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U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
HARTZ Search Seeking CFO for Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently tapped by Lake Charles Memorial Health System to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations across the health system. The
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
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?
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
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
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
The Structural Shift in Executive Search: Why a Third Model Is Emerging
The executive search industry is undergoing a fundamental structural shift—one that goes beyond the long-standing divide between retained and contingent models. As leadership roles become more complex, business environments more volatile, and the consequences of hiring mistakes more severe, the traditional frameworks that once defined the market are proving insufficient. What is emerging in their
The Christopher Group Recruits CHRO for The CAR Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Kandi Gongora as chief human resources officer of The CAR Group in Dallas, TX. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “It’s been an honor to partner with Taylor Conant and his team on the search for
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief Legal Officer for Feed the Children
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has recruited Nil Loy as the first chief legal officer of Feed the Children. Partner Bill Peterson and search consultant Rodney Anderson led the assignment. “Feed the Children is gaining a tremendous strategic leader in Nil Loy, and we all look forward to collaborating to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry,” said Emily
WittKieffer Names Five Senior Partners
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has appointed five new senior partners. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership from within, WittKieffer elevates individuals based on demonstrated leadership qualities, expertise in the search and advisory professions, and commitment to company values, the search firm explained. “For 56 years, WittKieffer has flourished due in large part to
Reshaping the Talent Playbook in the Age of AI
In the age of AI, rapid technological advancements are revolutionizing the way organizations are approaching talent management. Heightened levels of automation are already reshaping recruitment, assessment, and team building while improving workforce optimization – all while balancing the critical need for ethical, human-centric decision-making. Hunt Scanlon Media is convening over 250 chief talent officers, CHROs,
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Power Integrations
ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Jennifer Lloyd as the new CEO of NASDAQ-traded Power Integrations in San Jose, CA. Partners Tim Conti, Mike Lynch, and Cher Murphy led the assignment. She succeeds Balu Balakrishnan, who has served as CEO since 2002. A former member of Power Integrations’ board of directors, Dr. Lloyd has been reappointed
Slone Partners Appoints President and Partner, Hospitals & Healthcare Delivery Solutions
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Kyle Kinzie as president and partner, hospitals & healthcare delivery solutions. “Kyle Kinzie is a remarkably dynamic and innovative strategic leader with a penchant for driving growth across key business verticals – from healthcare to talent management. I’m impressed with his track record and entrepreneurial mindset,” said Leslie Loveless, co-CEO and
DHR Global Appoints First Woman, Nonfamily Member as CEO
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first nonfamily CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward
Boyden Recruits Chancellor for the University of Technology Sydney
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Commercial Officer at PetSmart
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has recruited Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of PetSmart. Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer led the assignment. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” said Ken Hicks, president and CEO of PetSmart. “She has
Hiring for Impact: Aligning Talent with Your Organization’s Mission
Your non-profit is more than an organization—it’s a mission-driven movement with a purpose. So why are you hiring people who only punch the clock, asked ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. “The days of simply checking off a resume for the right years of experience are over,” he said. “You’re not just looking for a new employee; you’re
Cooper Coleman Seeking CFO for the East Coast Zoological Foundation
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has again been retained by the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), home of the Brevard Zoo and the upcoming Bowen Aquarium, to lead its search for a new CFO. “We’re honored to continue our work with ECZF’s CEO and board of directors to support its ambitious growth and vision,” said Johnny Cooper,
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Rio de Janeiro
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has opened a new office in Rio de Janeiro. The office will be led by Fabio Fonseca, country head of Brazil, the Rio office enhances Cornerstone’s local capabilities in executive search, talent management, and career services. “We congratulate Fabio and his team,” said Simon
Developing Your Future Talent through a Skills-Based Approach
Nearly 40 percent of the skills people rely on at work today will soon be outdated or replaced, recent statistics from the World Economic Forum revealed. For HR leaders, it’s a wake-up call. Talent strategies need to move faster, or the business may fall behind, according to a recent report from Korn Ferry. “While advances in AI and
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by the Cleveland Institute of Art to Recruit CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) to lead in its search for a new vice president for business affairs and CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. Reporting to the president and CEO, the CFO provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including the
Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in Istanbul
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has opened a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our Friisberg & Partners International office in Istanbul,” Friisberg & Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As the Bosphorus bridge spans continents, so do our international offices of executive search experts. With immeasurable knowledge and experience across
How to Embrace AI Before It’s Too Late
While artificial intelligence is exciting, its rapid growth is also raising concerns. Recently, the CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, warned that “AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs – and spike unemployment to 10-20 percent in the next one to five years.” Likewise, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufmann recently cautioned the company’s employees and freelancers: “AI is
City Year Selects Shelli Herman and Associates to Lead SVP/Executive Director Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by City Year to lead in its search for a senior vice president and executive director. The organization is seeking an innovative, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and people-focused leader to serve as the senior on-site executive. The position offers the right candidate the chance to play a key role in
Hoffman Talent Partners (HTP Group) Forms Alliance with Andersen Consulting
HTP Group has become a collaborating firm of Andersen Consulting, a global consulting organization. This collaboration enhances HTP Group’s ability to deliver comprehensive executive search, leadership consulting, and digital governance services to organizations navigating complex transformation challenges across a broader footprint, the firm noted. As a collaborating firm, HTP Group brings to Andersen Consulting four decades of expertise
J.P. Morgan M&A Forecast Points to Continued Momentum
Global M&A deal activity is moving forward with renewed intensity, even as markets absorb inflation, trade friction, and geopolitical instability. J.P. Morgan’s 2025 Global M&A Mid-Year Outlook points to a landscape shaped less by caution and more by creativity. Volume is up, megadeals are back, and cross-border transactions are accelerating. “M&A and capital markets have been
Cook Silverman Search Seeking Chief Development Officer for St. Anthony’s Foundation
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The non-profit seeks a strategic, mission-driven CDO to lead all fundraising and donor engagement efforts. As a key member of the executive team, this executive will be a thought partner to the
The McCormick Group Forms Alliance with Salt
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has formed an alliance with global digital recruitment provider Salt. “For us, this partnership is a key move in accelerating Salt’s growth in the U.S., particularly in tech, digital leadership, and commercial innovation,” said Elliot Dell, CEO at Salt. “The McCormick Group brings a level of
The Power of Peer Groups: Why Every Leader Needs One
Success can be isolating. As entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners, we are expected to have all the answers, make the tough calls, and push forward—even when the weight of leadership feels overwhelming. However, here is the truth: no one succeeds alone, according to a recent article from Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search
KKR Invests in ghSMART
ghSMART, a global leadership advisory firm, and private equity powerhouse KKR announced that funds managed by KKR will acquire a significant minority stake in ghSMART. ghSMART partners with CEOs, boards, and investors to develop effective executive teams and support high-stakes leadership decisions. ghSMART’s founder, partners, and employees will retain majority ownership in the business and
SearchWide Global Tapped to Find New Leader for Cody Yellowstone
The Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone) has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to lead in its search for a new executive director. Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The Park County Travel Council (PCTC) executive director coordinates and oversees the administration of Park County’s four percent lodging tax. They are responsible
Interim Executives: When a Temporary Solution is the Smartest Move
In the high-pressure world of private equity, timing is everything—especially when it comes to leadership. Interim executives offer private equity firms a powerful, strategic solution for navigating leadership gaps, high-stakes transitions, and operational challenges. Hiring interim C-suite executives can often be a smarter move than scrambling to fill the role permanently on a fast timeline, according
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 13.9 Percent Q2 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter revenues of $317.2 million, a 13.9 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick Consulting. The
AGB Search Recruits 12th President for Saint Leo University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Burkee as the 12th president of Saint Leo University, following the retirement of Dr. Edward Dadez in February. Senior executive search consultant Sally Mason and executive search consultant Larry Ladd led the assignment. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists
The AI Adoption Curve in Executive Search
Executive search firms are moving rapidly along the AI adoption curve, integrating artificial intelligence into their workflows not as a novelty, but as a strategic advantage. Leaders from NU Advisory Partners, Bespoke Partners, and Accelent recently shared with Hunt Scanlon Media how AI is transforming research, accelerating search processes, and redefining candidate engagement—while also highlighting
RH Perry & Associates Recruits Provost for New Mexico Highlands University
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Dann Brown as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The assignment was led by senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak. “The experience Dr. Brown brings to NMHU will serve our institution well as we pursue innovative and transformational change initiatives,”
Bullhorn Acquires TargetRecruit
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired TargetRecruit, a Houston-based provider of front-and middle-office solutions built on the Salesforce platform. The acquisition deepens Bullhorn’s strategic investment in supporting firms that run their business on Salesforce and bolsters its position as the leading recruitment ISV in the Salesforce ecosystem. With the addition of TargetRecruit, Bullhorn’s Salesforce user base
Top 5 Leadership Shifts to Watch After the Summer Break
As the business world slows down for summer, deeper currents are moving beneath the surface. Global dynamics are shifting. Technology is accelerating. Regulations are evolving. And leadership, too, is entering a new phase. International Executive Search Federation (IESF) recently gathered insights from its partners worldwide, and they see five clear shifts taking shape in executive leadership.
