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IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added CGT Partners in Singapore as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome CGT Partners to our global organization,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their unique, tailored approach to client engagements, combined with an impressive track record across board advisory, executive search, and leadership assessment,
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
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.
Five Years Later: How the Shutdown Redefined Business and Leadership
Five years ago this week, the world came to a sudden halt. In March 2020 marked the beginning of a global shutdown that reshaped business, leadership, and the way companies operate. “At Z3Talent, everything came to a standstill,” Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search firm, remembers. Were companies going to keep hiring? Would the
Unemployment Rate Rises, Expected to Surge 16 Percent
Employment fell by 701,000 last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent low, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. The number of unemployed currently stands at 7.1 million. Over the last two weeks, 10 million Americans have filed for temporary unemployment benefits. That’s two percent of the
Keep Calm and Recruit: Why Now is the Best Time to Assess Your Talent Assets
With all the drama around the coronavirus crisis, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that it might – just might, and with luck – be short-lived. When that happens, the world can start to get back to normal. “Many companies took advantage of the recent easy, good times to build their businesses,”
The Jacobson Group Recruits CEO for American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company
Major global organizations in all sectors are seeking a record number of insurance leaders with the combination of both digital and industry or “domain” experience, report executive recruiters familiar with the space. Companies looking for these C-suite executives require both insurance expertise and high levels of “digital proficiency,” they say – a combination that is
Pandemic Crisis Forces 10 Million Americans into Unemployment
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed unemployment claims in historic numbers, with the Labor Department reporting Thursday a surge to 6.6 million. Nearly 10 million people have filed for unemployment benefits in two weeks. Economists now expect the U.S. economy to fall into a recession in the second quarter, before staging a comeback
Is Hiring on Hold? Not According to Some Recruiters
Market uncertainty and disruption is going to create uncertainty and disruption in your workforce. This is especially true if you are in an industry that is being heavily impacted by coronavirus disease (COVID-19), like the airline industry, energy sector and hospitality market, where the impact is most volatile. Conversely, in healthcare, life sciences, private equity,
Hudson Global Posts 40 Percent Revenue Gain; Pandemic Creating Uncertainty Ahead
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted 2019 full-year revenues of $93.8 million, a 40.2 percent from a year earlier. The firm’s Americas revenue of $13.6 million decreased two percent, Asia Pacific revenue of $61.4 million increased 77 percent, and Europe revenue of $18.8 million increased 22 percent. The Old Greenwich, Conn-based recruiting firm posted a net loss of $1 million,
Executive Search Firms Adapt Services to COVID-19 Pandemic
A search assignment that was reported on last December has taken an unusual turn due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the U.S. The search for a new president of Wisconsin’s public university system, led by Storbeck Search & Associates, is making progress, even amid the current health crisis. Spearheading the assignment
McDermott + Bull Places CHRO for Williston Financial Group
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Heather Krablin as senior vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Williston Financial Group (WFG), a leading provider of homeowner title insurance and related lender services for residential and commercial real estate transactions. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, led
AltoPartners Canada Offering No Cost Services to Help Organizations During Pandemic Crisis
Due to the current international COVID-19 crisis, AltoPartners Canada – which includes managing partner Keith Labbett along with his Canadian partners Kevin Hall, Shauna Louie, Oliver Baezner – has started an initiative of offering network and resource services at no cost to assist any organization developing products or services to help the fight against the virus.
Pandemic Crisis Leads Saenger Associates to Cut Recruiting Cycle Time to 30 Days
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the nation, executive search experts at Saenger Associates have created a special program for clients who have an immediate need to fill executive or senior management positions. The firm’s new “Virtual Fast-Tracked 30-Day Retained Executive Search” offer, which is focused on the aerospace & defense and industrial products industries, essentially
James & Co. Recruits Worldwide ERC Chief Executive
New York City-based executive search firm James & Co. has assisted in the placement of Lynn Shotwell as the new president and chief executive officer of Worldwide ERC, a trade association for talent management and global mobility knowledge and innovation. “The leadership team, board of directors and I are thrilled to work with an executive
Momenta Partners Appoints Start-Up Advisory Practice Leader
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has expanded with the addition of Blaine Mathieu as partner in advising and leader of its start-up advisory practice. Momenta Partners was founded as digital industry growth partners, investing in, advising and placing executive-level talent for leading and emerging companies focused on the digitization and transformation of industry. With the addition
Managing Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing worldwide public health concerns and widespread disruptions across the global economy, including for businesses and schools. It has caused society to put a pause on public gatherings, sporting events, the arts, restaurants and nightlife, which otherwise would have provided relief during difficult times. As the crisis unfolded last week, the
N2Growth Adjusts Search Fees to Help Clients During Pandemic Crisis
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, will be deferring 50 percent of all search fees for new engagements until after the COVID-19 pandemic has been contained. “This is a rather unprecedented time, and it’s during times like this that we need to come together and find opportunities to serve each other,” said
Koblentz Group Tapped to Find CEO for St. Vincent de Paul of Georgia
The Koblentz Group has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for St. Vincent de Paul of Georgia (SVdP Georgia), an Atlanta area social service group. The organization’s current CEO, John Berry, will retire in September after 13 years in the role. Partner Jeffrey Neppl is leading the assignment for the executive recruitment
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for BJC HealthCare
With the coronavirus crisis upon us, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. As a recent article in The Economist put it, “They must keep employees healthy; maintain their morale;
Development Guild DDI Recruits Chief Development Officer for Greenpeace
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has placed Tricia Hart as chief development officer for the environmental group Greenpeace. Managing director Sherry Ettleson led the assignment. Ms. Hart most recently served as national director of marketing and engagement at Amnesty International USA, where she expanded direct mail and digital giving programs
ZRG Partners Appoints Retail Practice Global Leader
ZRG Partners has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Brian Meany as managing partner and global head of its retail practice. He will be based in the firm’s New York City office. Mr. Meany has spent the past 25 years as managing director for Herbert Mines Associates, where he executed C-suite searches across the retail, fashion, wholesale
Unemployment Claims Surge as COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis Deepens
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis filed unemployment claims in historic numbers, with the Labor Department reporting Thursday a surge to 3.28 million, an increase of 3,001,000 from the previous week’s revised level. Consensus expectations were for 1.64 million claims. The previous record was 695,000 claims filed the week ended October 2, 1982. Initial jobless claims
Parker Executive Search Finds Next President for the University of Wyoming
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has assisted the University of Wyoming in the recruitment Edward Seidel as the school’s 28th president. The board of trustees announced last year that it would not be renewing the contract of Laurie Nichols, who was hired in 2016. Laura Wilder, the search firm’s president, led the assignment along with vice president
Heidrick & Struggles Announces 45 Promotions
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has promoted 23 partners and 22 principals in its search and consulting businesses globally. “Our newly promoted consultants have proven their ability to deliver exceptional client service, drive strong business growth
Isaacson, Miller Assists University of Maryland and Xavier University to Find New Leaders
Isaacson, Miller recently assisted in the placement of Darryll J. Pines as the 34th president of the University of Maryland. Meanwhile the search firm was also called in by Xavier University to find its next president. John Muckle, Gale Merseth and Vijay Saraswat led the search for Maryland while Jackie Mildner, Leslie McCarthy, and Jenna Sattar
New Heritage Capital Invests in DeWinter Group
Today, the private equity sector is the chief growth driver for executive search firms. PE firms are rapidly expanding their portfolio companies and along that pathway they need top talent more than ever before. In short, private equity firms are hungry for top level C-suite talent as their portfolio companies go through an explosive gritty
Lansdowne Executive Search Seeking Leader for Housing Alliance
Dublin, Ireland-based Lansdowne Executive Search has been enlisted to find the executive director for the Housing Alliance, a collaboration of six of Ireland’s largest approved housing bodies (AHBs). Partner Sean McDonagh is leading the assignment. Reporting to the Housing Alliance chair, the executive director will be expected to take a hands-on role in establishing the
Mastering the Online Interview has Just Taken on New Importance
Online interviews could be the new normal — not just because of the coronavirus crisis but because companies are realizing meaningful cost savings. That is leading to more broad acceptance of the practice. Carol Hartman of Hartman Group Consulting offers ways to master your next online interview. “Conducting interviews as a hiring manager or candidate from your
Diversified Search Recruits President and CEO for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Following an extensive nationwide search, Diversified Search has placed Jim Gerlach as the new president and chief executive officer of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) in Reading, PA. He replaces Randy Peers who resigned last July to pursue other interests. “Jim’s history of public service, high integrity and ability to work with a wide variety of constituencies
MitchelLake Expands in the U.S.
Sydney-headquartered executive search firm MitchelLake Group has expanded in the U.S. with the addition of Quang Pham as a senior associate. Based in Los Angeles, Mr. Pham will be responsible for helping the U.S. team to drive search execution and business growth over the next 12 months and beyond. “The U.S. executive search division has been
11 Key Strategies for Seeking a New Job During a Pandemic
In these unprecedented times, people are stressed, confused, worried, perplexed and in various stages of emotional overload while the daily influx of troubling news continues. If you are unemployed and looking for full-time employment, you are having the challenge of your business life right now. A new report by Russ Riendeau, senior partner and chief
UCLA Taps WittKieffer for Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jeff Compher, Zach Smith and Kim Brettschneider of executive search firm WittKieffer are currently assisting the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in a national search for a new director of intercollegiate athletics. “UCLA seeks an experienced, creative, inspiring and entrepreneurial leader with unwavering integrity, a strong work ethic and a commitment to transparency and collaboration with the broadest range of campus stakeholders
Frederickson Partners Strengthens HR Recruiting Staff
Frederickson Partners, an executive search firm that recruits high impact human resources and people leaders for innovative, high-growth and transformational companies, has added recruiting veteran Katie Traines as an HR and people executive search partner to be based in Chicago. “We are beyond excited for Katie to join the Frederickson team,” said Brian Brinkley, chief growth officer of Frederickson Partners. “Katie
Women in Canada Lagging Male Counterparts in the C-Suite
In many respects the past few years have represented a tipping point for women – and the men who support them. The abrupt fall of high-profile individuals from the worlds of business, entertainment, politics and media, coupled with the rise of broad-based movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, seems to signal a profound shift in societal
