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Stevenson Search Partners Names Head of Life Sciences Tools and Services
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has named Allen Reed as partner and head of life sciences tools and services. “Allen’s breadth of experience will be a key asset to Stevenson,” said Kris Steen, president, executive search at Stevenson Search Partners. “His
Spencer Stuart Expands CEO and Board Advisory Capabilities Around Succession and Value Creation
Spencer Stuart has strengthened its global CEO and board advisory offering with the appointment of Colin Graham as global head of its board and CEO practice and with additions of Sandy Ogg and Chris Gagnon. “CEOs and boards face an increasingly complex leadership agenda where creating value depends on connecting the right leaders to the most
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.
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
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?
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Kaye/Bassman Completes Top Search for Vornado Realty Trust
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has recruited Elisa Young as executive vice president, head of retail leasing at Vornado Realty Trust, one of the most prominent owners and managers of commercial real estate in Manhattan. Managing partner Scott Huey led the assignment. For Huey and Kaye/Bassman, this placement underscores the importance of specialized executive
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Egon Zehnder Examines the Great AI Divide Reshaping Private Equity Leadership
Private equity firms are moving quickly to determine where AI can create the greatest advantage across portfolio operations and investment strategy. As adoption accelerates, firms are rethinking what kind of AI leadership they need and where those roles should sit. That shift is beginning to reshape talent strategies across the PE market. Over the past
DHR Global Acquires Life Sciences-Focused Discovery Search Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has acquired Discovery Search Partners, a retained executive search firm focused on the life sciences industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bill O’Callaghan of Discovery Search Partners will join DHR as managing partner and Don Evans will join as partner, while Brian Evans will help build out the life sciences vertical
The Lancer Group Recruits CHRO for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group recently assisted in the recruitment of Karen Fascenda as chief human resources officer of NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. Chairman and CEO Bill Angrick highlighted Ms. Fascenda’s strong track record of aligning talent strategies with business growth. Ms. Fascenda, in turn, described Liquidity Services as a proven market leader with significant
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Sales Officer for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
SearchWide Global has placed Cahal Mowery as chief sales officer of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “Cahal brings the experience, leadership and energy we need to continue Nashville’s success as a leading meetings, group and events destination,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO. “His work in
Riviera Partners Expands in APAC Region
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded it the APAC region with the addition of Gaurav Dev Burman as a partner based in Bengaluru. In this role, Gaurav will advise boards, CEOs and investors on technology leadership searches across India and the APAC region. “Gaurav
Standing on the Shoulders of the CHRO: Shaping the Modern Workforce Era
As organizations confront rapid technological change, workforce disruption, and mounting pressure to build stronger leadership pipelines, the role of the chief human resources officer continues to expand. Today’s CHRO is expected to help shape business strategy, guide organizational transformation, and ensure companies develop the talent, culture, and leadership needed for long-term success. At the same
Resource Management Group Assists U.S. Oral Surgery Management with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, recently helped to recruit Jennifer L. Ellis as CFO of private-equity backed U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM). “Congratulations to Jennifer Ellis on her appointment as chief financial officer at US Oral Surgery Management,” RMG said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you to Doug Drew,
RH Perry & Associates Seeking CFO for Metropolitan Community College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, Missouri (MCCKC) to lead in its search for a new CFO. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Joanne Bashford and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The CFO provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the College’s financial stewardship, long-range planning,
Heidrick & Struggles Launches Performance Culture
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Performance Culture, a new solution that integrates the firm’s existing culture shaping capabilities with the purpose-driven transformation expertise of businessfourzero, the next-generation consultancy acquired by Heidrick in 2023. “Today’s leaders are simultaneously navigating AI-driven transformation, margin pressure, and the need to build more agile organizations in an increasingly uncertain environment,”
The International Executive Search Federation Elects First Woman President
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has elected Adelina Rosca, managing partner of Rosman Talent Solutions (RosMinds), as president of its global network. She became the first woman and the first leader from Eastern Europe to lead the organization since its establishment in 2002. Ms. Rosca takes over this month from Gertjan van de Groep of
The Hidden Cost of Getting the CEO Decision Wrong
Russell Reynolds Associates’ latest report, The CEO Decision: How PE Investors Select and Reassess Leaders from Entry to Exit, puts numbers behind one of private equity’s most important human capital questions: how much does the CEO decision matter to investment performance? The answer is significant. Russell Reynolds Associates notes that top-quintile portfolio company CEOs generate
DSG Global Retained by Ronald McDonald House for Inaugural Global Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Search
DSG Global has been retained by Ronald McDonald House to recruit its inaugural global chief financial & administrative officer (CFAO). The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. This executive will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a global System spanning 250 Chapters across 61 countries and regions. This newly expanded
Isaacson, Miller Tapped by Dartmouth College for CIO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by Dartmouth College to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Becca Kennedy is leading this search with Kristen Andersen and Ryan Smillie. The CIO will oversee enterprise technology, cybersecurity, research computing, enterprise systems, and business transformation while providing strategic guidance on technology governance, resource allocation, operational resilience, and emerging
Calibre One Names Co-Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
New York City-based Calibre One has named Rebecca Wilson as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in New York, she will also co-lead the global real estate practice alongside managing partner David Schumer. “Rebecca combines decades of senior experience in financial services with a strategic consultant’s perspective and a proven track record
Amplified People Group Acquires Higher
Amplified People Group, the people services specialist that supports technology companies from inception to initial public offering (IPO), has acquired Higher, the executive search firm that specializes in AI and engineering leadership hires. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition addresses the pressing demand for AI talent and brings more specialized expertise into
Unlocking Competitive Advantage with Interim Executives
In today’s dynamic economic environment, both investor-backed and public companies are reconsidering how they add senior talent. “In my 15+ years of experience in the interim space, I’m now seeing a significant shift: companies are increasingly embracing senior interim or fractional executives not just as a temporary fix, but as a strategic alternative or complement
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
Zemantics Ventures Expands Healthcare Workforce Platform with Dual Acquisition
Hunt Scanlon Ventures has served as buy-side M&A advisor to Zemantics Ventures in its acquisition of Consilium360 and MedWell360, strengthening Zemantics’ healthcare services portfolio and expanding its enterprise workforce and operational solutions capabilities nationwide. The deals bring together complementary capabilities across healthcare HR strategy, workforce process optimization, scheduling, and access center operations — forming a more integrated, technology-enabled
Egon Zehnder Opens New Office in Philadelphia
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has opened a new office in Philadelphia, marking the firm’s 70th office globally. Ari Roitman will lead the Philadelphia office, bringing experience across leadership development and professional sports organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Major League Baseball. “Building on our ongoing work in the Philadelphia region, it was important to us to
TalentRise Assists ECMC Foundation with Executive Director Search
Following a national professional search process, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Julie R. Berrigan as executive director of ECMC Foundation in Buffalo, NY. The foundation received strong interest from a broad range of highly experienced candidates. Ms. Berrigan emerged from that process as the consensus individual to serve as the foundation’s new executive
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for BOOST Pharma
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited seasoned biotech entrepreneur Hans T. Schambye as the new CEO of BOOST Pharma in Stockholm, Sweden. “Hans joined BOOST Pharma at a pivotal time for the company,” said Ingelise Saunders, chair of BOOST Pharma. “Having already made an impact as a member of our board with his deep scientific
ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Klein Hersh Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Zag Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited Jan Hillson as chief medical officer of Zag Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering thymus-targeted medicines in Cambridge, MA. “Jan joins Zag at a pivotal moment as we transition from research into clinical development,” said Jason Cole, CEO of
Herbert Mines Assists Designer Brands with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sheamus Toal as executive vice president, chief financial officer and principal financial officer of NYSE-traded Designer Brands Inc. Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer during the transition period, will return full time to his position as
SPMB Executive Search Expands Private Equity Practice
SPMB Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Rawlins Heaton as a partner and member of the firm’s private equity practice. “Rawlins brings a rare combination of deep private equity expertise, exceptional judgment, and a thoughtful, client-centric approach to executive search,” said Mike Doonan, SPMB managing partner. “She has earned the trust of some of
Massey Henry Expands Advisory Board
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has elected Yung Wu to its advisory board. “Yung brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial drive, executive leadership, and board governance expertise, grounded in a deep conviction in innovation as a driver of social and economic progress,” said Michael Henry, founder and managing partner at Massey Henry. “As financial services organizations navigate
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
Myers McRae Retained by the University of Montana Western for Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by the University of Montana Western (UMW) to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The school seeks a confident and perceptive individual to serve in the executive leadership role of chancellor. With the abilities to balance and prioritize, the chancellor will
SearchWide Global Recruits Executive Director for Cody Yellowstone
Following a nationwide search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Michael Wambolt as the new executive director of the Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Wambolt to Cody,” said John Parsons, chairman of the board of directors of PCTC. “He is a travel
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Chairperson and Country Head, India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has appointed Monica Agrawal as chairperson and country head, India. She is responsible for leading Sheffield Haworth’s India business, deepening client partnerships, and driving strategic growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. “We are delighted to welcome Monica to Sheffield Haworth,” said Alex Cormack, CEO of Sheffield Haworth. “India is a
How Executives Are Using AI to Gain a Competitive Edge
Private equity firms are increasingly evaluating chief executive candidates through a new lens: digital fluency and the ability to translate emerging technologies into enterprise value. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation across industries, leadership teams are expected to move beyond curiosity and into disciplined execution. For incoming CEOs, demonstrating practical command of AI
Reinforcing Leadership at Historically Black Colleges
Presidential turnover has become an increasingly urgent issue across higher education, but the stakes are especially high at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As HBCUs navigate rising enrollment demand, heightened fundraising expectations, and growing public visibility, leadership continuity is emerging as a critical factor in long-term institutional strength. Yet many campuses continue to face
Industra Talent Partners Launched by Bespoke Partners for Private Equity-Backed Industrial Companies
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Industra Talent Partners to use AI and a best-in-class search methodology to recruit senior leaders for U.S. middle-market industrial companies backed by private equity. “Industrial companies are perfect candidates for private equity to produce outsized returns. But portfolio company leadership is the critical factor in executing on value creation plans,” said Eric
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We
Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
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
Cornerstone International Group Fills Senior Position for Dawn Foods
Cornerstone International Group has recently placed Kristi Kangas as senior vice president of North America manufacturing operations for Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and distribution. Samuel Dergel led the search. “Kristi is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record of driving operational excellence in complex, multi-site environments,” said John Schmitz, chief operating officer,
Kelly Names Chief Growth Officer
Global specialty talent solutions provider Kelly has appointed Patrick McCall as chief growth officer. He is joining the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Kelly CEO Chris Layden, and responsible for accelerating Kelly’s organic growth and delivering industry-leading capabilities to clients and candidates. “Pat is a growth-obsessed leader who will help bring to bear the full strength of
Leathwaite Appoints Non-Executive Chairman
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed Rabih Ramadi as non-executive chairman. “Rabih’s appointment to the board is an absolute pleasure,” said Andrew Wallace, chair and co-founder. “As we continue to expand our footprint in North America and digitize the business for the future, Rabih’s experience and insights in these areas will be invaluable to our journey.”
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists BRUNT Workwear with Chief Financial and Operating Officer Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. The search was led by Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said
DRI Appoints Leader of Machining & Fabrication Practice
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners Company, has named Tim Sullen as practice leader for the machining & fabrication practice area. He will lead efforts to expand and strengthen DRI’s partnerships within the machining and fabrication industries. “Tim has been an integral part of our team and consistently goes above and beyond for our clients,” said Josh
Alexander Hughes Names Head of Global Legal Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Anthony Dodeman as head of its global legal practice to strengthen expertise across key legal domains. “This strategic move reinforces our commitment to supporting clients with access to legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of today’s complex legal landscape,” Alexander Hughes said. “Our legal practice spans a broad spectrum of expertise,
EY’s CEO Outlook Puts Talent At The Center Of Growth
EY-Parthenon’s 2026 CEO Outlook Survey of 1,200 global CEOs reveals a striking divergence. While confidence in the global economy has softened, nearly nine in 10 U.S. CEOs remain optimistic about their own companies’ prospects. The implication is clear: leaders believe growth, this year at least, will be self-generated rather than market-driven. That confidence rests on transformation. Ninety-seven percent of CEOs report they
