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Innovation Fatigue: Creativity & Clarity for Effective Leadership
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer optional—it’s the lifeblood of competitiveness. Yet as organizations race to reinvent themselves, many leaders are discovering that the constant demand for transformation comes at a cost. The expectation to continuously ideate, adapt, and outperform has created a new kind of pressure—one that tests not only creative
San Diego Pride Retains Cooper Coleman to Lead Executive Director Search
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been called in by San Diego Pride to lead in its search for a new executive director. J. Michael Durnil is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as the senior staff member of San Diego Pride, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. This role requires a dynamic leader who can
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.
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
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?
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
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
CHROs and Future Thinking: Shaping a Positive Culture
The CHRO role has evolved to encompass not just internal talent management but also the broader responsibility of shaping organizational culture in ways that contribute positively to society. As part of this growth, Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno emphasizes “future state thinking” to help HR leaders build agile workplaces aligned with business goals. The is a
Global Vision Top Trait for Incoming CEOs
Overseas experience has become an increasingly common requirement in searches for new CEOs of international companies. Without it, prospective chief executives may be holding their career back. A new white paper report released by DHR International finds an increasing number of companies are seeking leaders with global vision. The study was authored by Frank Smeekes, who serves
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits Chief Medical Officer at Penn State Hershey
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Thomas Tracy Jr. MD as chief medical officer at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. Managing partner Dr. Robert Kuramoto led the search. In his new role, Dr. Tracy will be responsible for coordinating, developing, and implementing the management of clinical resources in the delivery
Phillips Oppenheim Leading President Search for American Corporate Partners
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by American Corporate Partners (ACP) to lead its search for a new president. Jane Phillips Donaldson and Susan Meade are leading the assignment. The chosen leader will collaborate with ACP’s chairman to achieve maximum growth in the organization’s mentoring programs and focus on strategic planning. The incoming leader will
Vetted Solutions Appoints VP in Washington, D.C.
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has added Nancy Green as vice president in its Washington, D.C., office. In her new role, Ms. Green will expand the firm’s activities in the areas of succession planning, interim executive appointments, onboarding, and leadership development. Her arrival will allow the firm’s founder, Jim Zaniello, to focus on further expansion and growth
AltoPartners Adds Member Firms in Argentina and Peru
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Backer Wurzel & Partners in Argentina and Equation Partners in Peru as its newest member firms. Based in Buenos Aires, Backer Wurzel & Partners was founded in 2012 by Ricardo Backer and Gustavo Wurzel, former managing partners of Korn Ferry and Heidrick & Struggles. The firm’s focus is on
Talent Poaching Rampant, Yet Often Uncontested at American Companies
A full quarter of U.S. businesses are experiencing a marked increase in talent raids at the C-suite level. Yet most are woefully unprepared to combat the problem head on. This is among the key findings of a talent retention survey of nearly 400 human resource professionals conducted recently by Marlin Hawk, a global leadership advisory firm focused on next-generation
Publicly Traded Search Firms See Flurry of Investor Activity
Hedge funds seems to be having a grand old time investing in, and divesting of, search firm stocks these days. Some well-known investment brands are acquiring new stakes, while others are reducing positions and moving on. Whether they’re on their way in or heading for the exits, one thing is certain: hedge funds currently own
Kentucky Lottery Corp. Taps Oliver Group to Head CEO Search
Executive search firm The Oliver Group has been retained by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Marty Gibbs, the Kentucky Lottery’s chief operating officer, is serving as the organization’s acting CEO. Long-time chief executive, Arch Gleason, who spent nearly 23 years at the helm of the Kentucky Lottery serving under five governors,
Aviation Search Recruits Security Officer for AirMed International
Executive recruiting firm Aviation Search Group has placed Steven McNeeley as safety and security executive officer at AirMed International, LLC. Executive recruiter and client manager Jaime Truxal led the search. The search firm said that AirMed was looking for someone with a background in on-demand aircraft operations along with extensive experience implementing processes, procedures and managing safety management
Harrington Starr Launches Executive Search Division; Taps New Leader
U.K. headquartered recruiting firm Harrington Starr has appointed Tony Marshall as its new managing partner and leader of the firm’s newly launched executive search division. Harrington Starr Executive Search will focus on searches for a number of inter-related sectors, including financial services; fintech; global markets; advisory; telecom & technology; and venture capital & private equity, among others. Mr. Marshall brings 25 years
Egon Zehnder In Hunt for Next Hershey Company CEO
Egon Zehnder has been retained by The Hershey Company to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. John Bilbrey said he is resigning next summer from the post he’s held for five years. As part of the company’s succession planning process, the board has appointed a special committee to direct the search for a
Slone Partners Taps CEO for Westox Labs
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Matthew Watson as the new chief executive officer of Westox Labs. In his new role, Mr. Watson will lead and oversee all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, operations, finance, billing, and compliance. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Watson is a veteran healthcare executive and entrepreneur who has
Tolan Group Launches Digital Health Search Practice
The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has launched a new telehealth / digital health practice. Associate partner Kaye Johnson has been named practice leader. “The digital health market is projected to reach $233 billion by 2020 and we needed a dedicated search professional to lead our efforts in this fast growing niche,” said Tim
Harvey Nash Forms Partnership With Hong Kong Business School
Global search firm Harvey Nash and The University of Hong Kong Business School (HKU), have joined forces to launch the ‘Women’s Directorship Program 2017,’ designed to help women break the glass ceiling and support the development of female talent. An increasing number of women are moving into high-ranking positions of leadership. Theresa May now leads Great
Taylor Hopkinson Associates Opens New Office in Mexico City
Executive search firm Taylor Hopkinson Associates has opened a new office in Mexico City as it continues international expansion in high-growth markets. The new beachhead will lead the firm’s expansion into Argentina, Chile, Columbia and other emerging markets in Latin America. Mexico is becoming a renewable energy hub as energy liberalization continually attracts international business to the country.
10 Key Findings That Impact Board Performance
Overseeing a company is no small task. Disruptive technologies are changing corporate business models, geopolitical turmoil is impacting supply chains and investment opportunities, and increased regulatory complexity is affecting innovation. Institutional investors and shareholder activists are also playing a more powerful role shaping corporate governance. But no one more than board directors have to keep
Spencer Stuart Recruits Rhode Island Airport CEO
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Iftikhar Ahmad to lead T.F. Green Airport and serve as president and chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). He becomes the third person to take on the position in less than a decade, replacing Kelly J. Fredericks who resigned in January to work at the Ontario
SearchWide Leading Top Search for Visit Sun Valley
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has been tapped by Visit Sun Valley to lead its search for an executive director. Vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. SearchWide said that Visit Sun Valley is looking for someone with leadership experience in brand strategy, strategic planning, budgeting, research and analysis. The Position The executive director role is responsible for the
Steven Douglas Associates Launches Latin America Search Practice
Executive search firm Steven Douglas Associates has launched a dedicated Latin America search practice and added Juan Moreno as vice president for the region. Mr. Moreno brings extensive executive search experience with an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting and impacting Latin America. His background includes building management teams for a wide variety of companies in the
Watermark Search Launches New Interim Practice
Sydney-based executive recruiters Watermark Search International has launched a new interim search practice in Melbourne and appointed Jacinta Whelan as its leader. The practice focuses on interim appointments in both public and private sectors with a particular emphasis on CEOs and COOs, senior executives in IT, human resources specialists, project and program management experts and business
Hiring to Hold Steady In Fourth Quarter, Paychecks to Increase
Seasonal and permanent workers are expected to take home bigger paychecks in the fourth quarter as the push for better wages and the increased competition for skilled labor remain hot issues for employers. According to CareerBuilder’s Q4 2016 ‘U.S. Job Forecast,’ 47 percent of employers expect to increase pay for seasonal workers in Q4. Of those hiring
Character is One Key In Cross-Border Leadership Hires
Character, chemistry and cultural sensitivity are key criteria that C-suite leaders look for when identifying and onboarding leaders at their global operations. This is the conclusion of CEOs and international search executives who met recently in Cleveland at the annual meeting of the International Executive Search Federation (IESF), hosted recently by ASLON Group. Formed in 2002, the
Witt/Kieffer In Search for Law Dean At University of Oregon
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by the University of Oregon to lead its search for a new dean of the School of Law. Principal Werner Boel and consultant Suzanne Teer are leading the assignment. The dean post reports to the provost and senior vice president and is the academic leader, fundraiser, and chief executive of
BSG Team Ventures Recruits Marketing Chief for Human Capital Institute
Executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has placed Robert Birdsong as chief marketing officer at Human Capital Institute (HCI). In this role, Mr. Birdsong will lead the strategy and execution of all marketing functions, positioning the HCI brand as a source of thought leadership for talent management leaders. His team will oversee all aspects of
Signium Opens New Office In Argentina
Executive search firm Signium has opened a new office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lead by Rubén Heinemann, SIGNIUM Argentina will provide focused executive search services across a number of industries, including industrial, financial, business & professional services, as well as oil & gas throughout Argentina. Mr. Heinemann has over 30 years of cumulative C-suite and executive recruiting experience
Odgers Berndtson Adds Sector Specialists, Doubles In Size
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has launched a new higher education practice in the U.S. and strengthened its life sciences and healthcare practices. In the process, the firm has added four executive search industry specialists – Nick Brill, Allen Reed, Jennifer McDonough and Ora Smith. Mr. Brill joins Odgers as a partner and will head its U.S. higher
Futurestep Launches Dedicated Credit Union and Community Banking Recruiting Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has established a dedicated credit union and community banking recruiting practice area and has named Mike Juratovac as sector leader. The practice falls within Futurestep’s North America financial services practice. Mr. Juratovac brings with him more than 20 years of executive search and consulting experience, with a specific focus
Heidrick & Struggles Opens In Calgary
Heidrick & Struggles has strengthened its presence in Canada, particularly among clients in the financial services, mining and metals, and oil & gas sectors. “Heidrick & Struggles is building new momentum in Canada to serve clients across many sectors with the leadership solutions they need in uncertain and often challenging operating environments,” said Andrea Waines, managing partner of the firm’s Toronto office.
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Save The Children U.K. Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Kevin Watkins as the new chief executive officer of Save the Children UK. Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children UK since 2010, announced he was leaving the charity earlier this year. Tanya Steele, executive director of marketing, fundraising and communications, had been serving as interim CEO. Mr. Watkins assumed his new duties two weeks ago. The
Major, Lindsey & Africa Places Chief Legal Officer at Union Pacific
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Rhonda S. Ferguson as executive vice president and chief legal officer of Union Pacific. The search was led by partners Paul Williams and Michael Sachs. Ms. Ferguson joins Union Pacific from FirstEnergy Corp., where she was vice president, corporate secretary and chief ethics officer since 2007. In addition to leading FirstEnergy’s corporate,
Caldwell Partners Latest Recruiter to Offer Assessment Services
The list of executive search firms offering leadership assessment services is expanding — rapidly. Caldwell Partners International is now the latest to enter the fray, forming a partnership with Caliper, a research-based talent management consulting firm focused on assessment and leadership development. The agreement will integrate Caliper’s assessment and onboarding services into Caldwell Partners’ research-based executive search process
