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Rokos Group Recruits CFO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has placed Christian Pass as CFO of Keck Medicine of USC. “Pass has more than 30 years of health care finance leadership experience with a proven history of cultivating high-performing teams and guiding organizations through critical financial and operational transformations,” said Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine. “He brings tremendous
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Howmet Aerospace
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Winterlich as the new CFO of executive vice president and CFO of NYSE-traded Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. He succeeds Ken Giacobbe, who is retiring after more than two decades at the company. Mr. Winterlich most recently was executive vice president and chief financial officer at
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.
Build or Buy? Executive Insights into Strategic Talent Planning
As organizations strive to maintain competitive advantage and agility, how they source and develop talent has become a critical differentiator. In today’s dynamic business environment, the debate between “buying” versus “building” talent remains central to strategic workforce planning, according to a recent report from global executive search provider SpenglerFox’s Malgorzata Kosior. “For executives, particularly those leading within
How to Retain Executive Mothers During and After COVID-19
In January 2020, women constituted more than 50 percent of the American workforce. Six months and 15 million jobs later, this may not be the case, according to a new report by Odgers Berndtson and co-authored by Catherine Bass Black and Lisa DeConto. “It’s been widely recognized that women in the United States are being disproportionately affected
McDermott & Bull Recruits CEO for NEXT for AUTISM
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed former American Montessori Society executive Timothy Purnell as the new CEO for NEXT for AUTISM. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, led the assignment. Mr. Purnell has a proven track record as an innovative leader, strategic planner and inspiring educator. He transitioned
Hightech Partners Adds Technology, Digital Executive
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Jean-Christophe Legrand, a senior executive in technology and digital, to help develop the firm’s international business. His appointment strengthens HTP’s strategy as a global leader in the field of digital executive-level recruitment, but also as advisor to clients on the talent aspects of digital
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Business Officer for the Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted the Detroit Pistons in the recruitment of former Roc Nation executive Mike Zavodsky as its new chief business officer. The role is a new position for the professional basketball organization. Mr. Zavodsky begins work with the NBA team on Wednesday. He will report to Pistons vice chair Arn Tellem.
Focus Search Partners Creates Interim Executive Services Practice
Top experts in talent management and leadership recruitment agree that filling an interim leadership position can be a significant opportunity for an organization. Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, recently launched an interim executive services practice to leverage the firm’s 20-year history. The firm tapped C-suite talent veteran Monica Foster to lead the
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Russia
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has strengthened its global presence adding VIPJOBS LLC as a new member firm in Russia. The organization says that Russia is a market with significant talent and strong demand for leadership capabilities. “With IRC Russia, our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,”
Leading Through & Beyond COVID-19; Best Practices for an Unprecedented Time
Leaders may automatically default to the bottom line and focus on the financial damage that COVID-19 is causing—and for good reason. But many employees place greater emphasis and importance on the support they are receiving from leadership, according to a new report from Robinson Resource Group. “People need to know that even though their leader is
The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
The Christopher Group has placed Michelle Jones as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The search was completed by founder and CEO Tom Christopher, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “Partnering with TCG and Jeff specifically was absolutely fantastic,” said Ms. Jones. “COVID-19 hit during the process and
DHR International Adds Partner to Financial Officer Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of Rob Tillman as managing partner of its global financial officer practice. He will also serve as a key leader in the firm’s private equity and advanced technology practices and will work closely with DHR’s advisory services team, Elevate Partners. Mr. Tillman has served with three of
Bespoke Partners Recruits Technology Officer for Clearlake Capital-backed Provation
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the placement of Linda Buan as chief technology officer of Clearlake Capital Group-backed Provation. Ms. Buan had been serving as the company’s vice president, product development and operations. “Innovation, quality and service have long been defining characteristics of Provation’s software solutions, and our chief technology officer
Westmont Search Selected to Lead Chief Nursing Officer Search for Essentia Health
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
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has hired Amy Scissons as its new chief marketing and communications officer. She is based in New York and also serves as a member of the firm’s operating committee. “We are delighted to have Amy join our senior leadership team,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “Her
As COVID-19 Concerns Escalate, Unemployment Claims Continue
As businesses reopen and COVID-19 cases spike in more than half the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.48 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 14th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 1.35 million
JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa will co-lead the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings a
Caldwell Assists CrossFirst Bank in CEO Search
Rich Perkey and Jeremy Zeman of Caldwell recently assisted CrossFirst Bankshares based in Leawood, KS in the placement of Mike Maddox as its new president and chief executive officer. His successor, George F. Jones, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors through 2021 and will serve as vice chairman. “I am excited to welcome Mike
Business Agility Critical to Post-Pandemic Workforce, Economic Recovery
If there was ever a moment in recent history where human capital leaders were challenged to play a strategic part in their organization’s survival and growth, that defining moment is now. In just a few short months, the once-thriving global economy has been toppled by the pandemic. Helping organizations safely return to work sites will
JDG Associates Seeking CFO for NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has retained Darren DeGioia of JDG Associates to find its new chief financial officer/ chief administrative officer for its National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) division. NESDIS, based in Silver Spring, MD, is charged with providing secure and timely access to global environmental data and information
Boyden Adds Former Goodwill CEO and Psychologist as Senior Advisors
Boyden has added former Goodwill CEO Jim Gibbons and accomplished psychologist Christina Greathouse as senior advisors. “Jim and Christina are tremendous additions as senior advisors to Boyden’s CEO and board services practice – they will consult to our partners and clients globally,” said Craig Stevens, a Boyden board member, U.S. chairman and managing partner. “I have had the privilege of working with both
Pandemic’s Lingering Effect on Recruiters: Client Activity Down, Interim Hiring Up
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on every business sector, executive recruiting included, costing organizations billions of dollars in lost revenue. Goldman Sachs estimates that economic growth around the world will be zero in 2020 thanks to the virus. To many, even that seems grossly underestimated. But the coronavirus is causing far more than
KLR Executive Search Group Assists Harvard University Employees Credit Union in CEO Search
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has assisted Harvard University Employees Credit Union (HUECU) in the recruitment of Craig Leonard as its new president and CEO. Gene Foley, who has been with the credit union for four decades and led it for 25 years, is retiring in July. Partner Susan Pardus led the assignment for the recruitment
AMN Healthcare Launches Return-to-Work Services
AMN Healthcare, a provider of healthcare total talent services to facilities, has launched a customizable, technology-enabled and clinically based service for businesses and other organizations to protect the health and safety of employees as they return to work. As businesses welcome back employees and clients amid the coronavirus outbreak, AMN Healthcare said that it requires
Leading From the Front in a Pandemic
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the operative word has been “unprecedented.” That’s true on a human tragedy level as well as for businesses. It’s no wonder that many leaders have found themselves in the same position as their employees—uncertain, confused, anxious. A new report by Korn Ferry offered the firm’s best advice for
True Search Finds CEO for The Bouqs Company
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has placed the new chief executive officer of The Bouqs Company, a leading online floral retailer. Alejandro Bethlen brings over two decades of leadership and international experience in scaling global businesses for Fortune 100 companies including Amazon and Procter & Gamble to his new role. Mr. Bethlen will
WittKieffer Opens Office in Singapore
Executive search firm WittKieffer has expanded into the Asia-Pacific market with the opening of an office in Singapore. Headed by managing director Anissa Low, the Singapore office will allow WittKieffer to operate on a global scale, to source talent across continents and serve clients in healthcare, education, and life sciences. WittKieffer selected Singapore as the regional hub
Leadership Development Pays Off in Times of Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic is threatening both lives and livelihoods across the globe. Catastrophes happen and most of the time we have no control over them. “However, our response as leaders is something we do have a control over, and that’s what more often than not defines the outcome of any crisis,” according to a new
Sage Search Partners Fills Posts for Tulane and UCLA
Newton, MA-based Sage Search Partners, which specializes in higher education and non-profit institutions, has made two key placements that will help their clients address equity issues as well as the financial constraints of students, which is of particular concern during the current economic crisis as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. Marvin Smith will
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Leader of Leadership and Succession Practice
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded with the addition of Paul Ballman as leader of its leadership and succession practice in the EMEA region. He will work with clients to deliver assessments and solutions to complex challenges faced by leadership teams across the globe. “We are delighted to welcome Paul to our leadership team,”
Another 1.5 Million Americans File for Unemployment
Despite the U.S. adding a record amount of jobs last month, the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.5 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected the Labor Department to report 1.3 million initial claims. The latest numbers reflect the persistent strain on the economy caused
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Mesa Biotech
Executive search firm Slone Partners has recruited Ingo Chakravarty as the new president and CEO of Mesa Biotech. He assumes leadership of the company less than two months after it received emergency use authorization from the Federal Drug Administration to market its 30-minute point-of-care molecular SARS-CoV-2 test. Mr. Chakravarty succeeds Dr. Hong Cai, co-founder and CEO of Mesa Biotech since
Naughtin Group Expands Senior Management Team
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, Naughtin Group, a woman-owned national executive search firm based in Minneapolis, MN, expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of HR veteran Mike Carey as senior partner. In his role, he will lead client
Getting Succession Planning Right During a Pandemic
The last couple of months have been a wake-up call for many organizations. The potential effect of COVID-19 on executive health has made boards of trustees aware of the need to review their succession planning processes, according to a new report from DHR International’s Lisa Sprenkle Jones and Heather Smith. “A viable succession planning process







