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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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Who Rises to Lead in Private Equity?
Private equity leaders are defined by their ability to drive growth, manage complexity, and deliver results in high-pressure environments. They blend financial insight with strategic leadership, aligning teams and investors around a shared vision. In today’s market, adaptability and execution are key to standing out. Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership
Acertitude Expands Search Team
Acertitude has expanded with the addition of former PeopleMatter CEO Nate DaPore as managing director. In his new role, Mr. DaPore partners with businesses to recruit board members, CEOs and senior business leaders across private equity, technology and health care. Mr. DaPore brings over 20 years of experience as a private equity investor and operating partner, software
Job Security Climbs, But Worker Confidence Takes a Dip
Despite an uptick in the American labor force’s sense of job stability, the Worker Confidence Index dropped “significantly” by 7.9 percent for the second quarter of this year, according to a quarterly report by HRO Today magazine and Yoh Recruitment Process Outsourcing. The index dipped from 107.6 for the first quarter to 99.7. The decline
CarterBaldwin Seeks CEO for Old Dominion Electric Cooperative
The board of directors search committee of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) has announced its selection of CarterBaldwin Executive Search to assist in the identification, evaluation and transition of its next CEO. Current CEO Jack Reasor will retire at the end of the year, closing out a 19-year tenure. Chris Guiney, partner and head of
Former McDonalds’s Chief Compliance Officer Joins BarkerGilmore
Haydee Ortiz Olinger, who most recently served as global chief compliance officer for McDonald’s, has joined the advisory and coaching division of BarkerGilmore, a New York-based boutique executive search firm specializing in building corporate legal and compliance teams. Ms. Olinger joins BarkerGilmore’s team of former Fortune 500 general counsel and chief compliance officers who provide strategic
Kennedy Strengthens Presence in Norway
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has partnered with Human Assets Consulting Group AS in Oslo, Norway to bolster its presence in Northern Europe. Human Assets Consulting is a boutique executive search firm founded in 2015 by Petter Berg, Truls Mo and Haakon Heskja. Mr. Berg, who started in
Boutique Search Firm TwentyPine Names CEO
Search firms have seen a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Sales-focused executive recruitment provider TwentyPine has promoted Jamie Coakley to CEO. In tandem with this appointment, Max Maeder, founder and former CEO, will move to an industry advisory role as president to
Over-Automated Recruitment Process Is Leaving Job Candidates Frustrated
Eighty two percent of potential employees are often frustrated with an overly automated job search experience, according to a new study by Randstad US. The survey, which examined job seekers’ perceptions, attitudes and expectations of the job search process, revealed that while most candidates find value in technology, they are stymied when it supersedes the human aspect
Vetted Solutions Seeks New Leader for the Society for Imaging Informatics In Medicine
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been selected by the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) in Leesburg, VA, to lead its search for a new executive director. Vetted Solutions president and founder Jim Zaniello and vice president Nancy Green are spearheading the assignment. The new executive director, the recruiter said, is expected to work with
Spelman Johnson Lands Chief of Police for University of Chicago
The University of Chicago has named veteran police chief Kenton W. Rainey as chief of police after a national search by recruiting firm Spelman Johnson. Vice president Mark A. Hall led the assignment. The role called for a range of skill-sets, including planning, organizing, directing and administering the policing initiatives of the campus community and extended patrol
Odgers Berndtson Expands Real Estate & Infrastructure Search Practice
Commercial real estate in North America is at a crossroads: While investment in the sector continues to increase, developers, asset managers and investors are facing new challenges when recruiting executives with the skills and experience needed to execute their organization’s strategic growth plans. With the rate of executive retirements in the sector accelerating, succession planning
BLNelson Group Launches In Dallas
A new executive search firm, BLNelson Group LLC, has been launched in Dallas. The firm, founded by Blaine L. Nelson, will specialize in recruiting executives for the oil and gas and professional services sectors. “After spending 40 years in professional services, I have a great network of relationships,” Mr. Nelson told D Magazine, a Dallas city
How to Accommodate Millennials as Workplace Demographics Shift
By 2020, Millennials will make up 40 percent of the workforce. But the perks that motivate them are unlike those that appealed to previous generations. To stay competitive, businesses must recognize this and adapt to the evolving needs of their workforce, according to a new report authored by Susan Gottlieb, a partner for Jobplex, Inc.,
Collegiate Sports Associates Leads AD Search for University of Texas at San Antonio
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go it
Quick Leonard Kieffer Finds Chief Nurse for Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer (CNO) has traditionally been
Sheffield Haworth Acquires NBI Consulting
London-based executive recruitment firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired nbi Consulting, a specialist global executive search and talent management firm in the business and professional services sector. “Our businesses share a common capability and passion to solve clients’ talent needs in the areas of executive search, interim consulting and talent advisory,” said Tim Sheffield, executive chairman
Carmichael Fisher Bolsters Industrial Search Team With Nine Hires
London-based executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has added nine new hires to its industry and manufacturing practice in the last three months. Jan Bieberbach, David Rodriguez, Gwenael Inarejos, Benoit Prevedi, Samuel Day, Jessica Bengtsson, Delicia Sequeira, and Katharine Horsburgh will be based in London. Annie Noorani joins the firm’s Los Angeles office. “I am delighted
Close the Book on Searches and Hire the Best Candidates Quickly
Here’s a storyline that – unfortunately – plays out far too frequently: After interviewing all three final candidates for a senior level position, the members of the hiring team can’t come to a conclusion on which is best for the job. The hiring managers meet at the appointed hour, share their “gut feelings,” study organizational
African Wildlife Foundation Taps Phillips Oppenheim to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been selected by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Search consultants Mark Tarnacki and Addie Jones are heading the assignment. The CEO role, according to Phillips Oppenheim, is expected to provide strategic direction, management and thought leadership for AWF and pursue a compelling
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO for BioAmber
Recruiting firm Spencer Stuart has placed Richard P. Eno as the CEO of BioAmber Inc. in Montreal. He succeeds Jean-Francois Huc who resigned earlier this year for personal reasons. Mr. Huc remained with the company as a member of the board of directors and also assumed an advisory role with the management team to help ensure a smooth
PRAXI Alliance Adds Member Firm In Australia
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added Six Degrees Executive as its latest member firm. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Six Degrees Executive, which has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, provides in-depth specialist recruitment, talent consulting and C-suite appointments
Recruiters Face a Double Threat from Automation, But There’s Good News
Automation is already heavily impacting many jobs, especially those in manufacturing and agriculture. Of five million manufacturing jobs lost since 2000, machines have replaced 4.4 million of them, according to researchers at Ball State University. Experts expect these same forces to hit white-collar jobs. After all, technology is cheaper than human labor, increases productivity, and
DHR International Acquires Fashion Boutique Search Firm Cooper+Logan
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: DHR International has acquired boutique executive search firm COOPER+LOGAN. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. With the addition of two new managing partners, Susan Cooper and Tricia Logan, the acquisition strengthens DHR’s retail/fashion industry and functional expertise. COOPER+LOGAN, which was founded in 2008, specializes in
Crist|Kolder Places Ex-Uber President As CEO at H&R Block
Global consumer tax services provider H&R Block has named Jeffrey J. Jones, the former president of Uber, as president and CEO. The firm enlisted executive recruiting firm Crist|Kolder to help fill the top post. Mr. Jones succeeds Tom Gerke, who had been serving in the role on an interim basis. “Our task was to introduce to the board of
Arts Consulting Group Seeking New CEO for Cape Arts & Entertainment
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Arts Consulting Group (ACG) was recently tapped by Cape Arts & Entertainment (CA&E) to recruit its new president and CEO. ACG president Bruce D. Thibodeau is leading the search. CA&E is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial visionary
Former Johns Hopkins University Vice Provost Joins Witt/Kieffer
Philip Tang has joined executive search firm Witt/Kieffer as a consultant in its education practice. He brings to the job nearly 15 years of university administration experience at one of the nation’s leading universities. Mr. Tang previously served as vice provost for academic services at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he led online and digital
Boutique Search Firms Step In Where Big Recruiters Falter
The biggest selling points for large search firms – the depth of their recruitment manpower and the diversity of their services – are the very elements that are causing many clients to turn to boutique recruiters. Craig Lapham, chief executive officer of the Lapham Group, a New York-based executive recruitment firm that specializes in insurance and
Conroy Ross Partners Leading CEO Search for Canadian Credit Union
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
McDermott & Bull Expands Interim Division
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has expanded with the additions of James Hickey as senior managing director and Tamra Solis as vice president of talent acquisition to its interim leaders division. Mr. Hickey previously served as national managing partner, private equity services, at Tatum, concentrating on helping private equity firms improve operational performance and respective
AE Industry Partners Completes Acquisition of CDI Corp.
Recruitment firm CDI Corp. has been acquired by AE Industrial Partners, a private equity investor specializing in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies. The transaction was effected through a previously announced cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CDI followed by a merger. As a result of the transaction, which
Erevena Appoints Senior Partner In Financial Services
London-based executive search firm Erevena has bolstered its financial services expertise with the addition of John Burr as a senior partner. Mr. Burr has over 20 years of search experience across EMEA, the Americas, and APAC in B2B financial services. Previously, he served as partner and global head of financial services at Boyden. Before that he worked
The New Role of the Human Resources Leader In Business Today
In today’s very competitive business landscape, HR experts must wear multiple hats and help their employers adapt to a quickly changing workforce. The days where HR professionals are viewed strictly as administrative paper pushers are finally gone. “While today’s HR leader probably has the most stressful job in recent years, the opportunities are the greatest
