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U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
HARTZ Search Seeking CFO for Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently tapped by Lake Charles Memorial Health System to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations across the health system. The
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.
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
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?
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.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
TRANSEARCH International Expands in Germany
TRANSEARCH International recently expanded with the addition of four experienced leaders to its growing German team: Dennis Hartmann, Lucia Puttrich, Uwe Lemcke, and Patrick Eichstädt. “These new additions reflect TRANSEARCH’s ongoing commitment to its clients across Germany and reinforce our ability to shape leadership that transforms,” the search consortium said. In Frankfurt, Mr. Hartmann joins as client partner, bringing over
CHRO Perspectives: Looking Ahead to 2026
There is a real bullishness from senior HR leaders about the impact and value they can add to organizations going forward, according to a recently released report from Leathwaite. This is starkly juxtaposed with the prevailing sentiment in 2023 and 2024 when HR leaders felt over-stretched and burnt out. Senior HR leaders now feel personally
TurnkeyZRG Recruits CEO for the Heisman Trophy Trust
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Price as the inaugural CEO of the Heisman Trophy Trust. Len Perna and Rick Alessandri led the assignment. A seasoned sports industry leader with more than 35 years of experience, Mr. Price will steward the legacy of the Heisman Trophy while spearheading a new chapter of commercial growth and philanthropic impact.
Herbert Mines Places Chief Store Operations Officer for Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has partnered with Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in the placement of Frank Kerr as executive vice president, chief store operations officer. “Frank’s proven leadership experience in grocery retail and the exceptional results he has achieved throughout his career, in both licensee and traditional grocery models, make him
Tower Consultants Search Group Fills Position for XL Construction
Hobe Sound, FL-headquartered executive recruiting firm Tower Consultants Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Heather Towers as senior manager, people operations with XL Construction in Milpitas, CA. The search was led by Jason Rose. XL Construction is undergoing a post-merger transformation and elevated the senior manager, people operations role to strengthen its HR infrastructure and support its
Long Ridge Partners Names Head of Fundamental Equities
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Eric Freiberg as head of fundamental equities. “Since joining us in 2020, Eric has been integral to the growth of our equities business,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His deep industry knowledge, strong network, and steady leadership have made a meaningful impact across Long Ridge. We are grateful
Global Employers Take Cautious Approach to Q4 Hiring
Global employers are continuing a careful approach to hiring in the fourth quarter, with 45 percent planning to maintain current workforce levels—the highest since early 2022—as organizations balance capturing growth opportunities with mitigating economic uncertainty. This measured shift sees 38 percent of employers planning to add staff while 15 percent expect reductions, resulting in a
The Critical State of Healthcare Staffing Shortages
Healthcare organizations face an unprecedented staffing crisis that directly impacts patient care and operational sustainability, according to a recent report from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Shortages are projected to reach 124,000 physicians by 2033, and the industry must hire 200,000 nurses annually just to meet baseline needs. The nursing deficit alone could hit 450,000 registered nurses by
Essential Strategies for Effective Diversity Recruiting
In the modern business world, diversity isn’t a trend—it’s a key driver of performance and growth. A diverse workforce brings myriad benefits to an organization, a recent report from SGA Talent explored the importance of diversity recruiting and provided essential diversity recruiting strategies to help you create an effective diversity recruitment plan. A diverse workforce not
Stevenson Search Partners Recruits Chief Research and Development Officer for Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Leslie Meltzer as chief research and development officer at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Meltzer joins Apellis as a seasoned biopharma executive with demonstrated success in advancing innovative therapies from early discovery stages through
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief Operating Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Sandy Ma as chief operating officer. “Sandy has been at the heart of our growth—always bringing sharp strategy, a steady hand, and genuine care for the people she works with,” Riviera Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “In
Why Interim CHROs Are Becoming Essential in a Rapidly Changing Workforce
When the role of a chief human resources officer or chief people officer is done well, it can be one of the broadest roles in an organization, according to a recent report from Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company. “Not only are these executives critical human capital strategists charged with overseeing an organization’s end-to-end talent
Lancor Recruits CFO for Loxo
Executive search firm Lancor has helped to recruit Jimmy Gulick as the new CFO of Loxo. “The Lancor CFO team congratulates Jimmy Gulick on joining Loxo as chief financial officer,” Lancor’s Jamie Carter said in a LinkedIn post. “Jimmy is a multi-time CFO who brings deep enterprise and SMB SaaS expertise, successful private equity partnership experience, and
Harris Search Associates Recruits Inaugural Director of National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Efficacy at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute
Following a national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool, Harris Search Associates has placed Alicia Allen as the inaugural director of the National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Efficacy (NCOR) at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Associate Professor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Allen previously served at the University
GHP Search Finds Board Members for Teach for America Detroit
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently selected by Teach for America Detroit. New Trustees recruited by GHP Search include Ana C. Wagner, VP of automotive aftermarket North America and head of global business development at HenKel, Paul Lindow, retired senior partner with Deloitte & Touche in the Banking & Capital Markets,
Egon Zehnder Appoints Leaders of Global Technology & AI Practice Group
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Lindsay Trout (Palo Alto) and Hana Habayeb (Middle East) as co-leaders of its global technology and AI practice group. They succeed Silvia Rapallo (Rome) and Eric Anderson (Atlanta), who have led the group through a period of remarkable transformation in the technology sector. “We are excited to see
Unlocking Growth in the PE-Backed Software Market
Enterprise software is one of Europe’s fastest-growing sectors. In 2024, enterprise software spending across the region expanded by 11 percent — more than 10 times the pace of EU economic growth — highlighting software’s role as a resilient and investable driver of opportunity. More than 13,000 companies now generate over $10 million in annual revenues (and almost
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for the Center for Congregations
Ernest Brooks, Liz Braun, and Henry Nickerson of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently leading the president search for the Center for Congregations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and collaborative leader with a passion for strengthening Christian congregations in Indiana. The Center serves as a conduit for congregations to think about their challenges in
Kirk Palmer Associates Fills CEO Post for Chico’s FAS
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has placed Trish Donnelly as division chief executive officer of Chico’s FAS, the women’s wear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group. The search was led by managing director, Jaimee Marshall. Ms. Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands,
DSG Global Appoints Chief People Officer
DSG Global has named Jenny Sade as chief people officer. In this role, she will lead the firm’s people and culture strategy—supporting talent acquisition, operations, and business strategy—as DSG Global continues to scale its impact across industries and geographies. “Jenny’s rare ability to see the potential in every leader and organization makes her an invaluable
Beecher Reagan Adds Partner
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has expanded with the addition of Raj Kapoor as a partner. “Join us in welcoming Raj Kapoor as a partner at Beecher Reagan,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With more than 25 years of recruitment experience—including 19 years in retained executive search—Raj specializes in placing partners, managing directors, and
The Rise of Authentic Leadership
For years, professionals have felt compelled to separate their “work selves” from their “personal selves” in order to conform to strict corporate norms. But that’s beginning to change. Today, authentic leadership is what drives organizations to thrive, inspire, and retain great talent. It’s about authenticity and showing up as your true self, not just focusing
Taurean Opens Doors to Serve PE Sector
In private equity, the investment function looks remarkably similar across firms. But the portfolio-facing value creation function? That varies wildly – from model to model, firm to firm – with equally variable levels of success, durability, and impact. There’s no one right answer, but there are many wrong ones. For years, this didn’t matter much.
RevelOne Places Chief Marketing Officer at Spark Networks
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, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently helped
Wilton & Bain Appoints Leader of North American People & Culture Practice
Wilton & Bain has named Jacob Humbert as partner, leading the North American people & culture practice. He will be based in the U.S. and joins the firm’s North American leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob to the North American leadership team to drive our office of the CHRO capability in the region,” said
The Hidden Driver of Great Teams Isn’t Strategy—It’s Responsiveness
When people think about what makes a strong team, they often focus on strategy, talent, or experience. But one of the most effective ways to create a reliable, connected team is by focusing on something much smaller: response time, according to a recent report from The Bridger Group, a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
Optimizing Talent: How to Hire Right and Reduce Costly Turnover
Choosing the right candidate is essential to the company’s long-term success. Turnovers and high attrition can cost from 50 percent to 200 percent of employee salaries, depending on whether the hire is entry-level or a seasoned executive. By taking the talent optimization approach to hiring, you dramatically improve hiring odds, according to a recent report
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
Peña Search has been retained by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (PHPC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. PHPC seeks an experienced and dynamic executive director to join its leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the Integrator within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Stevenson Search Partners Makes Strategic Leadership Transition
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, recently announced a strategic leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and strengthen its position as a comprehensive talent solutions partner for the life sciences industry. Kris Steen was promoted to president of executive search, while Adam Bloom transitioned to
Sheffield Haworth Partners with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has partnered with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies. “At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, head, financial services and private equity
