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Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Western States Water
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has Tanya Toot as the new CFO of Western States Water, a Strength Capital Partners portfolio company. Tom Dunn, Jarrod Gray, Justin Kai Ossola, Benjamin Wolf, Mallory Allen, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “We’re grateful for the trust from the Strength Capital and Western States Water teams,
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.
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
Hireology Raises $27 Million in Funding
Hireology, a Chicago-based recruitment management platform for the automotive and healthcare sectors, has closed $27 million in series D financing led by Blue Cloud Ventures, with full participation from current investors Bain Capital Ventures and Baird Venture Partners, as well as Silicon Valley Bank. The funds will be used to accelerate the company’s growth in new
Koya Leadership Partners Seeks Chief Program Officer for Greenpeace USA
Executive recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners, which specializes in serving non-profit organizations, has been chosen to find a chief program officer for Greenpeace USA. Managing director Nicole Kamaleson and principal Turner Delano are leading the assignment. Greenpeace USA is searching for a dynamic and fearless leader to join its senior management team as chief program
PearlCare Search Group Recruits CIO for Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
The chief information officer is considered among the most strategic roles within any organization, and for the healthcare sector the role is regarded as an especially critical asset. According to executive search consultants who specialize in recruiting them, the best CIOs have the power to dramatically differentiate a company’s offering in the market, while a
Heidrick & Struggles Opens Office in Ireland
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has opened a new office in Ireland and named Stafford Bagot as the partner in charge of the Dublin office. “For more than 65 years, we have been providing our clients with diversified solutions to help them build strong leadership teams globally,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, president
NGS Global Expands in San Francisco and Singapore
Executive search firm NGS Global continues to grow, recently adding Louis La Rocca and BL Seah as partners in its San Francisco and Singapore offices. Mr. La Rocca has over 17 years of executive search experience and has recruited senior executives for private and public companies at every stage of growth, ranging from early stage to the
First Time CEO Appointments on the Rise
Each year, Spencer Stuart tracks CEO transitions among S&P 500 companies. These movements can be part of a planned succession or can arise unexpectedly, often the result of company performance or personal issues. In addition to cataloging the reasons for CEO departures the search firm examines information about the successors, including whether or not they are
Seven Qualities of a Perfect Candidate
It’s important to recruit executives that possess the right qualities to steer organizations through uncharted waters. The best leaders have a strong portfolio of future-oriented and change-ready skills that enable them to keep responding to fluctuating market demands. “We have had the opportunity to work on hundreds of searches over the years and during that time, we
ClearPath Solutions Finds CFO for Café Rio Mexican Grill
Irvine, CA-based executive search firm ClearPath Solutions has placed former BJ’s Restaurant executive Shea Bodet as the new CFO of restaurant chain Café Rio Mexican Grill. Recruiters Amy Wilson, Jessica Dyer and Jack Wilson led the assignment. “Shea is the perfect match for Cafe Rio,” said Ms. Dyer. “She brings a unique combination of technical expertise, leadership, partnership and
Diversified Search Recruits CEO for Baptist Health
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. Following a national talent hunt, Diversified Search recently placed Brett S. McClung as
City of Fresno Taps Teri Black & Company to Find Next Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
Stanton Chase Opens New Office in Raleigh
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Raleigh, NC. Kathleen Lehman Hajek, who joined the search firm last year, has been named managing director of the new office. In addition to serving companies in the Raleigh/Durham and greater Research Triangle Park area, Stanton Chase has a strong presence in
Why Trust is the Most Critical Ingredient to a Successful Search
Of all the elements that go into an executive search, the most important is trust, according to Price Harding, founding partner of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, in a new report. “Interestingly, there may not be anything in our lives that is more foundational to both business and personal relationships than trust and yet, for most of
Jorgenson Consulting Seeks CEO for Jacksonville Downtown Investment Authority
Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has been enlisted to find a new chief executive officer for the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) in Jacksonville, FL. Former CEO Aundra Wallace stepped down last fall to become president of JAXUSA Partnership, the economic development arm of JAX Chamber, the Jacksonville chamber of commerce. Brian Hughes, chief of staff for Jacksonville’s mayor,
Fogler Consulting Scores New Men’s Head Basketball Coach for UNLV
Universities have been increasingly turning to search firms to fill their top coaching vacancies. Executive search firm Fogler Consulting recently placed T.J. Otzelberger as the men’s head basketball coach for the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV). Mr. Otzelberger comes to UNLV from South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he compiled a record of 70-33 during his
Cejka Executive Search Names President
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: Cejka Executive Search named Paul Esselman as president. Mr. Esselman, who has served as the firm’s senior executive vice president and managing director since 2005, has more than 20 years of
Morgan Hunt Appoints Chief Strategy Officer
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, London-based search firm Morgan Hunt has appointed Darren Montagu as chief strategy officer. Mr. Montagu previously spent 27 years working for global recruiting firm Hays plc. His career at Hays saw him starting as a trainee recruiter,
Spencer Stuart Acquires Several Business Units of Aon
With culture shaping now seen as one of the most important drivers to achieve competitive advantage among companies, many search firms – including the global leaders as well as the boutiques – now offer some variation of it. It includes human capital management, business transformation strategy, leader engagement, talent optimization, organizational development, HR transformation, and leadership and
Myers McRae Finds 23rd President for Judson College
After a year-long national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting recruited W. Mark Tew as the 23rd president of Judson College, a private Baptist women’s college in Marion, AL. He replaced David E. Potts, who served as president from 1990 until 2018. Emily Myers, CEO of the search firm, led the assignment. From the pool of
Crawfordconnect Seeks Executive Director for Autism, Neurodevelopmental Disorder Group
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has been retained to find a new executive director for Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based non-profit organization. Consultant Liz Latimer is leading the assignment for the search firm. Working closely and reporting directly to the board of directors, ISAND’s executive director will be expected to build and
ManpowerGroup Posts Nine Percent Revenue Decline
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $5 billion, a decrease of nine percent from the same period a year ago. The results beat Wall Street expectations. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $4.92 billion in revenues. Financial results in the quarter were also impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. U.S. revenue fell 2.1 percent in the first quarter. Revenue also decreased 9.1
Kennedy Executive Search Adds Unterberger & Partner as Member Firm
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has added Unterberger & Partner, which has offices in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as its newest member firm. This provides the organization with further access to the German-speaking markets in Europe. Established in 2007, Unterberger & Partner is led by industry veteran Markus Unterberger and operates
Recruiters Find New Ways to Add Value for Clients
Technology has changed the game in executive search, making it imperative for recruiters to find new ways of creating value for clients. “With platforms such as LinkedIn providing readily available information on candidates, we’ve seen a disintermediation in the industry,” said John Ellis, CEO of U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Savannah Group, in a new report by Invenias,
Odgers Berndtson Strengthens Sports Recruiting Practice
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has brought in Jamie Crittenberger as a partner in its U.S. sports practice. He will be based in Washington, D.C. “We’re very excited to welcome Jamie to the Odgers team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “He’s a gold standard recruiter and has more than 20
Slone Partners Finds CEO for Epic Sciences
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Lloyd Sanders as the new CEO of Epic Sciences in San Diego, CA. He replaces Murali Prahalad, who stepped down after six years at the helm to pursue new opportunities. Dr. Prahalad has been appointed to Epic’s board of directors. Leslie Loveless, partner and CEO, led the search along with Kim
Hanold Associates Seeking CHRO for Myers Industries
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Recently, Myers Industries retained Hanold Associates to find its next CHRO. Partners Keri Gavin, Kile Hanold and Sonia Nagra are leading the assignment. “Reporting to Myers Industries’ CEO, David Banyard, the CHRO is a close strategic partner
Search Solution Group Promotes Three to Key Roles
Staffing and recruitment firm Search Solution Group has promoted three members of its team to key roles within the organization. Eric Fehr becomes vice president of operations. Josh Mangum was named senior director of corporate strategy. And Ashley Goldberg was chosen to lead the contract staffing group and was appointed president of the staffing division.
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for the San Francisco 49ers
The NFL and its teams continue to look to specialist recruiters to fill top C-suite roles. Recently, Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, placed Alex Chang as chief marketing officer of the San Francisco 49ers. Managing director Diana Busino led the search along with recruiter Allie Crone. The 49ers wanted a proven marketing leader with a
Korn Ferry Lands CEO for Recording Academy
Following an extensive search, Korn Ferry has recruited Deborah Dugan, CEO of the non-profit AIDS organization RED, to succeed Neil Portnow as the Recording Academy’s president and CEO. The board now must approve her compensation package before the appointment becomes official. Reportedly, Ms. Dugan is expected to commence her new role in July. Ms. Dugan has been New York City-based RED’s CEO
Spencer Stuart Finds Board Members for MEDNAX Inc.
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Carlos A. Migoya and Michael A. Rucker to stand for election to the board of directors at MEDNAX Inc., a publicly traded health solutions partner specializing in neonatology, anesthesiology, radiology, maternal-fetal medicine, other pediatric services and management services. While conducting the searches, Spencer Stuart evaluated the board’s composition and identified additional director
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Former BP HR Leader to Staff
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives and other top corporate executives looking for a career change. Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently named veteran HR executive Helena Fyda as a consultant in the firm’s corporate officers’ practice. Based in Houston, Ms. Fyda will work closely with C-suite-level executives to help drive
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Colombia
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, EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence
