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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Hunt Scanlon Reports ‘M&A Whiplash’ As Policy Uncertainty Sets In
In EY-Parthenon’s latest Deal Barometer, the message is clear: expect a more subdued M&A environment this year. After a strong rebound in 2024, the market is losing steam as macro headwinds begin to bite. Deal volumes for transactions over $100 million are forecast to rise just one percent in 2025, following a 19 percent gain last year.
Kingsley Gate Names Senior Partners
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has expanded with the additions of Jim Thompson, Victor Kleinman and Alison Woodhead as senior partners. Dr. Thompson brings more than three decades of experience in consulting to Kingsley Gate. He specializes in applied research. He has designed and developed instruments to help companies with executive evaluation and placement, organizational assessment and strategic
Companies Adjust to Candidate-Driven Job Market
Businesses are bolstering efforts to improve the workplace experience, fueled in part by record-low unemployment and a spike in business confidence, according to a recently released report by Randstad Sourceright. Based on a global survey of more than 800 C-suite and human capital leaders, the “2018 Talent Trends Report” found that 51 percent of employers
Korn Ferry Names Chief Marketing Officer; Heidrick & Struggles Sheds CMO Role as Part of Restructuring
Chief marketing officers are playing increasingly vital roles at executive search firms as search outfits continue to expand into new lines of business and evolve their brands. Korn Ferry, a leader in the talent space, has just added Jill Wiltfong as its new chief marketing officer. She will be responsible for global brand and marketing
Development Guild DDI Seeks Major Gift Officers for Three Diverse Charities
For not-for-profit organizations, these are challenging days. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable organizations must overcome to stay afloat each year. So it is that roles like the major gift officer become all the more critical. Simply
Tyler & Co. Leading CEO Search for GI Specialists of Georgia
Executive search firm Tyler & Company has been selected by GI Specialists of Georgia, a gastroenterology healthcare practice, to lead its search for a new CEO. Senior consultant Hallie Banker is leading the assignment. The CEO is accountable for management of all GI Specialists clinic operations, ancillary services and ambulatory surgery centers, including strategic planning for the
Simon Pollock & Co. and Sucherman Group Form Alliance
London-headquartered executive search firm Simon Pollock & Co. and New York-based Sucherman Group are partnering to help one another serve clients in their respective across-the-pond markets. Both firms are dedicated to finding leaders in the media and entertainment space. “My global clients are all looking to do more business in the U.S. and I couldn’t
Recruit Group Holdings Integrates Recruiting Brands
In an effort to enhance the breadth of its recruiting services across Asia, RGF Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Recruit Holdings Co. – owner of global jobs platform Indeed – plans to integrate its seven brands into three service brands: RGF Executive Search, RGF Professional Recruitment and RGF HR Agent. The change takes effect
Academic Search Seeks New President for Mount Saint Mary College
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months,
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
