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Non-Profit CEO Demand Rises: Vetted Solutions Leading Search for NSPE’s Next Chief Executive
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. As a result, search firms are staying busy, as
AI’s Growing Threat to Entry-Level Finance Hiring
AI is reshaping finance hiring and recruiters say that it’s hitting entry-level talent first. Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s rewriting the rules of who gets hired in finance, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. Microsoft’s Bill Gates predicts
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
TalentoHC Acquires R2 Global
Talento Human Capital has acquired R2 Global, a highly respected technology recruitment and staffing firm known for its niche expertise across cloud & data, business systems, and e-commerce. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor on the deal. This strategic move will expand TalentoHC’s existing footprint in the technology sector and launch,
Heidrick & Struggles Names Supply Chain & Operations Practice Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named Carlos Garcia to lead its supply chain and operations practice globally, adding to his role as partner in charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Carlos’ proven leadership skills and expertise recruiting and advising senior supply chain and operations executives across all industry sectors will further
McDermott & Bull Bolsters Sports Practice, Adding Former Field Hockey Player
McDermott & Bull Europe has added former star field hockey player Teun de Nooijer to its sports, active lifestyle and consumer products practices. Mr. de Nooijer is one of the most celebrated and decorated field hockey players in the world. He participated in five Olympic games and won several Olympic, world, European and national titles. He made
Koya Leadership Partners Lands New CEO for Easterseals
Following a national search, Easterseals has selected Angela F. Williams as its new president and CEO. The former YMCA executive is expected to lead the organization into its centennial year in 2019. Non-profit recruiting specialists Koya Leadership Partners conducted the search. Anne McCarthy, principal – executive search, and Alison Ranney, managing director who heads Koya’s Chicago
Coleman Lew + Associates Places New Leader at McColl Center for Art + Innovation
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has recruited Alli Celebron-Brown as the president and CEO of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, NC, after a national search. She will assume her new role today. Ms. Celebron-Brown brings an extensive background of development, strategic planning and organizational design. A 14-year veteran of non-profit leadership, she
Buffkin/Baker Expands With Veteran Recruiter
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of veteran recruiter Nathaniel J. Sutton as partner and head of its non-profit recruiting practice. “Nat has more than 17 years of executive search experience, and has been immensely successful in the non-profit, higher education and philanthropic arenas,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner of Buffkin/Baker. “Nat
Reffett Associates Hires Director of Operations
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has appointed Thomas Young as director of operations based in its Seattle office. Previously, Mr. Young was district director and counsel for U.S. Representative Dave Reichert of Washington State. He oversaw constituent services, casework and was the district office policy lead for business, energy, environment and transportation issues. He assisted the
SpenglerFox Names Global Head of Life Sciences Search Practice
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Lone Roervig as global head of its life sciences practice group. In her new role, Ms. Roervig is responsible for leading the global life sciences practice where she coordinates the firm’s specialist consultants across the globe. Her work focuses on partnering with senior leaders in the life sciences industry and providing her
Why Flexing to Client Needs Matters More Now Than Ever
While large search firms have offered a myriad of talent offerings for years, they’ve more or less kept their traditional fee structures intact. That’s provided an opportunity for boutique firms to move in and fill a widening gap, especially in the area of pricing reinvention. Robin Levitt, president of Encino, CA-based 4D Executive Search, is
John Keister & Associates Seeks New Leader for Illinois Library
Waukegan Public Library in Lake County, IL has announced that Richard Lee will be retiring in January after nearly 15 years as executive director. Vernon Hills, IL-based search firm John Keister & Associates has been retained to find the organization’s next leader. Mr. Lee is only the fifth director of Waukegan’s library since its founding in
ThinkingAhead Lands New Leader for Appalachian Trail Conservancy
ThinkingAhead Executive Search has placed Suzanne Dixon as president and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Recruiters Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez led the assignment. The organization was looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to work in collaboration with Appalachian Trail stakeholders, conservancy board members and staff, volunteers, partner organizations and agencies, to preserve
OverNorth Names Partner
Executive search firm OverNorth has promoted Renato T. Amador to partner. He is based jointly out of the firm’s Chicago headquarters and Washington, D.C. satellite location. Mr. Amador’s expertise revolves around recruiting transformational analytics, technology and human resources executives. He has recruited senior executives in the fields of analytics, big data, cloud technologies/SaaS, data science, digital
Bailey Fisher Appoints Leader of Private Markets
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Josef Woodward as director and leader of private markets. Mr. Woodward brings extensive experience in executive search, business strategy and management. Previously, he held director roles with two executive search firms. He was on the management team for a boutique executive search firm in
Five Ways to Identify Transformational Talent
Keeping up with the rapid pace of change is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. With technology advancing rapidly and the expectations of customers shifting, achieving success depends on finding talent that can move and transform as rapidly as the business itself. But that’s easier said than done. According to a newly released
AGB Search Seeks New President for Slippery Rock University
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming it is to be found at the talent
Krauthamer & Associates Places CEO for Port Authority of Allegheny County
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has named Katharine Eagan Kelleman as its new CEO. The organization had enlisted executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top post. The Hillman Family Foundation provided $100,000 to cover most of the cost for the Pittsburgh-based port authority to hire the search firm, said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman. Former
Kincannon & Reed Expands Global Animal Health Search Practice
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed continues its global expansion with the addition of Attila von Hankó as managing director, further enlarging its team of animal health industry veterans. He will be based in Bremen, Germany, where he will focus on senior executive recruitment for animal health clients across Europe and Asia. Mr. von Hankó’s 30-year career
Asianet Appoints Head of Sourcing Consultancy
International executive search firm Asianet Consultants has named Neil Robertson as director to head its sourcing consultancy. Mr. Robertson is a highly experienced senior executive in international buying, trading and compliance for international retailers and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. Prior to joining Asianet, he held managing director roles for Dixons Group and Woolworths UK
Egon Zehnder Tapped to Find CEO for Unilever
Consumer goods giant Unilever has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead its global search for a new CEO. Paul Polman, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2009, will reportedly resign in about 18 months. A formal search for Mr. Polman’s successor will ultimately be led by Marijn Dekkers, Unilever’s chairman since last year, and will
Koya Leadership Partners Lands Development Head for Campaign for Black Male Achievement
Executive Recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners has recently placed Felecia Webb as the new vice president of development for the New York City-based Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). The search was led by vice president of executive search Liz Lombard and consultant Turner Delano. “Honestly, I knew from my first call with Felecia that
Addison Group Acquires Bridgepoint Consulting
Chicago-based recruiting firm Addison Group has acquired Bridgepoint Consulting, an Austin, TX-based management consulting firm that delivers financial operations, risk/compliance, and technology services to support companies throughout their business lifecycle. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. “We saw a clear opportunity to leverage Addison Group’s high-caliber team, proven performance, and industry-leading growth with a well-established firm
Recruitment Firm hrQ Expands in Dallas
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has expanded with the addition of Salvador Vergara as vice president and managing director of its Dallas office. Mr. Vergara has over 23 years of consultative business development and relationship management experience. He comes to hrQ from Jobvite, where he served in a sales director role working heavily within
NPAworldwide Adds 12 Member Firms
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide, for example, has added 12 member firms as it continues to
Here’s Why Artificial Intelligence Raises Hopes, and Fears, Among HR Leaders
As artificial intelligence continues to make inroads into the working world, hiring managers are showing a combination of excitement for its potential and angst about its effects, according to a new study by the Allegis Group. Twenty-one percent of the HR professionals surveyed by the Hanover, MD staffing and recruitment services firm said they were
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Elite Sportswear
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Girisha Chandraraj as president and chief executive officer of Elite Sportswear, a sport specialty apparel brand. He succeeds Dan Casciano who stepped down but remains on the company’s board of directors. Dave Sobocinski, a founding partner of CarterBaldwin, headed the assignment. “Girisha is a perfect fit for Elite Sportswear,” said Mr.
Southerland Partners Finds New CEO for Baptist Healthcare
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
Optimum Talent Launches New Career Portal
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has launched a new, bilingual career management portal designed to reduce the average length of an employee transition, minimize the emotional impact of the role departure, and equip users with the skills to manage their careers. “We have a solid reputation for delivering exceptional high-touch career transition programs,” said Mike Bacchus, CEO of
PRAXI Adds New Member Firms In the U.K. and Africa
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added U.K.-based Cornerstone Talent and Summit Recruitment & Search in Africa as its latest member firms. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Cornerstone Talent founders Tara Finlay and Ian Halfpenny leverage their experience as former corporate
Why Candidate Screening Is the Most Important Stage of Your Next Executive Search
A new report by healthcare and life sciences executive search firm Phillips DiPisa paints this scenario: A candidate with a stellar resume finally sits before the search committee and wows the table. The search team listens closely as this highly articulate candidate tells an especially heartwarming story from the individual’s last job. The candidate is perfectly dressed,
Yale Taps Witt/Kieffer to Find New Athletic Director
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Yale University to lead its search for a new director of athletics. Thomas Beckett, who has served in the role for 24 years, is retiring next June. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, is leading the search along with senior associate Katy Young.
The Lancer Group Places CTO at Daxko
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that is keeping executive search firms well occupied. The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, recently placed Bjorn
Harvard Group Appoints New Managing Director
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has expanded with the addition of Kerry J. Francis to its leadership team as a managing director. Ms. Francis specializes in working with the C-suite and boards of global companies where she has advised and coached executives and leaders though post-merger transitions, business transformations and reorganizations. She has more than 25
