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6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
Artico Search Recruits Chief Sales Officer for Versapay
Artico Search has assisted in the recruitment of Emily Roccheggiani as chief sales officer of Versapay in San Francisco. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “Emily has spent her career inside some of the most important growth stories in modern fintech,” said Carey Kolaja, CEO of Versapay. “She knows what it takes to
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Power Shift: How Employer Control and Employee Expectations Are Shaping the Future of Work
Employees’ needs can feel like a moving target, changing with new trends, technologies, and values. But in the past year, companies have made tough decisions—mandating office returns, flattening management layers, tightening salary increases—all in the name of stability and growth. The push and pull of power between employer control and employee expectations is rewriting common
WittKieffer Continues to Expand Education Practice
Executive search firm WittKieffer has expanded with the addition of former Stony Brook University vice president Greg Duyck as a principal in its education practice. He brings great depth of expertise to his role, drawing upon two decades of experience in fundraising and executive search in higher education. “We are very excited to bring Greg’s energy and success
Odgers Berndtson Names Industrial, Energy, and Infrastructure Practice Leader for Australia and New Zealand
Odgers Berndtson has named Mark Sloan as partner and leader of the firm’s industrial, energy, and infrastructure practice across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 13 years of experience, Mr. Sloan joins the industrials practice specializing in senior executive and board appointments. “Mark will be a great addition to the team as our growth continues. Mark’s
Why Consumer-Facing Businesses Need HR as a Strategic Partner
The consumer-industry is facing dramatic disruption which has caused a ripple effect across business models, channels of distribution and product categories – no part of an organization is left unaffected by the macro changes within the industry. “As we continue to monitor trends, we have seen an evolution of the human resources function in response to
William Funk & Associates Assists the University of Kansas in Provost Search
William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has placed Barbara Bichelmeyer as the next provost and executive vice chancellor for the Lawrence campus at the University of Kansas (KU). Her appointment concludes a national search process that began in the spring. Four finalists were invited to the university to
HealthSearch Partners Chosen to Find CEO for Holy Cross Hospital in Florida
Dallas, TX-based HealthSearch Partners has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer of Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The assignment is being led by Ivan Bartolome, senior vice president, and Laura Conley, chief operating officer. Patrick A. Taylor stepped down this fall after nine years in the top role.
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Coaching Expert
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has expanded with the addition of Blake Stanley as a strategic partner. Mr. Stanley is a coach with Courage to Lead. He has served on three executive teams in churches ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 members. Currently, Mr. Stanley serves as executive pastor at 3Circle Church in Fairhope,
IMSA Search Adds New Member Firm in Kenya
Many companies with global strategies have been looking to Africa recently as the new frontier for business. Improved political environments, above average growth and the rich opportunities waiting in a continent that essentially has to start everything from scratch are raising considerable interest. Recently, executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners added Kenya-headquartered executive search firm By
Why Total Well-Being is the Biggest Culture Shift to Happen in Decades
In today’s increasingly complex world, people are expected to respond to emails, texts, phone calls, instant messages and social media while communicating in-person with customers and colleagues at work and managing the many competing demands of their personal lives and families. “As leaders, we are expected to manage our own stress while demonstrating that we
True Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice
Haddonfield, NJ-headquartered executive recruitment firm True has expanded with the addition of five consultants to its healthcare and life sciences practice throughout North American and in EMEA. Team additions include: Jim O’Sullivan, Stephanie Maistrellis, Sophia Mowla, Jacob Sack and Mariah Lang. “True growing presence in healthcare and life sciences is a natural progression for us given our deep experience in tech,” said
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Panasonic Avionics
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the placement of Ken Sain as CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corp. He succeeds Hideo Nakano, who has served as the company’s CEO since 2017 and as deputy CEO prior to that. The assignment was led by CEO Rod McDermott, managing director Jared Moriarty, vice president Brent Lamb and director Michael
Borrer Executive Search Places CFO and Chief Communications Officer for IMD Business School
Lausanne, Switzerland-based Borrer Executive Search has helped place Peggy Le Roux as chief finance and administrative officer as well as Delia Fischer as chief communications officer at IMD Business School. Ms. Le Roux joins the Lausanne- and Singapore-based business school from watch manufacturer Jaeger-Coultre, where she served as CFO for eight years. Before that, she was head of controlling for the
Kennedy Executive Search Adds New Partner in Germany
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has added Adrian & Roth Personalberatung as its newest member firm. With the new partner office in Munich, Kennedy Executive gains an even stronger presence in Germany and the German-speaking markets. Adrian & Roth (A&R) was founded in 2002. The firm has more than 20
Netflix Ordered to Stop Recruiting Executives from Rivals
A judge in California has just issued an injunction against streaming powerhouse Netflix, prohibiting it from attempting to hire Fox TV and film executives who are under contract. The ruling yesterday afternoon in LA Superior Court hands a win to Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp and Fox 21, the studios that sued Netflix three years
WittKieffer Tapped by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to Find Chief People Officer
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist companies across the nation to find top talent leaders, including chief people officers. The latest: WittKieffer has been retained by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to lead its search for a new chief people officer. Kim Smith, Tom Quinn and Kerry Quealy are leading the assignment. “This is
University of Missouri Turns to Parker Executive Search to Find Head Football Coach
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors, coaches and senior level front office staff. The latest: Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search recently placed Eliah Drinkwitz as the head football coach at the University of Missouri. Mr. Drinkwitz is coming off an impressive 2019 season at Appalachian State, where he led the
Stanton Chase Appoints HR Practice Leader for North America
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the addition of veteran HR executive Bill Brewer as the firm’s human resources practice leader in North America and a director in its Los Angeles office. As the regional HR specialization leader, Mr. Brewer consults with boards and CEOs on assessing and acquiring best-in-class human resources officers. He leads
The RSA Group Names Chief Commercial Officer
The RSA Group, which is based in London and focuses on the life sciences sector, has named Kristian Jürgensen as chief commercial officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Mr. Jürgensen is charged with ensuring that all functions of the organization are aligned to meet strategic commercial objectives and will continue to drive business growth. “I
Crafting a Job Spec That Draws Top Talent
A search firm and client can spend 15 minutes or 15 hours drafting a position specification, but it can emerge as a useless document either way. According to William Lepiesza of The Alexander Group, a well-crafted specification, or “spec” for short, is the foundation upon which a successful search is built. “Without the right approach
Uber Picks Hanold Associates for Head of Talent Acquisition Search
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 been chosen to lead Uber’s search for a head of talent acquisition in its Advance Technology Groups unit. Ashley Schiele and Mayank Parikh are spearheading the assignment. The position is based in Pittsburgh, PA. The head of talent acquisition
Diversified Search Finds CEO for Eastern Connecticut Health Network
Philadelphia-based Diversified Search placed Deborah Weymouth as president and CEO of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN). The assignment was conducted by James A. Langston, managing director and financial officers practice leader, and managing director Ken Hirshman. “I am pleased to welcome Deborah to ECHN and I am confident that she will be an outstanding addition to ECHN’s
Aspen Leadership Group Seeks Leader for League of American Orchestras
Aspen Leadership Group, an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting top talent for philanthropic organizations, is seeking a new president and chief executive officer for the League of American Orchestras. “The CEO will further the fulfillment of the mission of the League of American Orchestras: to advance the experience of orchestral music, support the
20/20 Foresight Executive Search Appoints Managing Director in San Francisco
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of John Spitzler as managing director. He will head both 20/20 Foresight Executive Search and 20/20 Foresight Executive Marketing operations throughout California from his home base in San Francisco. “20/20 Foresight offers our career consultants a unique atmosphere in which to grow their business,” said Bob Cavoto, managing principal and founder
Upbeat Hiring Plans Heading Into the New Year
U.S. employers expect the hiring pace to remain steady into the first 90 days of 2020 though regional and industry forecasts are mixed, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they were expecting headcount to grow. This is the eighth consecutive year of
DHR International Assists Florida State Land New Football Coach
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Mike Norvell as the new head football coach for Florida State University. Willie Taggart was fired in early November after going 9-12 during his tenure with the team. “It was an honor to be entrusted with the search for the new leader of one
University of Utah Enlists Spelman Johnson for Chief Safety Officer Search
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been chosen to find a chief safety officer for the University Of Utah in Salt Lake City. The university created the role in the wake of the murder of student-athlete Lauren McCluskey in October 2018. An independent review subsequently found that university police failed to respond properly to Ms.
ZRG Partners Expands Financial Services Practice
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, has expanded with the addition of Michael Castine to its financial services practice. He will be based in New York City. Mr. Castine brings 30 years of executive search experience to the firm. Previously, he was a partner with Ridgeway Partners for the past six years. He
HW Global Talent Partner Adds Finance Director to Fuel Growth
U.K.-based executive search firm HW Global Talent Partner has named Rob Pettican as its new finance director at a time in which the firm is targeting rapid growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions. In a new position created to support the planned expansion of the group, he will be accountable for the firm’s finances.
The Upskilling Deadlock to Continue in 2020
Recent research has revealed a paradox at the heart of current debates around upskilling. On the one hand, the vast majority of U.S. workers believe it’s imperative to train for and develop new skills in order to keep up with changes in the workplace. On the other, that same contingent of workers also say that neither
Myers McRae Recruits Provost for Methodist College
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has placed Suzanne Blum Malley as the new provost for Methodist University. She will assume her new position on Jan. 15. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president, led the assignment. “Dr. Blum Malley brings to us a strong track record of academic and scholarly success,
Insight Executive Search Seeks Strategic Learning and Evaluation Officer for Walton Family Foundation
Insight Executive Search, which finds top talent for non-profit, research and commercial organizations, has been chosen to find a strategic learning and evaluation officer for the Walton Family Foundation. Vice president Ari Ayares is leading the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm. The new strategic learning and evaluation officer will be charged with working
The Jackson Laboratory Taps Heidrick & Struggles to Find CHRO
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company, and they are expected to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk taking and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
