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What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
Search Veteran Brad Shaffer Dies Suddenly at 65
Brad Shaffer, an accomplished executive recruiter and management development consultant for many years, died suddenly on November 9 at his home near Asheville, NC. He was 65 years old. Mr. Shaffer was CEO of both Parallax Ventures, in Arden, NC, and, earlier, the Shaffer Consulting Group, in the Los Angeles area. Over his career, Mr.
What Makes Successful CEOs
What makes a CEO effective? That question has been studied extensively, yet we still know fairly little about how CEOs behave day-to-day and how that behavior translates into success or failure. New research from Harvard Business Review looks at data from over 1,000 chief executives and the financial performance of their companies to explore what
Came | Sweeney Finds CEO for Sterilis
Executive search firm Came | Sweeney has placed Michael K. McGarrity as chief executive officer of Sterilis LLC. He replaces Bob Winskowicz who stepped down last month and remains on the company’s board of directors. Managing partners Peter Sweeney and Paul Came led the assignment. “The board of Sterilis had set a high bar for the new
Caldwell Partners Recruits Security Expert for Unisys
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has recruited recognized security expert and thought leader Jonathan Goldberger as vice president of global security for Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, PA. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and leader of Caldwell’s TMT & IT services and information security practices, led the search. “The Unisys security services team is laser-focused on the needs of
Vaco Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Now, executive search firm Vaco has been acquired by Stamford, Conn-based private equity firm Olympus Partners. Founded in 2002 by Jerry Bostelman, Jay Hollomon, and Brian Waller, Vaco partnered with its first private equity partner, Quad-C Management, three years ago. Since then, the firm has experienced significant growth through extending
Armstrong Craven Appoints CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: U.K.-headquartered Armstrong Craven, a specialist executive search and intelligence consultancy, has named Tom Mason as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Mason previously served as senior vice president at
5 Tips to Help Executives Make Successful Career Transitions
The failure of a new leader can cost an organization dearly – most estimates put the price at more than double the executive’s compensation. Add in an estimated new leader failure rate of close to 50 percent and it’s easy to see the inherent difficulty of leadership transitions. Even with a stellar selection process, the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Lands General Counsel for Wellesley College
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Karen Jensen Petrulakis in the newly created role of general counsel at Wellesley College. Managing directors Ronald Ciardiello and Heather Fine led the search along with partner Paul Williams. Ms. Jensen Petrulakis will serve as the principal legal officer for the college with overall responsibility for the vision and leadership of
The Chason Group Finds Executive Director for Henry County Development Authority
Economic and community development organizations continue to turn to executive search firms to find new leaders. Executive search firm The Chason Group recently placed Leonard Sledge as the new executive director of the Henry County Development Authority. He replaces Charlie Moseley who resigned in May. Tim Chason, the search firm’s president, led the assignment. During the search process,
True Talent Advisory Taps Former Heidrick Veteran as CFO
True Talent Advisory, a global platform for innovative human capital products and services, has named former Heidrick & Struggles veteran Korhan Kivanc as its new chief financial officer. Mr. Kivanc will oversee the financial strategy and operational efficiency of True Talent Advisory’s portfolio of companies including executive search firm True; leadership development products and services firm Synthesis; talent relationship
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Lisbon
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Lisbon, Portugal-based executive search firm Talent Search as its newest member firm. The organization now has 59 offices in 37 countries. Talent Search, which has an additional office in Luanda, Angola, was founded and is led by José Caetano Silva. He has over
Three Trends That Will Shape the Future of Talent
The potential for job losses due to advances in technology is not a new concern among the global workforce. But over the past few years, fears of technology-driven job losses have emerged with advances in “smart automation” – the combination of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other digital technologies. The impact of innovation is already
DHR Places Chief Trust Officer at BMO Private Bank
DHR International has recruited former Fifth Third Bank executive Amy Griman as chief trust officer of BMO Private Bank in Chicago. Leading the search was Carol Hartman, the search firm’s managing partner of financial services North America, along with partner Melissa Hatfield. “BMO Private Bank was seeking a leader who could create a culture of growth and
Lochlin Partners Finds Chief for U.S.-China Strong Foundation
The U.S.-China Strong Foundation, a global non-profit committed to strengthening U.S.-China ties, has named John L. Holden as CEO. The organization enlisted the services of executive search firm Lochlin Partners to find him. He replaces Eugene Huang, who served as acting CEO since January. Lochlin’s managing partner Liza Wright led the assignment. “The U.S.-China Strong Foundation board was searching
Leadership Capital Group Adds Veteran Search Consultant
Westport, Conn-based executive search firm Leadership Capital Group has expanded with the addition of Jennifer Rosenthal as a partner. With 25 years of executive search and human capital experience, Ms. Rosenthal is an expert in talent acquisition and assessment, management development and organization design. The firm described Jennifer as experienced at and passionate about helping management and
Agilium Worldwide Expands Into Norway
Global recruiting consortiums continue to take advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Among them, Agilium Worldwide Norway AS has recently been established in Drammen, Norway. Jon Steen has joined the group and will serve as managing partner of the new location. The new operation will focus on four talent areas: executive (recruitment of board of
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Picks Two Search Firms to Find Next President
After eight years in the job, William C. Dudley will be retiring early in 2018 from his post as president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York – one of the most high profile positions in the U.S. Federal Reserve System. In an unusual matchup, recruitment firms Spencer Stuart and Bridge Partners
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for the Illinois Library Association
Alford Executive Search recently placed Diane Foote as the executive director of the Illinois Library Association (ILA). Her predecessor, Robert P. Doyle, is retiring after 20 years in the role. “Diane emerged early as a top candidate in a pool of highly qualified professionals in the library, association and general non-profit arenas,” said Heather Eddy, president
E.A. Hughes Names Head of Los Angeles Office
Executive search firm E.A. Hughes & Co. has appointed Bob Marchant as vice president and director of its Los Angeles office. “Patience pays off, and after knowing of Bob and his unique consultative abilities for many years I am very happy that he decided to join the E.A. Hughes family,” said Elaine Hughes, CEO of E.A. Hughes
Heidrick & Struggles Names New Leadership in the Americas
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named new leadership in the Americas with the appointments of Dominique Hansen as head of investment management and Renee Neri as head of asset management. Based in the Toronto office, Ms. Hansen will also serve as head of the firm’s CEO and board of directors practice
Orthoexecutive and Crowther Ballantyne Associates Merge
Orthopedic and spine-focused executive search firm Orthoexecutive and Crowther Ballantyne Associates have merged. The firms’ founders, Matt Woods and Gavin Crowther, look to bring enhanced executive search and recruitment solution for their clients. The collaboration of the U.K.-based operations brings together 33 years’ experience in executive search, and 18 years’ experience in the medical device industry in sales
Marlin Hawk Builds Winning Strategy on Finding Transformational Leaders
Six years ago, London-based Marlin Hawk sent Mark Oppenheimer, then just 27, to New York to establish an across-the-pond outpost for the enterprising leadership advisory firm. He had four years of experience as a researcher and the faith and support of his bosses back home. But when he stepped off the plane in America, Mr.
DRG Executive Search Seeks Development Officer for Shatterproof
DRG Executive Search has been retained by Shatterproof, an addiction prevention non-profit, to lead its search for a new chief development officer (CDO). DRG managing partner David Hinsley Cheng is leading the search along with senior consultant Carmel Napolitano. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO is a newly created role charged with developing and executing Shatterproof’s
Sterling Martin Associates Places New Leaders at Denver-Based Non-Profits
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
Lucas Group Names Managing Director of Legal Practice
Executive search firm Lucas Group has strengthened its Chicago-based legal practice with the addition of Carolyn Aberman as its new managing partner for legal recruitment. “With two decades of combined experience as a practicing lawyer and successful legal recruiter, Carolyn Aberman has a deep understanding of Chicago’s legal marketplace,” said Steven Lynch, GM legal at Lucas Group. “Aberman’s
Alexander Hughes Names New Leaders in Nordic and Greater China Regions
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has named Evan Tolstoj Hansen as head of the Nordic region and Nicolas Musy as managing partner for Greater China. With the strong and still growing economy in Northern Europe and in particular in the Nordic countries, the demand for top-level talent acquisition is strong and growing. To meet these
Hiring Executives to Increase Investment in Diversity Programs
New efforts toward improving diversity are on their way over the coming year, according to a new report by Glassdoor. One in three (35 percent) hiring decision-makers expect to increase investment in diversity and inclusion and only three percent expect it to decrease. The remainder said they have no plans to change. The report, which
Kittleman & Associates Leading CEO Search for National Basketball Retired Players Association
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been retained by the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) to find a new CEO. Principal Megan Lewis is leading the assignment for Kittleman. The organization is seeking a proven leader with a career in a similarly sized or larger national association who can help chart a path forward with
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeks New Leader for Louisville International Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by Louisville International Airport to lead its search for a new executive director. The executive director serves as the top aviation/airport executive in the airport system. The incumbent directs the overall management of the airport system, typically including its capital, real property, human resources and other assets, according to
Lancor Names New York Office Leader
Executive search firm Lancor has added veteran recruiter Scott M. Estill to manage its New York City office and lead its global advisory practice. Mr. Estill, who retains the title of partner, will play a key role in the firm’s well-established private equity-focused recruiting practice while building Lancor’s new advisory business. He will also co-lead the North
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Africa
Executive search consultants 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. AIMS International recently added Excellia Capital Humain in Tunisia, Africa as its newest
