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The Real Cost of a Wrong Executive Hire — and How to Steer Clear of It
Few decisions shape a company’s trajectory more than choosing the right leader at the top. Every organization knows the pain of a hire that didn’t work out, however, when that hire sits at the executive table, the cost isn’t just financial — it’s strategic, cultural, and reputational, according to a recent report from Avant Executive Search
DRiWaterstone Assists MOST Policy Initiative with Executive Director Search
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Allison R. Davis as the new executive director of MOST Policy Initiative. “We are excited to welcome Allison as our next executive director,” said board president Katie Steen-James on behalf of the MOST executive committee. “Her experience at the intersection of research and policy is uniquely suited
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.
2025 HR Talent Trends and Strategies
As organizations adapt to a shifting workforce landscape, HR leaders are prioritizing six key areas in 2025. Workforce planning is critical, yet few companies take a long-term approach, despite challenges like automation and leadership retirements. Change management is another pressing issue, with HR playing a vital role in reducing employee fatigue and preparing managers for
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Places President and Vice Chancellor at Mount Allison University
College and universities around the world are facing new and growing challenges. Financial woes, enrollment concerns, and debates over free speech, among other issues, are all keeping leadership at institutions of higher learning on edge these days. For some schools, survival is even on the line. Recruitment of the right leaders, and choosing a search
Century Group Opens in Denver
El Segundo, CA-based executive search firm Century Group has opened a new office in Denver, marking its fifth location. Managing director Peter Nelson will lead the firm’s efforts in the region. “We have been identifying new locales for expansion,” said Ron Proul, CEO. “Denver is one of those that allow the group concept to service the region’s
Rialto Recruitment to Add New Office, Eyes Further Expansion
Rialto Recruitment | Atlantae Executive Search, a technical and scientific focused search firm based in Niel, Belgium, is continuing to expand. The firm recently announced plans to open a third branch in either East Flanders or West Flanders by this summer. It is expecting further growth by the end of the year. The firm recently
Five Things to Consider When Creating a Company Culture
Human resources executives and recruiters have been using the term “cultural fit” – generally defined as the ability of an employee to fit with the core beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that make up an organization – for a decade or two. And culture shaping is now seen as one of the most important drivers to
Slone Partners Recruits CFO for Vermillion
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Bob Beechey as the new CFO of Vermillion Inc., a bio-analytical solutions company focused on gynecologic disease. “Bob is a brilliant financial mind whose experience managing the business and commercial aspects of healthcare companies will prove invaluable to Vermillion,” said Tara Kochis-Stach, president of Slone Partners. Mr. Beechey has served
Jordan Search Consultants Seeks Chair for Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
O’Fallon, MO-based executive recruiting firm Jordan Search Consultants has been selected to find the next chairperson for the Department of Family and Internal Medicine at the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). Reporting to the dean of the medical college, the new department chairperson will be responsible for executing functions related to the administrative, educational
Kingsley Gate Partners Continues Expansion
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Lindsey Burton as a vice president. She is based in the firm’s New York office. As a member of the firm’s financial services practice, Ms. Burton also supports business development and candidate identification across financial services and technology. Ms. Burton has a background
New Zealand Search Firms Join Forces
New Zealand-headquartered executive search firms SandriWalsh Limited in Wellington and Rosenberg Executive Search Limited in Auckland have merged to create SWR Group NZ Limited. SWR covers all leadership roles, permanent and contract, from directors and C-suite on down. Directors Graeme Sandri and Tony Walsh as well as research consultant Suzannah Moller are based in Wellington,
Older Workers Continue to Postpone Retirement . . . Here’s Why
Although the economy has vastly improved, older workers are still hitting the brakes on their retirement plans. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 53 percent of workers aged 60 and over say they are postponing retirement, with 57 percent of men putting their golf game on hold compared to 48 percent of women. Four in 10
Noetic Search Recruits New Leader for Santa Barbara Humane Society
Executive search firm Noetic Search recently recruited animal welfare veteran Kerri Burns as the new executive director of the Santa Barbara Humane Society (SBHS). After leading the organization for more than a decade, Peggy Langle was fired last year after the board reportedly lost confidence in her performance. Rhyan Zweifler, Noetic’s founder and president of Noetic, and vice president
RSR Partners Lands CEO for New Olympic Museum
Executive recruitment firm RSR Partners has placed Christopher Liedel, a former head of a Smithsonian Institution division, as CEO of the new United States Olympic Museum and Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO. He will start in his new role on May 15. “Chris Liedel is the perfect combination of experienced leader, entrepreneur and strategic thinker that
NextOPP Search Launches Program to Aid Domestic Violence Survivors
NextOPP Search, a Stamford, Conn-based executive recruitment firm, has launched a new social responsibility platform in which the firm provides employment services to a survivor of domestic violence for every candidate it places. “Hire One Help One,” as the program is known, is an effort to break the cycle of domestic violence, said the firm.
Inspired-Search Expands to Switzerland
Amsterdam-headquartered executive recruiting firm Inspired-Search has opened a new office in Geneva. The Swiss office will be managed by Jan Paul Olijslager, who has more than 15 years of experience working in different countries and in different positions in the transport, logistics and supply chain industry “We’re extremely pleased with Jan Paul joining Inspired-Search and with
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
Employers added 164,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to a 19-year low of 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The April gain is the 91st consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people dipped to 6.3 million. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to drop to
Fisher Leadership Seeking CEO for Multiple Sclerosis Ltd.
Australian executive search firm Fisher Leadership has been enlisted by Blackburn, Victoria-based Multiple Sclerosis Ltd. to lead its search for a new CEO. Managing partner Liz Jones is spearheading the search for someone to “lead the organization through its next significant stage of transformation and growth,” said the recruitment firm. The new CEO will be
Spencer Stuart Seeks New Board Members for Noble Group
Spencer Stuart has been enlisted by Noble Group in Hong Kong to find new board members including a chairman and four or more independent non-executive directors. Noble Group said in a statement that it expects Spencer Stuart to recruit “world-class talent to oversee the recovery to the business, provide governance and administer risk management.” The
Heidrick & Struggles Launches Disruptive Innovators Team
Heidrick & Struggles has launched a “disruptive innovators team” to “advise companies on the cusp of rapid growth, breakthrough innovation and market disruption.” Tim Alexander Lüdke has been named leader and global managing partner of the firm’s new practice. “The disruptive innovators team will serve as a catalyst leveraging expertise from practices throughout the firm to help a
de JAGER Executive Search Partners with Interim Specialist
Australian-headquartered de JAGER Executive Search has formed an alliance with Interim Executive Search in Sydney. Kris de Jager, founder and managing director of de JAGER Executive Search, said he was excited about joining forces with Interim Executive and its founder, Phil Tuck. “Our firms are extremely aligned, in terms of the values we share and our
For Most Women CEOs, Simple Encouragement Showed the Way to the Top
Two-thirds (65 percent) of the 57 leading women CEOs interviewed and assessed for a new Korn Ferry Institute study had no idea they could become the head of their company until a boss or mentor encouraged them. Before that, they gave less attention to moving their career forward and more to meeting business targets and
SearchWide Seeking New CEO for Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. In the last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling
Livingston James Recruits CEO for the Scottish Football Association
The sports and entertainment field is one of the most active and fast-growing sectors for executive search businesses, with many C-suite-focused recruiting firms having been drawn to it. Recently, Livingston James placed Ian Maxwell as the new CEO of the Scottish Football Association (SFA). He replaces Stewart Regan, who resigned three months ago. Douglas Adam,
Riviera Partners and Alpha Advisors Join Forces
Search firms continue to join forces. The latest: San Francisco-headquartered Riviera Partners has merged with Alpha Advisors, a boutique search firm specializing in senior information technology and quantitative talent for financial services and technology clients. Its founder and executive search veteran Jeff Campbell has joined Riviera to drive continued expansion. He will lead Riviera Partners’ new Atlanta
Caldwell Appoints Financial Services Practice Co-Leader
Executive search firm Caldwell, which recently dropped the word “Partners” from its name, expanded its global financial services practice leadership team by appointing Glenn Buggy to join Paul Heller as co-leader of the practice. With over two decades of executive search experience, Mr. Buggy focuses on recruiting senior executives in financial services legal, compliance, anti-financial crimes, regulatory risk, and
C-Suite Leaders Not Collaborating Effectively
We are witnessing seismic changes in the workforce, the workplace and the technologies used in the world of work. Amid concerns about automation, the need for new skills, an aging workforce and tightening labor markets, the make-or-break issue facing companies this year is the need for realignment in the C-suite to focus on business’ evolving
Ventura Partners Leading AD Search for University of Utah
University of Utah president Ruth V. Watkins has confirmed that Ventura Partners has been chosen to lead its search for a new athletic director. Chris Hill recently announced that he plans to retire this spring after 31 years on the job. Chad Chatlos, sports practice leader at Ventura Partners, will work closely with Ms. Watkins and
The Clark Partnership Completes Searches for Criteo
The Clark Partnership, a Monaco–based search firm, continues to fill important roles for Criteo, a global technology company that enables brands and retailers to connect with shoppers. The latest positions filled: Connor McGogney as SVP of corporate development, Jen Whelan as SVP of marketing and Mike Peralta as EVP of central sales & operations. Simon Clark, co-founder and
Tyler & Co. Adds New Vice President
Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Co. has added Marion Spears Karr, who has more than 27 years of experience in healthcare recruiting, as a vice president and senior healthcare consultant. Mr. Karr brings in-depth experience leading successful recruitment teams that specialize in nursing leadership, C-level, vice president and senior director-level searches. He has developed
Miramar Global Names Managing Director of Miramar Talent
U.K.-based Miramar Global Executive Search has continued its expansion, adding David Winch as managing director of its recently launched service offering Miramar Talent. Miramar Talent is an extension of Miramar Global’s “executive search methodology to the layers below senior leadership,” said the firm. The goal is to “positively impact customers deeper in their organizational structures to
The Importance of Candidate Referencing During the Search Process
Too many search consultants and their clients treat finalist candidate referencing as little more than a checklist item to be completed as opposed to a valuable exercise in and of itself, with the potential to yield insights of lasting value, according to a new report by McCracken Executive Search. Recruiters generally view the completion of
Turnkey Leading Search for Maryland’s Next Athletic Director
Turnkey Sports and Entertainment has been enlisted by the University of Maryland to lead its search for a new athletic director. Founder and CEO Len Perna, as well as managing director Gene DeFilippo, formerly Villanova’s athletic director, are leading the assignment. The previous AD, Kevin Anderson, took a six-month sabbatical and then, as many expected, resigned in
Buffkin / Baker Places Chief Revenue Officer at ShutterShock
The role of chief revenue officer has changed dramatically over the last several years. CROs are quickly becoming mission-critical innovators for companies that look to dominate a market first and fastest, according to recruiters. The demand for these financial leaders is growing and executive search firms have been busy filling these roles. Buffkin / Baker recently
