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Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
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.
Hudson Global and Star Equity Holdings Join Forces
Star Equity Holdings (Star) and Hudson Global, a global total talent solutions provider operating under the brand name Hudson RPO, have inked a definitive merger agreement. Pursuant to the merger, Star will merge with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson to form “NewCo”. “We are pleased to announce the signing of this merger
Heidrick & Struggles Places First Female CEO at the National Geographic Society
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Jill Tiefenthaler as the first female CEO of the National Geographic Society. The search included a review of more than 100 candidates. She will succeed former Heidrick CEO Tracy R. Wolstencroft, who was placed in the top role of the National Geographic Society by Russell
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for VisitDallas
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide Global recently placed Craig Davis as the new president and CEO of VisitDallas. Mike Gamble, president and chief executive officer of SearchWide Global, led the assignment. The search firm had been seeking an executive with knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, its distribution channels and its customer base. “Craig stood out among many
Ernst & Young Acquires PeopleFirm
Ernst & Young (EY) has further enhanced and expanded its capabilities in its People Advisory Services (PAS) business with the acquisition of strategic people consultancy PeopleFirm, a leader in delivering workforce and organization strategy, performance management, diversity and inclusion, leadership and culture work. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. PeopleFirm is a leader in delivering
Cannabis Search Firm Hunter + Esquire Expands
Legal marijuana is now an over $10 billion business in the U.S. Investors poured over $10 billion into cannabis in North America last year, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. In addition, the North American market exceeded $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the
Building a Talent Function for the Future
Today, organizations are contending with increasingly complex pressures caused by shifting societal trends and rapidly evolving business models as digitalization disrupts industries old and new. An increasingly digital world, 2020 marking the year Millennials are set to account for 50 percent of the workforce, as well as a heightened focus on social good and diversity and
Hobbs & Towne Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for HomeWorks Energy
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Recently, executive search firm Hobbs & Towne placed Bill Graham as the new chief marketing officer of HomeWorks Energy
Ralph Andersen and Associates Seeks Chief of Police for Boise, ID
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,
LifeSci Search Expands Efforts in Two Key Areas
LifeSci Search, a life sciences-focused executive search firm, is expanding on multiple fronts. The New York City-based search firm recently announced that it was moving into the healthcare investment and advisory industries with the addition of two key recruiters, Elena Liapounova and Rahil Haneef. Late last year, the firm added a veteran leader, Cristiano Musso,
Doyen Search Group Opens to Serve Hospitality and Real Estate Recruiting Sectors
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: Doyen Search Group (DSG), an executive search firm specialized in hospitality and real estate development, has been launched by Darrell Maxwell. Serving clients across the U.S., Doyen Search Group said
Frederickson Partners Appoints Chief Growth Officer in Chicago
Frederickson Partners, an executive search firm that recruits high impact human resources and people leaders for innovative, high-growth and transformational companies, has named Brian Brinkley as chief growth officer. He will be based in the firm’s Chicago office. “With the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence in strategic HR and the focus on building companies based
Odgers Berndtson Awarded Epilepsy Foundation CEO Search
Odgers Berndtson has been enlisted to conduct a national search for the president and CEO for the Epilepsy Foundation. The assignment will be led by partners Maureen Ryan and Derek Wilkinson. Philip M. Gattone stepped down from the Epilepsy Foundation’s top job at the end of last year. He leaves the organization with a strong leadership team and board of directors
Spencer Stuart Acquires Cambia Consulting
Spencer Stuart has acquired Cambria Consulting, which specializes in individual and team development. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cambria Consulting’s offerings complement Spencer Stuart’s growing set of leadership advisory services, which include executive assessment and development, coaching, CEO succession, team effectiveness, culture shaping, board effectiveness and the people side of merger integration,
AETHOS Consulting Group Tapped by Red Lion Hotels to Lead CEO Search
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
Sheffield Haworth Expands Global Markets Team
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Deborah Way to its New York office as a managing director within the firm’s global markets team. Ms. Way brings to the firm a wealth of experience in fixed income sales across the New York and Asia markets, having spent over 21
AGB Search Embarks On Prodigious Start to New Year
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has become a magnet for such assignments — recently
Options Group Opens Los Angeles Office; Adds Financial Services Expert to West Coast Team
Options Group has opened a new office in Los Angeles, which will be led by Amit Kapoor. Mr. Kapoor has transferred from the firm’s New York office to oversee Options Group’s ambitious growth plans for the region. The firm also hired Lara DeVito to help spearhead the buildout. As head of the Los Angeles office, Mr. Kapoor will be
ON Partners Lands CEO for Bazaarvoice
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Keith Nealon as chief executive officer of Bazaarvoice Inc., a digital marketing company based in Austin, TX. Joe Davis of Marlin Equity Partners has served as CEO since it acquired Bazaarvoice in 2018. The company said he will transition out of the CEO role and return to his original role
Caldwell Posts 14 Percent Increase in Revenues
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted first quarter revenues of $18.8 million (Canadian), a 14 percent increase from a year ago. “This was another excellent quarter and a strong start to our fiscal year,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “We said we were well-positioned heading into fiscal 2020, and we are pleased to be
Kennedy Executive Search Appoints New President and VP
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has elected Caroline Frisenberg as new president and Markus Unterberger as vice president. Founder of the network Jorg Stegemann and Carl Lens will step down as president and vice president, respectively. The election is the result of the network’s recent transformation into an economic interest
As Job Growth Continues, ‘Robust Hiring Year’ Expected
Employers added 145,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase was below the 164,000 forecast by economists. The December gain is the 111th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 6.3 million. In 2019, the
Turnkey Search Places Commissioner for Major League Rugby
Following a comprehensive search across North America and internationally, Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted in placing George Killebrew as the new commissioner of Major League Rugby (MLR). “George Killebrew has the right experience, temperament and tenacity to be successful as commissioner for Major League Rugby,” said Rick Alessandri, managing director
Heidrick & Struggles Leads CEO Search for Westpac
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Westpac, Australia’s oldest bank, to lead its search for a new CEO. Brian Hartzer stepped down in December. Chairman Lindsay Maxsted said he will be retiring in the first half of 2020. This will enable an incoming chairman and the board to
Bullhorn Acquires Staffing Automation Company Herefish
Bullhorn Inc., which provides cloud-based customer relationship management and operations solutions for the staffing industry, has acquired Herefish, a provider of automation solutions for staffing firms. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Herefish, a longtime Bullhorn Marketplace partner, is one of the leading providers of staffing business process automation, and its solutions are expected to
Berwick Partners Opens Offices in Dallas and Singapore
Birmingham, England-based Berwick Partners, a division of Odgers Berndtson, has expanded with the openings of new offices in Dallas, TX and Singapore. The firm already operates from key locations across the U.K. in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, with its international network also including offices in Amsterdam and Dubai. “We have a clear plan to further internationalize
Major League Baseball Selects Hanold Associates to Find Chief HR and Diversity Officer
With spring training just over a month away, Major League Baseball has turned to Chicago-based Hanold Associates to assist in recruiting a chief human resources and diversity officer. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, is leading the assignment along with partner Keri Gavin. “The MLB has had a significant focus on diversity, most
Wilton & Bain Adds New Partners in New York and Boston
Executive recruitment firm Wilton & Bain, which is headquartered in London but undergoing an important rollout in the U.S., has added two key professionals to its operations in America. Katie Vande Water, who will be working out of the Boston office, and Fred Davis, based in New York, have joined the firm as partners. “After
Kingsley Gate Partners Acquires Israeli-Based Everest Search Partners
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Kingsley Gate Partners acquired Everest Search Partners, an Israeli-based boutique executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Jeff Shapiro and Noam Eisenberg have joined Kingsley Gate Partners as senior partners based in Tel
accelHRate Launches Board Services and CFO Practices
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has recently launched new board services and CFO practices. The firm also expanded with the additions of experienced executive search veterans Mark Mulvanerty and Melissa Schmidt as managing partner and principal, respectively. Kimberly Shanahan, founding president and CEO, will co-lead the firm’s board of directors practice and continue to
SearchWide Global Brings on Executive to Lead International Expansion
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide Global has added Annie Kristi Korsmo as vice president, taking the lead role in managing the company’s international expansion. She will open an international office for SearchWide Global in Norway and locations in Europe and the U.K. in the near future. “As a company, we’ve been moving into the international market and
The Difference Between Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
Talent acquisition and recruitment are two related concepts that are tremendously significant for any organization targeting sustainable growth and success. At first glance, it might seem that these terms have the same meaning, but in fact there are significant differences, according to a new report by Randstad. “To ensure your HR function is operating as effectively
ZRG Partners Launches Sports and Entertainment Practice
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, has launched a new sports and entertainment practice with the addition of Jamie Crittenberger. He joins the firm as managing director and head of the practice based in Washington, D.C. Mr. Crittenberger will also serve as a senior member of ZRG’s consumer and private equity practice
