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C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
The Invisible Month in Executive Recruitment: The Overlooked ROI of Shortlist Due Diligence
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to protect both client outcomes and their own reputations as leadership decisions become more visible and consequential. That has put greater focus on when risk is identified in the search process, not simply whether it is identified at all, and on how earlier diligence can help firms avoid
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking HR Leader for the University of Central Missouri
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained to recruit the next associate vice president of human resources at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the president’s strategic leadership team, the AVP of HR will play a vital role in
NPAG Leading CEO Search for Horizons Foundation
Executive search firm NPAG has been retained by Horizons Foundation to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Ellen LaPointe. The next CEO will bring strategic clarity, fundraising acumen, community insight, and a demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and LGBTQ belonging. This leader will navigate a rapidly evolving social, political, and
Boyden Recruits CEO for the Canadian Marketing Association
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Esther Benzie as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). Ian Collyer led the assignment. Following Alison Simpson’s retirement announcement in September 2025, the CMA board of directors launched a comprehensive executive search to identify the association’s next leader. The search attracted strong interest from highly
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Bucharest
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Resolute Advisory as its newest member. Located in Bucharest, Resolute Advisory expands IIC Partners’ capabilities across Romania and Eastern Europe. “I am delighted to welcome Resolute Advisory into membership,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their philosophy of search as a strategic intervention, combined with their rigorous,
Hiring vs. Hustling: When It’s Time to Add to the Team
There’s a point in almost every growing company where things come to a head. Revenue is up, the pipeline is strong, and the team is stretched but still getting the job done, explained a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners. So leaders decide, “Let’s wait before making that hire.” “On paper, this seems disciplined, responsible, and
The Tolan Group Assists MAX Surgical Specialty Management with CFO Search
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Jeff Couper as the new CFO of MAX Surgical Specialty Management. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare finance, operational transformation, and strategic growth. Mr. Couper most recently served as CFO for multiple multi-site healthcare organizations including Absolute Dental Group and Children’s Dental Health, where he
Furst Group Fills CEO Position for PracticeWise
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Eric Meier as the new CEO of PracticeWise. Principal/senior client partner Tim Frischmon and senior consultant Judy Kliethermes led the assignment. “Practicewise has appointed Eric Meier as its new CEO, further strengthening its focus on providing evidence-based solutions in pediatric and adolescent mental health,” said Sharon
Potrero Group Selected by Solano Land Trust to Assists COO Search
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by Solano Land Trust to assist in its search for its first chief operating officer. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. This is a newly created senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO and working in partnership as a member of the
Bay Street Advisors Strengthens of Leadership Team
New York City-based Bay Street Advisors has announced two promotions that reflect the continued growth of the search firm and the strength of its leadership team. John Gregory has been promoted to managing director, leading Bay Street’s business development and search activities across liquid and structured credit. “John brings a rare combination of strategic perspective, market
Gen Z’s Growing Impact in the Workplace
As Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) steadily expands its presence in the global workforce, its influence is beginning to reshape how organizations think about leadership, culture, and talent strategy. For executive search firms and the clients they serve, understanding the expectations and motivations of this emerging generation is becoming an important factor
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Trust for Public Land with CFO Search
Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan of BoardWalk Consulting have assisted in the recruitment of Keysha Bailey as the new CFO of Trust for Public Land (TPL). “Keysha brings a rare combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of how to align resources with impact,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Trust for Public
TalentRise Seeking Executive Director for Grassroots Gardens of WNY
TalentRise has been retained by Grassroots Gardens of WNY (GGWNY) to lead in its search for a new executive director. GGWNY is seeking an executive director to provide strategic leadership and overall management for the organization. The next leader of Grassroots Gardens must be capable of responding to the multi-faceted needs of a land trust while
Reffett Associates Retained by Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been retained to conduct a nationwide recruitment for the position of senior vice president of real estate for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). The search is being spearheaded by a veteran leadership team at Reffett Associates: Marshall Reffett, managing director; Eric Reffett, managing director; and Sam Mayberry, senior advisor. “It is a privilege to partner
Flatiron Search Partners Expands
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the additions of Jonathan Scotto as head of business operations & strategy and Suzannah Brown as an associate director. “Our team continues to grow,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Thrilled to welcome two exceptional colleagues to Flatiron Search Partners. Excited to have both of you on the team as
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
WittKieffer Retained by the American Hospital Association to Find New Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been tapped by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a dynamic, transformative leader to serve as its next president and CEO. This is a career-defining opportunity to advance
McCormack+Kristel Leading CEO Search for Resource Center
McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Resource Center to lead in its search for a new CEO. After more than four decades influencing legal change and shaping Dallas’ civic community — including 16 years as CEO of Resource Center — Cece Cox has announced she will retire in early 2027. McCormack + Kristel will conduct a
Harris Search Associates Tapped by Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) recently selected Harris Search Associates to lead its chair, department of electrical and computer engineering technology search. Jeffrey Harris and Peter Rosenthal are leading the assignment. RIT seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment to lead its vibrant educational, research, and service
Options Group Expands in Mumbai
Options Group has strengthened its search team with the addition of Anjum Attar as a director within its private equity and venture capital practice. “Welcome to Options Group, Anjum Attar,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Anjum has joined Options Group Mumbai as a director and will specialize in the private equity and venture capital
What to Look for When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
Securing the right leadership talent can shape an organization’s strategic direction for years, making the choice of a search partner an important business decision. As companies compete for experienced executives who can drive growth, manage complexity, and guide transformation, many are turning to specialized firms that focus exclusively on identifying and attracting senior leaders. Understanding
Rokos Group Tapped by Contra Costa Health for CFO Search
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Contra Costa Health (CCH) in California to lead in its search for a new CFO. Greg Rokos and Mark Lukacs are leading the assignment. This leader will help guide the financial strategy for a large, integrated public health system delivering hospital, health plan, behavioral health,
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Common Sense Media to Find Chief Development Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair. They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization’s
True Adds Digital Infrastructure Expert
Global executive talent platform True has expanded with the addition of Ros Deans as a partner in its digital infrastructure practice. Based in London with a global remit, Ms. Deans will work with data center operators, infrastructure investors, real estate developers, private equity firms and hyperscalers. She will place C-suite, functional and regional leaders who drive
Hudson Talent Solutions Completes Purchase of Acquired Philadelphia
Tampa, FL-based Hudson Talent Solutions has completed the acquisition of Acquired Philadelphia, a female-founded talent acquisition consultancy. The integration brings the expertise of Acquired Philadelphia’s founder, Jessica Dombkoski, into Hudson Talent Solutions’ growing platform and strengthens the firm’s capabilities across executive search, success-fee recruitment, strategic talent advisory, and its proprietary agentic-AI platform, HudsonFlow. “Jessica has built deep,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
Eastward Partners Fills CEO Positions for Aropha and General Trucking
New York-based Eastward Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of CEOs for Aropha and General Trucking. The firm placed Tammy Deblock as CEO of Aropha, a Comeback Capital backed company. “Congratulations to the team for a great outcome and for entrusting us with this important search,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. The assignment was led
AGB Search Assists Lewis University with Recruitment of 11th President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. The Lewis University board of trustees previously announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
Modern Executive Solutions Names Leader of HR Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has named Brad Pugh has joined the firm as senior partner, where he will lead and grow the firm’s global HR practice across executive search, leadership advisory, organizational consulting, and executive communities. “Brad’s experience sits at the intersection of executive search, leadership advisory, and technology — exactly where the future
Atlanta Fed Retains Heidrick & Struggles for President/CEO Search
Leadership searches for top roles within the Federal Reserve system rarely come to market, making them highly visible assignments within the executive search industry. When they do, institutions often turn to globally recognized firms to help identify candidates with the experience and credibility required to guide regional monetary policy organizations. One such search is now
