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Private Equity Turns To Leadership Diligence To Gain A Sharper Edge
ghSMART’s latest report, Leadership Diligence in PE: 4 Tips to Spot Strengths and Risks Before You Buy, opens with a stark reminder: “Leadership is often the single biggest swing factor in the success of an investment.” Yet as Dina Wang, a ghSMART partner and co-leader of its private equity practice explains, that recognition alone isn’t enough. “The
Boyden Recruits CEO for Sonic Healthcare Limited
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Newcombe as managing director and CEO of Sonic Healthcare Limited. Current CEO Colin Goldschmidt recently announced his retirement. “We are delighted that Dr. Jim Newcombe will succeed Dr. Colin Goldschmidt in leading Sonic Healthcare, preserving its unique medical leadership culture while embracing the transformational changes in healthcare which Sonic
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.
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
ManpowerGroup Posts 16 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase, But U.S. Business Falters
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted first quarter revenues of $5.5 billion, an increase of 16 percent from $4.8 billion the prior year. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.53 billion. Results were significantly impacted by stronger foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar compared to the prior year period. The Milwaukee-based recruiting company also
CEO Confidence Continues to Rise
The Conference Board’s latest measure of CEO confidence, which rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2017, made further gains in the first quarter of 2018. The measure now reads 65, up from 63 in the last quarter of 2017. A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses. “CEOs remain positive
Holden Richardson Finds New Leader for Oerlikon Drive Systems, China
Holden Richardson, an executive search firm based in Winnetka, IL, has helped to place the new president and CEO of Oerlikon Drive Systems, China. Ken Wang brings to Oerlikon a background in engineering and operations, firsthand knowledge of gear design and production, lean engineering and manufacturing practices, experience working for Western employers, extensive knowledge of
Acertitude Places CEO at IPC
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Robert A. Santella as the new CEO of IPC, a global provider of secure, compliant communications and networking solutions for the financial markets community. He succeeds Neil Barua, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose led the search along with senior partner Scott Carberry.
ZRG Partners Names Board Practice Leader
Director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. Heightened expectations now placed on boards have elevated both the professional standards and personal commitment required of all directors. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. In an effort to help
Russell Reynolds Associates Names European Regional Co-Heads
Russell Reynolds Associates has named Patrick Johnson and Matthias Oberholzer as regional co-heads for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, James Roome will now lead the U.K. office. “This leadership team is well-positioned to help clients navigate global uncertainty and the potential impact of the Brexit transition in the region,” said the firm. “As leaders with significant experience in guiding
10 Things to Consider When Selecting a Search Firm
Choosing an executive recruitment firm is nothing to take lightly. Recruiters, and the search firms they represent, are not all created equal. And whatever choice a company makes can have big consequences in terms of a proper working relationship between clients, recruiters, the candidates they provide and the ultimate choice for the job opening. In
Boyden Fills Board Positions for Goodwill Industries
Boyden has placed Joe Guith, Matthew Wadiak and Etienne Patout as members of the board of directors at Goodwill Industries International. “After an exhaustive search, Boyden is enthusiastic about the talent that Joe, Matthew and Etienne bring to the Goodwill team,” said Alicen Blair-Sibly, a managing partner of Boyden in Atlanta. “Each new board member
David Barrett Partners Places CIO at Emory University
Executive recruitment firm David Barrett Partners has placed Srinivas Pulavarti as vice president and chief investment officer (CIO) for Emory University in Atlanta. Firm founder David Barrett led the search. Mr. Pulavarti will be responsible for overseeing the university’s investment portfolio of close to $6.9 billion. He succeeds Mary Cahill, who retired last summer. Christopher
Glocap Search Taps Investment Management Veteran as CEO
Glocap Search recently named investment management veteran Annette Krassner as its new CEO. She succeeds founder Adam Zoia, who will remain chairman of the firm. The hiring of Ms. Krassner brings a proven leader, relationship-builder and domain expert to Glocap to continue its core advisory principles, said the firm. “Annette is superbly qualified to succeed
Ridgeway Partners Strengthens U.S. Search Staff
London-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded its operations in the U.S. with the addition of Regina Glocker as a partner in its New York office. Ms. Glocker specializes in executive searches within banking and capital markets and the three lines of defense for financial institutions, fintech companies, private equity portfolio companies and other corporates.
HR Leaders Rethink the Role of Talent
Driven by dramatic and irreversible trends in labor demographics and technology, companies are under tremendous pressure to rethink the role of talent. This is so significant that for HR leaders, developing an agile workforce is more than twice as important (53 percent to 19 percent) as “investing in artificial intelligence and automation,” according to a
The Lapham Group Lands CEO for Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, FL has named Roy Wright as its next president and CEO. Craig Lapham, CEO of executive recruitment firm the The Lapham Group, conducted the search. To ensure a smooth operational transition, Mr. Wright will work with current IBHS president and CEO Julie Rochman, who
DRG Search Places CEO at NORWESCAP
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
Top Gun Ventures Opens Office in Denver
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Top Gun Ventures has opened a new office in Denver with the addition of Laura Marriott as partner. This is the firm’s eighth location. “Laura’s global mobile tech and marketing expertise has placed her at the forefront of today’s digital transformation,” said Peter Donovan, managing partner of Top Gun Ventures. “The challenge and
Three Search Firms Join Forces to Form HealthSearch Partners
Consultants from three executive search firms have joined forces to launch a new search platform, HealthSearch Partners, specializing in identifying and placing transformational, mission-minded CEOs and senior leaders in healthcare systems. “Health system boards now have an even better option than the customary ‘Big Four’ search firms,” said Keith Southerland, board chair, HealthSearch Partners. “Our
Harris Search Associates and RGC Search Seek President for the University of Puthisastra
The University of Puthisastra (UP) in Cambodia has retained the services of Harris Search Associates and RGC Executive Search to finds its next president. Jeffrey Harris, founder and managing partner of Dublin, OH-based Harris Search, and Anthony Ainsworth, director of Bangkok, Thailand-based RGC Search, are leading the assignment. The organizations are members of IIC Partners,
Turnkey Sports Lands CTO for the Philadelphia Phillies
Specialist recruiters Turnkey Sports and Entertainment has placed former Tampa Bay Lightning executive Sean Walker as the Philadelphia Phillies’ new vice president and chief technology officer. “Sean has a proven ability to successfully restructure IT departments from the ground up,” said Dave Buck Phillies’ executive vice president. “We are fortunate to have him on board to take the Phillies to
MCG Partners Names VP of Consulting Services
MCG Partners, a Boston, MA-based talent management and leadership development firm, has expanded with the addition of John Griffith as vice president of consulting services. In his new role, Mr. Griffith is responsible for driving the growth of the organization, a woman-owned, management consultancy specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, talent management, organizational effectiveness, management
NGS Global Appoints New Leaders for Japan
Executive search firm NGS Global has added George Johnson and Jonathan Falconer as new managing partners to head its Japanese office in Tokyo. With over 37 years of executive search experience combined, the new leaders will join forces to lead in the development of a broader and deeper level of capabilities within the Japanese market. “We are excited
AMN Healthcare Completes $195 Million in Acquisitions
As demand for talent remains strong, healthcare companies continue to consolidate. But it is more than hospitals that are in the market for acquisitions. Service providers, too, are playing their part in transforming the sector. AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has completed two acquisitions: MedPartners, a national mid-revenue cycle firm,
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Cobb Electric
A variety of non-profit trade associations have turned to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. CarterBaldwin Executive Search recently placed Peter Heintzelman as the new president and CEO of Cobb Electric Membership Corp. (Cobb EMC). He replaces Chip Nelson, who is retiring after 45 years with the Marietta, GA-based electric cooperative. Chris Guiney, partner
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Chief Compliance Officer for University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected by the University of Texas of the Permian Basin to lead in its search for a chief compliance officer. Consultants Geralyn Franklin and Alan Medders are leading the assignment. The incoming executive will oversee and coordinate university-wide compliance and risk-management activities, ensuring that the school and its employees are complying
N2Growth Acquires Data and Analytics Firm Q5 Division
King of Prussia, PA-based N2Growth, a global leadership and talent advisory firm focusing on human and organizational performance, has acquired an interest in Q5 Division, an Indiana-based predictive data and analytics firm. Q5, which was founded five years ago, has established a global reputation for unlocking hidden value and providing new consumer/market insights through intelligent
Witt/Kieffer Appoints CHRO
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has appointed HR veteran Tiffany Morris as its chief human resources officer. As a member of the senior leadership team, Ms. Morris is charged with supporting the overall achievement of the firm’s goals and managing the life cycle of the employee experience. “We welcome Tiffany to the firm and are confident that her
What Motivates People to Switch Jobs
For recruiters and companies looking to hire and retain employees in a climate of low unemployment and an acute skills shortage, knowing why employees may entertain other job offers is critical. What appeals most to workers today? Better benefits (50 percent) and a flexible work environment (42 percent) were the top reasons, excluding money, that
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeks New Leader for Friends of the Observatory
Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained to find the next executive director for the Friends of the Observatory (FOTO), which supports the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Camille Lombardo is retiring after 25 years with the non-profit group. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, is leading the search along with her associate, Krista Haley.
BoardWalk Consulting Places Executive Director at Covenant House Georgia
BoardWalk Consulting, an Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm, has placed Alieizoria Redd as the new executive director of Covenant House Georgia (CHG). She succeeds Allison Ashe, who led the organization since late 2009. “Alie Redd captivated the search committee’s attention the very first time we met her,” said board chair John Ridall, who also chaired the executive
FON Search Launches to Find Top Talent for Family Offices
West Palm Beach, FL-based Family Office Networks has announced the launch of FON Search, an affiliate of the Quest Organization, as a new division dedicated to identifying and recruiting top-tier talent for family offices. “Family offices today are increasingly sophisticated and require specialized expertise to make the strategic decisions required to preserve their legacy, educate future
Quick Leonard Kieffer Adds New Managing Partners
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has expanded with the additions of Derek Castaneda, Mark Nelson and Stefan Werdegar as managing partners in Omaha, Minneapolis and Austin, respectively. Mr. Castaneda brings 11 years of recruitment experience to his role, most recently serving as the healthcare practice leader for a global executive search firm in Omaha. His focus has been
As Job Market Favors Candidates, Companies Must Adjust
Not that many years ago, national labor market conditions favored the employer. There were few good jobs, and many good candidates, so employers had little incentive to try very hard to hire top talent or to focus on the candidate experience. Post a good job, get dozens of great applicants, put them through your hiring







