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IIC Partners Announces New Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has announced new appointments to its board of directors. The appointments were confirmed during IIC Partners’ annual general meeting in Bangkok on October 21, 2025. The candidates were recommended by the 2025 nominating committee, composed of Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner (Vienna), Jeff Harris (Columbus), and Jyoti Bowen Nath (Mumbai). The new appointments are
Why Targeting Passive Candidates Is a Game-Changer & Creating a Big Impact
As competition for specialized talent intensifies, organizations are rethinking how they identify and engage top performers. Companies increasingly recognize that the strongest candidates often aren’t scanning job boards—they’re succeeding in their current roles. To secure these high-value professionals, employers are adopting more strategic, relationship-driven approaches to talent acquisition. In today’s global talent market, forward-thinking companies
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
Executive Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Leadership changes in portfolio companies are intricate processes that play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of these newly acquired businesses, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. What are some key traits for success in C-suite roles, and how can you ensure smooth transitions that minimize disruption and maximize performance?
Howard Fischer Associates Places Chief People Officer at Jack Morton Worldwide
With the assistance of search firm Howard Fischer Associates, Jack Morton Worldwide, a global brand experience agency, has chosen Melissa Rose to be its new chief people officer. Ms. Rose joins an established global HR team, where her primary objective will be “strategic people operations” – helping the agency continue to grow, retain and nurture
Korn Ferry Adds Former Heidrick CHRO
Dan Kaplan, former managing partner and head of the global chief HR officers practice at Heidrick & Struggles, has moved over to Korn Ferry’s CHRO practice. He will be based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Kaplan brings over 20 years of expertise in leadership and organizational consulting to Korn Ferry. He has advised
ManpowerGroup Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full-year revenues of $21 billion, an increase of seven percent from $19.7 billion the prior year and an increase of six percent in constant currency. The company posted ffourth-quarterrevenues of $5.6 billion, an increase of 14 percent from the year earlier period. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.55 billion.
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 4.1 Percent
Employers added 200,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The January gain is the 88th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.7 million. Analysts had predicted the job additions
Vetted Solutions Selected by American Academy of Dermatology to Find Chief Learning Officer
The American Academy of Dermatology has enlisted executive search firm Vetted Solutions to lead its search for a new chief learning officer. President and founder Jim Zaniello is spearheading the assignment along with vice presidents Catherine Brown and R. Norris Orms. The new chief learning officer will be responsible for developing and leading the strategic initiatives of the
Witt/Kieffer Finds New AD for Yale University
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has placed Victoria M. Chun as the new director of athletics of Yale University. Thomas Beckett, who has served in the role for 24 years, is retiring in June. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, led the search along with senior associate Katy Young. In her new role,
Charles Aris Announces Promotions
Executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. has recently announced promotions for Ashlee Wagner, Heather Porter, and T.J. Deal. Ms. Wagner has been named as senior associate practice leader. As a key member of the firm’s strategy & corporate development recruiting practice, she will focus on placing senior leaders with client organizations in the financial services industry. Prior
Robert Half Posts Strong Q4 and Year End Revenues
Robert Half International Inc. / (NYSE:RHI) posted full year revenues of $5.27 billion, up from $5.25 billion the prior year. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.35 billion, a 6.4 percent increase from the same period last year. This also beat Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.31
5 Employment Trends That Demand New Ways of Managing
Many of the workplace trends that were prevalent in 2017, such as maximizing talent analytics and improving the candidate experience, will continue to resonate this year. But other trends are emerging that demand new ways of managing and planning for the future. Successful businesses, according to a new report, must adapt to new market demands,
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates Finds CFO for Spectrum Health
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates, an executive search firm serving the healthcare sector, has placed Matthew Cox as the new senior vice president and chief financial officer of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI. He replaces Ron Knaus who recently retired. Partner Michael Corey led the assignment. Mr. Cox will lead the finance team and assume financial
Reffett Associates Finds New CEO for Bartell Drugs
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has helped to place the new chief executive officer of Bartell Drugs, a family-run drug store chain in Washington State. The search was led by founder and managing partner Bill Reffett. Kathi Lentzsch is just the fifth CEO in Bartell’s 128-year history. She had been serving as the interim CEO for Gump’s,
StevenDouglas Expands to Atlanta
Sunrise, FL-based executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded with the launch of a new office in Atlanta and the addition of David Mauger as a director of technology search. Mr. Mauger will be responsible for developing the firm’s information technology search practice by leveraging his experience in recruiting executive and middle management professionals across cybersecurity,
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Russia
AIMS International has added Moscow-headquartered executive recruiters Midland Hunt as its newest member firm. Midland’s founder Marina Stepanova will assume the title of managing director AIMS Russia. Ms. Stepanova has over 20 years of experience in executive search. She is involved in executive search projects for the leading international and local companies in the industrial, financial and government sectors. In
HR Leaders Cite Retention and Turnover as Top Concerns in 2018
Close to half, 47 percent, of the human resources leaders surveyed for a new report say that employee retention and turnover is their top workforce management challenge. This is the third straight year that this issue has topped the concerns cited in the annual study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Globoforce,
GeneCoda, a New Life Sciences Recruiter, Opens in North Carolina
A new executive search firm, GeneCoda, has been launched in Wake Forest, NC. Headed by Don Alexander, the organization will focus on recruiting for the life sciences sector. Mr. Alexander has over 15 years of progressive executive search experience and has made hundreds of placements in the life sciences sector. Among other achievements, he is
Krauthamer & Associates Lands CEO for Capital Metro
Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates has placed Randy Clarke as the general manager and president/CEO of Capital Metro in Austin. He replaces Linda Watson, who retired at the end of last year after seven years in the job. Mr. Clarke start his new role in March. Mr. Clarke, who has a five year contract, will
KLR Executive Search Leading CEO Assignment for United Way of Rhode Island
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has been retained by the United Way of Rhode Island to lead its hunt for a new president and CEO. Long-time leader Anthony Maione announced he is retiring at the end of the year. Partner Edward Blum is leading the assignment. The search committee is led by Dolph L. Johnson
Horton International Expands in South Africa
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire recruiters and open locations. Among them, Horton International has added the Human Capital Group, strengthening Horton’s presence and expertise in South Africa. Established in 2003 and led by managing partner Brian Wasmuth, the
Three Quarters of Recruiting Firms Expect Revenues to Rise in 2018
Seventy five percent of recruiting firms anticipated an increase in 2018 revenue versus 2017 revenue, according to Bullhorn’s “2018 North American Staffing & Recruiting Trends Report: The Industry’s Outlook for 2018.” Overall, the report showed that recruiting professionals remain optimistic for a successful 2018, as they did for 2017, despite increasing concerns and emerging challenges
Culture Transformation Consultancy Walking the Talk Appoints New CEO
Walking the Talk, a global culture transformation firm, has appointed Chris Pierce-Cooke as its new CEO. He replaces co-founder Carolyn Taylor, who shifts to the role of executive chairman. Mr. Pierce-Cooke has over 20 years of multinational experience as a business leader, entrepreneur and advisor in publicly traded, private partnership and family-owned businesses with revenues between $1
Catherine French Group Finds Leader for New Spire Arts
Following an extensive national search, Daniel Phoenix Singh, a dancer and arts leader, has been selected to lead New Spire Arts in Frederick, MD. The search was led by Catherine French Group, a specialist in the performing arts sector located in Washington, D.C. Mr. Singh “is excited to be working with New Spire Arts and
Major, Lindsey & Africa Finds CIO for Ice Miller
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Matt Tader as chief information officer at AmLaw 200 firm Ice Miller. The assignment was led by partner Amanda K. Brady along with managing director Dustin Laws. “Matt’s strong record of developing and executing turnarounds involving significant change with processes, people and technology, ideally position him to drive process efficiencies within
TRANSEARCH Opens Offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong
TRANSEARCH International has expanded with the opening of new offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The locations will be led by Addy Lee and Donald Hsu, respectively. With a corporate general management background and having placed over 500 senior executives into multinationals and Chinese companies, Mr. Lee is described as an astute judge of people and character. He also has
The Idea of Cultural Fit Might Be More Myth Than Reality
Human resources executives and recruiters have been using the term “cultural fit” – generally defined as the ability of an employee to fit with the core beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that make up an organization – for a decade or two. The popularity of the concept has ebbed and flowed, but as an HR professional
Toft Group Lands CEO for Neurotrope
Executive search firm Toft Group Executive Search has recruited Charles S. Ryan as a board member and CEO at NY-headquartered clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Neurotrope. He assumes his new role in two weeks. Mark Soufleris, Toft Group’s pharmaceutical practice leader, led the search along with vice president Raul Lamas. “We are proud to have placed Dr. Ryan as Neurotrope’s next
B.E. Smith Leads CFO Search for Oklahoma Medical Center
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes Congress may deliver. This has produced a high
hrQ and Revolution Advisors Merge
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ and human capital consulting specialist Revolution Advisors have joined forces. The firms will move forward operating under the hrQ banner and platform, led by managing partners Kha Le, Molly McCoy, Kathy Rapp and Brian Wilkerson. “This positions hrQ to help our clients get ahead of the curve when it comes
SRi Opens New Office In Shanghai
Executive search firm SRi has expanded its Asia operations with the launch of a Shanghai office and the addition of key staff to its Greater China team. The Greater China team, which is led by partner Ting Zhang, has seen growth of 25 percent over the past year thanks to senior search and advisory work across major sports,
How to Stay Ahead of Recruiting Challenges This Year
Competition for finance talent is fierce. To stand out among competitors – and attract top talent – employers are constantly seeking ways to stay on top of recruiting trends and face new challenges head-on as they arise. New York-based search and advisory firm Atlantic Group recently released a new report, authored by senior director Sarah Brumbley, laying out the
Vlaad and Company Chosen by Canada Infrastructure Bank to Lead Search Efforts
Vlaad and Company, a Toronto-based financial services executive search firm, has been retained to help structure and take part in the hiring of up to 50 employees that are expected to be added to the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) by this summer. The newly created bank is designed to attract private investment in Canadian infrastructure
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates Seeks President for University of Oklahoma
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will be found at the talent identification stage. With so much
