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August Leadership Expands in Dubai
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Shazeaa Ingar as a partner, based in Dubai. “Shazeaa is an experienced organizational psychologist and leadership advisor with a strong track record supporting boards, CEOs, and senior executives across global markets,” August Leadership said in a LinkedIn post. “She brings deep expertise in executive assessment, board effectiveness, and
EY Signals A Tech-Led M&A Surge
The most recent EY-Parthenon 2025 M&A analysis shows a market operating at full acceleration. U.S. deal value for transactions of $100 million or more hit $2.09 trillion through October – up 45 percent year-over-year – with deal volume rising just over 10 percent to 1,409 transactions. EY notes that “from January to October, a major deal was
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.
Workforce Trends Through the Lens of Leadership and Employees
The workforce is evolving rapidly, with flexibility, inclusion, and engagement emerging as essential pillars of organizational success. To better understand these trends, TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC) and Hunt Scanlon Media conducted extensive research, gathering insights from HR leaders and workforce professionals across a broad spectrum of industries. This report highlights key insights, including the differences
The Bowdoin Group Expands to the West Coast
Boston-based executive recruitment firm The Bowdoin Group has expanded to the West Coast with addition of Lori Smudsky as a principal, talent acquisition services. Based in San Francisco, she will be the firm’s first team member based on the West Coast and will focus on overseeing talent acquisition support services for clients. “At The Bowdoin Group, we are
Robert Half Posts 11 Percent Revenue Increase
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted third quarter revenues of $1.47 billion, up 11 percent from revenues of $1.32 billion during the same quarter last year. The results beat Wall Street expectations. Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research had forecasted revenue of $1.46 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters. The Menlo
Artificial Intelligence is Writing a New Script for the Recruiting Industry
Artificial intelligence and other forms of automation have already begun to transform businesses, and the recruitment firm partners who work with them to find their leaders. For recruiters, AI will mean the end to much of the hands-on, repetitive ‘busy work’ that goes with the job, allowing for faster searches as well as more time
Here’s How AI is Changing How We Recruit Top Leaders
Executive search as an industry has long been driven by the need to reduce the risk in senior hires within organizations by introducing research-based search methodologies and due diligence mechanisms to identify and attract the best and the brightest. This has enabled executive decision makers to make more informed hiring decisions based on a reliable
AI and Automated Technologies Transforming the Search for People
Artificial intelligence is transforming the face of workforces around the world. For executive recruiters and human resources departments, it has meant a growing number of new, specialized roles to fill and untapped talent to discover. Gartner, the information technology research firm, says that on one hand, AI will cause millions of jobs to fall by
Blockchain Technology: What is It and Why One Search Firm is Investing in It
Blockchain technology is regularly grabbing headlines with its promised ability to transform business models . . . but what exactly is it? Leading executive search firm Caldwell recently launched a blockchain advisory council aimed at driving the understanding, integration and implementation of blockchain technologies. The new offering for clients is in partnership with blockchain consulting firm, BTblock. “Blockchain
How AI Can Predict Talent Retention Risk
Talent retention is critically important for all organizations for two primary reasons: Employee turnover is expensive, and top performers drive business performance. Even the best leaders have a hard time keeping top talent, especially in this current war for talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about three million Americans quit their jobs each
Hiring for Cultural Fit? Here’s What You Should Know
Working with talent acquisition and HR leaders, you often hear this: “We hire for cultural fit, first and foremost.” But what does that mean, and how is that fit assessed? “Well, sometimes it’s whatever a hiring manager wants it to mean and that can be a big issue, leading to poor hiring decisions fraught with bias
Stanton Chase Finds CEO for Arabian Beverage Company
Stanton Chase (Dubai) has recruited former MEFSCO executive Fady Ghassoub Elassaad as the new CEO of Arabian Beverage Company (ABC) in Kuwait. “What we valued the most in our partnership with Stanton Chase was that they followed a very methodical approach,” said Alaa Mousawi, board member and head of the selection committee at ABC. “We
Blair Search Partners Tapped to Find CEO for the San Diego Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has been chosen to find the next chief executive officer for the San Diego Foundation. Principal Trevor Blair is leading the assignment. The CEO, who will report to an 18-member board of governors, is expected to work collaboratively with board members to evolve the strategic direction of the foundation, said
Boyden Appoints New CFO
Global executive search firm Boyden has named Victor Escandón as its new chief financial officer. He replaces Lydia Reitana, who held the role since 2012. Mr. Escandón will be responsible for all of the firm’s strategic financial activities and initiatives. He will report directly to Trina Gordon, Boyden’s president and CEO. “Victor’s extensive international experience in financial management
Ridgeway Partners Expands Search Staff
London-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Krystyna Nowak as a partner. In her new role, Ms. Nowak will join Louise Angel in the board practice, focusing on chairmen and non-executive director appointments across all sectors. Ms. Nowak’s arrival comes at a key moment for U.K. boards. “When the revised U.K. Corporate Governance Code takes effect on
The 5 Essential Attributes of a 21st Century CHRO
The role of the chief human resources officer is changing again. Over the years, the best CHROs became much more focused on the business and its strategic needs. Today, however, the needs of the business have evolved — and with it so have the demands on the CHRO, according to a report by Heidrick &
Spencer Stuart Seeks Provost for American University
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Among the latest, American University in Washington, D.C. selected Spencer Stuart to find its next chief academic officer and provost. Scott Bass stepped down from the position in June. Michele Haertel, leader of the search firm’s education, non-profit & government, academia & research practice,
Coulter Partners Finds CTO for Pivot Bio
Chris Palatucci of life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners recently placed Richard Broglie as chief technology officer of Pivot Bio, an agriculture technology company based in Silicon Valley. Dr. Broglie leads Pivot Bio’s expert scientific team and manages research and technology development efforts. Most recently, he served as research director for microbiome discovery for
DHR International Adds Partner in Financial Services Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has named Edward Merhige as a partner in its financial services practice group. He will specialize in global banking, markets and private equity. Mr. Merhige has more than 20 years of experience recruiting financial services professionals, completing hundreds of searches at all levels, industry coverage and product areas within investment
ManpowerGroup Posts Flat Q3 Growth
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $5.4 billion, a decrease of one percent from the same period a year ago. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $5.61 billion in revenues. Results were significantly impacted by stronger foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar compared to the
Why Saying Only Nice Things in a Reference Check Can Backfire
We’ve all been told if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything. But according to a new survey of professionals by Korn Ferry, that advice, at least when giving job references, can be problematic. While 25 percent of the professionals surveyed admitted they will only give positive references and not share unfavorable thoughts,
University of Vermont Picks Witt/Kieffer to Find New President
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected to find the next president for the University of Vermont (UVM). Leading the search are Robin Mamlet, managing partner of the firm’s education practice, Dennis M. Barden, senior partner, and Robert W. Luke, senior associate. “UVM seeks in its new president a leader with the intellectual and aspirational
Ropella Group Seeks President for Swan Chemical
The Ropella Group, an executive search firm specializing in the chemical, consumer products and technology industries, has launched a new search on behalf of Thomas Swan & Company to find a new president for its Swan Chemical Inc. (SCI) organization. The current leader, Chuck Van Fleet, is preparing to retire after 21 years with the company.
Lucas Group Appoints Chief People Officer
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. At most companies the chief human resource officer plays a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce. The chief people officer, on the other hand, typically goes beyond overseeing an organization’s people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent
TRANSEARCH Opens New Office in Indonesia
TRANSEARCH International has strengthened its presence in Asia Pacific by opening a new office in Indonesia, adding Davehunt International, a boutique human capital consultancy firm, to its fold. Davehunt specializes in quality senior-level executive search, training, consulting, assessment, coaching and outsourcing. The team in Jakarta is headed by chief executive officer David Wongso and senior consultant
How to Groom a Global Executive
If a company wants to be a serious competitor in the global marketplace, it is likely that its qualified employees will be trained and developed for an international assignment. There are protocols for leading multinational teams, forming strategic relationships, managing customers and suppliers and delivering service outside the U.S. Many organizations, however, have admittedly failed
ChampionScott Partners Places CEO at Wireless Registry
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently placed Cameron Meierhoefer as the new CEO of Wireless Registry, a provider of identity solutions and intelligence for the Internet of Things. Founding partner and CEO Geoff Champion led the assignment along with principal Stephanie McGurie. Mr. Cameron has over 20 years of technology
Parker Executive Search Seeks Air Force Academy Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been selected by the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs to lead its search for a new athletic director. Jim Knowlton stepped down from his role this spring to take over as director of athletics at the University
JURISolutions Acquires Link Legal Search Group
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. JURISolutions Inc. (JSL), a legal services firm, has acquired Link Legal Search Group, a Dallas-based legal executive search firm, as a strategic piece of the new full-service executive search division of JSL. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Link Legal Search Group, which
Signium U.K. Adopts Not Actively Looking Recruitment Management Platform
Signium U.K., global search consortium Signium’s U.K. business unit, has adopted a new search system from Not Actively Looking, which will now act as the primary platform for managing all of the search firm’s business. Alastair Paton, managing partner of Signium U.K. and chair of the global board of Signium, said that the firm had carefully
Why Finding Diverse Talent Remains a Challenge
Companies recognize the advantages and benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce, but struggle to tap adequate sources of talent. Sixty-three percent of senior executives say diversity and inclusion is either very important or extremely important, yet this same majority report that their workforces have average or below average diversity representation, according to a survey
CohenTaylor Finds CEO for the Minnesota Multi Housing Association
Minneapolis-headquartered CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Nichol Beckstrand as the new president and CEO of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MMHA). Mary Rippe, who led the organization for 25 years, has retired. Ms. Beckstrand beat out three other finalists for the position. “Nichol’s energy and track record of leadership, knowledge of the dynamically changing rental housing market provides Minnesota
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CFO for London-Based Healthcare System NHS
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected to find a new chief financial officer for the NHS, the national healthcare system in the U.K. Suzanne Bose-Mallick is the consultant charged with leading the search. A newly-created role, NHS’ CFO will be accountable for developing financial strategies and related resource allocations which ensure that NHS providers, commissioners and local
N2Growth Adds New Global Practice Chair for Board and CEO Services
N2Growth, a King of Prussia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of Thomas Brattle Gannett as global practice chairman of board and CEO services. Mr. Gannett is a results-oriented executive and board candidate with more than 20 years experience in strategic, operational and fiscal leadership, said the firm. He has
