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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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
Hudson Global and Star Equity Holdings Join Forces
Star Equity Holdings (Star) and Hudson Global, a global total talent solutions provider operating under the brand name Hudson RPO, have inked a definitive merger agreement. Pursuant to the merger, Star will merge with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson to form “NewCo”. “We are pleased to announce the signing of this merger
Witt/Kieffer Promotes 14 Search Consultants
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Witt/Kieffer recently announced 14 promotions across its expanding search practices. “This year has brought continued expansion for the firm, so that we may serve clients better in our markets in the U.S. and abroad,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of Witt/Kieffer. “We are
Osprey Capital Acquires BoardProspects.com
Venture capital and private equity firm Osprey Capital has acquired Quincy, MA-based BoardProspects.com, an online boardroom community that provides individual and corporate-based members with corporate governance news, education and board recruitment solutions. “We are excited to have BoardProspects join the Osprey family,” said David Hoffmann, founder and chairman of Osprey Capital. Mr. Hoffmann is the founder
10 Reasons to Consider External Candidates
More companies have been looking outside for new leaders, an indication that hiring an outsider has become more of an intentional leadership choice than a necessity. Outsiders accounted for 22 percent of all CEOs brought in via a planned succession between 2012 and 2017, up from 14 percent in the 2005 to 2007 period, according
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for the Museum of the American Revolution
Boutique executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been chosen to find the next president and chief executive officer for Philadelphia’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Revolution. Mark J. Tarnacki and Adelaide K. Jones are leading the search. The museum’s previous leader, Michael C. Quinn, stepped down last March after six years of steering the
RSR Partners Names Head of Sports and Entertainment Leadership Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has promoted Dany B. Berghoff to managing director. Mr. Berghoff, who took over as head of the firm’s global sport and entertainment leadership practice from Joe Bailey in May, will focus on working with clients across the sports, media and entertainment industries. He is also a member of the firm’s hospitality and leisure practice. Mr. Berghoff has
How to Best Balance Work and Summer Holiday Time
Nearly two-thirds of professionals (63 percent) say they have cut short vacations because of occupational demands and pressure to perform at work, according to a new Korn Ferry survey. The study also found that nearly three quarters (73 percent) said they would prefer a higher salary over more vacation days. According to the survey, staying in
City of Pasadena Taps Teri Black & Company for 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,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Venture Capital Recruiting Practice Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named San Francisco-based partner Scott Atkinson to lead its venture capital practice. He succeeds Rebecca Foreman Janjic, who earlier this year was appointed the global practice managing partner for the firm’s global technology and services practice. “Heidrick & Struggles has a rich and deep history working with venture
Using Artificial Intelligence for Making Unbiased Hires
While diversity and inclusion initiatives have become a “must-have” for 21st century employers, actually making them work depends on having a clear plan and framework that resonates with diverse talent and aligns with overall business goals. “Whether it is speaking at a conference, or consulting to help develop strategies that align their talent functions with
Odgers Berndtson Continues U.S. Expansion
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Nicole Phillips as a partner in the firm’s retail and consumer practices. She will be based in the New York City office. “We’re delighted to have Nicole with us,” said Diane Lavietes, head of Odgers Berndtson’s retail and consumer practices in the U.S. “As we
PFM Executive Search Lands Chief Development Officer for Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Cynthia Kinsella as chief development officer of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS). “With Cynthia’s proven success of mentoring effective teams and implementing process improvements throughout her career, she will be a valued member of GVFBS’s executive team,” PFM said. Ms. Kinsella has had a 28-year career in
How to Attract and Retain Top Talent
When it comes to successful hiring and retention, pay rules, according to Adecco’s “2018 U.S. Workforce Report: Attracting Talent and Retaining Employees.” The report, which surveyed over 1,000 American workers from coast to coast, said that remuneration is easily the most important job factor. Employees told Adecco that their top job factors were: salary/wages (42
Caldwell Creates Blockchain Advisory Council
Toronto-based Caldwell has 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 technologies carry the potential for substantial impact within our client’s organizations, as they can enable the strategic reorganization of workflows and related structures,”
Vlaad and Company Expands to U.S. with New York City Office Launch
Toronto-based Vlaad and Company, a financial services executive search firm, has expanded into the U.S. with the opening of a new office in New York City. The expansion increases the firm’s North American presence and helps both American and Canadian firms find top-tier talent in a very tight marketplace, said the firm New York remains
Hiring Looks Strong Heading Into Second Half of 2018
As employers grapple with a highly competitive hiring environment that is causing prolonged job vacancies across the U.S., workers will reap the benefits. According to CareerBuilder‘s ‘Midyear Job Forecast,’ a full 63 percent of employers plan to hire in the second half of 2018, up from 60 percent last year. A substantial percentage of employers said
DRG Search Finds Leader for the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
Harvey Nash to be Acquired by Investor Group in $100 Million-Plus Deal
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. The Power of Talent Ltd (Bidco), an entity owned and controlled by investment funds managed by DBAY Advisors, has made a £98.7 million bid to acquire London-based recruitment firm Harvey Nash. The deal must now be approved by 75 percent of the firm’s shareholders to be
Women Board Director Appointments Reach Record High
In a significant shift from a year earlier, women have made substantial progress in the boardroom, according to Heidrick & Struggles‘ 2018 Board Monitor Report. The report found that women accounted for 38 percent of incoming board directors at Fortune 500 companies, a substantial rise from the previous year’s 28 percent. The findings suggest that
RH Perry Leading President Searches for Alvernia University and Quincy University
RH Perry & Associates is leading searches for new presidents at Alvernia University and Quincy University. The Alvernia opening comes with the announcement that Thomas F. Flynn, who has led the Catholic university since 2005, will be stepping down next June. The Reading, PA-based school’s next president will have the opportunity to build upon the
Hudson Global Posts 14.7 Percent Revenue Increase
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted second quarter revenues of $17 million, up 14.7 percent in constant currency, from a year ago. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific led the charge, recording a revenue gain of 39.2 percent and Hudson Europe experienced revenue growth of 3.7 percent. Hudson America, meanwhile, struggled, posting a revenue decrease of 15.7 percent. The New
Are Leaders Really Prepared to Take on the Job of CEO?
For all the confidence that CEOs tend to convey, most of them have faced greater struggles in the top job than might be evident. Participating anonymously, leaders in a new study by Egon Zehnder revealed that while they did feel ready for the strategic and business aspects of their roles, they felt much less prepared
Academic Search Places General Counsel at Brown University
For many academic recruiting specialists, business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search, for one example, recently placed Eileen Goldgeier as vice president and general counsel of Brown
Ventura Partners Expands Sports Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm Ventura Partners has expanded with the addition of sports industry veteran Katy Young Staudt as managing director in its sports & entertainment practice. Ms. Staudt will open a Ventura office in Phoenix. “We are thrilled to have someone of Katy’s experience and respect on our team,” said Chad Chatlos, leader of the firm’s sports and
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
Employers added 157,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The July gain is the 93rd consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people rose to 6.3 million. The results fell short of the forecasts of analysts, who expected 190,000 jobs to
Diversified Search Lands CEO for EvergreenHealth
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive search firms in the U.S., has placed Amy E. Beiter as the new CEO of Kirkland, WA-based integrated health system EvergreenHealth. She replaces Bob Malte who announced his planned retirement from the organization this spring. Zack Reynolds, a managing director in Diversified’s healthcare services practice, led the assignment.
Bullhorn Acquires Invenias
Bullhorn Inc., which provides cloud-based customer relationship management and operations solutions for the staffing industry, has acquired Invenias, a U.K. provider of cloud-based software for executive search firms. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This acquisition is great news for Invenias customers and prospects,” said Peter Linas, EVP of corporate development and international
JDG Associates Finds New President for Surety & Fidelity Association of America
Rockville, MD-based search firm JDG Associates has placed J. Lee Covington as the new president of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA). Lynn M. Schubert, the group’s current president, announced in December that she would be retiring at the end of this year. Paul Belford, principal at the recruitment firm, led the search. “In the past 22 years,
Durakis Executive Search Lands Leader for Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
Museums are among the non-profit organizations that are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. Recently, Crownsville, MD-based Durakis Executive Search placed Kris Hoellen as the new executive director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. She replaces Courtney Wilson, who led the museum for 20 years. “Kris brings the ideal
Torch Group Finds CEO for ZoomInfo
Following a national search, executive recruitment firm Torch Group has placed former IBM executive Derek Schoettle as the new CEO of ZoomInfo, a $100 million market leader in business-to-business contact and business information. The search was led by Greg Selker, software & technology recruiting practice lead of Torch Group. “Given ZoomInfo’s product evolution our search
Wilton & Bain Appoints Two Key Executives in U.S. Operations
London-based executive recruitment firm Wilton & Bain has added two key professionals to its operations in the U.S. Lisa Peacock-Edwards, based in New York, will lead the firm’s new global practice. Richard Wilcox, who is in Houston, joins the professional & technology services practice in North America Ms. Peacock-Edwards, a managing partner, comes to the firm
Bridge Partners Finds Chief Program Officer for Win
Executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners has placed Darlene William as chief program officer of the housing group Win, formerly Women In Need. Partner and co-founder Tory Clarke led the search along with partner Janet Albert. Win was seeking an executive with a minimum of 10 years leadership experience in a scaling/high growth non-profit, government or philanthropy,
