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Mercuri Urval Partners with Bell Oaks Executive Search
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has formed an alliance with Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search. “Cooperating with a highly reputable, and well established executive search firm such as Bell Oaks, represents a significant milestone for our organization, both internationally and within the U.S.,” said Darcie Murray, head of Americas, MU. “This will not only
Drowning in AI-Generated Resumes? How to Spot Real Talent
The job market has witnessed dramatic changes over the past few years and while many organizations are facing critical talent shortages in niches like machine learning and AI, they are also drowning in a glut of optimized applications, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Candidates are fully aware that hiring teams use applicant tracking systems
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.
New 2025 Report Highlights Tech Executive Pay Trends
Executive compensation goes beyond negotiation—it’s a strategic tool for driving growth, retaining talent, and maintaining a competitive edge. Understanding your executives’ value can be the key to securing top talent instead of losing them to rivals. Riviera Partners’ 2025 Executive Compensation Report, exclusively available to Riviera’s client and partner network, offers valuable insights into the
AGB Search Names Leader of Interim Division
Across the board, in every industry, today’s market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people taking temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to stay agile in
Pekarsky & Co. Recruits New Leader for the Calgary Hotel Association
Calgary-based executive search firm Pekarsky & Co. has placed Sol Zia as the new executive director of the Calgary Hotel Association. Principal Erin Dand led the assignment. “We have loved working with a caring, efficient and giving company as Pekarsky & Co. that brought us our new executive director Sol Zia,” said Arjun Channa, director and chair
ingeniam Executive Search & Human Capital Consulting Opens Office in Berlin
ingeniam Executive Search & Human Capital Consulting, an IIC Partners member firm, has opened a new office in Berlin. The new location will work closely alongside existing IIC Partners offices in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dusseldorf. “We are experiencing increased demand across all sectors, especially in professional services, and our new office in Berlin will help us
University of Alaska Anchorage and UConn Tap WittKieffer to Find Chief Diversity Officers
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities. It has become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities beyond that of most administrators.
Diversified Search Acquires Storbeck Search & Associates
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Diversified Search acquired education-focused Storbeck Search & Associates. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Founded by Shelly Storbeck in 2007, Storbeck is based in Media, PA, with 50 employees across six other states and Washington, D.C.
The Insight Group Recruits CIO for the Royal Children’s Hospital
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, head-hunting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find. Recently, Sydney-headquartered executive search firm the Insight Group placed Michelle Rennie as the new CIO of the Royal Children’s Hospital. Ms. Rennie is a
Vanderbloemen Search Group Seeks Pastors for Texas and Michigan Churches
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has been selected to find lead pastors for Christian churches in Texas and Michigan. CROSSROADS Church, in Odessa, TX, is seeking a lead pastor who will first and foremost be a highly gifted teacher. “Communicating God’s Word in a compelling and relevant fashion while maintaining
Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotion
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has promoted Charles Southwick to the position of senior vice president and principal. He will be expanding his efforts, continuing to develop impactful client relationships and recruit key leaders in sectors such as food and beverage, manufacturing, retail, technology and more. “Through his ability to achieve tangible results for clients and
Here’s the Key to Making your Diversity & Inclusion Efforts Work
Some companies invest in diversity and inclusion but fail to gain traction with it. Others invest in D&I and make it an integral part of their culture. What makes the difference? To learn more, Russell Reynolds Associates recently explored what distinguishes organizations that have successfully capitalized on their D&I efforts from others. The firm found
Quick Leonard Kieffer Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Silver Cross Hospital
As the life sciences 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
Public Search and Consulting Seeks Police Chief for the City of Boulder
Executive recruitment firm Public Sector Search & Consulting has been chosen to find the next police chief for the city of Boulder, CO. Gary Peterson, president and CEO, and Mark Helms, project consultant, are leading the assignment for the search firm. Greg Testa, who held the Boulder police chief role for five years, retired in September.
Gilman Partners Acquires Leadership Development Program
Gilman Partners has purchased the Senior Leadership Development Program from talent consulting firm NVR, a leadership development program strategically designed to prepare high-potential leaders for executive management. The search firm will rebrand the leadership development program GP Elevate and will assume full responsibility for the program when the next cohort begins in April. Cohorts meet one full day
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Head of Global Asset Management Practice
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has added Silvie Buchs to its Zurich office as a client partner and head of the global asset management practice. Ms. Buchs brings 20 years of financial services executive search experience to the firm, and specializes in asset management, alternative investments and private wealth management. She previously served as a key
Recruiting Transformational Leaders: A Supply and Demand Challenge for Modern Business
Today, technology is front and center of most business change. It can drive efficiency, growth, improved customer service, and an untold number of other elements that lead to success. Now, more than ever, businesses require leaders who understand technology and its possibilities in order to spearhead change. “To be successful, leaders themselves have to be
NAFA Fleet Management Association Taps JDG Associates to Find CEO
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
Cejka Search Seeks Chair for Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University has retained the services of Cejka Search to lead its hunt for a new chair of the department of emergency medicine. President and managing director Paul Esselman is leading the assignment. The chair will report to the dean of the School of Medicine and serve as the department’s academic and administrative leader,
Kensington Names Equity Partner in Nod to Leadership Succession
Oak Brook, IL-based executive search firm Kensington International Inc. has appointed Mary Jane Schermer as an equity partner. “Mary Jane is exactly the kind of person we want as a partner alongside the rest of the partners as we position the firm for leadership succession – we could not be more pleased,” said Brian Clarke, a managing
HVS Executive Search Adds Wall Street Veteran to Staff
After taking a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. In the last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is expected to increase in 2020, as global tourism and traveling
Employers Added More Jobs, Exceeding Forecasts
Employers added 225,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase exceeds the 164,000 forecast by economists. The January gain is the 112th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 5.9 million. Hiring slowed somewhat last year
AMN Leadership Solutions Seeks CEO for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
Executive recruitment firm AMN Leadership Solutions has been chosen to find the next president and chief executive officer for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Leading the assignment are recruiters Beth Ross, Christine Mackey-Ross and Jennifer Schaulin. “The new president and CEO will be joining Children’s Hospital & Medical Center at an important
Odgers Berndtson Launches Interim Arm in Boston and New York
Odgers Berndtson has launched its global interim management arm – Odgers Interim – in Boston and New York, following strong demand the search firm has seen for senior leaders working on an interim basis across the U.S. With offices in London, Australia, Canada and Brazil, Odgers Interim’s U.S. business will be led by Paul Smith, a U.K. client
Strategic Government Resources Seeks New Fire Chief for Little Elm, Texas
Keller, TX-based executive search firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR) has been chosen to find a new fire chief for the Town of Little Elm, TX. Senior vice president Larry Bell is leading the assignment. The fire chief directs and manages all firefighting, fire prevention and fire service activities of the town and is responsible, through study and
Ellig Group Appoints Global Advisory Services Practice Leader
New York City-based executive search firm Ellig Group has expanded with the addition of corporate governance veteran Nicole Sandford to lead its newly expanded global board advisory services practice. “We are delighted to further expand Ellig Group’s core search platform to offer a broader range of board search and related advisory and assessment services,” said Janice
Hanold Associates Recruits Eight Women Directors to Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Board
At a time when women continue to make slow progress in winning seats in the boardroom, Chicago-based Hanold Associates has made a powerful statement by recruiting eight women to serve in directorships at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a non-profit advocacy organization. Among the women: Nelda Connors, Kim Davis, Thasunda Brown Duckett, Cara Kennedy-Cuomo, Betty Liu,
Boyden Seeking Chief Technology Officer for the City of Vancouver
Boyden has been retained by Vancouver, British Columbia to lead its search for a new chief technology officer. The city wants a business leader who has been responsible for technology strategy and direction in a complex, dynamic organization with multiple business lines and stakeholders. Boyden’s managing partner Lisa Kershaw is leading the search team. Technology
ACEUM Advisors & Search Seeking Major Gifts Officer for GLAAD
For non-profit organizations, major gift officers are among the most vital of roles. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profit everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of
Cowen Partners Establishes New Venture Fund
Executive search firm Cowen Partners has launched a new venture fund that will focus solely on seed funding and early stage start-ups in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowen Partners Venture Fund has raised an undisclosed amount of money and is derived almost entirely from company and personal contributions of its founders, Shawn Cole and Ash
Bridgepoint Consulting Names Co-Leaders to Drive Growth Strategy
Austin, TX-based Bridgepoint Consulting, an Addison Group company, has appointed Michael Johnson and Manuel Azuara as managing principals to lead and drive the firm’s offerings and strategic geographic expansion in delivering full-scale finance transformations for growing companies nationwide. “A critical component of our continued growth strategy is the investment in and closer collaboration with our finance and IT
5 Social Media Mistakes Affecting Your Ability to Attract Talent
More than half (56 percent) of job seekers across the globe say an employer’s brand and reputation is more important today than it was five years ago, according to a global study of job seekers conducted by ManpowerGroup Solutions. Candidates do not have to rely on what potential employers tell them about a company; they
Koya Leadership Partners Tapped to Find Chief Talent and Equity Officer for Children’s Law Center
Koya Leadership Partners has been retained by the Children’s Law Center (CLC) in Washington, D.C., to lead the search for a chief talent and equity officer, a newly created position for the organization. Leading the assignment for the executive search firm are Miecha Ranea Forbes, senior vice president of culture, inclusion and strategic advising, and
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits General Counsel for The Andersons
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses and all levels of
