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Powering an AI-Driven Workforce
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise infrastructure, organizations are fundamentally rethinking how talent is identified, assessed, developed, and led. AI is no longer confined to isolated recruiting tools — it is reshaping leadership requirements, workforce planning, internal mobility, and how human judgment operates alongside intelligent systems. The challenge today is not whether to
Cooper Coleman Seeking Executive Director for Friends of International Friendship Park
Cooper Coleman LLC was recently retained by Friends of International Friendship Park (FOIFP) to lead in its search for a new executive director. The national search is being led by J. Michael Durnil, director of executive search at Cooper Coleman. The organization seeks a strategic, culturally fluent, and politically savvy executive director to lead the organization into
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
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
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
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
Hoffman Talent Partners (HTP Group) Forms Alliance with Andersen Consulting
HTP Group has become a collaborating firm of Andersen Consulting, a global consulting organization. This collaboration enhances HTP Group’s ability to deliver comprehensive executive search, leadership consulting, and digital governance services to organizations navigating complex transformation challenges across a broader footprint, the firm noted. As a collaborating firm, HTP Group brings to Andersen Consulting four decades of expertise
J.P. Morgan M&A Forecast Points to Continued Momentum
Global M&A deal activity is moving forward with renewed intensity, even as markets absorb inflation, trade friction, and geopolitical instability. J.P. Morgan’s 2025 Global M&A Mid-Year Outlook points to a landscape shaped less by caution and more by creativity. Volume is up, megadeals are back, and cross-border transactions are accelerating. “M&A and capital markets have been
Cook Silverman Search Seeking Chief Development Officer for St. Anthony’s Foundation
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The non-profit seeks a strategic, mission-driven CDO to lead all fundraising and donor engagement efforts. As a key member of the executive team, this executive will be a thought partner to the
The McCormick Group Forms Alliance with Salt
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has formed an alliance with global digital recruitment provider Salt. “For us, this partnership is a key move in accelerating Salt’s growth in the U.S., particularly in tech, digital leadership, and commercial innovation,” said Elliot Dell, CEO at Salt. “The McCormick Group brings a level of
The Power of Peer Groups: Why Every Leader Needs One
Success can be isolating. As entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners, we are expected to have all the answers, make the tough calls, and push forward—even when the weight of leadership feels overwhelming. However, here is the truth: no one succeeds alone, according to a recent article from Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search
KKR Invests in ghSMART
ghSMART, a global leadership advisory firm, and private equity powerhouse KKR announced that funds managed by KKR will acquire a significant minority stake in ghSMART. ghSMART partners with CEOs, boards, and investors to develop effective executive teams and support high-stakes leadership decisions. ghSMART’s founder, partners, and employees will retain majority ownership in the business and
SearchWide Global Tapped to Find New Leader for Cody Yellowstone
The Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone) has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to lead in its search for a new executive director. Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The Park County Travel Council (PCTC) executive director coordinates and oversees the administration of Park County’s four percent lodging tax. They are responsible
Interim Executives: When a Temporary Solution is the Smartest Move
In the high-pressure world of private equity, timing is everything—especially when it comes to leadership. Interim executives offer private equity firms a powerful, strategic solution for navigating leadership gaps, high-stakes transitions, and operational challenges. Hiring interim C-suite executives can often be a smarter move than scrambling to fill the role permanently on a fast timeline, according
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 13.9 Percent Q2 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter revenues of $317.2 million, a 13.9 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick Consulting. The
AGB Search Recruits 12th President for Saint Leo University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Burkee as the 12th president of Saint Leo University, following the retirement of Dr. Edward Dadez in February. Senior executive search consultant Sally Mason and executive search consultant Larry Ladd led the assignment. More than 300 candidates from across the nation applied. Finalists
The AI Adoption Curve in Executive Search
Executive search firms are moving rapidly along the AI adoption curve, integrating artificial intelligence into their workflows not as a novelty, but as a strategic advantage. Leaders from NU Advisory Partners, Bespoke Partners, and Accelent recently shared with Hunt Scanlon Media how AI is transforming research, accelerating search processes, and redefining candidate engagement—while also highlighting
RH Perry & Associates Recruits Provost for New Mexico Highlands University
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Dann Brown as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The assignment was led by senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak. “The experience Dr. Brown brings to NMHU will serve our institution well as we pursue innovative and transformational change initiatives,”
Bullhorn Acquires TargetRecruit
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired TargetRecruit, a Houston-based provider of front-and middle-office solutions built on the Salesforce platform. The acquisition deepens Bullhorn’s strategic investment in supporting firms that run their business on Salesforce and bolsters its position as the leading recruitment ISV in the Salesforce ecosystem. With the addition of TargetRecruit, Bullhorn’s Salesforce user base
Top 5 Leadership Shifts to Watch After the Summer Break
As the business world slows down for summer, deeper currents are moving beneath the surface. Global dynamics are shifting. Technology is accelerating. Regulations are evolving. And leadership, too, is entering a new phase. International Executive Search Federation (IESF) recently gathered insights from its partners worldwide, and they see five clear shifts taking shape in executive leadership.
ExactSearch.AI Debuts with AI-Powered Tools and Transparent Pricing Model for Executive Search
ExactSearch.AI has launched a new model for retained executive search finding senior talent with faster results, partner-led service, and fees at half the cost of traditional retained search firms. “Organizations are tired of paying high fees to find great leaders, and waiting months to get them,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO. “We built ExactSearch.AI
Nexus Search Partners Fills Key Role for the Charlotte Hornets
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Jon DeLord as vice president of business intelligence at Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), home of the Charlotte Hornets. “This placement reflects what makes our work at Nexus distinctive,” said Thaddeus Jones, founder and managing partner of
TSI Group Harnesses Wisnio’s AI Powered Talent Assessment
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the executive search industry, Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. has integrated Wisnio’s advanced, AI-driven assessment tools into its search process. “The merger of Wisnio with Assessio, a global leader in psychometric evaluation, further enhances our ability to match top-tier executive talent with leading organizations across Canada and
ZRG Acquires NextCap Search
ZRG has acquired NextCap Search, a boutique executive search firm with deep experience placing senior talent in investment banking and financial services. Financial details of the deal were not released. The move adds further depth to ZRG’s financial services practice at a time when firms are under increasing pressure to compete for proven leadership and revenue generators
Unemployment Rises To 4.2 Percent In July as Hiring Falls Sharply
Employment rose by 73,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, while the nonfarm payrolls count for the prior two months was revised down by a massive 258,000 jobs. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare and in social assistance. Federal government continued
Rokos Group Seeking CFO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead its search for a new CFO. Reporting to the president and CEO of USC Health System, the CFO serves as the senior-most financial leader across the entire health system. This individual is responsible for directing a comprehensive, high-performing
PER Completes Management Buyout, Paving the Way for Strategic Growth
Private Equity Recruitment (PER) has announced that its senior leadership team has completed a management buyout of the company from founder Gail McManus. As part of this transition, day-to-day leadership has passed to CEO, Rupert Bell, and managing director, Charlie Hunt, who, alongside other senior colleagues, are now majority owners of the company. “PER has
SPMB Recruits CEO for AbsenceSoft
Bianca Moreno and Rosalie Lovy of SPMB Executive Search have assisted in the recruitment of Jess Keeney as the new CEO of AbsenceSoft in Golden, CO. “We’re thrilled to partner with AbsenceSoft once again following our placement of CFO Keith McLamb earlier this year,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “Cheers to the entire team and Luminate Capital on this exciting new
EMA Partners Makes Leadership Changes Across India and Singapore
EMA Partners, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has announced leadership changes across its consumer, pharma & life sciences, retail & professional services sectors across India and Singapore. “Each of our colleagues have spent considerable time in the industry and bring with them an in-depth understanding of key markets and clients and continue to grow
2025 Hiring & Compensation at Mid-Year: What’s Evolving and What Remains the Same
What a difference six months makes. When Ascentria Search Partners released its 2025 Compensation & Hiring Guide in January, they focused on the long arc of transformation, shifting candidate expectations, the rise of hybrid models, and the push toward skills-based hiring. “But halfway through the year, one thing is clear: the market is moving faster
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Hyland’s Consumer Health
The Talent Studios has assisted in the recruitment of Lindsay Martin as chief growth officer of Hyland’s Consumer Health, a pediatric-focused consumer health company backed by Hildred Capital. Jeremy Cohen, Katlyn Maloney, and Gretchen Koch led the assignment. Ms. Martin brings more than 15 years of experience leading brand and commercial strategy for some of the most
Kestria Expands in Mexico
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added a new member firm in Mexico with the addition of Performance Talent Consulting International, a boutique consultancy specializing in executive search, talent management and organizational development. “Kestria is delighted to welcome a new member firm in Mexico, marking a key milestone in our alliance’s growth
Hunt Scanlon to Host Conferences in New York City and London on AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming talent strategy by enabling faster, more precise, and scalable decision-making across the hiring lifecycle. Rather than merely automating tasks, AI is enhancing how companies identify, evaluate, and retain top talent. It allows recruiters and talent leaders to shift their focus from manual processes to higher-level strategy and relationship building. Search
Eastward Partners Appoints Managing Director
New York-based Eastward Partners has expanded with the addition of Brian Ippolito as managing director, strengthening the firm’s focus on placing go-to-market leaders across private equity and venture capital-backed portfolio companies. Mr. Ippolito joins the firm as it continues to scale its consultative model through ECHO—Eastward’s proprietary intelligence platform. “ECHO integrates market data, human capital trends,
Funk Associates Fills President Roles for Florida International University, Coastal Carolina University, and University of St. Thomas – Houston
Funk Associates has recently completed presidential searches for Florida International University (FIU), Coastal Carolina University (CCU), and University of St. Thomas – Houston (UST). “These searches reflect the continued trust institutions place in our firm to identify visionary and mission-driven leaders,” said Bill Funk, founder and CEO of Funk Associates. “We are proud to have partnered with each of these
Transforming the Recruiter’s Role From Volume to Value
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. public companies have reduced their white-collar workforces by a collective 3.5 percent over the past three years, all while corporate profits have surged to record highs. One in five companies in the S&P 500 now operate with fewer employees than a decade ago, despite having significantly higher revenues. Executives
PierceGray Tapped by Alliance Markets & Vending to Fill Senior Post
PierceGray has been selected by Alliance Markets & Vending to lead in its search for a new controller. With plans to accelerate the growth and profitability of the business, Alliance seeks to hire a controller to build and lead the accounting function including all technical accounting, policies and procedures, audit compliance, and reporting, and the financial







