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Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Funk Associates Recruits Provost for Clemson University
Funk Associates has recruited J. Cole Smith as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Clemson University. This follows approval from the board of trustees compensation committee. He will replace Robert H. Jones, who announced he was stepping down following 11 years serving as the university’s provost. “I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Cole Smith has
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
Top 5 Leadership Trends Set to Define 2025
As 2025 approaches, emerging challenges and opportunities are driving the ongoing evolution of leadership trends. Executive recruiters say that the ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity is becoming more crucial than ever. Korn Ferry‘s Workforce Global Insights Report examines attitudes affecting employee sentiment and emphasizes the growing need for leaders to be agile
Buffkin Group Opens In Chicago; Expands Digital Practice
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has opened a new office in Chicago and tapped Kristin Luu to lead the new location. She will also serve as partner in the firm’s digital recruitment practice. Previously, Ms. Luu served as the founding partner at Red Wagon Search, where she performed executive search and consulting for client brands, including Razorfish,
Generational Shift: Succession of Older CEOs Slows
The rate of succession of older CEOs of large U.S. public companies slowed significantly this past year, bringing to a halt a generational shift in business leadership that had been observed since the financial crisis, according to a new report by The Conference Board. The report, ‘CEO Succession Practices: 2016,’ annually documents and analyzes succession events
DHR Completes Top Search for World Gold Council
Executive search firm DHR International has placed Joseph Cavatoni as managing director, U.S., and officer of World Gold Trust Services for the World Gold Council. The search was led by Carol Hartman, managing partner of the firm’s financial services practice in North America. Mr. Cavatoni will lead the development of new gold-backed financial solutions that complement investors’ core portfolio
Spano Pratt Takes On CEO Search for Green Bay Foundation
Spano Pratt Executive Search has been selected by the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Current president and CEO, David Pamperin, plans to retire in February. “Greater Green Bay is a special place for many reasons and a major reason is because the people who call it
Carmichael Fisher Expands Across Asia Pacific
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has named Josh Hollway as principal and leader of the firm’s industrial practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Hollway brings more than 12 years of experience dedicated to executive search and talent consulting at local and international levels. His client portfolio includes organizations in the commercial and industrial sectors, including manufacturing, energy, oil & gas,
How to Increase the Odds of a Successful Hire
Increasing the odds of successful hires – and then finding ways to retain them for longer periods of time – is now the holy grail of talent management leaders. One top industry expert, Russell Riendeau, who also happens to be a behavioral scientist, is convinced that objective-based interviewing is one key way to get there.
Companies Reshaping Work Strategies to Adapt In Gig Economy
Nearly two thirds of all businesses are actively reshaping how work is completed across their enterprise, blending a mix of contingent workers and payrolled employees to better leverage talent as a business differentiator, this according to the ‘The State of Contingent Workforce Management 2016-2017: Adapting to a New World of Work’ report released by research
Ward Howell Appoints Global Marketing Practice Leader
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has named Henry ‘Hank’ J. Flores as a partner and global practice leader based out of the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Flores will co-lead Ward Howell’s consumer packaged goods practice for the Americas and head its global marketing leadership practice. With more than 20 years of executive search and senior leadership
Toft Group Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for Rosetta Genomics
Executive search firm Toft Group has placed Mark R. Willig as chief commercial officer of Rosetta Genomics Ltd. In this newly created position, Mr. Willig will be responsible for sales, marketing and market access for Rosetta Genomics’ entire portfolio of high-value diagnostic assays. Throughout his career Mr. Willig has developed and executed global commercial and business
Rambus Taps Lonergan Partners for CFO
Executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Rahul Mathur as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Rambus. The search was led by partner Dotty Schaffer. In his new role, Mr. Mathur will be responsible for the overall financial direction of the company. Prior to joining Rambus, Mr. Mathur served as SVP of finance at Cypress Semiconductor where he
Stark Brooks Launches Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics Practice
Executive search firm Stark Brooks has expanded its range of specialist services with a new division focusing on senior positions in the fields of supply chain, procurement and logistics. The firm has appointed Richard York to head the practice. Mr. York has more than 20 years of recruitment experience. Most recently, he was head of Liverpool-based executive
What Drives a Strong Culture & Effective Board?
Nothing is more important to a company than driving culture. What is sometimes overlooked is where this effort truly begins — in the boardroom. Corporate boards, therefore, need to be recognized, shaped and fostered for maximum effectiveness. Jack ‘Rusty’ O’Kelley and his corporate governance team at Russell Reynolds Associates recently set out to capture the essence
Polachi Recruits CEO for Progress
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Yogesh Gupta as chief executive officer of NASDAQ-traded Progress. Phil Pead, the company’s CEO since 2012, is retiring but will continue to serve on the Progress board of directors. Mr. Gupta was previously president and CEO of Kaseya, Inc., a leading IT management cloud software company, where he served from 2013 until
Buffkin Group Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Youth Villages
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Jennifer Jones as chief marketing officer of Youth Villages. Roland Lundy, a partner with the firm, led the search. Ms. Jones joins Youth Villages from Hilton Worldwide, where she served in various roles, including senior director brand marketing luxury and lifestyle brands as well as director of brand marketing and communications.
ManpowerGroup Posts Two Percent Q3 Revenue Gain; U.S. Down Six Percent
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $5.1 billion, a two percent increase from revenues of $5 billion a year ago. The company’s performance exceeded Wall Street forecasts which had expected $4.93 billion. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. Net income
Allen Austin Taps New Leader for Asia Pacific
Executive search firm Allen Austin has named Michael Catlow as managing partner of the firm’s business in Asia Pacific. In this role, he will lead the firm’s activities across Asia Pacific with an immediate focus on the key hub markets of China, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. Mr. Catlow has over 25 years of experience working across APAC
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Flat Revenue Growth In Americas
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) posted third quarter net revenues of $143.5 million, an increase of 3.7 percent increase from revenues of $138.4 million during the same period a year ago, falling short of Wall Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $145.6 million. This comes on the heels of a
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Fellowship of Christian Athletes
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Shane Williamson as president and chief executive officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. After a far-reaching search, the board selected Mr. Williamson, currently the FCA executive director of field ministry who has been involved with FCA for 24 years. FCA’s current president
Herbert Mines Associates Lands CEO for Coach Brand
Executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Wendy Kahn as chief executive officer and brand president of Stuart Weitzman, a high-end shoe company owned by Coach Inc. She succeeds Wayne Kulkin, the brand’s current CEO, who will become a consultant to Coach. In the past, Herbert Mines has filled various roles for Coach Inc. including president
Futurestep Launches Healthcare Technology & Services Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has launched a dedicated healthcare technology & services practice. It will bring broad capabilities and expertise across the entire health tech market, serving payors, providers and healthcare technology companies. The practice will be a direct extension of Korn Ferry’s healthcare technology executive search practice group,
IMD International Continues U.K. Expansion
IMD International Search Group has added London-headquartered Caton Search as a member firm. Founded by Bob Caton in 2008, the executive search firm focuses on industrial and services companies in the infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and environmental sectors. The firm consists of three partners who have an average of 16 to 17 years of experience in the executive search
Women Rise to Dominate CHRO Roles, But Falter On Path to CEO
Even though an analysis of the top 1,000 U.S. companies by Korn Ferry finds the percentage of women in most C-suite positions is dramatically lower than their male counterparts, the chief human resources officer (CHRO) position is the only C-suite role where there is gender parity. A full 55 percent of CHROs across industries are women, according to
Monster Posts Stunning Loss; Bidding War Underway for Struggling Job Site
Monster Worldwide on Friday reported a stunning third quarter loss of $180.5 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. The Weston, MA-based online job search company, seen at one time as a daring pioneer in the race to bring a new digital dynamic to the recruiting sector, posted revenue of $144.8
Emory University Taps Two Search Firms for Top Posts
Heidrick & Struggles and Neumann Executive Search Partners have been retained by Emory University to fill the college’s provost/chief academic officer and EVP business & administration positions, respectively. Emory’s search committee is looking for visionaries to make it the go-to place for policymakers, students and researchers. The provost search advisory committee — co-chaired by professors Carol
StraussGroup Acquires Fiorella Search Group
Buffalo-based search firm StraussGroup has acquired Fiorella Search Group, a boutique recruiter dedicated to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology & medical sectors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Fiorella Search Group brand will not remain. The firm’s founder, Nicole Fiorella, has joined the StraussGroup team as managing director. In 1996, Ms. Fiorella began her career in recruitment
Why ‘Boomerang Employees’ Might Be In Your Future
The way companies and their employee’s part ways has completely changed. Although job-hopping is at an all-time high, employers today understand that loyalty doesn’t necessarily go away when employees walk out the door. According to just-released analytics from global outplacement and redeployment firm Mullin International, leveraging talent relationships is now seen as critical to the job
Allegis Partners Recruits Director for Girl Power 2 Cure
Executive search firm Allegis Partners has placed Monique J. Nolk as a new member of the board of directors at Girl Power 2 Cure. Managing director Hang Bower led the assignment. As a board member, Ms. Nolk will share responsibility for communicating and promoting Girl Power 2 Cure’s mission and programs to the community; fundraising and outreach; organizational leadership and
WinterWyman Taps New CFO for TG Gallagher
Executive search firm WinterWyman has placed Gary Eason as chief financial officer at TG Gallagher. Senior vice president and partner Ken Martin led the search. As TG Gallagher’s CFO, Mr. Eason will be responsible for managing and directing all financial activities of the company, as well as its projects, including both treasury and accounting functions. He will also enhance
Pedersen & Partners Names Automotive Practice Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed Thorsten Otremba as a client partner and head of its automotive practice. Mr. Otremba has over 15 years of global in-depth expertise in executive search, with a particular focus on the automotive, manufacturing and engineering sectors. Over the course of his career he has held key management
Coming Full Circle When a Key Recruiting Sector Is Down
Over the last two years, the energy industry has suffered some of its most significant losses. The rapid price decline in crude oil has been staggering and, with it, jobs have been adversely affected. One search firm with a front row seat to both the energy sector and its impact on talent is Houston-based Alder Koten. Although
Investment Management Fund Puts Out Casting Call to Search Firms
The $37 billion University of Texas Investment Management Co. is looking to replace past chief executive officer Bruce Zimmerman, who recently stepped down. The third largest U.S. college endowment is currently reviewing executive search firms to lead this important assignment. Mark Warner, one of the organization’s senior directors, is currently serving as interim CEO. He
