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How Companies Can Retain, Engage, and Empower Talent in a Changing World
One of the greatest challenges faced by many organizations today is retaining and engaging talent, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked the Great Resignation and heightened competition for top talent. Now, companies have an opportunity to create environments where employees feel valued and motivated to stay long-term, according to a recent report from global
Harris Search Associates Retained by Ferris University to Lead Provost Search
Harris Search Associates was recently tapped by Ferris University to lead in its search for a provost and vice president for academic affairs. Ed Christ is leading the assignment. The provost will build on current strengths by continuing to develop the quality and depth of faculty and staff. They will cultivate an environment of belonging 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.
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
The Registry: Transforming Higher Education with Deeply Experienced Interim HR Leaders
The need for HR transformations, a new report finds, is driving a dramatic rise in the number of interim CHROs being asked to provide strategic leadership in times of change. In just the first half of 2024, demand for interim CHROs matched the entire year of 2023, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ latest Fortune 1000 CHRO Trends data.
TRANSEARCH Expands In Dubai
[TRANSEARCH International has strengthened its presence in Dubai with the additions of Philip de Waal and Peter Greaves as partners. Mr. de Waal has worked in recruitment and executive search since 2007. He has developed a track record in senior level assignments across the Asia Pacific region, ranging from searches for regional leadership and technical leadership roles in E&P
One In Five U.S. Employers Will Hire In Q1 2017
[U.S. employers are cautiously optimistic about hiring plans going into the first quarter of 2017, according to the latest ‘Manpower Employment Outlook Survey,’ released today by ManpowerGroup. Once the data is adjusted to allow for seasonal variation, the Net Employment Outlook for the first quarter is +16 percent, a decline of two percentage points compared to the
Perpetual Insights Snags Sotheby's Talent Acquisition Leader as Part of Expansion
[Consumer brand recruitment firm Perpetual Insights has strengthened its search staff with the additions of James Thomas as a principal and Scott Barrett as a director. Both are based out of the firm’s Darien, CT and New York offices. Mr. Thomas will lead the firm’s finance & accounting search practice with an exclusive focus on senior-level finance assignments (CFO,
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Redeemer City to City
[CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Steve Shackelford as chief executive officer of Redeemer City to City (CTC). The board’s selection comes after an extensive five month search conducted by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. Mr. Shackelford currently serves as president and chief financial officer with Corporate Capital Trust, which has assets of approximately $4.3 billion and is one
Chrisman & Company Leading CEO Search for First NBC Bank
[New Orleans-headquartered First NBC Bank has retained executive search firm Chrisman & Company to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Longtime leader and founder Ashton Ryan Jr. has stepped aside as CEO. The bank is separating the roles of CEO and president; Mr. Ryan will continue on as president. Founding partner and principal Timothy Chrisman is
HW – Global Talent Partner Names CEO
[U.K.-based executive search firm HW – Global Talent Partner has tapped Spencer Jinks to serves as its new chief executive officer. He takes over from founding director John Wakeford, who headed the business for six years and will now concentrate on growing the firm’s financial services, CFO and chair & NED practice. Mr. Jinks has been with the
Wage Increases Slowing Globally
[A forecast just issued by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry reveals that, adjusted for inflation, workers around the world are expected to see real wage increases of 2.3 percent, down slightly from last year’s 2.7 percent. The study found that North America is predicted to see slower salary increases than other global regions, with only a
Vaco Acquires Two Boutiques
Talent solutions firm Vaco has acquired Pivot Point Consulting based in Seattle and boutique executive search firm Greythorn in Bellevue, WA. Financial teams of the deal were not disclosed. The new acquisitions bring together more than 50 employees and 250 consultants across the nation. “Expanding our team to include Pivot Point and Greythorn enhances Vaco’s extensive healthcare network
BridgeStreet Partners Places CFO at Centennial Real Estate Company
Executive search firm BridgeStreet Partners has recruited Temple H. Weiss as chief financial officer of Centennial Real Estate Company. Dave Westberry, managing director of BridgeStreet Partners, led the assignment. Mr. Weiss is said to be a results oriented leader with an established record in creating value and leading growth in large and small, multi-unit organizations under public
Parker Fills Head Football Coach Post for Oregon
[Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has recruited Willie Taggart as head football coach of the University of Oregon. The Ducks fired Mark Helfrich after four seasons at which time the search was commenced. Oregon finished the season 4-8, the first time it has finished a season with a losing record and without a bowl appearance since 2004. The move comes just two years
SRI Executive Search Names Global Sustainability Partner
[Ireland-headquartered SRI Executive Search has named Yvo de Boer as a partner and senior advisor in global sustainability. For SRI, the appointment marks a further commitment to the international development sector. With the addition of Mr. de Boer, SRI will assist organizations as they juggle the demands of ‘relevancy,’ the issue of ‘sustainability’ and an organization’s ‘fit for purpose,’
Wealth Effect: Identifying Unique Leaders to Run a Family Office
A traditional family office is a business run by, and for, a single family. Its sole function is to centralize the management of a significant family fortune. Typically, these organizations employ staff to manage investments, taxes, philanthropic activities, trusts, and legal matters. The purpose of a family office is to invest the family’s money, manage its assets, and disburse
Pi Executive Recruits Marketing Head for BIC
[Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Ross Ullman as head of marketing North America for BIC. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by director Katherine MacLane. Mr. Ullman brings with him over 18 years of experience growing billion dollar brands and smaller brand portfolios across a variety of over-the-counter, consumer packed goods,
Ross & Company Places Chief Revenue Officer at Apixio
[Executive search firm Ross & Company has placed Tom McNamara as chief revenue officer of Apixio. Managing partner Jim O’Sullivan led the assignment. This expansion of Apixio’s leadership team comes after the close of $19.3 million in Series D funding led by SSM Partners. Mr. McNamara brings 25 years of experience building successful sales organizations for healthcare technology and analytics companies. Prior to
Ducatus Partners Expands In Houston
[Executive search firm Ducatus Partners has expanded its Houston team with two senior hires. The appointments support its diversification into the infrastructure, power and renewables sectors while further strengthening its position in the oil & gas industry. Jack Coker and Allister Graham will join the team as principals to focus on senior client relations. Driven by the ever-increasing role
AIMS International Names Energy Sector Recruiting Specialist
[AIMS International has appointed South Africa partner Leonie Pentz to lead its energy practice. As an executive search professional with 20-plus years’ experience in the recruitment industry and extensive exposure to the utilities, downstream and renewable energy segments in the SADC region, Ms. Pentz brings expertise to the firm’s current energy team and AIMS clients. Working for a high
Isaacson, Miller Seeking Juilliard's Seventh President
[Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has been retained by The Juilliard School to lead the search for its seventh president. For the last 32 years, Joseph Polisi has served as the organization’s president. The school hopes to have a new leader in place by next summer. Isaacson, Miller chairman John Isaacson is leading the search with vice president Sheryl Ash and associate Cortney
Cejka Expands Healthcare Search Staff
[Cejka Executive Search has named Mary D’Ignazio as executive vice president and managing principal. She will lead a national practice that partners with hospitals, health systems and health-related organizations on executive search engagements for senior level healthcare executives. Ms. D’Ignazio’s focus, which is on search engagements for newly created senior roles at the health-system level, is
Waverly Partners Recruits Salina Community Development Leader
[Executive search firm Waverly Partners has placed D. Mitch Robinson as executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization (SCEDO) in Kansas. In this role, Mr. Robinson will serve as the top officer of the organization, responsible for all administrative and management functions while executing the mission of the SCEDO. He comes to Salina from his most recent
Harrier Human Capital Acquires Australian Executive Search Firm
[Talent management company Harrier Human Capital (Harrier) has extended its service offerings through the acquisition of Oceans Group, an executive search firm based in Sydney and Singapore. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Established in 2010, Oceans Group provides executive search solutions across Australia, Asia and Europe. The firm has a breadth of industry and
Per Ardua Names HR / Diversity & Inclusion Practices Leader
[London-based financial services search firm Per Ardua Associates has named Sally Talbot as leader of its HR and diversity & inclusion search practices. In her new role, Ms. Talbot will be responsible for developing Per Ardua’s HR search capability, which delivers executive search services across the entire HR function. She also will be responsible for driving
Korn Ferry Posts 43 Percent Revenue Gain
[Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2017 fiscal second quarter revenues of $401.9 million, a 43.2 percent increase compared to revenues of $279.3 million a year ago. Wall Street expected revenues of $395.4 million. The growth was primarily due to increases in fee revenue in Hay Group and the company’s Futurestep segments. Executive search revenues at Korn Ferry
Employee Engagement Must Run Deep to Thrive
Vineet Gambhir, vice president and head of talent for Yahoo! in Asia Pacific, is a true believer in employee engagement. For the concept to succeed, however, it must be deeply woven into the fabric of a company and in turn, the mindset of its workers. Engagement, Vineet explained when we spoke recently, is not something organizations can simply turn on when
DHR International Taps Head Football Coach for Purdue
[Executive search firm DHR International has recruited Jeff Brohm as head football coach for Purdue University. He becomes the 36th head coach in program history. The search was led by DHR managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama. Purdue is coming off a terrible run the last four seasons under Darrell Hazell in which it won just nine
Lois L. Lindauer Tapped By Phoenix Symphony to Recruit Chief Development Officer
[Executive search firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches has been retained by The Phoenix Symphony to lead its search for a new chief development officer. Search director Zena Lum is leading the assignment. The incoming chief development officer will provide the leadership necessary to guide The Phoenix Symphony to a new level of financial strength and philanthropic support, according to the
Odgers Berndtson Names Managing Partner for Hong Kong
[Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Justin McLennan as managing partner for its Hong Kong office. Mr. McLennan has worked in executive search for over two decades in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on financial services. He has lived and worked in Hong Kong since 1997. Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, Mr. McLennan served as managing director of financial services recruiting boutique
Talengo Appoints Leadership Consultancy Director In Mexico
[Madrid-headquartered executive search firm Talengo named Jorge Mauricio Reynoso as director of its leadership consultancy division in Mexico. His responsibilities will include enhancing the firm’s talent and culture diagnostics and leadership development services within leading sectors in the geographical area. Talengo has been operating for over 20 years in Latin America and has had offices in Colombia
Berkhemer Clayton Recruits CEO for Tournament of Roses
[With the 103rd Rose Bowl just weeks away, executive search firm Berkhemer Clayton has recruited David Eads as executive director and chief executive officer of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association (The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game). He will join the organization in February 2017. William Flinn, current association executive director, is retiring after more than three decades with
Coleman Lew Elects First Female CEO
[Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has appointed Shana Plott as its new chief executive officer. She becomes the first female CEO in the firm’s 37-year history. The leadership transition is expected to be seamless, as Ms. Plott has been helping manage the search outfit for the past two years. Ms. Plott has been a managing
McAleer Gray In CEO Hunt for Space Foundation
[The Space Foundation has hired Denver-based executive search firm McAleer Gray to conduct a global search for its next CEO. Founding partners Terrance McAleer and Brad Gray are leading the search assignment. Past CEO Elliot Pulham resigned in October and was replaced on an acting basis by the Colorado Springs-based non-profit’s chief operating officer, Shelli Brunswick. While
Korn Ferry Appoints President Global Productized Services
[Korn Ferry has tapped Andrew Huddart to serve as president, global productized services. He will be based out of the firm’s San Francisco office. Mr. Huddart joins Korn Ferry from Deloitte Consulting’s human capital practice, where he was managing director. At Deloitte, Mr. Huddart launched a major new product, BersinOne, delivered double digit revenue growth, rebuilt the







