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How to Improve Your HR Executive Search Process
Securing the right HR leader requires more than a traditional hiring process—it demands the same rigor, clarity, and strategic discipline used for any major business decision. Organizations that consistently make strong HR executive hires treat the search as an enterprise priority, aligning stakeholders early, sharpening evaluation criteria, and building a candidate experience that attracts top
Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
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.
Redefining CEO Selection in 2025: Navigating High-Stakes Transitions with Strategic Precision
CEO transitions are high-stakes moments that can shape a company’s future as the outcome can drastically affect financial performance, investor trust, employee engagement, and customer relationships. Several forces complicate CEO transitions, according to a new report from True Search’s Evan Grossman, Tim McDonald, and Caroline Lo. The study noted that continuing market volatility creates unease, forcing
The Miles Group/TMG Expands with Former McKinsey CEO Coach
Seasoned CEO and executive coach Endre Holen has joined executive recruitment firm The Miles Group/TMG as managing director. He has served as a top advisor to influential, industry-changing CEOs for more than 25 years. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Endre coming on – he brings tremendous experience working with top talent and a passion for
Wages Increase Seen in Most Recent Quarter
Wages for U.S. workers grew 3.2 percent over the last year, increasing the average wage level by 90 cents to $28.71 an hour, according to the latest ADP “Workforce Vitality Report. The report tracks the same set of workers over time, which provides a more insightful picture of wage growth than overall wage growth. The wage growth of 3.2 percent corresponds
Comhar Partners Seeks President for Embrace Living Communities
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has been selected to find a president for Embrace Living Communities, a non-profit which owns and operates housing communities for seniors and people with special housing needs in Illinois, Missouri and Florida. Managing director James O’Malley along with Bernard and Nick Layton are leading the assignment for the search
Foster & Associates Completes Search for Wind Point Partners
No client sector demands such top-end service from its search partners as private equity. Portfolio companies represent some of the most innovative, well-funded and high-growth concerns in all of business. As a result, much of the talent that private equity firms seek are highly-charged change agents — a professional breed that is growing more difficult to
Coulter Partners Opens New Office in Brussels, Expands Search Staff
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has expanded with the opening of a new office in Brussels and six recent appointments. Penny Sadler joins the firm’s medtech expertise as client partner in Brussels, while Nanna Soni is appointed director in London to the R&D center of expertise. The Paris office expands with the additions of Nicolas
WinterWyman Acquired by the Planet Group
The Planet Group, a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners and provider of outsourced human capital and consulting solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire Waltham, MA-based executive search firm WinterWyman. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Michael Stomberg, CEO of Planet, said the acquisition aligns with Planet’s strategic initiative to provide a full
Two Recruitment Leaders Discuss the Anatomy of a Merger
Consolidation continues to make news in the executive recruitment sector. One firm that has been making big waves this year has been Rochelle, NJ-based ZRG Partners. In the wake of the completion of its recapitalization with RFE Investment Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm with a long history of investing in growth companies, ZRG this
Wilbanks Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for PGIM Investments
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, Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Wilbanks Partners, LLC, placed Ray Ahn as CMO of PGIM Investments, a global manufacturer
Higher Education Leadership Seeks President for Southeastern Oklahoma State University
The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search to find a new president for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Sean Burrage recently stepped down. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders are leading the assignment. “We are seeking someone who understands the diverse and dynamic academic environment and connects
Gallagher MSA Search Finds New CEO for Currus Inc.
Following a national search, Gallagher MSA Search has recruited Robert F. Tinsley as the new CEO of Currus Inc. succeeding Pete Stern, who is retiring after 29 years. The assignment was led by managing director and senior advisor Kathy Hall as well as senior recruiter Patricia McCollum. The search attracted candidates from across the country. A
Caldwell Posts 11 Percent Q4 Revenue Gain, Up 7.9 Percent Full Year
It’s been a good year for Caldwell. The Toronto-based executive search firm has just posted fourth quarter revenues of $21 million (all dollar figures Canadian), an 11 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $18.7 million. Full year revenues rose by 7.9 percent, from $66.5 last year to $72.1 million. Fourth quarter net
7 Predictions on How Recruiting Will be Different by 2025
If you’re in the recruiting industry today, your job might be unrecognizable in five years — even if you retain the same job title. That’s because the role of recruiters and how your job is done is swiftly evolving. “Recruiter” is one of the most in-demand jobs as businesses brace for a future where talent is
Waverly Partners Seeks CEO for Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, an economic development corporation in Illinois. Managing directors and principals Eric N. Peterson and Deborah M. Galbraith are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. “The president and CEO position of the
Diversified Search Recruits CFO for Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. Recently, Philadelphia-based Diversified Search placed Richard Watts as the new CFO of Morilee by Madeline Gardner. The assignment was led by
Epic Business Strategies Opens Office in Milwaukee
Executive search firms large and small continue to expand to new areas in an effort to better serve their clients. Recently, executive recruiters Epic Business Strategies expanded with the opening of its second office in Milwaukee, WI. Headquartered in Naples, FL, Epic Business Strategies said that it decided to add the second location to better
EMA Partners Expands to Lisbon and Kiev
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has expanded its presence in the EMEA region with the additions of new offices in Lisbon and Kiev. The office in Lisbon is led by managing partner Rui Guedes de Quinhones, while the Kiev office is led by managing partner Uliana Morokhovska. Mr. Guedes de Quinhones
Hanold Associates Completes Chief People Officer Search for the NFL
Following a record-breaking year of recruiting top HR leadership into some of the best well-known brands across industry, Chicago-based Hanold Associates has recruited Dasha Smith as chief people officer of the National Football League in one of the most high profile human resource C-suite assignments of 2019. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led
Buffkin / Baker Seeks Chief Revenue Officers for C-4 Analytics and SkuVault
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been enlisted to find chief revenue officers for C-4 Analytics, an automotive digital marketing services firm based in Boston, and SkuVault, a warehouse management technology platform headquartered in Louisville, KY. The C-4 Analytics search is being led by partner Raj Das, global head of the search firm’s digital practice. Mark
COORS Leadership Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Catholic Medical Center
Over the past year, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find chief medical officers. Recently, COORS Leadership placed Trina D. Abla as the new chief medical officer of Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Dr. Abla most recently was chief quality officer and associate CMO at Penn State Health St. Joseph in
Headstart Hiring Platform Secures $7 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an AI component. Just recently, Headstart, a platform that leverages data science to help companies reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, raised $7 million in funding led by AI-focused Silicon Valley venture capital firm FoundersX, with participation from Founders Factory. Launched in 2017, Headstart
NPAworldwide Adds Eight New Member Firms
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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member locations as it continues to
Heidrick & Struggles to Lead Tupperware CEO Search
Competition among consumer companies has never been fiercer. Customers are shopping in new and sometimes non-traditional ways as mass market retailers offer designer goods, brick and mortar staples are available on-line and venerable brands spin off agile brand extensions. Consumer companies are also keen to capitalize on the potential of emerging and high growth markets. All this
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Pirates, Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox
Korn Ferry has placed Ben Cherington as the new general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He takes over from Neal Huntington, who was fired after a 12-year stint. The club has announced it will hold a press conference at PNC Park to introduce the new general manager. Mr. Cherington has more than two decades of experience
The Koblentz Group Places New CEO for Epi Breads
The Koblentz Group has placed Cheryl Barre as CEO of custom breadmaker Epi Breads. She succeeds Hugh Sullins, who is now vice president of business development for the Atlanta-based company. This search was led by Jeff Neppl and Joel Koblentz. Ms. Barre will be responsible for leading the executive team, developing and implementing a strategy for
Slayton Search Partners Expands Financial Services Practice
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Stuart T. Smith as senior vice president and principal. He will be a key member of the financial services practice, supporting commercial banking, private banking, wealth management and real estate partners. “Stuart’s skill-set, work ethic and personality make him an excellent fit for our team,”
Space Executive Appoints Leader of Newly Launched London Operations
Singapore-headquartered recruitment agency Space Executive has recently appointed senior recruiter Tom Hughes as leader of its new London office. He will head the audit, risk, compliance and legal recruitment operations for the firm in the U.K. and Europe. “The opening of our U.K. office is a landmark moment for Space Executive and the next step in our overseas expansion,”
Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Impact on Long-Term Financial Results
Purpose doesn’t just add to an employee’s well-being; it adds to a company’s bottom line. That’s the key finding of a survey of top executives just completed by Korn Ferry. The vast majority of respondents (96 percent) said there is a long-term financial benefit to companies that make a strong commitment to purpose-driven leadership, with 77 percent
Spelman Johnson Recruits Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for Texas Tech
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has placed Matthew Granger Dewey as Texas Tech University’s new chief marketing and communication officer. Search associate Michel Frendian led the assignment. Mr. Dewey had been senior executive director of marketing and communications for the Office of University Advancement at the University of Michigan. He will lead Texas Tech’s overall
One Degree Partners Tapped by Ribbon Communications to Find CEO
San Francisco-headquartered executive search firm One Degree Partners has been selected by NASDAQ-traded Ribbon Communications Inc. in Westford, MA, to find its next president and CEO. The board has appointed Steven Bruny, executive vice president, global sales and services, and Kevin Riley, EVP and chief technology officer, as interim co-presidents and CEO while One Degree Partners identifies and
BarkerGilmore Expands Advisory and Coaching Division
New York-based boutique search firm BarkerGilmore has recently expanded with the addition of former MasterCard Worldwide general counsel Noah Hanft to its advisory and coaching division. Mr. Hanft has deep roots in the global financial services and technology sectors, having served as general counsel, corporate secretary and chief franchise officer for MasterCard Worldwide for more than 13 years.
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently expanded in Ireland with
