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The Energists Appoints Partner
Houston-based The Energists has named Sheharyar Khan as partner. He will work closely with clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. “Sheharyar represents exactly the kind of forward-looking leadership our clients expect from us,” said Jon Hill, managing partner. “His analytical discipline, technical fluency, and client-side pragmatism, strengthened by his time at PwC, make him an effective advisor to organizations seeking executives who can
Why Executive Search Firms Remain Essential for High-Stakes Leadership Hires
Executive search firms deliver unique value when filling leadership positions that impact organizational performance, according to a new study from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Reports find that most qualified executive candidates (85 percent) aren’t actively seeking opportunities, making traditional recruitment methods insufficient. These firms provide access to a network of passive candidates developed through years of relationship
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
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
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
Harnessing Leadership Assessment to Select and Onboard High-Performing Executives
Choosing the right senior leaders is among the most critical responsibilities for boards of directors and their organizations. These executives define the organization’s direction, shape its culture, drive strategic decision-making, and have a direct impact on overall performance. Despite this, many organizations continue to rely on outdated selection processes, informal ‘interviews’, and gut instincts to
Pauly Group Enlisted to Find President for Northwestern Michigan College
Pauly Group, an academic search firm, has been chosen to find the next president for Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, MI. Senior consultant Marsi Liddell is leading the assignment. NMC wants a president who can lead a complex, regulated organization to meet the changes of the future, while respecting the college’s history and
IMD International Search Group Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has expanded in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of I Search Worldwide in Singapore. Singapore sits at the crossroads of the world’s largest and fastest growing region straddling China, India and the ASEAN countries. A modern cosmopolitan city with a strong reputation as a major player in the
Workers Remain Optimistic, but CEO Confidence Falls
American worker confidence is at its highest level in four years. Following a slight dip at the end of the last quarter, the national Worker Confidence Index (WCI) rose 3.6 points to 110.7 in its most recent quarter, reaching its highest level since the study’s inception. The Worker Confidence Index is a survey of U.S.
Heidrick & Struggles Selected by Washington State Investment Board to Find Chief Investment Officer
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has been retained by the $135 billion Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. Gary Bruebaker is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years in the investment business. Lyndon Taylor, partner in charge of
Leaders International Executive Search Lands President for Deer Park College
Leaders International Executive Search has placed the new president of Red Deer College (RDC) in Alberta, Canada. Peter Nunoda, president of Vancouver Community College, will start in his new role on Sept. 3. He succeeds Joel Ward, who is retiring after 10 years at the helm. During an extensive search that lasted more than 15
Ward Howell Expands Global Travel & Hospitality Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Jim Theodore as a partner in its global travel and hospitality practice. Based in Boston, Mr. Theodore joins Ward Howell with more than 30 years of experience in retained search. He has worked in the hospitality and leisure industries serving clients of all
Amrop Names New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments in the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Global recruiting organization Amrop has appointed Federico Cuneo as CEO and chairman of its executive board. He replaces José I. Leyún as CEO. “The organization extends its gratitude to José for his
The Benefits of Strategic CEO Succession Planning
About five years before the chief executive officer of a major European insurance company planned to retire, the board began considering potential candidates to fill his role. Eight internal executives rose to the top, and subsequently went through in-depth assessments of their strengths, weaknesses and psychometric profiles. A year before the end of this process,
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Gigster
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. Recently, Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell recruited Jennifer
LandrumHR Acquires HR-Focused Search Firm hrQ
LandrumHR, a Pensacola, FL-headquartered full-service human resources firm, has acquired executive search firm hrQ in Denver. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. The human resources sector is hrQ’s bailiwick. The firm focuses exclusively on providing HR professionals for short- or long-term contract assignments and full- time hires as well as offering expertise on a
Lambda Legal Taps Two Search Firms to Find New CEO
New York-based Lambda Legal has retained the services of LGBTQ search firm McCormack+Kristel and WB&B, an executive search firm focused on diversity and inclusion, to lead its search for a new CEO. Lambda Legal, a non-profit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living
Boyden Opens New Office in Saskatchewan
Boyden has expanded in Canada with the opening an office in the province of Saskatchewan. It will be led by Dan Brown, a new Boyden Canada partner. “Our new office in Saskatchewan and the appointment of Dan supports our strategy in Canada and globally to provide clients with world-class leadership advisory solutions,” said Trina Gordon, president
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Turns to Koya Leadership Partners to Find New Leader
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has enlisted Alison P. Ranney and Alexandra N. Corvin of Koya Leadership Partners to assist in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The organization initially retained Boyden for the assignment. Both finalist candidates, however, reportedly rejected the job, citing concerns with salary and museum governance. Boston-based Koya is tasked with finding a
Evolv Technologies Turns to TillmanPartners to Find CFO
Backed by an impressive group of investors including Bill Gates, Evolv Technologies, a technology start-up addressing the active shooter threat, has retained TillmanPartners to find a CFO. “When I launched TillmanPartners this year, I set out to serve an exclusive group of clients and assist CEOs and investors to achieve breakthrough performance,” said Rob Tillman,
Gerard Daniels Names New Managing Partner for the Americas
Executive search firm Gerard Daniels, headquartered in Perth, Australia, has appointed Jason Wright to the role of managing partner Americas, based in its Houston office. Mr. Wright is a highly-experienced recruitment and staffing professional with more than 20 years’ involvement in the oil and gas and energy sectors, primarily in the Americas markets. “I wish
Prestige Scientific Opens First Office in Europe
Milford, MA-based life science executive search firm Prestige Scientific recently opened its first European office in Amsterdam and appointed Brandan Sweeney as director of the new location. The expansion to Amsterdam is largely in response to the European Medicines Agency’s recent relocation there, said the firm. Mr. Sweeney is charged with leading the expansion of the
SWR Group and Rothley Executive Search Join Forces
M&A activity, in many cases with the support of private equity firms, continues to heat up in the executive search industry. The latest: New Zealand-headquartered search firms SWR Group and Rothley Executive Search have merged. Under the agreement, Rothley operations become part of SWR Group. Rothley founder and managing director Sean Brunner will be based in
The Current State of Diversity and Inclusion
Although most respondents to a new study by talent acquisition firm GQR Global said they feel they have a commitment from their company’s leadership to pursue the business case for diversity and inclusion, there was an overwhelming feeling among them that diversity within their companies is not reflected in executive teams. Increasingly, the human capital
Lindauer Seeks Chief Philanthropy Officer for Joslin Diabetes Center
The Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston has selected recruitment firm Lindauer to lead its efforts to find a new chief philanthropy officer. Vice president Maureen Huminik is spearheading the assignment. “This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven leader who will bring expertise in grateful patient fundraising, as well as deep experience working with friends
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for U.K. Ordnance Survey
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Steve Blair as the new chief executive officer of U.K. mapping authority Ordnance Survey (OS). Patrick Johnson, the search firm’s country manager for the U.K., led the assignment. “The board of OS is delighted that ministers have appointed Steve Blair as CEO of Ordnance Survey,” said Kieran Murphy, chairman at Ordnance Survey. “He
Finlay James Names Chief Commercial Officer
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, U.K.-headquartered search firm Finlay James has appointed Andrew MacAskill as its chief commercial officer. Mr. MacAskill will also join the technology-focused firm’s board of directors alongside owners John and Sara Gaughan and managing director James May.
Sucherman Group Expands Search Staff
New York-based Sucherman Group has expanded its sports, digital and international advisory practices with the additions of Cuyler Holmquist and Aaron Henderson as executive directors. Mr. Holmquist was enlisted to help with the firm’s business development and execution efforts. Most recently, he ran the U.S. sports practice for search firm Odgers Berndtson. Having started working for Odgers in
Here’s How Predictive Analytics is Sharpening Recruiting Efforts
Historically, recruiting has been primarily dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform
The Koblentz Group Recruits CHRO for PRGX
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
Recruit Co. Ltd. Makes Key Technology Investments
Staffing provider Recruit Co. Ltd., an intermediate holding branch of Japanese recruiting behemoth Recruit Holdings, has made three key investments in technology companies, helping to fund Breez Development, which is working to help improve cryptocurrency payments; Techbins Solutions, an AI conversational commerce platform; and Coti Holdings, a next-generation blockchain provider. Recruit Holdings is the owner
Saenger Associates Tapped by MWS Wire Industries to Find New Leader
Los Angeles-based executive search firm Saenger Associates has been retained by MWS Wire Industries to lead the search for its next president. Mike Nadler, senior vice president of client services, is spearheading the assignment along with Gary Saenger, founder and president. MWS Wire Industries is seeking a successor to its retiring president to continue to
Stanton Chase Names Global Aviation Sector Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the appointment of Ingo Schmittmann, a partner with the Frankfurt office, as global aviation sector leader for the firm’s supply chain, logistics and transportation practice group. “It is a distinct pleasure to announce Ingo’s expanding leadership role in this important worldwide practice group,” said Juan D. Morales, managing director
6 Ways to Conduct an Effective Executive Job Search
In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, the elements of an effective executive-level job search are very different than what may be utilized for non-executive roles. A new report by Rob Croner, vice president of senior executive services at CCI Consulting, explores channels of activity that drive any effective professional job search. “It can be
Search Firms Partner to Find New Commissioner for Southern Conference
Executive search firms College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker have collaborated to recruit Ohio University director of athletics Jim Schaus as the new commissioner of the Southern Conference. Atlanta-based College Sports, which managed the search, was chosen for its expertise in finding athletics leaders, while Buffkin/ Baker, based in Brentwood, TN, offered prowess in tapping top academic
Cejka Executive Search Recruits CEO for St. Luke’s Healthcare System
After an extensive nationwide hunt, Cejka Executive Search has placed Kevin Nokels as president and CEO of the St. Luke’s Healthcare System in Duluth, MN. The search was led by Mark Madden, executive vice president and managing principal, and Rebecca Kapphahn, vice president and search consultant. Mr. Nokels currently serves as president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical
Hightech Partners and ICT Control Create Ataya & Partners
Executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has joined forces with Georges Ataya, founder of ICT Control, to create Ataya & Partners. The new venture will provide clients with a full-circle “digitally enabling” menu, ranging from assessments, targeted education, and certification to advisory and staffing services in digital transformation, data protection and information security, said Ataya







