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IMSA Search Global Partners Adds New Member Firm in Canada
IMSA Search Global Partners has added Pivotal Integrated HR Solutions as IMSA Canada and CEO Neil Kouba as IMSA Canada managing partner. “Neil and his team are an excellent addition to our worldwide organization,” said Thierry Goder, president of IMSA Search Global Partners. “They are like-minded, successful executive search professionals who will strengthen our presence in
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2025
In 2025, the recruiting and executive search industry entered a pivotal transformation driven by the rapid integration of AI and data intelligence. As firms navigated uneven hiring demand and ongoing consolidation, recruiters increasingly turned to AI-powered platforms, advanced analytics, and leadership science to deliver sharper insight, faster outcomes, and measurable value for clients. Investor activity
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.
Leadership Strategies for Challenging Times
Non-profit leaders face unique challenges in today’s world. From financial and broader economic uncertainty to changing policy and evolving societal needs, the pressure to deliver meaningful change during a period of insecurity can feel immense, according to a recent report from DHR Global. Within these challenges lie decisions for leaders to make as they determine
Cross Country Healthcare Creates New Brand for Search Divisions
Cross Country Healthcare, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has merged its signature permanent search brands – Cejka Physician Search, AP Healthcare, StarMed and Cross Country Staffing’s RPO division – under a new Cross Country Search brand. The consolidation leverages the strength of each brand to offer the widest range of permanent search
Signium Expands in the U.S. With New Member Firm
Executive search consortium Signium has increased its presence in the U.S. with the addition of Discovery Search Partners in Atlanta as its newest member firm. Located in Atlanta, Boston, the Philadelphia area and Virginia, Discovery Search Partners boosts Signium’s executive search and leadership presence in the life sciences sector. Discovery Search Partners was formed in 2009 by a
CEO Confidence Remains Moderately Optimistic
Although chief executives continue to be upbeat about the economy, their confidence levels have waned in recent months. In its most recent report, the Conference Board’s “Measure of CEO Confidence” was unchanged at 43 in the second quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). “CEO confidence was unchanged
Spencer Stuart Acquires Ireland-Based MERC Partners
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has acquired MERC Partners, a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm based in Ireland. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The addition of MERC Partners marks Spencer Stuart’s first client-facing team in Ireland and represents an important addition for its EMEA and global business. Spencer Stuart has had
Caldwell Posts Revenue Gain; Elects Private Equity Veteran as Chairman
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $19.9 million (Canadian), a 4.6 percent increase from a year ago. The search firm also announced that its chairman, G. Edmund King, is retiring and that new board member and private equity veteran Elias Vamvakas has been elected as chairman. Caldwell noted that third quarter revenues
How Today’s CHRO is Managing Disruption
Successive waves of global disruption — political, social, demographic, technological — are compelling today’s CHROs to consider how they may safely bring their organizations, and specifically their people, through the turbulence. But that disruption also presents an opportunity for them to examine how, and how swiftly, their own roles must change. A new report from
Development Guild DDI Seeks New Leader for Senior Community
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been retained to find the next president and CEO for Sophia Snow Place, a senior living community in West Roxbury, MA. President William Weber is leading the assignment. The next leader of Sophia Snow Place will be expected to partner with the board
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Global search consortiums continue to add new members across the globe. The latest: IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) just added People Executive in Denmark as its newest member firm. “We are very excited to welcome People Executive into the IRC family. Based on our past experience we know that the partners will contribute much to our
7 Reasons to Partner with a Recruitment Firm
Hiring talent is something that affects every business and every level of management. The ability to recruit great talent is key to the ultimate success, or failure, of a business. Certain roles, however, can be particularly difficult to fill. In those situations, it can be extremely valuable for an organization to partner with an outside
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help them find senior talent. After a nationwide search, executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates recently placed India Birdsong as general manager and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. She will succeed Joseph A. Calabrese, who stepped down from
Kennedy Executive Search Names Financial Services Practice Leader
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has named Markus Unterberger as practice leader of financial services. In this role, he will structure and guide Kennedy’s services in recruitment for leadership roles in the financial services industry across North America, South America and Europe. Mr. Unterberger is a veteran in the financial
Driving Greater Diversity in Recruitment
Diversity and inclusion is firmly on the boardroom agenda and companies are actively looking to improve equality in their recruiting practices. This is a trend that is not going away and which many companies are tackling head on, both internally and through their suppliers. As a result, executive search firms are addressing their role in
Search Solution Executive Recruits CHRO for itelligence North America
Anyone with ties to the human resources function knows how much it has evolved in recent years – and with it the role of the chief human resources officer. The biggest shift has been in the CHRO’s progression from fighting for a seat at the table to playing a key role on the executive team. According
Cowen Partners Launches New Office in Vancouver, WA
With demand for executive recruitment growing across the Pacific Northwest, executive search firm Cowen Partners recently opened an office in Vancouver, WA. Leading the new location is Ash Wendt, founding partner. “I’ve been a long-time resident of Vancouver and watching the tremendous growth in recent years has been exciting,” said Mr. Wendt. “We can’t wait
The Best Ways to Foster a CEO / CHRO Relationship
The relationship between a CEO and CHRO is possibly the most unique in the corporate world. When fostered strategically, the dynamic between the person at the helm of the company and the head of HR can drive a business to greater heights. But a new report by John Doyle of Slayton Search Partners finds that
ZRG Partners Acquires London-Based Holker Watkin
ZRG Partners, a fast growing executive search firm, has continued its expansion with the acquisition of London-headquartered search firm Holker Watkin. The deal’s financial terms were undisclosed. The firm will operate as a ZRG company, focused on supporting client needs for senior-level strategy professionals on a retained and interim project basis. The transaction is expected
AEGEUS Executive Search Tapped by Queensland Theatre to Find Next Executive Director
Sydney-headquartered AEGEUS Executive Search has been selected by Queensland Theatre to find its next artistic director. Sam Strong, who has held the role for four years, recently announced that he will be leaving the organization later this year. Managing director Tony Grierson is leading the assignment. “Queensland Theatre has been and will continue to be a
4 Emerging Trends to Watch as 2019 Heads Into High Gear
If the second half of 2019 is anything like the first, business leaders are in for a wild ride. The geopolitical landscape remains as volatile as the stock market. Signs of an economic slowdown are emerging, making consumers and investors equally skittish. Organizations are still looking for ways to cut costs while ramping up investment
Carrington & Carrington Seeks CFO for UPMC Community HealthChoices
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington is seeking the next chief financial officer for UPMC Community HealthChoices (CHC). Principal Marian H. Carrington is leading the assignment. In 2017, the search firm started a multi-year partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to help boost the healthcare giant’s diversity hiring at its most senior levels.
Job Growth Rebounds in June; Unemployment Rate Sits at 3.7 Percent
Employers added 224,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase, the largest since January, topped the 162,000 forecast by economists. The June gain is the 105th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 6.0
10 Benefits of Retaining an Executive Search Firm
Organizations typically use an executive search firm when a top job opening is important enough, senior enough and when discretion is at a premium. These three factors warrant the investment of bringing in a search firm. Executive search firms are in the business of finding high impact thought leaders who share the same principles, goals,
Diversified Search Places Two Women Directors at Jacobs
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. At the same time, many boards find that the supply of independent-minded “board experienced” directors – especially those who can add vital forms of specialized skills and expertise – is limited. Such candidates are
Witt/Kieffer Tapped by Oregon State University to Find 15th President
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected by Oregon State University (OSU) to lead in its search for its 15th president. Edward Ray, who has served as the school’s president since 2003, recently announced he is stepping down when his current five-year contract ends in 2020. Zachary Smith, senior partner and deputy managing partner for the firm’s
ZRG Partners Acquires Fiore Global Search
ZRG Partners, a fast growing executive search firm, has continued its expansion with the acquisition of certain assets of executive search firm Fiore Global Search. The deal’s financial terms were undisclosed. As part of the asset acquisition agreement, Adam Fiore, formerly the managing partner and CEO of Fiore Global Search, will be joining ZRG as a
N2Growth Names Chief Marketing Officer
N2Growth, a Philadelphia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has added Dan Evans as chief marketing officer. A respected media and marketing professional, Mr. Evans has more than a decade of experience in helping strong brands create outstanding user experience. “Dan is an incredible marketing executive who understands how to engage the market across
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for Sprouts Farmers Market
Following a nationwide search, New York-based executive recruiter Herbert Mines Associates recently placed Jack L. Sinclair as the new chief executive officer of Sprouts Farmers Market which is based in Phoenix, AZ. Amin Maredia stepped down last December to pursue other interests. President and COO Jim Nielsen and CFO Brad Lukow had been serving as interim co-CEOs while
Odgers Berndtson Recruits CEO for American Association of Port Authorities
Global search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed Christopher Connor as the new CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Long-time leader Kurt Nagle recently retired. Vice chairman and partner Tim McNamara is leading the assignment along with partner and practice leader Conrad Woody. “The association’s executive committee is pleased to have found an outstanding individual to
Ventura Partners Places Tennis Head Coaches for Auburn and Yale
Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has recently placed head coaches for women’s tennis at Auburn University and men’s tennis at Yale University. Leading the respective assignments were Chad Chatlos, partner, and Katy Young Staudt, managing director, in the firm’s sports and entertainment practice. Caroline Lilley, assistant head coach at the University of Kansas (KU), was
Charles Aris Appoints Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. recently expanded with the addition of Luis Tejada as its newest practice leader. Mr. Tejada will focus on recruiting A-level sales and marketing leaders on behalf of clients in the food and beverage industry. He brings an extensive background in shaping sales and marketing programs for a variety of organizations
NPAworldwide Adds 10 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 10 new member locations as it continues to
Finding Transformative Leaders Fueling Growth & Innovation at Wilton & Bain
In the early years after its founding in 2001, London-based Wilton & Bain was content to be a respected, tightly focused professional services executive search firm. With technology as its niche, it was a good business, everyone agreed, and profitable. Yet it was relatively small and geographically limited. Fast forward 18 years and behold a
