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The Forum Group Expands
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Jesse Bernesby as director of financial services. In this newly created leadership role, Mr. Bernesby will focus on building a high-performing vertical across compliance, risk, product, and quantitative functions, critical areas in today’s regulatory and data-driven world. “Jesse began his recruiting career at The Forum Group in
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for the University of Virginia
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently seeking the 10th president for the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen are leading the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to
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.
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
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?
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
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,
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
Bridging the Leadership Gap: Succession Strategies For Future-Proofing Organizations
Succession planning is a crucial component in shaping an organization’s future, as it directly impacts hiring practices, talent development, and overall long-term success. By ensuring a strong leadership pipeline, organizations can foster growth, maintain stability, and drive continued prosperity. Suzanne Heske, head of SPMB’s investment practice, shares her insights around succession strategies based on her
UConn Selects Parker Executive Search to Find Next Men’s Basketball Coach
In the wake of its recent firing of men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie amid an investigation by the NCAA, the University of Connecticut has selected Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search to lead the search for a new coach. “It is unfortunate that this decision became necessary,” the university’s athletic director, David Benedict, said in a statement. “As with
Alta Associates Names Chief Resiliency Officer
Flemington, NJ-based search firm Alta Associates has expanded with the addition of Pam Stenson in the newly created position of chief resiliency officer. The firm plans to use Ms. Stenson’s extensive experience with chief information officers to help broaden its network and recruiting capabilities in the technology arena. Over the past 30 years, Alta Associates has become
Flashlight Partners Launches in Indiana
An array of new recruiting firms has been launching around the world in recent months. The latest: Flashlight Partners, an executive recruitment firm based in Carmel, IN, has opened for business. “I believe that one should live intentionally and not vicariously,” said founder and CEO Laura Latham, in a recent interview with Current in Carmel,
Creating Clear Paths for Leaders Demands Discipline and Preparation
For companies big and small, the consequences of failing to establish a clear plan for future leadership can be staggering. One need only consider recent headlines about changes at the top at companies like Ralph Lauren Corp. and J. Crew to see the effect of poor succession planning on a business – from stunted growth
AGB Search Tapped by University of Guam to Find New President
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming it is to be found at the talent identification stage.
Koya Leadership Partners Places CEO at New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum, the familiar name for the 115-year-old Old Dartmouth Historical Society, has named Amanda D. McMullen as its new president and CEO. Anne McCarthy and Erin Reedy of non-profit specialists Koya Leadership Partners led the assignment. Ms. McMullen assumes her new role on May 7. “With a strong record of leadership and accomplishments, Amanda
Scout Exchange Secures $100 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: Scout Exchange, a recruitment marketplace connecting employers with specialized recruiters, has received $100 million in funding from TRI Ventures, the investment vehicle of recruiting industry veteran John Chuang. The funding will accelerate growth of Scout’s recruitment marketplace, which has been
Amrop Continues Global Expansion
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 75 offices in 48 countries throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas remains in growth mode. It recently added four new partners. Alexandra Long joins Amrop and will lead the technology practice in Australia. She brings deep knowledge and expertise in the area, with recent experience including roles as
As CFOs Gain in Stature, Succession Plans to Replace Them Falter
As with all things in the business world, the role of a CFO has evolved over the past 10 years. Gone are the days of the CFO being the top accountant focused on the timely and accurate recording of transactions to generate a set of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. While the accuracy of
Lionheart Children’s Academy Taps FaithSearch Partners for VP of Talent Management
Executive search firm FaithSearch Partners has been retained by Lionheart Children’s Academy in Arlington, TX to lead its search for a vice president of talent management. Vice chairman Greg Barnes is spearheading the assignment along with John Williams, vice president of the firm’s mission enterprise team. Lionheart is seeking a leader to provide overall talent acquisition strategy and facilitate
D. Hilton Associates Finds New Leader for Congressional Federal Credit Union
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Sheffield Haworth Acquires Gillamor Stephens
London-based executive recruitment firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired Gillamor Stephens, a digital and technology sector recruiting specialist. The firm’s work focuses on hiring board-level executives for both publicly listed and venture capital/private equity backed technology businesses in the U.K. and across Europe. As part of the acquisition, Gillamor Stephens will become Sheffield Haworth’s newly created global
TillmanCarlson Appoints Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Another example: Executive search firm TillmanCarlson has named Conor Leamy as partner. “Conor has been an instrumental member of the team over the last five years and his promotion is well deserved,” said Kelly Carlson, CEO. “We’ve differentiated our firm by creating a
Artificial Intelligence Changing the Role of Recruiters
Artificial intelligence is transforming the face of workforces around the world. For executive recruiters and human resources departments, it has meant a growing number of new, specialized roles to fill and untapped talent to discover. Once feared as making the role of the recruiter impersonal and robotic, AI today gives recruiters the information they need
RSR Partners Launches Search to Find CEO for USA Rugby
Executive recruitment firm RSR Partners has been enlisted to find the new chief executive officer for USA Rugby. Dan Payne, the rugby group’s current leader, announced last month that he will be stepping down in July, after the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco. Based in Lafayette, CO, USA Rugby is the national governing
Parker Executive Search Assists UCF in President Search
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has named an internal candidate, provost Dale Whittaker, to succeed president John C. Hitt, who is retiring this summer after 26 years in the top role. Atlanta-based recruitment firm Parker Executive Search assisted in the search. Dr. Whittaker’s thorough knowledge of the university and its culture played a big part of
NPAworldwide Adds Six New Member Firms
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added six new member locations in the U.S. as it
Frank Recruitment Group Names President for the Americas
London-headquartered executive search firm Frank Recruitment Group has appointed Sunny Ackerman as president for the Americas. “We are delighted to bring Sunny in to propel our already successful activity in American marketplaces, including accelerating the growth of our current and future offices,” the firm said. Frank Recruitment Group specializes in the technology sector. Ms. Ackerman
In Canada, Women Making Slow Progress Reaching the C-Suite
In many respects this past year represented a tipping point for women – and the men who support them. The abrupt fall of high-profile individuals in the realms of business, entertainment, politics and media, coupled with the rise of broad-based movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, seems to signal a profound shift in societal attitudes towards
Bridge Partners Seeking Chief Program Officer for WIN
The housing group Win, formerly Women In Need, has been transforming the lives of New York City’s homeless families for more than 30 years. The organization recently enlisted executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners to find a chief program officer. Partner and co-founder Tory Clarke is leading the search along with partner Janet Albert. The search is
Coleman Lew Leads Provost Search for Lenoir-Rhyne University
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Just recently, Coleman Lew + Associates was selected by Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC to lead its search for a new provost. Two years ago, the Charlotte, NC-based executive recruitment firm helped place the school’s current president, Frederick K. Whitt. The previous
Cameron Smith & Associates Launches International Division
Executive search firm Cameron Smith & Associates (CSA) has formed an international division with the addition of former Walmart executives Tom Colella and Eduardo Mariscotti. “My philosophy in business is never stop growing, and what we are doing is expanding on what we are really good at and taking it to a higher level,” said
AIMS Names Managing Partner for Thailand
AIMS International has expanded with the addition of Takehiko Ono as managing partner of AIMS Thailand. Mr. Ono has over 20 years of experience in executive search and the HR industry. Before joining AIMS, he served several industry sectors, including automotive, IT and telecommunications. As managing director of a recruiting company, he staffed foreign engineers for manufacturing companies in Japan from
Worker Confidence Climbs, but Job Security Falters
Showing growth for two consecutive quarters, the national Worker Confidence Index climbed 0.7 percentage points for the final quarter of last year, but dropped 1.3 points from a year earlier, according to the newly released study by HRO Today magazine and Yoh Recruitment Process Outsourcing. The index now stands at 103.2. Of the four components
McDermott & Bull Selected by Armand Agra to Recruit Chief Commercial Officer
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott & Bull has been retained by Armand Agra to lead its search for a chief commercial officer. The search is being conducted by what is known as the fit practice at the recruitment firm, which includes partner Jeff Black, associate principal consultant Jason Pinegar, associate consultant Trey Mullen, executive search consultant Kelly Nguyen,
KRW Associates Leads Double Police Chief Searches in Colorado
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,
Nonprofit Talent Expands with New Offerings and Executive Advisor
Pittsburgh-based search firm Nonprofit Talent has recently added James McDonald as executive advisor. It also announced a series of new service offerings. Mr. McDonald is the retired managing director for global philanthropy and employee programs at BNY Mellon. He also served as a director of BNY Mellon Foundation and president of the BNY Mellon Foundation
Meraki Executive Search & Consulting Names New Leader
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments this past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. Hong Kong-based recruiting firm Meraki Executive Search & Consulting has recently named Nick Marsh as managing director. He is charged with leading the team and driving the continued growth of the company across the
Strong Hiring Intentions to Continue Into Second Quarter
U.S. employers are expecting hiring to pick up in the second quarter, with one in five planning to add staff, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors are looking for headcount to grow. The upbeat forecast indicates that the uncertain political climate continues to have
Seasoned Recruiters Step Out to Focus on Coaching, Strategy and Analytics
Executive search firms and their consultants continue to enter new areas to assist clients that go well beyond recruiting – and sometimes well beyond the firms where they’re working. Two well-respected top executives in the recruitment industry – Mike Marino and Russ Riendeau – have recently stepped away from businesses they led for years to
Major, Lindsey & Africa Places General Counsel for Modine Manufacturing Company
Legal recruiting has largely been booming this year. Recently, recruiters Heather Fine and Michael Sachs from Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) helped place Sylvia A. Stein as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Modine Manufacturing Company in Racine, WI. Ms. Stein joins Modine with 25 years of experience in the legal field. Most recently, she was the associate
