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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.
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
Forces Shaping the 2025 Dealmaking Boom
The latest EY Merger Monthly forecasts an uptick in U.S. M&A activity, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, regulatory shifts, and an increasing appetite for strategic deals. “U.S. M&A activity is expected to build further momentum in 2025,” the report notes, “driven by falling interest rates, strong economic expansion, substantial uninvested capital, and the imperative for business transformation.”Despite
Employees Looking for New Opportunities in 2018
Approximately three in 10 (29 percent) professionals intend to look for a new position in the next 12 months, according to a survey by Accountemps, a recruiting arm of Robert Half. Of the 27 markets surveyed, Los Angeles (40 percent), Austin (38 percent), and Dallas (37 percent) topped the list of U.S. cities with the most workers planning to find
Major, Lindsey & Africa Places General Counsel at American University
Legal recruiting has largely been booming this year. Recently, recruiters Deborah Ben-Canaan and Michael Sachs from Major, Lindsey & Africa helped place Traevena Byrd as vice president and general counsel at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. She begins her new role on April 9. “I am thrilled that Traevena is joining AU as our next general counsel,”
Aspen Leadership Group Lands Chief Advancement Officer for National Museum of Wildlife Art
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. Aspen Leadership Group, an executive recruitment firm based in Aspen, CO, has recently placed Bill Friedeman as the new chief advancement officer of the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA). “We are elated, after an intense nationwide search, to have Bill on board,”
Optimum Talent Names Leader of Executive Search for Central Canada
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has appointed Samantha Wood as vice president and market leader of executive search and recruitment solutions in Central Canada. “Welcoming Samantha to the firm is a big win for Optimum Talent. She brings with her tremendous industry knowledge and a great reputation as a leader, which is exactly what we need as we
Chad Harrison International Opens in Brussels and Frankfurt
U.K.-headquartered executive recruiters Chad Harrison International (CHI) has expanded with the opening new offices in Brussels and Frankfurt. The firm said it sees the cities as viable locations to develop business and build stronger connections within their specialties. “The strategic office openings will facilitate easier interaction with candidates and clients in the two countries and
Black Women Executive Hires in South Africa Show Ongoing Growth
As Black History Month comes to a close, annual statistics for top leadership placements in South Africa have, for the second year in a row, shown a sustained increase in race and gender transformation. Annual placement statistics collected by Jack Hammer, a Cape Town executive recruitment firm, show an eight percent increase in black economic
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Provost for Northeastern State University
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts and chancellors. Among the latest, Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected by Northeastern State University in Oklahoma to help find a new provost and vice president of academic affairs. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders are leading the assignment. The provost
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading CEO Search for State Employees 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
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of U.S. Aviation & Hospitality Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Frank Morogiello to its Dallas office as a partner and head of the firm’s U.S. aviation & hospitality practice focusing on aerospace and defense. “With more than 25 years of experience as a search professional and as an experienced C-suite executive, Frank brings
McDermott & Bull Acquires Denver-based Prime-Core Executive Search
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry and recent activity appears to be carrying over into 2018. McDermott & Bull has acquired Denver-based Prime-Core Executive Search. Ken Dropiewski, as a result, joins the firm as a principal consultant in the sciences group, specializing in the med-tech space. “The addition of Ken to our
Six Leadership Megatrends Changing the Workplace
New data shows that what is most keeping C-level executives awake at night is their people strategies. According to a joint report by DDI, the Conference Board and EY, C-suite professionals rank developing “next gen” leaders and failure to attract and retain top talent as their biggest challenges. Only 14 percent of CEOs believe they have the leadership talent
CarterBaldwin Seeks CEO for Christian Group World Vision
World Vision, one of the largest Christian ministries in the world, has retained the services of executive search firm CarterBaldwin Executive Search to help find a new president and chief executive for its U.S. office. After 20 years at the helm, the group’s leader, Richard Stearns, recently announced his plans to retire at the end
Heidrick & Struggles In Hunt for Chief Revenue Officer for Imperva
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. Imperva, a NASDAQ-traded
Diversified Search Expands to Boston
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive recruitment firms in the U.S., has expanded into Boston with the addition of Molly A. Robb, a seasoned search executive with more than 20 years experience placing C-suite talent in the healthcare, private equity/venture capital and life sciences sectors. She joins the firm as a managing director
Kaye/Bassman Names Managing Partners
Executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has promoted Stewart Currie and Cynthia Salinas to new managing partners within its construction and real estate practice. Since joining Kaye/Bassman in 2013, Mr. Currie has lead search efforts for the construction & real estate practice focusing on the southeastern U.S. He specializes in the commercial, industrial and residential
ENGAGE Talent Secures $3 Million in Funding
ENGAGE Talent, an AI software company that helps companies identify and effectively engage with passive candidates, has raised $3 million in new funding. Participating investors include Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Refinery Ventures and Grand Ventures. “While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, we’re eager to use this new funding to accelerate our progress
DHR International Recruits Artistic Director for the Brooklyn Academy of Music
DHR International has placed David Binder as the artistic director of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). He succeeds long-time executive producer Joseph V. Melillo, who will step down at the end of the year. James Abruzzo, managing partner of DHR’s global non-profit recruiting practice, led the search. “The Brooklyn Academy of Music is the major presenter of the
Sterling Martin Associates Seeks New Leader for League of Women Voters
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
SearchWide Launches Express Recruiting Service
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 travel
Rialto Recruitment Opens New Office
Rialto Recruitment | Atlantae Executive Search, a technical and scientific focused search firm based in Niel, Belgium, has opened a second office in the Belgian city of Genk. In addition, Rialto has obtained the new Federgon RSS quality label. Rialto Recruitment originated as Atlantae 17 years ago, followed by its merger in 2012 with Egeminplus. “With
Executive Recruiters Prove Invaluable to Thriving Global Sports Sector
The global sports industry has grown into a juggernaut. Its revenues are as much as $700 billion a year, surpassing the economies of many countries, according to the accounting firm KPMG. So it only makes sense that executive recruitment firms have become essential partners to organizations that are feeling the heat not just to win
Buffkin / Baker Leads Chief Marketing Officer Search for University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System has enlisted executive search firm Buffkin / Baker to fill the position of executive director for the joint office of strategic communications and marketing. The incoming executive will serve as the chief marketing and communications officer for the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) and for the UM System. The incoming leader should have a clear,
Isaacson, Miller Seeks Development Officer for Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical, senior-level leadership roles. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston recently tapped executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a chief development officer. Vice president Jack Gorman is heading the assignment along with senior associate Becky Wei Piper, associate Sarah Hecklau
Recruitment Technology Platform Joveo Receives $5 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: Joveo, a recruitment technology platform, recently raised $5 million in Series A funding led by Nexus Venture Partners. The start-up intends to use the cash infusion to continue to accelerate its product offerings, expand its partnerships and scale its AI/deep-learning layer. “Our vision is
Spinnaker Global Appoints Director Executive Search
Spinnaker Global Ltd, a Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, U.K.-based recruitment agency specializing in shore-based shipping, has named Jon Chaplin as director of executive search. “Our executive search business has never been busier,” said Phil Parry, chairman at Spinnaker Global. “While improved market conditions can only help, we have benefited from taking the long-term view that comprehensive shipping knowledge,
A New Look at How Jobs are Created, Found, Applied for and Won
Despite two major hurricanes and political turmoil in Washington, D.C., the U.S. economy forged ahead last year, adding more than 1.9 million new jobs and pushing stock markets to an all-time record high. After eight years of steady job growth, the nation’s unemployment rate hit a 17-year low. But there is more to the jobs
Turnkey Search Finds President of Business Operations for the Miami Marlins
Sports and entertainment recruitment firm Turnkey Search has placed Chip Bowers as the Miami Marlins’ president of business operations. He will report directly to Marlins CEO Derek Jeter. Leading the assignment was Len Perna, Turnkey’s president, founder and CEO. It is yet another top leadership post being referred to a boutique specialist. “Our goal is to operate a
John Keister & Associates Lands Leader for 120-Year Old Waukegan Public Library
Search firms that service the library sector are busier than ever. Vernon Hills, IL-based search firm John Keister & Associates, for one, recently recruited Selina Gomez-Beloz as executive director of the Waukegan Public Library in Lake County, IL. She replaces Richard Lee who retired last month after nearly 15 years in the role. Her tenure beings on Monday. Ms.
True Talent Advisory Names Chief People Officer
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. At most companies the chief human resource officer (CHRO) plays a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce. The chief people officer, on the other hand, typically goes beyond overseeing an organization’s people policies. The focus, instead, is on building
Top Gun Ventures Announces Senior Promotions
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Top Gun Ventures has promoted Brian Adamik and Bjorn Kirchdorfer to senior partners in Boston and Dallas. Both have been with Top Gun Ventures for about 10 years and have been instrumental in building a national and global business and in significantly contributing to the branding of Top Gun Ventures in the
More Than One Million Jobs to Be Disrupted by 2026
The global economy faces a reskilling crisis with 1.4 million jobs in the U.S. vulnerable to disruption from technology and other factors by 2026, according to a new report, “Towards a Reskilling Revolution: A Future of Jobs for All,” by the World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group. The report analyzes nearly 1,000 job types
