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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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
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
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
The Lapham Group Places Cyber Risk President at Chubb
The hunt for seasoned cybersecurity talent has seen a dramatic increase in the last several years, according to executive recruiters who hunt for talent in the space. Today, the need for such leaders reaches across virtually all industries. Areas like financial services, defense and high technology have long focused on cybersecurity. But with cyber attacks continuing
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for Perrigo Company
Perrigo Company, a global provider of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and other healthcare products, said that its board of directors has retained Spencer Stuart to help find its next chief executive officer. CEO John T. Hendrickson is retiring. He plans to remain with the company for up to 60 days after his successor is hired, to ensure a
Heidrick Releases Organizational Network Analytic
Heidrick & Struggles has introduced SYNAPP, a new organizational network analytics platform. It enables client companies to identify and address strategic human capital issues. SYNAPP uncovers the relationships that underpin an organization that are not apparent on an organizational chart. The digital application platform, developed as a proprietary solution by Heidrick & Struggles, provides a business with
Search Solution Group Expands to Montana and Tennessee
Charlotte-based executive recruiting firm Search Solution Group has opened offices in Bozeman, MT and Nashville, TN in an effort to meet the growing demands of its national client base and to serve these thriving markets. “Established in 2002, Search Solution Group has continuously expanded due to the committed individuals that hold themselves accountable to our clients, candidates
Horton Opens Office In Brazil
Brazil is the largest national economy in Latin America, the world’s eighth largest economy at market exchange rates and the seventh largest in purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources and is projected to become one of the five largest in the world in the decades to come. It is
Hiring Boom Predicted for Second Half of 2017
Are you one of the 27 percent of workers who plan to change jobs in the back half of the year? The odds of landing one – and getting paid more – are in your favor, according to the 2017 midyear job forecast just released from CareerBuilder. The nationwide study revealed that 60 percent of
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for Mumbai-Based Axis Bank
Axis Bank Ltd., India’s third-largest private bank, has selected Egon Zehnder to conduct its search for a chief executive officer to succeed Shikha Sharma, who is set to step down next year. Axis hopes to choose its new leader by December, according to sources. The search is emblematic of a recent wave of search firms
Claflin University Taps Myers McRae to Find Major Gifts Officer
Executive search firm Myers McRae has been retained by Claflin University to conduct its search for a major gifts officer. Kenny Daugherty, president for the recruiters, is leading the assignment. Founded in 1869, Claflin University is the oldest historically black college in South Carolina. Located in Orangeburg, the independent, four-year institution is affiliated with the United Methodist
True Search Expands to Singapore
Executive recruiter True Search, which was recently recognized as one of the top 50 search firms in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, has opened an office in Singapore, making its first foray into the APAC market. Alex Gold, founder of Quantum Search, has joined True to lead the expansion. “Alex joins True in a key phase in our
Simione Healthcare Consultants Acquires Healthcare Concepts
Simione Healthcare Consultants has acquired Healthcare Concepts Inc., a Memphis-based executive recruitment firm that specializes in the home care and hospice industry. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. The transaction combines the Healthcare Concepts team with Exact Recruiting, which was acquired by Simione in April and is dedicated to home care, hospice, palliative care and other community-based
Resumes Are Less Vital Today, But Don’t Neglect Them
Resumes matter, but not as much as just five years ago, according to a new survey by the Futurestep division of Korn Ferry. What’s more, the study said, resumes are the least important of the key factors that go into a job search. Yet it could be a big mistake to neglect that particular document.
Human Capital Group Taps CIO for Dean Foods
The Human Capital Group has recruited David Bernard as senior vice president and chief information officer for Dean Foods. Steve Hayes, founder and senior partner, led the assignment. Mr. Bernard joins Dean Foods from PepsiCo, where he most recently served as a member of their global executive IT leadership team and led the global research and
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates Partners With O.E. Strategies
Executive search firms are challenged with identifying the most qualified candidates for their clients’ organizations. Within the healthcare sector, recent and rapid transformations have made it imperative that leaders assuming a role within an organization in this field have the proper social, cultural and professional “fit.” It is also critical that healthcare groups provide a
Sterling Martin Associates Seeks New Leaders for 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
GPG Advisers Names Leader of Executive Search Division
Irvine, CA-based professional services firm GPG Advisers has appointed Bernie Ocampo as a managing director and leader of its newly-established executive search platform. Mr. Ocampo has nearly 30 years’ experience in the real estate and alternative investment industries. He previously served as principal of ELEOS Group, a boutique executive search and consulting firm focused on commercial
Creating Succession Plans for Millennials
The word “Millennial” has come to elicit many negative associations. Edward Fleischman, CEO and founder of The Execu|Search Group, said that among the many characteristics associated with a Millennial, they are often considered to be entitled, selfish, and self-absorbed. While it’s easy to be dubious of the younger generation, this stereotype existed long before Y2K. Like any
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading Searches for Africa50
Russell Reynolds Associates has been tapped by Africa50 to lead its search for a general counsel as well as a chief financial officer. Sara Vermeir, a consultant in the firm’s Belgium office, is leading both assignments. Ms. Vermeir is a member of Russell Reynolds’ global development and consumer practices. She conducts international executive search assignments for
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Port Authority of Allegheny County
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has enlisted executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to find its next CEO. The Hillman Family Foundation agreed to provide $100,000 to cover most of the cost for the Pittsburgh-based port authority to hire a search firm to help find a new CEO, said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman. The agency,
Acquisitions Continue Among Search Firms
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Jordan Search Consultants, a recruiting firm focused on the healthcare, executive and higher education sectors, has acquired Health Search New England (HSNE), a search firm specializing in the recruitment of healthcare providers throughout the Northeast. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. HSNE
Sheffield Haworth Strengthens Global Real Estate Practice
Despite setbacks in certain locales, the real estate industry has bounced back from many of its problems in recent years. But a dire need still remains for executive talent in the field. In particular demand, recruiters say, are executives who have been through the last downturn but who now have a vision for better times
Stressed and Burned Out, Workers Forego Vacations
American workers are stressed out and burned out but they refuse to take time out, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey. In fact, three of five workers (61 percent) polled in their recent study claimed they are burned out in their job. A third (33 percent) said their work has them under high or extremely
Odgers Berndtson Opens Office in Minneapolis
Odgers Berndtson has opened a new office in Minneapolis and added three search professionals: Ron Woessner, Chris Fryer and Shawn Woessner. “Chris, Shawn and I look forward to helping Odgers Berndtson continue to grow and demonstrate its dedication to preeminence in executive search excellence globally,” said Mr. Woessner. “Our more than 80 years of combined expertise
Witt/Kieffer Leading Nursing Officer Searches for Pennsylvania Healthcare Organizations
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. And of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer (CNO) has
Diversified Search and AltoPartners Form Alliance With Special Olympics
Diversified Search and its international affiliate, AltoPartners, are partnering with the Special Olympics to recruit and build a pipeline of talent and provide long-term leadership stability for the charitable group. “The Special Olympics movement offers exciting career opportunities where you can make positive and life-changing impact throughout the world,” said Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special
Talent Source Group Opens Doors
Talent Source Group (TSG), an executive search firm and recruitment agency focused on placing finance and accounting professionals, has recently opened for business in Connecticut and the New York metropolitan area. TSG partners with Fortune 500 and middle-market companies to attract, deploy and develop their talent base. The firm also works with accounting and finance
Job Growth Picks Up Pace In June
Employers added 222,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed dropped to seven million. June marked the 79th straight month of job growth in the U.S. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls increasing
Universities Look to Search Firms to Fill CIO Positions
West Virginia University (WVU) has appointed Barbara Dawson as associate provost for information technology and chief information officer. The firm enlisted Next Generation Executive Search to fill this top IT role. The university’s previous CIO, Dr. John Campbell, was named vice provost of WVU in January. Mary Beth Baker and Phil Goldstein, managing partners at Next Generation,
Caldwell Partners Posts Five Percent Revenue Increase
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has posted third quarter revenues of $14.5 million (Canadian), a five percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $13.8 million. U.S. professional fees rose 6.6 percent as increases in the number of assignments per partner and average fee per assignment were partially offset by a lower
Alexander Whitehead Seeking New Artistic Director for Arts Club Theatre Company
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. The latest: Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company has enlisted Alexander Whitehead Executive Search to lead its search for a new artistic managing director. The goal is to have the role filled by September. Bill Millerd, who
Carrington & Carrington Names Business Development Leader
Sydney L. Parks has joined executive search firm Carrington & Carrington as its new senior director, strategic search operations and business development. Reporting directly to Willie and Marian Carrington, principals of the Chicago-based firm, Mr. Parks is charged with managing executive search engagements, business development and executing strategic operational projects. Mr. Parks is expected to play a
Security Threats Create Talent Challenges, Opportunities
Cybersecurity might well might the greatest challenge facing corporate America today. The threat to reputation, private information and dollars — both from immediate theft and the cost of repairing the damage of a cyber-attack — can be staggering. Yet too few companies have taken adequate measures to protect themselves. No one can deny that it is







