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4 Talent Trends Redefining Leadership Strategy in 2026
As organizations enter 2026, leadership teams are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape where disruption is constant and competitive advantage is increasingly talent-driven. The most successful companies will be those that align their people strategy with the new realities of speed, technology, and rising expectations for how leaders show up. Against that backdrop, four themes are
Stevenson Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for DaCapo Brainscience
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has placed Leslie Williams as president and CEO of DaCapo Brainscience in Cambridge, MA. “From inception, our vision has been to address neurodegenerative diseases at the point of progression,” said Matthew Peck, co-founder, senior advisor, and
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.
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
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?
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Why People, Not Just Technology, Will Determine the Success of AI in Healthcare
Introducing new technologies—especially those driven by AI—can disrupt established workflows, challenge existing roles, and strain organizational relationships in unforeseen ways. As a result, the most successful healthcare organizations will be those that look beyond the promise of the tools themselves and focus on how people interact with them, according to a recent report from human
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
CannabizTeam Launches Temporary Recruiting Services
Investors poured $10 billion into cannabis in North America in 2018, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. The North American market is expected to reach more than $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the marijuana field is exceptionally short on senior-level leaders who can
Employers to Continue on with Hiring Plans
U.S. employers are expecting hiring to pick up as we round out the second quarter, with 21 percent of employers planning to add staff, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they are expecting headcount to grow. This is the seventh consecutive year of double-digit
Parker Executive Search Recruits Athletic Director for La Salle University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search recently placed Brian Baptiste as director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation for La Salle University in Philadelphia. He succeeds Bill Bradshaw recently announced his retirement. “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Explorer family,” said Colleen M. Hanycz, president
Polachi Places General Counsel for Veracode
Executive search firms have been called in to find new general counsels for various organizations this year. Recently, Boston-headquartered executive search firm Polachi Inc. placed former Monotype legal executive Dawn Rogers as the new general counsel of Veracode in Burlington, MA. Partner Charley Polachi spearheaded the assignment. “Rogers’ impressive and versatile background makes her a powerhouse addition to Veracode’s
Odgers Berndtson Expands in France
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has inked a new partnership in France with the addition of Singer & Hamilton, a 30 year-old search firm that specializes in executive search and executive assessment with strong expertise in financial services, life sciences, technology, industry, fashion, luxury and private equity. “Odgers Berndtson is
Not Actively Looking Launches Ezekia
Not Actively Looking, a London-based executive candidate portal, has officially launched its complete browser-based executive search system under the brand name “Ezekia.” Prior to the formal launch as a separate product, the system debuted in April 2018 and has been adopted by a number of search firms in the Americas, Asia and Europe. “Ezekia was
TritonExec Raises Financing to Fund Expansion Plans
ThinCats, a leading U.K. private lender dedicated to funding growing and ambitious small to medium sized businesses, has stepped up with more than $3.5 million in debt financing to help with expansion plans at TritonExec, an executive search firm experiencing rapid growth in the U.K. and an expanding business base in the U.S. The deal
Riviera Partners Acquires WorthyWorks, Appoints COO
Fresh on the heels of securing $25 million in private equity financing, Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, continues its recent expansion with the acquisition of New York-based tech and product leader specialist WorthyWorks and the addition of Ryan Giordano as chief operating officer. “We are in a
Rudish Health Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the
RM Nephew and Associates Places CEO and CFO for National HME
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has helped to place Ena Williams as the new chief executive officer and Patrick Jennings CFO of National HME Inc., a provider of medical equipment solutions to the hospice market. Ms. Williams joins National HME after a 10-year career at 7-Eleven, where most recently she was the senior
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Chairman
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has elected Adam Warby, CEO of Avanade, as chairman of its board of directors. Mr. Warby joined Heidrick’s board in 2018 to sharpen the firm’s focus on its digital transformation. As CEO of Avanade, a joint venture founded between Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corp.,
Diversified Search Closes Funding Round, Acquires Koya Leadership Partners
M&A activity, with the support of private equity firms, continues unabated in the executive search industry. In the latest deal, to be announced later today, Diversified Search, backed by investment dollars from private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Koya Leadership Partners, one of the nation’s top search firms in non-profit and higher education. Financial terms
Wheless Partners Selected by Wichita State to Find President
With the new academic year coming to a close, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. The Kansas Board of Regents recently tapped executive recruitment
