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What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
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.
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
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?
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Forces Shaping the 2025 Dealmaking Boom
The latest EY Merger Monthly forecasts an uptick in U.S. M&A activity, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, regulatory shifts, and an increasing appetite for strategic deals. “U.S. M&A activity is expected to build further momentum in 2025,” the report notes, “driven by falling interest rates, strong economic expansion, substantial uninvested capital, and the imperative for business transformation.”Despite
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits CEO for Library Company of Philadelphia
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed Dr. Michael J. Barsanti as chief executive officer of The Library Company of Philadelphia. Dr. Barsanti succeeds Dr. Richard Newman, who resigned this past summer due to family health issues. Search firm principals Susan Meade and Adelaide Jones led the assignment. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, it is America’s oldest cultural institution and
Onstott Group Keeps It a Family Affair With New Hire
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has named Cullen Onstott as a vice president. Mr. Onstott joined the firm several months ago and will be based in Houston. Prior to joining The Onstott Group, Mr. Onstott was an energy trader at DTE Energy Trading. Previously, he spent five years at Morgan Stanley in the firm’s institutional commodities division in
Quick Leonard Kieffer Taps CIO for Brookhaven Memorial
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Matthew Peddie as chief information officer of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Suffolk County, NY. Founder and CEO Roger Quick led the search. Mr. Peddie is a customer-facing, business-savvy, strategic-minded executive that brings to the position experience leading technology operations in a large, integrated health system. Before joining Brookhaven, he served
Snodgrass Partners Names President
Executive search firm Snodgrass Partners has announced that Tom Jacobs will transition from sports recruitment partner to president. Founder Steve Snodgrass, who previously served as president and chief executive officer, will remain CEO. The firm also added Lee Dicklitch as vice president of collegiate sports and Larry Bonfante and Dr. Mark Kovacs as strategic partners. Mr.
Allegis Partners Expands Human Resources Practice
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has named Lawrence Krema as a managing director in the firm’s human resources practice. Based in Chicago, he will focus on identifying chief human resources officers (CHROs) and other senior leaders for organizations as well as contributing to search projects across the broader C-suite. Mr. Krema has more than 20 years of human
Tightening Labor Market Good News for Job Seekers
Executive search firm Reeve & Associates expects the tightening labor market to continue, and this could be positive news for professionals considering a new position. “Job seekers can expect to see more job choices and employers ready to hire at all levels,” said Philip Reeve, the firm’s president. Reeve & Associates focuses exclusively on identifying staffing market
Optimum Talent Acquires Conroy Ross Partners
Optimum Talent has acquired executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Optimum Talent team now includes 200 professionals operating from 15 offices. Founded in 1994, Conroy Ross Partners is a national search firm with offices across Canada. It works with leadership teams to recruit a wide range of C-level executives and has
R. William Funk In Hunt for University of Kansas Chancellor
Executive search firm R. William Funk & Associates has been selected by the University of Kansas (KU) to lead its search for a new chancellor. KU’s current chancellor, Bernadette Gray-Little, has announced plans to step down at the end of the school year, and the Kansas Board of Regents’ stated goal is to have a new chancellor hired and
Diversified Search Recruits Advancement Chief for Folger Shakespeare Library
Diversified Search has placed Abbey Fagin as chief advancement officer (CAO) at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Managing director Gerard F. Cattie led the assignment. Reporting directly to the Folger director, Ms. Fagin will oversee advancement opportunities, leading a dedicated staff and working with a senior leadership team to enhance the Folger’s resources and institutional reach. She will
Shiftgig Secures $20 Million In Funding as Gig Trend Takes Off
By 2025, most workers (70 percent) and employers (68 percent) agree that a majority of the workforce will be employed in gig positions. That reality is likely driving new and existing investors to contribute $20 million in funding to Shiftgig, a marketplace that connects U.S. employers with workers seeking short term positions. The funding comes from
Greenwood / Asher Forms Alliance With Devine Group
Another boutique search firm is getting into the assessment business. Greenwood / Asher & Associates, a higher education-focused search firm, and The Devine Group, a behavioral assessment and development organization, have formed a strategic alliance to leverage and integrate the science of predictive talent analytics into the executive search and leadership development process. The partnership is designed
Eastman & Beaudine Leading AD Search for Southern Miss
Executive search firm Eastman & Beaudine has been retained by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) to lead its search for a new athletic director. Past AD Bill McGillis left the school to take on the executive director of athletics role at the University of San Diego. According to USM’s chief communication officer Jim Coll, USM president
Herbert Mines Taps Chief Merchandising Officer for Boxed
Executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Heather Mayo as chief merchandising officer of Boxed.com, the online wholesale shopping club. Ms. Mayo will lead the development and execution of all merchandising strategies and initiatives, and will be responsible for delivering optimal product assortment as dictated by the brand’s strategy and unique target customer profile. With more than
AltoPartners Expands to India
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has expanded into India with the recent merger of Accord Group India and Stanton Chase India. The firms will relaunch as Accord | India. The combination brings AltoPartners’ Indian business footprint to six offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata and enhances the organization’s
What Candidates Want. Shifting Priorities for Job Seekers
Organizations need talented employees to drive strategy and achieve goals, but with an improving economy finding and recruiting the right people is becoming more difficult. While the severity of the issue varies among organizations, industries and geographies, it’s clear that the changing global economy has created a demand for new jobs, new skills and new
Witt/Kieffer Names College Provost to Education Practice
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has appointed Concetta M. Stewart as a principal in its education practice. Ms. Stewart brings to the position more than two decades of leadership experience across academic disciplines, with particular expertise in academic affairs, program development, and technology and communications. Most recently, she served as provost and vice president of academic affairs and interim president
Jorgenson Consulting Fills CEO Post for Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting has placed Stephen Moret as president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority (VEDP). He succeeds past CEO Martin Briley, who left the agency last spring. Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal, led the assignment. Mr. Moret previously served as secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, taking on
Heidrick & Struggles Leading CEO Search for Horsehead Holding
Heidrick & Struggles has been retained by Horsehead Holding LLC to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The search is expected to be completed by the middle of the year. Wayne Isaacs, a veteran mining executive and distinguished leader in the base metals industry, has been assigned as chairman of the board and interim
Industrial Search Partners Opens In Pittsburgh
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has added Sarah Stewart as a director to open its new Pittsburgh office. Ms. Stewart has over 25 years of executive recruiting experience and has conducted executive and board-level search engagements for companies in a broad range of industries. She has managed recruiting assignments for board directors, CEOs and other operating executives, CFOs, CIOs,
Top Leaders Confident Heading Into Trump Presidency
As President Barack Obama hands off a stable economy and an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent today to Donald J. Trump, top business leaders are looking ahead to 2017 with positive outlooks. Chief executive officers report higher expectations for sales and hiring over the next six months, but lower expectations for capital investment, according to
Keeping Up With a Dynamic Workforce In Technology
A boom in the technology sector has created increased demand for executive search firms with the versatility to remain ahead of the curve when top professionals in the field. It has resulted in the rise of specialty recruiting boutiques focused on identifying leaders for venture capital & private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Polachi
Neumann Executive Search Heading CFO Job for NYU
New York University has retained Neumann Executive Search Partners to find its next chief financial officer. Principal and founder Liz Neumann and principal Amy Sugin are leading the assignment. The senior vice president for finance and budget / CFO is the senior leadership position at NYU charged with the oversight of the finances of the university and
McDermott & Bull Recruits Chief People Officer for THINK Together
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has recruited Martin Holtzman as chief people officer of THINK Together, a non-profit organization that collaborates with communities, parents, and other stakeholders to transform the K-12 education system. The search was led by principal consultants Bill Brewer and Scott Meyer along with senior recruiting associate Shree Thakarar. “We moved quickly to complete this
Human Capital Solutions Expands
Executive search firm Human Capital Solutions is expanding with the addition of a new office in Raleigh, NC. “Our firm will be celebrating our 14 year anniversary in just a few months and we are excited to see the key business indicators and the psychology of the marketplace improve and swing more favorably for companies to grow, hire,
Phillips Oppenheim Leading Search for Barack Obama Museum
As President Obama steps down as the nation’s 44th president, planning is underway to identify the director for the Barack Obama Presidential Museum in Chicago. Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has the honor of leading this prestigious assignment. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are leading the search. The incoming museum director is expected to take
DHR International Partners With Mercer Middle East
Mercer Middle East has entered into a strategic partnership with DHR International, to provide each partner’s customer bases with a respective set of benefits. Under the terms of the agreement, DHR will provide assessment, career guidance, and talent development & leadership solutions for Mercer’s clients in Middle East, Turkey, India and Africa. DHR will also deliver executive recruitment,
HR Trends Impacting Healthcare Recruiting Specialists
Changes in healthcare are continuing to happen at a quickening pace, seemingly the fastest in recent history. Where the incoming Trump administration takes it is anyone’s guess. But any changes coming to the sector, good or bad, will affect the workforce and impact many businesses, including search firms, that work in the healthcare space. Three
Russell Reynolds Associates Lands CEO for Parkinson’s Foundation
With the mandate to identify a dynamic new leader with a strong fundraising background, Russell Reynolds Associates tapped John L. Lehr to serve as chief executive officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. The hiring follows the recent merger of two Parkinson’s non-profits with rich histories: National Parkinson Foundation, headquartered in Miami, and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, headquartered in New York. Mr. Lehr will work
Stanton Chase Names New Practice Leaders
Stanton Chase International has appointed new leaders in its CFO & financial executives, directors & chief executive officers, and consumer products & services search practices. Cathy Logue, managing director of the firm’s Toronto office, has been named leader of the CFO & financial executives practice group. She has over 25 years of executive and leadership search experience
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for Mattel
Mattel, Inc. retained executive search firm Spencer Stuart this past year to assist with its CEO succession plan. That search concluded yesterday with the appointment of Margaret H. Georgiadis as its new leader. She succeeds Christopher A. Sinclair, who has led the company as chairman and CEO since early 2015. Going forward, he will serve as executive chairman of the board.
Calibre One Places Chief Technology Officer at SoundCloud
Executive search firm Calibre One has placed Artem Fishman as chief technology officer of music streaming service SoundCloud. Partner Thomas Green led the assignment. In his new role, Mr. Fishman will be responsible for leading the company’s international engineering organization, in addition to shaping its technical vision and strategy. He will join SoundCloud’s team in Berlin, where he
