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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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.
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
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?
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Bespoke Partners Opens New Office in Boston
Bespoke Partners has opened a new office in Boston to accommodate the firm’s growing local team and strengthen its presence in a key market for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The new office in Boston places Bespoke in proximity to leading software and SaaS clients in healthcare tech, cybersecurity, FinTech, MarTech and Adtech, GovTech and many more sectors. “Boston
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
Resource Management Group Assists Biomerics with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of Kristin Mason as CFO of Biomerics, a vertically integrated contract manufacturer for the interventional medical device market in Salt Lake City, UT. “Kristin brings a unique combination of strategic financial leadership, operational rigor and growth experience,” said
Why Slow Hiring Processes Cost Companies Their Best Candidates
You’ve heard it countless times: “Hire slow, fire fast.” It’s sound advice in principle. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate candidates before making an important hiring decision simply makes good sense. However, facilitating a comprehensive selection process and moving quickly are not mutually exclusive, according to a recent report from Noto Group’s Roy Notowitz. “It is a good thing
Bauer Harris Fills Senior Marketing Position for PREMIER Bankcard
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Halpern as the vice president of marketing operations for PREMIER Bankcard. “Congratulations to Mark Halpern on his new role as VP, marketing operations at PREMIER Bankcard,” Bauer Harris said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re excited for Mark as he steps into this new
Sheffield Haworth Names Managing Director of the Real Estate Practice in the U.S.
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Sun-Sun de Swaan as managing director of the real estate practice in the U.S. She will work closely with Sheffield Haworth’s international real estate teams to build and strengthen the firm’s global search and advisory practice. “We are delighted to welcome Sun-Sun to Sheffield Haworth,” said
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
A Closer Look at Private Equity’s Evolving Playbook for Executive Talent
Private equity firms are raising the bar for executive talent, driven by a post-pandemic return to in-office expectations and an intensified focus on leadership performance. As firms prioritize in-person leadership to rebuild culture and drive alignment, a disconnect is emerging between employer demands and candidate preferences for flexibility. At the same time, a slowdown in
IRC Global Names Americas Practice Leader of NGO and Non-Profit Practice Group
With the increasing demand for senior executives in the non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations and the growing importance of this sector, IRC Global Executive Search Partners has expanded its global NGO and non-profit team. Pía Puebla Menne (IRC Chile) has been appointed as the Americas practice leader of the NGO and non-profit practice group. The new team
Datacenter People Group Expands Search Division
U.K.-headquartered recruiting organization Datacenter People Group has named Mark Acton as the newest partner at Portman Partners, the company’s executive search division focused on C-level leadership and senior executive roles for leading firms within the sector. “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our leadership team and to add his deep knowledge and experience to our growing firm,” said Peter
Record Number of Women Win Directorships but Gender Parity Lags
The percentage of women appointed to fill new board seats on U.S. Fortune 500 companies in 2018 was the highest ever at 40 percent, double the percentage over the past decade, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles. This group of businesses filled a record 462 vacant or newly-created board seats with independent
International Paralympic Committee Picks Odgers Berndtson to Find CEO
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has commenced a search for a new CEO and selected global search firm Odgers Berndtson to oversee the assignment. Odgers has been tasked with finding a leader who can take IPC to the next stage of its business development in the wake of the departure of Xavier Gonzalez. Recruiters Simon Cummins and Federico Filippi
Boston University Academy Picks Carney, Sandoe & Associates to Find Head of School
Senior consultants Ben Bolté and Peter Phillip of recruiting firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates have been charged with finding a new head of school for Boston University Academy. The search firm has been asked to find a strong leader, negotiator and advocate for high school students who is eager to work within a university setting and is prepared to
SmartRecruiters Secures $50 Million in Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised a $50 million series D round, led by repeat investor Insight Partners and joined by long-time investors Mayfield and Rembrandt Venture Partners. The round follows a year marked by strong performance, including 100 percent year-over-year enterprise growth and the launch of SmartAssistant, a native AI product ever offered within a talent
Talengo Appoints Life Sciences Practice Leader
Madrid-headquartered executive search firm Talengo has named Juan Diego Casas as director and leader of its life sciences practice. Mr. Casas has over 15 years experience at multinational firms, working on executive search projects, attraction, retention and talent management solutions. “All this, added to his experience in different countries, makes him contribute a multicultural and diverse vision
Spencer Stuart Launches CHRO Search for Harvard Law School
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Harvard Law School, the oldest continuously operating law school in the U.S., recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for its next CHRO. The top HR leader reports directly to the dean for administration
Herbert Mines Associates Lands CEO for Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
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
KEES Seeks Chief Development Officer for JCFS Chicago
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been selected to find a new vice president/ chief development officer for JCFS (Jewish Child and Family Services) Chicago. Heather Eddy, CEO, and Laura Weinman, assistant vice president, are leading the assignment for the search firm. JCFS Chicago wants a senior-level philanthropic professional for
Profectus and Excel Search Group Join Forces
Executive search firms Profectus and Excel Search Group have joined forces, bringing together more than 35 years of combined business experience. Immediately after the close of the transaction, both leadership teams will be combined under the Profectus brand. Excel Search Group is a Houston-based business advisory and executive search firm with a solid portfolio of
Penrhyn Elects New Chairman, Board Members
Global executive search consortium Penrhyn International, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has announced the election of a new chairman and global board in an effort to drive future growth. Yanouk Poirier, a partner at Leaders International, a pan-Canadian firm based in Montreal, will be Penrhyn’s new chairman, while Frank Beyer of LAB & Company in
What Bypassing College Could Mean for Gen Z and Recruiters
Students across the country are about to graduate from college. But did you know that 75 percent of Gen Z believe there are alternative methods of getting a good education aside from going to college? This is according to a recent report by technology-led cultural consultancy Sparks & Honey. In addition, a new report by
Diversified Search Seeks Chief Publishing and Innovation Officer for Christian Publisher
Executive recruitment firm Diversified Search has been enlisted to find a chief publishing and innovation officer for non-profit Christian publisher David C Cook in Colorado Springs, CO. Managing director Jason D. León is leading the assignment. “David C Cook is seeking a courageous, innovative, collaborative and forward-thinking business executive to lead the Learning Resources Group
Academic Search Recruits First Woman and African-American President for Bloomfield College
As the academic year winds down, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has recruited Marcheta P. Evans as the new president of Bloomfield College in New Jersey. Dr. Evans will be both the first woman and African-American to lead the college
Coulter Partners Opens in Sydney and Singapore, Makes Three Key Appointments
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has opened new offices in Sydney and Singapore in addition to making three key appointments. Steven Johnson joins the firm as executive director in Sydney, while Martin Grindrod takes over as director in Singapore. In London, Rob Sansom joins as director to consolidate the international commercial pharmaceutical team.
Protis Global CEO Bert Miller Acquires Management Recruiters International
Bert Miller, co-founder and CEO of Protis Global, through control of MRI Network Holdings LLC, has acquired Management Recruiters International Inc. (MRI) from CDI Holding Co. LLC, an affiliate of CDI Corp. and a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners LP. Mr. Miller is an industry veteran with over 24 years in executive search and
How Women Leaders Now Climb the Corporate Ladder
Line management roles are critical building blocks for senior-level general management, and can open doors to C-suite and board opportunities, including the CEO role. Market-facing P&L roles give leaders direct responsibility for leading people, strategy and operational priorities, as well as broader exposure to the business, more visibility and more risk. Because success in these
Caldwell Recruits SVP of HR for Torstar Corporation
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers (CHROs) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according
ON Partners Recruits Controller and Chief Accounting Officer for Advance Auto Parts
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Andrew Page as senior vice president, controller and chief accounting officer of Advance Auto Parts in Raleigh, NC. “I am extremely pleased to have Andrew join the Advance team,” said Jeff Shepherd, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Andrew’s extensive and diverse finance-related experience combined with his business acumen
Egon Zehnder Acquires Minority Stake in AI and Advanced Analytics Firm
Egon Zehnder, the third largest search firm globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, has formalized an agreement to purchase a minority stake in Zurich, Switzerland-based Sinequanon (SQN), a firm that uses AI and advanced analytics to improve workplace culture and performance. The investment in SQN signals Egon Zehnder’s intent to build on its 55 years
NPAworldwide Expands Footprint in the U.S. and Australia
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added nine new member locations as it continues
Storbeck/Pimentel Recruits 21st President of Michigan State University
In the wake of the sex abuse scandal involving sports doctor Larry Nassar, which forced the president of Michigan State University (MSU) to step down, the school faced the challenge of finding a new leader. In September, it called in Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates to lead the search for its 21st president. Yesterday, Michigan State announced that Samuel
OperationsInc Lands Leader for Avon Theatre Film Center
HR solutions firm OperationsInc has helped to place Stuart Adelberg as the new executive director of the Avon Theatre Film Center in Stamford, Conn. Mr. Adelberg joins the non-profit organization in its 80th anniversary year. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Stuart Adelberg to the Avon,” said Deborah Royce, Avon board president. “We have spent
Howard Fischer Associates Finds New Board Members for Vesper
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) placed Chuck Swoboda, former CEO of Cree,
Declare Officially Launches to Support Next Generation of Female Leaders
Declare, a community-driven leadership platform designed to transform how women learn, work and lead, has officially launched. The organization is composed of two core components, “Declare Lead” and “Declare Search.” Previously, the organization operated as Parity Partners. Declare Lead offers an expanded array of immersive leadership training programs and resources aimed at empowering women to
CNA International Expands to Australia
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has opened a new office in Brisbane, Australia. Mahadevan Shankar, who joined CNA in March as managing partner of the Oceania region, has been appointed to lead the new location. His main charge is to develop extensive regional networks. “CNA International recognizes the tremendous economic growth and employment potential within the
Talent Challenges Facing Mid-Market Private Equity Backed Companies
Driving differentiated returns in a crowded private equity environment was never easy and has become significantly more difficult over time. Firms are paying top dollar to source and acquire companies in a market flooded with capital. Fewer deals are “locked up” in a proprietary manner. The areas where firms have true leverage to create value
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
