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AI Talent: The Full Spectrum
In private equity, the game is to solve, acquire, optimize, professionalize, and ultimately exit. But when it comes to AI, that word — “solve” — belongs in quotes because AI isn’t a problem you fix, according to a recent report from Chris Benz, partner at Corsica Partners. “It’s a capability you continuously evolve,” the report
ON Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for CytomX Therapeutics
Partner Suzanne Zebedee of ON Partners recently placed Rachael Lester as senior vice president and chief business officer of NASDAQ-traded CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. in South San Francisco, CA. “Rachael brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and business development across the biopharmaceutical industry and joins CytomX at a time when our platform and pipeline are well positioned to deliver
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.
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
Hanold Associates Undertakes Five CHRO Assignments
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers (CHRO) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why is there such pent-up demand for top flight
TillmanCarlson Lands New CIO for Wintrust Financial
Executive search firm TillmanCarlson has placed Tony Buttrick as the chief information officer for Wintrust Financial Corp. in Chicago. Mr. Buttrick previously served as the CIO of Flagstar Bank for three years preceded by 10 years with Bank of America in several global technology and risk management positions. Before joining B of A, he spent three years
Davies Park Executive Search Seeks CEO, CFO for Fort McKay First Nation
Canada-based Davies Park Executive Search has been enlisted to find both the next chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN), an Indian government in Alberta. Davies Park partner Allan Nelson and senior consultant Sonny Kapoor are leading the searches. As the most senior management employee within the corporate structure,
Summit Recruitment & Search and Kama Kazi Africa Merge
Summit Recruitment & Search and Kama Kazi Africa Ltd. have merged to become the largest recruitment firm in East Africa, offering staffing solutions across the African continent at all levels. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Summit has primarily conducted executive search assignments in a large variety of specialized sectors, serving clients across East Africa, South Africa
The Q Works Group is Acquired by Veteran Search Consultant
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases playing out this year. The Q Works Group Inc., an affiliate of MRINetwork, was recently acquired by veteran search consultant Michael Clegg. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Joe Woerner, the founder and previous president of Q Works, retired
CHRO Influence Expands in Promoting Corporate Diversity
Plenty of organizations say they are looking to change the makeup of their workforce in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and age, but in the end many fall far short. It’s 2018, and the view from the C-suite and boardroom still looks nothing like the ethnically and racially diverse world outside. Statistics provided by
University of Kansas Picks Korn Ferry to Find New Athletics Director
The University of Kansas has turned to Korn Ferry to help find its next director of athletics. Sheahon Zenger was recently relieved from his duties. Jed Hughes, who leads Korn Ferry’s sports practice, is heading the assignment. Sean Lester, the school’s deputy athletics director, will serve as interim director while the search is being conducted. “Athletics continues
Hobson Leavy Places CEOs for Dairy Goat Cooperative and My Food Bag
New Zealand executive search firm Hobson Leavy recently placed chief executive officers for two organizations, finding leaders for the Dairy Goat Cooperative (DGC), which manufactures goat milk nutritional formula for infants, and My Food Bag, a meals home delivery service. David Hemara won the top job at Hamilton, New Zealand-based DGC, replacing Tony Giles, who
Coulter Partners Continues Global Expansion
Global executive search firm Coulter Partners recently made eight new appointments in the U.S., Denmark and at their London headquarters. In the U.S., Noah Parekh joins as client partner in Cambridge, MA, while Lisa Pieper has been appointed consulting partner in Palo Alto, CA, and Adrienne Slutzky joins as project coordinator in Short Hills, NJ. In London,
WilsonHCG Appoints Executive Search Leader for EMEA
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group Inc. (WilsonHCG) has expanded its executive search division with the appointment of director Phil Brakewell. He will serve as leader of the EMEA region. Mr. Brakewell has more than 14 years of talent acquisition leadership experience and most recently served as head of executive search for ResourceBank. Prior to that,
Want to Attract Talent? Follow These Top Guidelines
In today’s digital age, it’s easy for anyone to become a company’s advocate or critic. No matter your industry, the internet has given a new voice to the masses. When thinking about your company’s hiring practices, it’s crucial to consider the experience your candidates are having from start to finish. There will come a time
Harris Search Associates Lands CIO for the University of Tennessee
Universities have long depended on executive search firms to help with their leadership needs, but these days the higher education sector is broadening its efforts to find more specialized leaders. As a result, search firms have expanded their niche offerings in the sector, identifying diversity officer, athletic directors, coaches and any number of other top
Pekarsky & Co. Tapped by the Calgary Airport Authority to Find General Counsel
The Calgary Airport Authority has tapped recruiting firm Pekarsky & Co. to lead its search for a new general counsel. Founding partner Adam Pekarsky is heading the assignment. Reporting to the authority’s vice president of finance and the CFO, the general counsel will be responsible for the delivery of internal services and managing the delivery of
IMSA International Executive Search Adds Three European Members
IMSA International Executive Search, a global search network, has added three new member companies. The firms, based in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Norway, will strengthen IMSA’s presence in Europe and fulfill its growth strategy for this year. IMSA Czech Republic will be represented by Nováček & Partners, a consulting company focusing on executive search, candidate
Witt/Kieffer Continues Expansion
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has strengthened its search staff with the addition of Jennifer Chase as managing director of its life sciences practice. Based in Boston, she will support the recruitment of positions across the life sciences spectrum, with a particular emphasis on emerging biopharmaceutical and medical device and diagnostics firms, as well as established international life
How to Accelerate C-Suite Transitions
Organizations are investing significant time and resources in developing future C-suite leaders. Given the profound impact executives in these key roles have on business performance, it only makes sense. After all, hiring any senior-level leader represents a tremendous opportunity for value creation, or the potential for great harm, for a company. Yet surprisingly little attention
Aspen Leadership Group Finds New Leader for Christopher Street West
Aspen, CO-based search firm Aspen Leadership Group has placed Madonna Cacciatore as the new executive director of Christopher Street West (CSW), the non-profit that organizes the gay rights LA Pride Festival and Parade. Senior consultant Tim Child led the assignment. The recruitment firm conducted the search on behalf of the CSW board of directors and the organization’s
Development Guild DDI Places Major Gifts Officer at the Pine Street Inn
These are challenging days for non-profit organizations. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable organizations must overcome to stay afloat each year. So it is that roles like the major gift officer become all the more critical. Simply
Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting Launches Aerospace, Defense and Security Search Practice
Arlington, VA-based Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting has expanded its services with a new vertical practice focused on the aerospace, defense and security industries. The firm has tapped Jim Donnelly, a federal contracting industry veteran with more than 25 years of talent acquisition experience in this sector, as managing director of the new practice. “Expanding our offerings
ISPA International Search Partners Association Adds Member Firm in China
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, ISPA International Search Partners Association, added China-based recruiting firm RMG Selection as
5 Ways to Improve Employee Retention
Of all the challenges that come with running a business, one that often goes overlooked is employee retention, this according to a new report by MJS Executive Search. Hiring managers and CEOs often consider getting the right people in the door to be the most crucial aspect of talent management, but the truth is that
Vetted Solutions Finds New Leader for the American Brain Tumor Association
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), a national advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing education and information on all tumor types, has named Ralph DeVitto as its new president and CEO. Vetted Solutions’ president and founder Jim Zaniello and vice president Catherine Brown led the assignment. The organization was a seeking
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Recruits New Provost for Wright State
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Just recently, Greenwood / Asher & Associates recruited Susan Edwards as the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University in Fairborn, OH. Thomas Sudkamp is stepping down from his role at the end of June. President Jan
Odgers Berndtson Expands in Western Canada
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion – this time in Western Canada – marked by the recent appointment of Stephen Diotte to partner and head of leadership services for the Western region, as well as the firm’s new Canadian energy sector expert. Mr. Diotte has deep consulting experience in working with leaders globally around talent and
Datacenter People Launches Executive Search Division
U.K.-headquartered recruiting organization Datacenter People has formed a new executive search subsidiary, Portman Partners, to focus on C-level leadership and senior executive roles within the datacenter industry worldwide. “This is a new chapter in the growth of the firm” said Peter Hannaford, founder of Datacenter People. “We’re well established and have built a loyal following
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Taps Diversified Search to Find Next President
Executive search firm Diversified Search has been enlisted by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to help find its 13th president. Dale E. Jones, the firm’s president and CEO, is spearheading the assignment along with Julie Kanak, the leader of Diversified’s financial services practice, and board practice head Veronica Biggins. Until the new leader is selected,
PFM Executive Search Recruits VP of HR for the University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed the new vice president of human resources for the University of British Columbia (UBC). Barbara Meens Thistle comes to the job from the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC), where she was VP of central services. PFM partners George Madden, Shelina Esmail and Allison Rzen led the search.
Quick Leonard Kieffer Adds Healthcare Association Specialist
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has announced a new of counsel relationship with H. Stephen Lieber. He will be assisting with executive search and client consulting, with a special emphasis on the healthcare association and professional society arenas, as well as the information and digital technology industry sectors. “Steve Lieber brings remarkable association CEO experience to his
Hudson Global Posts 15.9 Percent Revenue Gain
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted first quarter revenues of $16.2 million, up 15.9 percent in constant currency, from a year ago. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific led the charge, recording a revenue gain of 35 percent. Meanwhile, Hudson America and Hudson Europe struggled, posting revenue decreases of 14 percent and two percent, respectively. The New York-based recruiting company posted
Four Corners Group Names Technology Practice Leader
Toronto-headquartered executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has expanded with the addition of Sup Das as leader of its technology practice. Mr. Das has 15 years of expertise as an IT professional, helping enterprises to reach their business, organizational, and technical potential through the acquisition of top talent. His philosophy has focused heavily on the cultivation of
What to Really Consider When Hiring a Search Firm
Organizations justifiably take many criteria into account when considering partnering with an executive search firm. But which ones are the most important? A new report by Mitch Oakley, founder and CEO of search firm Charles Aris, lays out the questions to ask when selecting a recruiting firm for your next big assignment. Various studies have underscored
