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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
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
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
The Tolan Group Recruits CFO for Defining Wellness Centers
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Bill Morrison as the new CFO of Defining Wellness Centers in Jackson, MS. “Bill has spent his career helping healthcare organizations grow with discipline and clarity,” said Drew Rothermel, CEO of Defining Wellness Centers. “We’re entering an important phase of growth, and his experience building financial infrastructure and supporting strategic
6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
As leadership transitions become more frequent and stakes continue to rise, boards are facing increasing pressure to ensure continuity at the top. Yet many organizations remain underprepared, exposing themselves to significant operational and financial risk when succession is left unaddressed. The gap between those that treat succession as a strategic priority and those that view
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the Academy of Country Music for CEO Search
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, and Anne Johnson are leading the assignment. The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of
Wilton & Bain Expands People & Culture Practice
Wilton & Bain has appointed Claire Paramo as a partner in its people & culture practice. Claire will be based in the firm’s London headquarters. “I am delighted to welcome Claire to Wilton & Bain,” said Tim Baker, managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “Over recent months, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and
Risk Mitigation and Business Complexity is Driving Demand in Legal Recruiting
Demand for senior legal leaders is rising as companies, and law firms face mounting regulatory complexity, global uncertainty, and shifting risks. Boards and CEOs now expect legal executives to be not only technical experts but also strategic business partners who can influence decisions, manage crises, and deliver commercial impact. The bar has never been higher
Onboarding Executives for Non-Traditional Roles
As organizations confront increasingly complex challenges, leadership requirements are evolving beyond traditional industry boundaries. Companies are beginning to recognize that experience alone may not be the best predictor of success in roles that demand fresh thinking and adaptability. In response, many are exploring talent from adjacent sectors to bring new perspectives and capabilities into critical
Occam Global Recruits CEO for Aura Biosciences
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Natalie Holles as CEO of NASDAQ-traded Aura Biosciences in Boston, MA. She succeeds Elisabet de los Pinos, the company’s founder, who stepped down from her roles as CEO and president and member of the board of directors on the same date. “We are delighted to welcome Natalie as CEO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Murray State with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Twigg as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Twigg to Murray State University as our next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Murray State
Bespoke Partners Expands Go-To-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Alyssa Berardi as a partner in the go-to-market practice. “Alyssa’s combination of executive search experience and data-driven insight makes her an exceptional addition to the Bespoke team,” said Tess Fischer, partner and practice lead of Bespoke Partners’ go-to-market practice. “She brings a modern, data-informed perspective to go-to-market
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by OneOC for CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by OneOC to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. OneOC seeks a talented individual provide forward-looking leadership and strategic direction, building on its successful foundation as a trusted partner to the nonprofit sector across Orange County. Reporting to the board of directors, this leader
RH Perry & Associates Assists Macomb Community College with President Search
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Lori M. Gonko as president of Macomb Community College. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and George Santiago led the assignment. “Dr. Gonko has demonstrated the skills, abilities, enthusiasm and vision to lead Macomb Community College well into the future,” said Katherine Bracey Lorenzo, chair of the board and of the
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Managing Partner for the U.K.
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently appointed Tristan Jervis as managing partner for the U.K. Based in London, he works closely with some of the world’s largest multinational corporations and leading private equity firms to attract, assess, and develop high-impact technology executives. Mr. Jervis focuses on transformational leadership issues, ranging from the assessment and hiring
Why Job Offers Miss the Mark — and How to Bridge the Gap
You’ve worked through a complex hiring process, committed significant time, and identified the right candidate. The interviews were successful, and the team reached internal alignment. But when the offer is extended, the response is a polite “no, thank you.” If you’ve experienced it, you understand how frustrating that moment can be. After weeks of effort,
How Executive Search Firms Identify True Talent
In today’s competitive job market, relying solely on traditional resumes and standard hiring processes is no longer enough to identify the right talent for critical roles. Specialized search and selection firms play a pivotal role in revolutionizing talent acquisition by focusing on a deeper understanding of organizational needs and candidate potential, according to a report
The Moran Company Assists the American Counseling Association With CEO Search
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Brian Banks as the new CEO of the American Counseling Association. Jon Rosell led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to ACA,” said ACA governing council president M. Elsa Soto Leggett. “At a time when policy and
Cook Silverman Search Helps Recruit Executive Director for Welcoming Home
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Cushing as the first executive director of Welcoming Home, marking a step in the organization’s growth and continued service to formerly homeless families in need across Marin and Sonoma counties. The organization’s founders, Marsha Roberts and Greg Hansen, will work closely with Mr. Cushing during
Caldwell Appoints Co-Leader of Technology Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded the firm’s technology practice leadership team, naming Shawn Banerji to join Jim Bethmann as co-leader of the technology practice. “Under Jim’s leadership, Caldwell’s technology practice has built a strong global reputation advising companies across the tech industry,” said Chris Beck, CEO of Caldwell. “Artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation are reshaping competitive advantage
Companies Don’t Have a Talent Problem—They Have a Judgment Problem
As organizations scale, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the quality of decisions made around people, not just strategy. Leaders who consistently outperform tend to approach hiring, team development, and execution with greater discipline, clarity, and adaptability. After 15 years as a founder and CEO of venture-backed companies, John Levisay of
7 Tips to Ace Your Video Interview
Video interviews have become a standard component of executive hiring, offering organizations a more efficient way to engage senior candidates while maintaining momentum in competitive search processes. For C-suite and board-level roles, they are typically used as an early-stage tool to assess communication style, presence, and initial alignment before committing to in-person meetings. While they
BarkerGilmore Fills Senior Legal Post for Firefly Aerospace
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Kristen Price as associate general counsel, commercial at Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, TX. “Firefly is at a defining stage as a newly public company, and Kristen joins at a pivotal moment as the company continues to scale its commercial capabilities
Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Estee Aiken as the next chancellor of the University of Montana Western (UMW). “Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal
Kaye/Bassman Names Practice Leader for the South Division
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Ashley Richards as practice leader for the South division. “Ashley’s leadership, consistency, and track record of performance have made her one of the most respected partners within our organization. Her ability to build deep client relationships, while delivering exceptional talent solutions, has been instrumental to our
Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
Appointing a Successor in a Family-Owned Business
Leadership transitions in founder-led businesses carry implications that extend far beyond operational continuity. Decisions around who will take the reins often shape not only the company’s trajectory, but also the dynamics within the family itself. Succession is one of the most personal decisions a founder will ever make, according to Warren Carter, senior managing partner
Waterford Global Leading CEO Search for Southern Health–Santé Sud
Winnipeg, Canada-based Waterford Global Inc. is currently leading the CEO search for Southern Health–Santé Sud (SH-SS). The search is nearing shortlist presentation stage. Working with an engaged board and leading a committed and experienced executive team, this is an opportunity to provide executive-level leadership as CEO of Southern Health-Santé Sud and to build upon a strong foundation
Furst Group Fills Top HR Post for Johns Hopkins Medicine
Executive search firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Enbar Cohen as its new vice president, human resources of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We’re excited to welcome Enbar Cohen as our new vice president of human resources,” Johns Hopkins Medicine said in a LinkedIn post. “Enbar joins
Alexander Hughes Names Heads of Global Defense Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Norbert Alix-Buguet as head of its global defense practice. Jean-Brice Le Gayic was also named co‑head of the practice. “The unique added value of this duo lies in their ability to gain an in‑depth understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of such a demanding sector as defense, and to support their clients
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
Why Top Candidates Choose One Offer Over Another
Recruitment in the financial services industry, especially across wealth management, RIAs, and fintech roles, has become increasingly competitive, with strong candidates having multiple opportunities and greater choice in where they go, according to a recent report from Right Executive Search’s Elisa Sheftic. “It is especially disappointing when a top candidate withdraws from an opportunity during the
