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Occam Global Recruits CEO for Aura Biosciences
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Natalie Holles as CEO of NASDAQ-traded Aura Biosciences in Boston, MA. She succeeds Elisabet de los Pinos, the company’s founder, who stepped down from her roles as CEO and president and member of the board of directors on the same date. “We are delighted to welcome Natalie as CEO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Murray State with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Twigg as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Twigg to Murray State University as our next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Murray State
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.
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
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?
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
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
HelloSky Bringing AI Into the Core Workflows of Executive Search Firms
Artificial intelligence is entering executive search at a time when the pace and expectations of the work are already shifting. For many firms, the introduction of new tools naturally raises questions about how established workflows and practices will evolve. Search has traditionally relied on a blend of experience, process, and individual approach, which can make
Russell Reynolds Associates Launches Strategy Decode and Activation to Bridge Leadership Gaps in Business Transformation
Russell Reynolds Associates has launched Strategy Decode and Activation, a distinctive advisory capability that positions CEO and C-suite leadership as the central driver of successful business transformation. “Russell Reynolds Associates has been at the forefront of helping the world’s largest organizations solve their most pressing leadership issues for decades,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO. “Today, transformation is at the
Creating a Positive Culture in a Remote and Digital Age
As the workplace continues to evolve into hybrid and fully remote environments, the concept of company culture is being redefined. In the absence of traditional office settings, leaders must rely on intentional and nuanced approaches to foster engagement, trust, and a sense of community among dispersed teams. This shift demands more than just logistical adjustments—it
The New Era of Executive Search: Blending Intuition with Innovation
Executive search is at an inflection point. According to Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), “The industry has long been built on trust, relationships, and intuition – and that’s not going away, but today, it must also be agile, inclusive, and increasingly driven by automation and data,” she said. “Parts of the search
Flatiron Search Partners Assists Big Blue Swim School with CEO Search
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has recruited Brandon Bean as the new CEO of Big Blue Swim School. Chris DeJong, founder and president of Big Blue Swim School, will continue to lead Big Blue’s brand and curriculum strategy, working closely alongside Mr. Bean to drive national expansion and elevate franchise support. “Brandon brings deep expertise in scaling high-growth franchise
Massey Henry Seeking Chief Legal Officer for Peoples Group
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry was recently retained once again by Peoples Group to lead its search for a chief legal officer (CLO). Reporting to the president CEO, the chief legal officer is a core member of the executive leadership team, responsible for developing and executing the company’s legal strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives
Atlantic Group Opens Office in Charlotte, NC
Executive search firm Atlantic Group recently opened a new office in Charlotte, NC. Lauren Sawyer, director, is leading the new location. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest office in Charlotte, North Carolina,” Atlantic Group said in a LinkedIn post. “This location will allow us to continue our expansion into the greater Charlotte market and
Skills-Based Hiring: Where We Stand Today
In recent years, much attention has been given to the concept of skills-based hiring. At first glance, the premise seems almost self-evident: employers should focus on whether a candidate possesses the skills needed to perform a job. It sounds so straightforward that it might feel unnecessary to scrutinize further. Yet, taking skills seriously requires deprioritizing
Bespoke Partners Launches AI-Powered Talent Mapping Platform
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Calibrator, a scorecarding application accelerating executive search with an AI-powered talent market mapping platform for software and SaaS. Calibrator lets Bespoke’s clients to instantly see the complete talent pool for a given position based on adjustable scorecard parameters. “An executive hiring decision can impact billions of dollars in value
Reffett Associates Fills Finance Position for Fremont Brewing
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has placed Ken Ossinger as vice president of finance for Fremont Brewing. He will report directly to Matt Lincecum CEO and co-founder of Fremont Brewing. “Ken’s deep experience with finance and accounting, history of working for many small and medium sized companies, and energetic and positive attitude make him an excellent selection to
CIO Partners Tapped by Reworld Waste to Lead Search for Chief Information Officer
Chief information officers (CIOs) are increasingly in demand today due to the accelerating pace of digital transformation across industries. As organizations strive to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and data analytics, the CIO has become a critical figure in driving this change. Modern CIOs are no longer just IT
Bullhorn Appoints Chief Customer Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has named Mitesh Ashar as chief customer officer. In this strategic position, Mr. Ashar will lead Bullhorn’s global customer experience organization, driving innovation and service across all customer touchpoints. “Mitesh pushed us to make the product better, because he cared deeply about how technology supports real business goals,” said Art Papas, founder and
A Closer Look at Private Equity’s Evolving Playbook for Executive Talent
Private equity firms are raising the bar for executive talent, driven by a post-pandemic return to in-office expectations and an intensified focus on leadership performance. As firms prioritize in-person leadership to rebuild culture and drive alignment, a disconnect is emerging between employer demands and candidate preferences for flexibility. At the same time, a slowdown in
AI in Executive Search: Evolving the Practice
The integration of AI in executive search has moved from a stage of tentative experimentation to a more mature phase where workflows are actively being reimagined. However, executive search firms tell Hunt Scanlon Media that many firms still find themselves navigating challenges on the maturity curve—ranging from concerns over data quality to cultural resistance from
RH Perry & Associates Recruits President for Hudson Valley Community College
RH Perry & Associates has helped to recruit Michael S. Brophy as the 8th president of Hudson Valley Community College. He will begin this new role on August 1. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh led the assignment. Dr. Brophy was selected as president of Hudson Valley following a national search that began in fall 2024 with the appointment of
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Tapped by MOST Policy Initiative to Find New Leader
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been called in by MOST Policy Initiative to lead in its search for a new executive director. MOST strives to ensure outstanding academic services and products. The executive director demonstrates a continual commitment to accurate, high-quality content and stakeholder satisfaction through in-depth research results provided by the MOST team. The executive director at MOST
ZRG Names President of Consulting Solutions
ZRG has appointed Susan Gallagher as president of consulting solutions. She will lead the continued expansion and integration of ZRG’s global consulting platform, further enhancing the firm’s ability to help clients align leadership, culture, and strategy for long-term success. “Susie is exactly the kind of leader we look for at ZRG: forward-thinking, results-driven, and ready to
Build or Buy? Executive Insights into Strategic Talent Planning
As organizations strive to maintain competitive advantage and agility, how they source and develop talent has become a critical differentiator. In today’s dynamic business environment, the debate between “buying” versus “building” talent remains central to strategic workforce planning, according to a recent report from global executive search provider SpenglerFox’s Malgorzata Kosior. “For executives, particularly those leading within
IANS And Artico Map The Rise Of The Million-Dollar CISO
A highly readable and insightful report that’s just come out, the 2025 State of the CISO Report by IANS and Artico Search, presents a comprehensive analysis of how the CISO role is evolving in today’s enterprise landscape. Based on survey responses from over 800 CISOs, the report tracks shifts in organizational structure, compensation, boardroom engagement, and
CAA Executive Search Recruits CEO for Vanderbilt Enterprises
CAA Executive Search has placed Markus Schreyer as CEO of the newly created Vanderbilt Enterprises, a strategic initiative designed to advance mission-aligned ventures that generate sustainable new revenue streams and support strategic priorities. CAA Executive Search’s Dany Berghoff, Joe Becher and Jason Hanold led the search for this role based in Nashville, TN. “Vanderbilt is committed to
JDG Associates Fills Senior Position for the International Bottled Water Association
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jeremy Pollack as vice president of government relations for the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). “Jeremy’s deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, successful track record with legislative fly-ins, and experience working with companies that are members of both IBWA and Water Quality Association
Cornerstone International Group Opens Office in Seoul
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has opened a new office in Seoul. “The launch of our Seoul office is a strategic milestone in Cornerstone’s global journey,” said Simon Wan, chairman and CEO at Cornerstone. “South Korea is a thriving hub of innovation and global business. We are here to
Academic Search Assists the University of Alabama with the Recruitment of 30th President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Peter J. Mohler as the 30th president of the University of Alabama. He will assume the role on July 21. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of the University of Alabama, is stepping down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade in the school’s top leadership
Acertitude Recruits CFO for Ascend Healthcare
Acertitude has recruited Nicole Byers as the new CFO of Ascend Healthcare, an Abry Partners portfolio company. The search was led by partner Heather Johnson and principal JJ Houldin. “Ascend is actively expanding access to high-quality, compassionate behavioral healthcare services via telehealth and our community health partners,” Ms. Byers said in a LinkedIn post. I’m
Campbell & Company Recruits CEO for Community Foundation of Bartholomew County
Sarah Beraki and Angèle Bubna of Campbell & Company have helped to recruit Edie Blakeslee as president and CEO of the Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. She succeeds Tracy Souza, who is retiring July 15 after 14 years. Following a national CEO search led by Campbell & Company, with participation by Heritage Fund board members
Options Group Appoints Vice Presidents
Options Group has expanded with the additions of Louis Couronne and Macaire Chue as vice presidents. Mr. Couronne will join the firm in London and will specialize in electronic trading. His areas of focus include systematic strategy development, AI/ML labs, high-performance computing, infrastructure optimization, and senior trading technology appointments. Mr. Couronne has experience in global search
How to Create an Organizational Culture That Attracts Talent
In today’s competitive hiring environment, organizations must go beyond the basics to stand out. While competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits are essential for recruiting talent, another aspect that is often overlooked is organizational culture, according to a recent report from Kinsley|Sarn Executive Search. “A positive and engaging workplace environment can be a key differentiator in attracting and
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Fiscal Year-End Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal year-end revenues of $2.7 billion, a slight rise from the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the number of engagements billed and an increase in weighted-average fee billed per engagement. The firm experienced fee revenue growth in North America, EMEA and APAC regions. Korn
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Positions for Holding Hands, Duly Health and Care, and Anodyne
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Matt Niebuhr as the new CFO of Holding Hands, Inc., Monu Kalsi as SVP of marketing for Duly Health and Care, and Sean Inglis as VP of sales at Anodyne. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Niebuhr previously served as CFO at Frontline Dental, where he
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Following a year-long, nationwide search Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Duane Simpson as president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC). He succeeds Chuck Conner, who has led the organization since 2009. Mr. Simpson will formally assume the role on July 14, 2025, coinciding with the
Eastward Partners Expands Search Team
New York-based Eastward Partners has expanded with the additions of Jessica Ern as a director and Kristi Kamesch as an associate. “With nearly a decade of recruiting experience, Jessica brings exceptional leadership, expertise, and a passion for building world-class professional services teams,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re confident she’ll play a pivotal role in driving our
EMA Partners Adds New Member Firm in Athens
EMA Partners, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new office in Athens, Greece with the addition of CS Compass Executive Consultants into its global network. The integration marks the launch of EMA Partners’ new office in Athens, Greece, led by Spyros Christodoulatos, who joins as managing partner. “With over 30 countries and over 35
