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What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
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
Private Equity’s Leadership Imperative: Driving Impact with Agility and Vision
As the private equity landscape becomes increasingly dynamic and complex, the demand for transformative leadership has never been greater. PE firms are no longer just seeking financial expertise—they want seasoned executives who can deliver alpha through strategic insight, operational excellence, and cultural leadership. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that these leaders must demonstrate a clear
Buffkin/ Baker Lands Diversity Head for Dalton School
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin/ Baker has helped place the new director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for the Dalton School in New York City. Domonic Rollins comes to the private, college preparatory school from Harvard University, where he worked in the president’s office as a strategist and advisor on diversity, inclusion and belonging, and
Quick Leonard Kieffer Tapped by CommunityHealth to Find New CEO
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recently been enlisted by CommunityHealth in
Korn Ferry Appoints COO for Products Business
Korn Ferry has named Lisa McCann as chief operating officer for its products business. She is based in the search firm’s Boston office. In her role, Ms. McCann will provide delivery and operational leadership to expand Korn Ferry’s global capabilities across its integrated talent product suite and services. She will also lead the products organization’s strategic innovation
EMA Partners Names Practices Heads in India
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence in India with the addition of Aravind Sridharan as client partner to lead the technology and digital practice for the firm in the region. EMA also brought in Udai Raina as associate director to lead the digital and IOT practice in India. “Aravind and
Turnkey Search Recruits Juwan Howard as Head Basketball Coach for University of Michigan
Universities have been turning to search firms in greater numbers to fill their top coaching vacancies. Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, recently placed Juwan Howard as the men’s head basketball coach for the University of Michigan, a plum assignment. He is a former Wolverine All-American and NBA All-Star. Mr. Howard replaces John Beilein,
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CEO for Malala Fund
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been chosen to find a chief executive officer for Malala Fund, a global non-profit that works to expand girls’ access to education. Consultants Joy Wiersum and Jamie Hechinger are leading the assignment. Malala Fund wants a relationship-oriented, highly-effective CEO to lead an exciting phase of accelerated growth and
Scion Executive Search Assists Born Free USA
Scion Executive Search, which specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted Born Free USA in its selection of Angela Grimes as its new CEO. She had served in the top role on an interim basis since August. “Angela has the experience and compassion to take Born Free USA to the next level,” said Will Travers, president of Born
Lantern Partners Launches Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice, Names New Sector Leader
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Recently, Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Lantern Partners launched a new healthcare
InterSearch China Opens New Office in Qingdao
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. Recently, InterSearch China announced the opening of ZW HR Consulting’s new office in Qingdao.
Robust Hiring Expected for Another Year
Economists foresee ongoing economic expansion for at least the next 12 months and companies expect to continue hiring, according to a business conditions survey released by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). All survey respondents said that they expect the U.S. economy, as measured by the change in inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (real GDP), to
Myers McRae Chosen to Find Methodist University Provost
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is seeking a new provost for Methodist University. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president, are spearheading the assignment. The Fayetteville, NC university wants a provost who will be a partner in moving its academic offerings into the future, said Myers McRae. The new
The Insight Group Recruits CEO for Millennium Services Group
After a comprehensive recruitment process, Sydney-headquartered executive search firm the Insight Group recently placed Darren Boyd as managing director and chief executive officer of Millennium Services Group Limited. He takes over from Millennium’s acting CEO, head of Millennium subsidiary Airlite Group Steve Willis, who was appointed following the departure of Millennium’s previous CEO, Craig Hanley. Millennium
Savannah Group Partners with Psychometric Assessment Expert to Create New Tool
Drawing on insights from providing executive talent to over 1,000 businesses on short and long-term transformation projects, U.K.-headquartered executive search and interim management specialist Savannah Group has partnered with Alan Bourne of Sova, one of the leading innovators in the design of psychometric tools, to create a new psychometric assessment tool called the Pillars of Transformation.
Royer Thomson Expands Organizational Performance and Leadership Transition Practice
Royer Thompson has expanded its organizational performance and leadership transition practice with the addition of veteran human resources leader Amanda Penney as senior director. Ms. Penney brings 15 years of human resources leadership to the firm, most recently as director of human resources with private sector company the Shaw Group during a time of business
Finding the Right Leaders for Private Equity Companies
Some people like to compare a private equity investment to a marriage. Many steps are necessary in order to build a strong foundation and to be aligned for the future. PE investors and leaders strongly depend on one another to achieve returns and value within an agreed period of time. If the arrangement proves unsuccessful,
TillmanPartners Recruits CIO for American Woodmark
Scottsdale, AZ-based search firm TillmanPartners has recruited Bill Waszak as chief information officer for NASDAQ-traded American Woodmark in Winchester, VA. “American Woodmark is a well-established industry leader with a strong company culture and a commitment to invest in technology and drive continued innovation in the business,” said Rob Tillman, CEO, who handled the search. “Bill
Gail Nessel Colglazier Places Two Leaders for Cape Cod Museum of Art
New Hampshire-based executive search firm Gail Nessel Colglazier has helped to place two top leaders for the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMoA) in Dennis, MA. The non-profit reportedly started seeking a lone executive director 16 months ago, but in the end opted for two leaders. Benton Jones becomes the non-profit’s director of arts and Susan
EFL Associates Recruits Executive Director for WorldDenver
Denver-based search firm EFL Associates has placed Tiffani Lennon as the new executive director for WorldDenver, a non-profit community organization dedicated to understanding world affairs and cultures. She succeeds WorldDenver’s founder Karen de Bartolomé, who is retiring after having created the organization seven years ago. Daniel J. Cummings, the firm’s senior vice president and managing director led
The Pi Group Rebrands to Perpetual
The Pi Group (Perpetual Insights, Pi Executive and Perpetual Ambition), a boutique recruitment and talent advisory firm for consumer brands, has rebranded. As Perpetual, the company reinforces its commitment to offering a full range of solutions clients require along the entire talent journey. “From talent acquisition to talent development to talent analytics, Perpetual is dedicated
Win the War of Talent with Job Security Over Pay
Amid fast-paced innovation and global competitiveness, employees are facing more professional choices than ever. Attracting talented people to grow businesses remains extremely difficult for employers. Holding on to people proves to be an increasing challenge for organizations worldwide as well. Compensation continues to be regarded as very important, but it is also clear that if
National Restaurant Association Turns to Spencer Stuart to Find CEO
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry continue to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). Overall, the industry is estimated to generate an economic impact of $6.5
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Epic Sciences
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Richard Wenstrup as the chief medical officer of Epic Sciences. “Dr. Wenstrup’s decades-long experience in oncology leadership and clinical work will add substantial value to Epic Sciences in developing exciting new diagnostic tests that advance the mission of precision medicine,” said Tara Kochis-Stach, president of Slone Partners. In his new role,
Odgers Berndtson Adds to Boston Team
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has brought in Richard Pooley as a partner in its U.S. professional services, technology and CFO practices. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to the team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “He has more than
IMD International Search Announces New Board
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has elected a new board member and prolonged the mandate of two others at its annual general assembly in Paris. Simona Cremascoli, partner at Milan-based member firm Carter & Benson, joins the IMD board as director in charge of internal communication. “I am very satisfied with the long-lasting international
Succession Plans Lacking in the C-Suite
Companies everywhere are concerned that when a CEO leaves there be candidates who can step in to lead the company. The plans for all those other seats around the executive table, however, are a little murky. Many organizations simply don’t have internal candidates who can step in to be chief financial officers, chief marketing officers
Whitman College Picks Spelman Johnson to Find Athletics Leader
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been enlisted by Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA to find a new director of athletics and chair of sports studies, recreation and athletics. Dell D. Robinson, search associate with the firm’s athletic practice, and Anne-Marie Kenney, senior coordinator of search services, are leading the assignment. The director of athletics
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CTO for Calyxt
Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Travis Frey as the new chief technology officer of Calyxt, a healthy food ingredient company in Roseville, MN. Dr. Frey brings extensive knowledge in plant biology and biotechnology to a newly created position at the company. As CTO, he will be responsible for the research and development
La Fosse Associates Launches Pro Bono Practice
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has launched a new pro bono practice to serve charities and not-for-profit organizations. The practice will place cybersecurity professionals into advisory positions at charities and non-profits that need advice and support, for free. “Care is a founding principle of La Fosse, which includes caring for others, not just our clients
Why It Can be Lonely at the Top in Executive Search
Layers of complexity are baked into the process of every search for a new executive. From competing agendas, to strong personalities, to internal dynamics – no search is simple. “Specializing in executive search within the human capital industry means being the ultimate in relationship and trust building,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder and managing partner of
Witt/Kieffer Assists Syracuse University in Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Search
With the assistance of recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer, Syracuse University has chosen Keith A. Alford to be the school’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. Consultant Charlene Aguilar and associate Christine Pendleton led the assignment for the firm. Nearly 200 candidates expressed interest in the position, but the committee ultimately recommended the person who had been serving in an interim
RM Nephew and Associates Places New CFO for InVivo Therapeutics
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has helped to place the new chief financial officer and treasurer for InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., a Cambridge, MA-based research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company. Richard Christopher comes to the role from iCAD Inc. Leading the assignment was search firm partner Denise C. Amari. “Rich’s more than
