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Maven Partnership Expands in New York, London and Dubai
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has made three senior appointments, in New York, London and Dubai, that will play pivotal roles in accelerating the firm’s global growth and deepening its sector expertise. The firm has added Mike Flood as managing partner, Americas (New York), Lewis Ward as partner, investment management and global commodities (London), and Adam El Balawi as partner, global
Mercuri Urval Expands Senior Staff
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has created a new executive committee with the additions of Moa Wennlöf as chief client services officer and Andreas Frische as chief revenue officer. They join the existing CFO Tomas Hedstrom and CEO Richard Moore. “In the past five years MU has successfully strengthened its business as a leading
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
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
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
Preparing the C-Suite for Success in the 2025 AI-Driven Economy
The Total Economic Impact (TEI) of AI is highly lucrative, serving as the primary catalyst for the bold push toward accelerated digitization. TEI measures AI’s comprehensive economic value to an organization by capturing direct financial gains, operational efficiency, customer impact, risk reduction, and competitive advantage, according to a new report from Boyden’s Bashar Kilani. “Direct
Neal Lucas to Find New Leader for IoD
Neal Lucas Executive Search has been retained by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland to lead its search for a new executive director. The incoming leader will develop and be accountable for the delivery of a local strategy to grow the organization’s membership in Northern Ireland. The new director will establish the IoD as
12 Reasons Why Companies Hire Executive Search Firms
Employers typically use an executive search firm when a top job opening is important enough, senior enough and when discretion is at a premium. These three factors warrant the investment of bringing in a search firm. And an investment it is. Retaining a recruiting firm will likely cost a minimum of $75,000, but that figure
Burtch Works Fills Chief Data Scientist Role for Upside Travel
Executive search firm Burtch Works has placed Adam Holmes as chief data scientist at Upside Travel, Priceline founder Jay Walker’s new startup that uses big data to optimize travel deals for business travelers. Founder and managing director, Linda Burtch, led the assignment. Mr. Holmes will spearhead the company’s use of terabytes of data delivered daily from online hotel and airline reservation
Tyler & Company Leading Chief Medical Officer Search
Executive search firm Tyler & Company has been retained by Chase Brexton Health Care to lead its search for a chief medical officer. Senior consultant Charlotte C. Tinsley is leading the assignment. Chief medical officers have become ultimate decision makers on clinical policy, and often serve as key members of an organization’s senior leadership team engaged in defining overall
Heidrick & Struggles Names Culture Shaping Leader for EMEA
Heidrick & Struggles has named Ian Johnston as managing partner, culture shaping for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “In his new role, Ian will accelerate and expand on the culture shaping work we are doing today for clients across the region to support their strategies for profitable growth,” said Michael Marino, executive vice president and
Alexander Mann Launches Talent Collective
London-based talent acquisition and management services firm Alexander Mann Solutions has introduced its new consulting group, Talent Collective. While the leadership provider has offered a strong and comprehensive consulting segment as part of its talent solutions service platform within Alexander Mann Solutions, the differentiation of a dedicated consulting brand will formally enable it to provide greater end-to-end talent
Korn Ferry Looks At Harnessing Ambitions of High Octane Employees
Ambition is the raw material of success. We see it everyday in every outstanding organization. High performers, no matter what field they’re in, are fueled by an intense desire to succeed — ambition propels them forward and enables them to overcome obstacles and setbacks. But ambition levels differ markedly among individuals — even among high achievers. Some people
Witt/Kieffer Names Andrew Chastain As CEO
After leading one of the nation’s top 10 executive search firms — and the single largest specializing in healthcare, education and non-profit — Charles ‘Chuck’ W.B. Wardell will step down from his role as chief executive officer of Witt/Kieffer at the end of June. Andrew P. Chastain, who has been with the firm since 1997 and currently serves as managing partner and chairman
Schall Executive Search Places CEO At Hennepin Theatre Trust
Schall Executive Search has recruited Mark Nerenhausen as president and chief executive officer of the Hennepin Theatre Trust. He succeeds Tom Hoch, who stepped down as president and CEO last month after serving for more than 20 years. Mr. Nerenhausen is the founding director and professor of practice of the Janklow Arts Leadership Program at Syracuse University. He
DHR Places First Female AD at University of Pittsburgh
Search firms have been tasked to find athletic leadership for universities across the country. In one of the latest, DHR International has just placed Heather Lyke as athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh. She becomes the first woman to take on this leadership role at the school, replacing Scott Barnes. Glenn Sugiyama, DHR’s managing partner and global
Vaco Acquires Managed Services Division of Binary Semantics
Talent solutions provider Vaco has acquired the managed services division of Binary Semantics, a software development and systems integration company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. For more than 30 years, Binary Semantics provided large-scale outsourcing services to technology and media organizations across the globe. Together, the combined companies will form a global powerhouse offering
Robots Are Coming for Your Job. Here’s How, Why and When
The potential for job losses due to advances in technology is not a new concern. 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 visible in driverless cars
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits CEO to Top Human Rights Leadership Post
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has just selected civil rights litigator and advocate Vanita Gupta to assume its senior leadership post. Crystal Stephens, a director at executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting, led the assignment. Ms. Gupta will hold the titles of president and CEO of both The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and
ADK Consulting In Hunt for Chief Development Officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority to lead its search for a chief development officer (CDO). This position offers a compensation package in the range of $190,000 to $220,000, with an attractive range of benefits, including a deferred compensation plan and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. The incoming CDO
Talent Connections Expands Into Washington, D.C.
Atlanta-based executive search firm Talent Connections, LLC has opened a new metro Washington, D.C., practice. Patricia Hughes, a business development professional, will lead the practice. “We are thrilled to bring our longstanding HR and executive search offerings to the metro D.C. area and in the backyard of the headquarters of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM),”
Talent Shortages In Asia Give Rise to Unique Glass Ceiling
Talent shortages aren’t just a problem in the U.S. Candidate pipelines in Asia are being squeezed as well, and it’s leading women leaders across Asia to feel trapped in regional roles, according to a just-released report by Heidrick & Struggles. “The firm’s study reminds leaders at headquarters to take notice of Asian women leaders as an
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits New President for Auburn
As the academic year starts to wind down, a number of colleges and universities across the country are already preparing for September. For many of them, that means opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will result in new, high profile leaders to take them into the new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, more
Elinvar Leading CEO Search for Research Triangle Foundation
Executive search firm Elinvar has been retained by the Research Triangle Foundation (RTP) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Liz Rooks, a longtime Research Triangle Foundation executive, is currently serving as interim CEO. She came out of retirement to take the job shortly after Bob Geolas left for unexplained reasons last September. Elinvar’s president and
Valent Mordan Names CEO, Plans for ‘Growth Phase’
Executive search firm Valent Mordan has appointed John Valenti as its new chief executive officer. Headquartered in Dallas, Valent Mordan was founded in 2015 and provides executive search services to a wide array of sectors. Mr. Valenti previously spent 17 years as a partner with Kenexa, a talent acquisition and employee engagement cognitive HR software business
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Industrial, Energy & Natural Resource Practice Groups
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Lloyd Semple and Dan Hawksworth to the firm’s industrial, and energy & natural resources practices. The additions to the team, both based in Chicago, will build on Russell Reynolds’ expertise in all three sector specializations. Mr. Semple advises and recruits C-suite level executives for clients across a breadth of industrial segments, including
Dunleavy White Continues Expansion
London-based executive search firm Dunleavy White has strengthened its staff with the additions of Sarah Hanan and Danita Waterfall-Brizzi as partners. Ms. Hanan will spearhead growth within the firm’s travel and aviation sectors. She has over 20 years of experience within the travel industry starting her career as an international travel consultant with STA Travel before moving into recruitment.
Talent Leaders Struggling to Keep Up With New Work Culture
Companies are facing a radically shifting context for the workforce, the workplace, and the world of work, and these shifts have already changed the rules for nearly every organizational people practice, from learning and management to executive recruiting and the definition of work itself. Every business leader, no matter their function or industry, has experienced
Herd Freed Hartz Leading CEO Search for Northwest Harvest
Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has been selected by Northwest Harvest to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Past CEO Shelley Rotondo is retiring at the end of June. Search firm partner Fred Pabst is leading the assignment. The incoming executive has big shoes to fill as Northwest Harvest CEO. Under Ms. Rotondo’s 16-year
Kincannon & Reed Lands Chief Commercial Officer for Calyxt
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Manoj Sahoo as chief commercial officer of Calyxt Inc. Mr. Sahoo will work closely as part of Calyxt’s executive team to build a commercial partnership network, execute a go-to-market plan for the company’s products and ensure Calyxt’s integrated commercial success moving forward. Mr. Sahoo joins the company from Cargill, where he spent seven
Kingsley Gate Partners Continues Expansion
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has expanded with the addition of Andrew Blane as a partner. He is located in the firm’s Princeton, NJ office. Mr. Blane brings nearly two decades of experience in executive search, marketing and business development to Kingsley Gate. He has conducted numerous team lift-outs for the buy-side of the asset management sector,
HVS Executive Search Expands Asia Pacific Team
HVS Executive Search has named Florian Kittler as senior vice president, Asia Pacific. He will be based in Hong Kong. Mr. Kittler has over two decades of experience in the hospitality and executive recruitment industry across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He gained his operational leadership know-how with several global five-star hotel chains, including Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental
How Recruiters ‘Close the Deal’ With Job Candidates
With an economy that just keeps rolling along, many employers are faced with a difficult workplace challenge: How to attract talent in a candidate-driven market. In any business cycle, whether it’s up or down, the initial connection with a prospective hire is the easy part. Getting them on board, especially when markets are this robust,
Korn Ferry Makes Leadership Changes As Transition Continues
Korn Ferry has announced several key leadership changes in three areas which the company said further positions it for growth and expansion. The managerial adjustments come on the heels of Korn Ferry releasing 2017 fiscal Q3 revenues of $381.9 million, an 11 percent top line jump over a year ago. “Our firm is growing in both size and
Bialla Partners Land CEO for San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; Adds New Partner
Following an extensive national search, Bialla Partners has placed Tallia Hart as president and chief executive officer of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Partner Jeff Hodge led the assignment. Ms. Hart was selected for her inspiring leadership, in-depth non-profit management experience and passion to advocate for the business community. She is the first woman, minority, and youngest to
Pi Executive Places CHRO at Ajinomoto Windsor
Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Marco A. Leal as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Ajinomoto Windsor, a top manufacturer of Asian / Ethnic foods. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by director Katherine MacLane. Mr. Leal brings over 20 years of experience developing world class HR organizations within fast
IRC Continues Asia Pacific Expansion
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has expanded in Korea with the addition of McKinney Consulting Inc. an executive search and leadership consulting firm based in Seoul. Founder and president Steven B. McKinney, an American from North Carolina with extensive leadership, executive search and leadership coaching experience in Korea, established MicKinney Consulting in 2001. His six-member
