishop Erwin, the fourth bishop of the Southwest California Synod of
WittKieffer Names Head of Education Practice
WittKieffer has named Zachary A. Smith as managing partner of its education practice. He inherits the role from colleague Robin Mamlet, with whom he co-led the practice for the past year as part of a planned transition. Ms. Mamlet remains with the firm and will continue to partner with Mr. Smith in the coming year while also devoting
What the New Normal Might Look Like for Companies After COVID-19
As countries around the world ease their lockdown restrictions, workers are looking forward to getting back to normal. But what will “normal” look like in the post-COVID business environment? In two new reports, Philippe Tschannen, global managing partner of H.I. Executive Consulting, outlines major changes your company can expect and explores the impact this will have on digital
Pillar Search & Consulting Assists Jewish Vocational Service in CIO Search
Pillar Search & Consulting has placed Jim Santiago as the new chief information officer of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in Boston. “We look forward to Jim’s leadership as JVS evolves into an agency with a fully integrated, highly effective tech infrastructure and systems which will optimize staff, client and alumni success,” said Kira Khazatsky, chief operating
Beecher Reagan Names EMEA Partner
Houston-based executive search firm Beecher Reagan has appointed Georgina Pawley as EMEA partner. She will serve as the firm’s global technology services practice leader and co-global private equity practice leader. Ms. Pawley brings a wealth of expertise in human capital strategy and recruitment in the digital transformation space to Beecher Reagan’s consulting practice. She works with professional services
Your Job as a Leader
In today’s challenging times, leadership is needed more than ever. “What we need right now is calm, steady leadership; not panic, hysteria, and rush to judgment,” says Rob Andrews, chairman and CEO of Houston-based executive search firm Allen Austin, in a new report. “We need our leaders to tell us we’re going to be OK,
Odgers Berndtson Expands Aerospace, Defense & National Security Search Practice
John Hambley has joined Odgers Berndtson’s aerospace, defense and national security practice as a principal. “John is a great addition to the Odgers Berndtson team as we continue to grow our U.S. executive search and leadership services, as well as continue to help the Odgers Berndtson global practices expand,” said Steve Potter, U.S. CEO of
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for Beca Group
As companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, chief people officers are coming more into vogue. Recently, New Zealand executive search firm Hobson Leavy placed former Air New Zealand executive Anne Henry as chief people and culture officer for Beca Group. “We are delighted to welcome Anne to Beca,”
Caldwell Records 42 Percent Q3 Revenue Decline
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q3 revenues of $11.5 million (Canadian), a 42 percent decrease from a year ago. Like many companies, the firm’s performance was impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a challenging business environment for the executive search industry,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “Our third quarter revenue is down 42 percent over last
BarkerGilmore Adds Legal Expert as Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has added legal operations pioneer Audrey Rubin to its advisory and coaching division. Ms. Rubin is nationally acclaimed as both a pioneer of the legal operations function and a preeminent leader in the business of law, with an innovative background in advising law
Spencer Stuart Assists the National Council on Aging with CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has assisted the National Council on Aging (NCOA) with the recruitment of Ramsey Alwin as its next president and CEO. Current president and CEO James Firman announced late last year his plans to retire from the organization after 25 years of service. Consultants Jennifer Heenan and Leslie Hortum led the assignment. “Ramsey has
Another 1.3 Million Americans File for Jobless Claims
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.3 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 15th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had been expecting 1.38 million claims. The latest numbers reflect
Sheffield Haworth Adds Managing Director to Consulting, Technology & Services Practice; Expands to West Coast
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Sam Wallace as a managing director to the firm’s consulting, technology and services (CTS) practice. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Wallace will be responsible for leading and growing the practice across the Americas. Ms. Wallace has an extensive track record focusing on senior hires for technology
accelHRate Assists Venture Global LNG in CFO Search
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has placed Jack Thayer as the new CFO of Venture Global LNG Inc. “We are delighted to welcome Jack to our experienced leadership team,” co-chief executive officers Bob Pender and Mike Sabel jointly stated. “He has an outstanding record of accomplishment as chief financial officer at two
Caldwell Fills Key Posts for PE-Backed Episerver and Tricentis
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist private equity-backed firms across the nation find top level talent, including chief people officers who are becoming central to organizations grappling with the human resource impact of COVID-19. Meanwhile, as businesses become more complex as a result of the ongoing pandemic, marketing activities are
DiMarchi Partners Places CEO at Rudi’s Organic Bakery
Grand Junction / Boulder, CO-based DiMarchi Partners has recruited Brian McGuire as the new CEO of Rudi’s Organic Bakery, a producer of certified organic bread. “All vetting, interviewing and evaluation were done remotely through ZOOM, SKYPE and other formats,” said Paul DiMarchi, founder and president of the firm. “This shows a leap of faith by all parties, as well as how efficiently critical
Raines International Expands Asset Management Practice
New York-based Raines International has expanded with the addition of Engy Lamour as senior vice president of its asset management practice. Based in New York City, Mr. Lamour has more than 10 years of experience in the asset management and alternative investments industry and is recognized for his extensive subject matter expertise and vast executive network. As a member
When is the Right Time to Change Jobs?
Leaving a job is stressful under any circumstances. It is hard enough to do when times are normal. And 2020 is hardly normal. Everything is in flux, and even more challenging, those changes are largely happening remotely, this according to a new report authored by Richard Stein, chief growth officer at Options Group. “It’s good to remember, therefore,
Bishop & Company Seeking CEO for Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has contracted with Honolulu-based executive search firm Bishop & Company to assist in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The assignment is being spearheaded by Erinn N. Tomlinson, the search firm’s director of executive recruitment. The organization’s current leader, Chris Tatum, announced last month that he would be
The Mom Project Announces $25 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an artificial intelligence component. Just recently, The Mom Project, a talent marketplace, closed a $25 million series B funding round, bringing total funding at the Chicago-based company to $36 million. The Mom Project aims to connect women, including mothers, with employment opportunities. Its platform has amassed
Cejka Search Assists Iowa Clinic in CEO Search
Cejka Search has placed Ben Vallier as the new CEO of the Iowa Clinic. He succeeds Ed Brown, who helped found the clinic in 1994 and led the organization for more than 25 years before announcing his plans to step down from the top job last September. The assignment was led by Mark Madden, the recruitment firm’s executive vice president
Hanold Associates Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice
Hanold Associates has launched a global diversity, equity and inclusion practice and named Keri Gavin as practice leader. As one of the nation’s top C-suite HR leadership providers, the search firm has led dozens of critical chief diversity and inclusion officer searches for clients such Gucci, Live Nation Entertainment, Ford Motor Company, MGM Resorts International, Major League Baseball,
Diversified Search Assists DairyAmerica in CEO Search
Julie Kanak of Diversified Search has recently assisted Fresno, CA-headquartered DairyAmerica in the recruitment of Patricia Smith as its new president and CEO. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in a number of senior leadership capacities over the past 20 years in the dairy processing and food ingredient industry. “DairyAmerica sits at the forefront of one of the
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Year-End Revenues; Q4 Down 10.2 Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2020 fiscal year-end revenues of $1.92 billion, flat from a year ago. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – also reported fourth quarter revenue of $490.8 million, a decline of 10.2 percent. The firm reported restricting charges of $40.5 million in its fourth quarter. Net income
ZRG Recruits President for AccelerātUM
ZRG has recruited Brett Feddersen as the president of AccelerātUM, a new entity founded by the former head of the FAA and industry colleagues to advance the unmanned air mobility industry. Managing directors Samantha Foster and Craig Sabina led the assignment. “ZRG managing directors Craig Sabina and Samantha Foster were instrumental in Brett’s recruitment,” AccelerātUM
Versique Search and Consulting Names CFO
Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting has promoted Erik Fortier to chief financial officer. In this role, he will oversee the company’s finance operations as well as HR, IT and office administration functions, and will focus on maintaining Versique’s continued growth and helping to drive its strategic initiatives. “Erik has brought a whole new level
Unemployment Rate Falls to 11.1 Percent; Another 1.4 Million Jobless Claims Filed
Employment surprisingly rose by 4.8 million in June as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 11.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. These improvements in the labor market reflect a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March, April and May due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and
Higher Education Leadership Recruits Business Dean for Arkansas Tech University
Following a nationwide search, C. Wayne Alderman and Alan Medders of Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search have completed the search for the new dean of the college of business for Arkansas Tech University (ATU). K. Russell Jones will start in his new role with the university on Monday. “Dr. Jones is an experienced academician and administrator who is
20/20 Foresight Strengthens Search Staff
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Mitch Ornstein as managing director. Mr. Ornstein, who will work from the firm’s Chicago office, brings more than 15 years of executive search experience in placing senior leaders across all functions to his new role. He will serve as 20/20 Foresight’s functional expert in the CFO
