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Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Eric Fobes as the new CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). Jon Leafstedt and Patrick Fitzgerald, principals with Kincannon & Reed, conducted a nationwide search for SIRE. Current CEO Mike Jerke will retire at the end of 2025 after seven
Daversa Partners Appoints Partner
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has named Brian Warager as partner. “Brian’s work is redefining what it means to recruit for the frontier,” said Paul Daversa, CEO of Daversa. “He has an exceptional ability to identify leaders who thrive where technology meets mission – whether that’s securing our national defense, advancing the
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.
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
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?
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
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
Talent Pattern Recognition: Navigating Workforce Challenges in Private Equity and Beyond
Scalable talent strategy is a workforce planning approach tailored to meet the evolving needs of organizations by integrating talent acquisition, development, and retention seamlessly. For executive search, this strategy is particularly critical as it prioritizes identifying and securing top leadership talent to drive organizational success. By leveraging data-driven insights, advanced technology, and adaptable workforce models,
Huntbridge Recruits CEO for MIBOR REALTOR Association
[Washington, D.C.-headquartered executive search firm Huntbridge, Inc. has placed Shelley Specchio as chief executive officer of the MIBOR REALTOR Association. She will succeed Steve Sullivan, who is retiring at the beginning of 2017 after 26 years. “The nationwide search for our new CEO presented us with many excellent candidates, and the decision was not easy,” said Roger Lundy,
DHR International Expands Financial Services Practice
[Executive search firm DHR International has added Janice Abert as a partner in its financial services practice group. She will be based in the firm’s New York office. Ms. Abert specializes in placing distribution professionals and brings more than 20 years of executive recruiting experience in asset management sales and marketing to the firm. In joining DHR, Ms.
Amrop Adds Five Recruiters
[Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 76 offices in 54 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the addition of five new recruiters to its global team of search consultants. Jan Derk Bauerman has been named principal and head of the firm’s real estate practice in Germany. He has
Workers Looking to Ring In New Year With New Careers
As the New Year approaches, organizations can expect their employees to be weighing options for a career change. According to the latest WorkSphere survey from Spherion, New Year’s resolutions for 62 percent of American workers includes making a professional change, and while this can include things like overall performance improvement, learning a new professional skill, negotiating a
Reffett Associates Recruits VP of HR for the Seattle Mariners
[Executive search firm Reffett Associates continues to work with the Seattle Mariners to fill executive roles. This time it has placed Lisa Winsby as the club’s new vice president of human resources. She succeeds Marianne Short, who has announced her retirement. Seattle-based managing director, Marshall Reffett, led the search with assistance from Angel Rodriguez, a managing director in Dallas. The
Hobson Leavy Leading Earthquake Commission CEO Search
[Executive search firm Hobson Leavy has been retained by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Ian Simpson announced he will be stepping down from the role at the end of the year to take on the CEO role at GNS Science. Search firm founder and partner Stephen Leavy and associate partner Jo Baxter
upLIFT HR Launches In New York
Executive search firm upLIFT HR has been launched in New York by veteran human resources executive Talia Salvati. The firm was created to partner with small and large scale companies holistically to create, structure and recruit its HR teams. It works with purpose-driven companies to find dynamic and nimble HR leaders who can drive their company’s vision and
Locum Leaders Names President
[AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has appointed healthcare recruiting veteran Bonnie Britton as president of its interim search specialist Locum Leaders. Ms. Britton brings a background in leadership and business development, including more than 15 years related to healthcare recruiting. Her management experience across healthcare, marketing, advertising and IT
Assessment Tools to Play Bigger Role In Hiring
Managers today estimate that one-in-five employees should not have been hired, according to a new study by CEB, a best practice insight and technology company. This may be because applicants didn’t meet basic requirements (65 percent won’t), the cultural fit with the organization wasn’t there or the hiring manager lacked the evidence-based tools to make a good decision. Fortunately,
AGB Search Taps Ohio University President to Serve As Its CEO
[Outgoing Ohio University president Roderick J. McDavis has stepped down from his post to become chief executive officer of AGB Search. As the university’s first African American president and only the second alumnus to lead the Ohio University in the institution’s 212-year history, Dr. McDavis has been a tireless ambassador. His contributions to higher education include
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for National Stock Exchange of India
[Egon Zehnder has been tapped by the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) to lead its search for a new managing director and chief executive officer. Current CEO Chitra Ramkrishna recently resigned due to personal reasons. NSE is looking to fill up the post by February and will not launch its planned initial public offering until the
JDG Associates Leading CEO Search for Inter-American Foundation
[Executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Darren DeGioia, president of JDG Associates, is leading the assignment. The top post, reporting to the board of directors, is responsible for executing on all IAF functions and activities to advance its mission, subject
ManpowerGroup Appoints Head of North America
[ManpowerGroup has named Michael Stull as senior vice president for Manpower North America. He will lead the Manpower brand within the company’s North America operation, effective immediately. Kip Wright, former SVP Manpower North America will be leaving ManpowerGroup at the end of December. Mr. Wright led the Manpower brand for two years and previously led the ManpowerGroup Solutions business after
Reshaping the World of Work In the Digital Age
Business and human resource leaders should rethink almost all of their management and HR practices as the proliferation of digital technologies transform the way organizations work, according to predictions for 2017 from Bersin by Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP. This year’s report includes 11 predictions about rapid technological, structural and cultural changes that will reshape the
Insider or Outsider? Spencer Stuart In CEO Hunt for Alexion Pharmaceuticals
[Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. CEO David Hallal has officially resigned for personal reasons. The sudden shift at the top comes shortly after the board had previously announced it was conducting an investigation into allegations made by a former employee in regards to
Baker and Associates Leading Executive Chef Search
[Baker and Associates, LLC has been selected by the Club at Longview in Charlotte, NC, to lead its search for a new executive chef. Clint F. Wood, private club practice leader, and senior vice president Martin M. Baker are leading the assignment. The executive chef will serve as a senior member of the management team at
Cejka Executive Search Names Managing Principal
[Cejka Executive Search has named MaryBeth Nicholas Cruz as executive vice president and managing principal. The hiring underscores the firm’s continued expansion into high-demand areas of healthcare executive search, including clinical integration. For nearly two decades, Ms. Cruz served in leadership roles for Providence Health and Services, spearheading physician services and development at the system-level and designing
Boyden Opens Office In Ukraine
Executive search firm Boyden has opened a new office in Kyiv, Ukraine, in an effort to strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe and the emerging markets. Boyden Ukraine will be led by managing partner Alexey Dolgikh, a talent and leadership solutions advisor in the region. The new Ukraine team of seven professionals also includes principals Alina
Massive Shift to Contract Employment Underway
By 2025, most workers (70 percent) and employers (68 percent) agree that a majority of the workforce will be employed in an ‘agile capacity’ (i.e. contractor, consultant, temp worker or freelancer), according to a study released by Randstad US, one of the largest HR services and staffing companies in the U.S. ‘The Workplace 2025‘ report peers into
An Insider’s Guide to Coaching & Leadership Development
For Hilary Pearl, founding partner of Greenwich, Conn-based Pearl Associates, improving performance through executive coaching and organizational consulting resides at the center of her work. Executive coaching is now a $1 billion business sector, centered around the notion that all employees can improve their performance quickly if coached properly. The result is more highly effective and
AlbertHall&Associates Recruits Director for Theatre Under the Stars
[Executive search firm AlbertHall&Associates has placed Hillary Hart as executive director of the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Houston. The placement concludes an extensive 10-month national search. Ms. Hart comes to TUTS having served as general manager of the esteemed Guthrie Theatre, a $28 million non-profit regional theater in Minneapolis. At the Guthrie, she helped steward the institution through a
Kaplan Partners Taps CFO for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
[Executive search firm Kaplan Partners has placed Josephine Iannelli as executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of Bar Harbor Bankshares and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its subsidiary Bar Harbor Trust Services. Ms. Iannelli most recently served as senior executive vice president, CFO and treasurer of Berkshire Hills Bancorp in Pittsfield, MA, having earlier joined
Cameron Stuart Associates Expands
[London-based executive search firm Cameron Stuart Associates (CSA) has added Tony Williams as a partner. “Tony’s change leadership experience working with high-performing boards and executive teams globally broadens and strengthens CSA’s offering,” said James Stuart, CSA managing director. “Tony adds depth to our core executive search offering to consumer goods and services boards and executive teams as
Women Gain Ground In Boardroom, But Not Minorities
Female representation among new directors rose to 32 percent in 2016, from 31 percent in 2015 and 21 percent in 2011, according to the latest Spencer Stuart Board Index. This is the highest rate of female representation since 1998 when the search firm began tracking S&P 500 data. According to the analysis, new female independent directors
Eastman & Beaudine Recruits Head Football Coach for Baylor
[Executive search firm Eastman & Beaudine has placed Matt Rhule as the 27th head football coach at Baylor University. Coach Art Briles was fired by Baylor in May in the wake of a sexual assault scandal that also cost school president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw their jobs. Mr. Rhule comes to Waco after four seasons as head coach at Temple
Challis & Company Leading Executive Producer Search for ABC
[The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has retained executive search firm Challis & Company to lead its hunt for an executive producer for its flagship television show Catalyst. Helen Johnson, a principal in the Sydney office, is leading the search. The position is based at ABC’s head office in Sydney where it will be co-located with other science program
IIC Partners Forms Alliance With CoolBrands
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has formed a marketing and brand management partnership with CoolBrands. CoolBrands is a multinational branding company with over 10 years of experience in creating and packaging profiles for companies and for C-suite executives who are seeking broader market exposure. “CoolBrands’ international experience is a perfect fit for our global organization.
Futurestep Launches Academic Healthcare Practice
[Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has launched a new academic healthcare practice. Sarah Taylor, a member of Korn Ferry’s academic healthcare practice, has been named managing consultant. The Futurestep practice will provide expertise in recruiting faculty, including funded educators, scientists, subspecialist physicians, and other critical faculty positions. “We are thrilled to partner with
6 Top Workforce Trends for 2017
[Many of the workplace trends prevalent in 2016, such as maximizing talent analytics and improving the candidate experience, will continue to resonate in 2017. But others are emerging that demand new ways of managing and planning for the future. Successful businesses adapt to new market demands, the changing workforce and ever-evolving technology. They have to.
The Execu | Search Group Forms Alliance With New Heritage Capital
New Heritage Capital, a Boston-based private equity firm, has made a significant investment The Execu | Search Group. Financial details of the funding was not disclosed. New Heritage Capital is a private equity firm with a boutique practice of investing in owner-managed and operated businesses. Under terms of the deal, Execu | Search will retain operational control,
Lapham Group Recruits CEO for Insurance Information Institute
[Executive search firm The Lapham Group has placed Sean Kevelighan as president and chief executive officer of The Insurance Information Institute (III). Craig Lapham, managing partner and CEO, led the assignment. In his new role, Mr. Kevelighan will provide strategic oversight for the organization and act as a key spokesperson for the P&C insurance industry as a
