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Powering Growth Through Precision Dealmaking
In an era defined by rapid consolidation and strategic reinvention, precision dealmaking has emerged as the driving force behind growth in the executive search industry. As firms navigate shifting market dynamics, many are turning to mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships to expand capabilities, unlock liquidity, and gain competitive advantage. The most forward-thinking leaders are
The C-Suite in the Age of Machines
As technology continues to redefine industries, the very concept of leadership is being rewritten. The rise of automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making has shifted the focus from managing processes to leading through complexity and change. Organizations are no longer just seeking executives who can deliver results—they need leaders who can balance digital transformation with human
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.
15 Signs Your CEO is Underperforming
When a board begins to sense that their CEO is underperforming, it’s crucial to mitigate risks associated with CEO transitions and position the organization for continued success as soon as possible. However, sensing underperformance can be delicate and challenging, given indicators are often initially nuanced before they require urgent action, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates’
Polachi Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for ViralGains
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Julie Ginches as chief marketing officer of ViralGains, a leader in consumer-centric video distribution. Managing director Peter Polachi led the search. As a chief marketing officer with over 20 years of marketing experience, Ms. Ginches is recognized as an innovative digital change agent with a proven track for creating world class brands
NGS Global Opens New Office In Istanbul
Executive search firm NGS Global has opened a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. Can Onen will serve as managing partner of the new location. Mr. Onen has extensive experience conducting C-level and senior leadership search assignments for global and domestic companies from a broad range of industries, including energy, advanced technology, telecom, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, automotive and
Living Longer With Better Quality and the Right People
To say the healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth and sweeping change would be an understatement. To meet these challenges, healthcare companies desperately need top flight talent. In the process, they (like everyone else) are grappling with which route is best: looking to the largest search providers with the most extensive global reach or turning
Women’s Cybersecurity and Risk Management Forum Partners With (ISC)2
Alta Associates and The Executive Women’s Forum on Information Security, Risk Management & Privacy (EWF) has formed a partnership with The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. The alliance aims to provide insights that will highlight cybersecurity workforce trends, explore the role of women in cybersecurity and shape policy decisions in enterprise, government, and higher education. (ISC)2
Russell Reynolds Associates Conducting C-Suite Searches for Cambridge Teaching Hospital
Russell Reynolds Associates has been tapped by internationally renowned teaching hospital Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to find a new chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Cambridge University Hospitals is one of the leading teaching hospitals in the U.K., recognized as a center of excellence and innovation. With an income of more than $900
Montclair Public Library Turns to Bradbury Miller to Find Next Leader
Executive search firm Bradbury Miller Associates, formerly known as Gossage Sager Associates, has been retained by the Montclair Public Library to find a new director. David Hinkley has informed the board of directors that he will be retiring at the end of the year. Dan Bradbury, Bradbury Miller managing partner, is leading the search. His firm placed Mr. Hinkley into
Frazer Jones Appoints Head of HR Recruitment for North Asia
Executive search firm Frazer Jones, part of The SR Group, has named Michelle Jackson as head of HR recruitment for North Asia. Based in the firm’s Hong Kong office, she will be focused on building the Frazer Jones brand throughout the region. Ms. Jackson has strong experience placing senior HR executives – typically up through Asia Pacific
Boyden Continues Pittsburgh Expansion
Executive search firm Boyden has added Gary Claus as a partner in its Pittsburgh office. Mr. Claus is well known for his expertise in financial and professional services recruiting. Most recently, he served eight years as a managing director with Jade Group LLC, an executive search and consulting firm specializing in assignments for senior level executives
Analytic and Assessment Tools Gain Traction Among Headhunters
Search firms continue to expand into new areas whether it be via acquisition, alliance or launching new services. The trend has been seen at large recruiters and small boutiques alike as recruiters hope to provide clients with best-in-class services for finding, assessing, onboarding and retaining their senior level talent. The latest meeting of the minds?
Diversified Search Acquires Life Sciences Specialist BioQuest
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive search firms in the U.S., has acquired San Francisco-based BioQuest, a recruiting boutique specialist serving healthcare innovators in the life sciences market. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Under the terms of the agreement, BioQuest will operate as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary within Diversified
FelCor Taps Spencer Stuart to Lead Its CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has been retained by FelCor Lodging Trust Incorporated to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Richard A. Smith, the company’s former president and CEO, has retired. Troy A. Pentecost, FelCor’s long-time chief operating officer and a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has been appointed to the additional positions of president and interim
Taylor Winfield Recruits President and CEO for Farm Foundation
Executive search firm Taylor Winfield has placed Constance Cullman as president and chief executive officer of Farm Foundation. Ms. Cullman will be the seventh leader to serve as president since the organization was founded in 1933. She succeeds Neilson Conklin, who has served as president since 2008. In 2015, Mr. Conklin announced his plans to retire. Previously, Ms. Cullman
IMD International Adds Member Firms in Palo Alto and London
IMD International Search Group has added Palo Alto, CA-based Fortra Executive Search and London-headquartered Hill Coates Associates as its newest member firms. Fortra Executive Search is a boutique firm specialized in the specific niche of the venture-funded and private equity technology market in San Francisco. Andy Grosso, who has a background of 11 years in executive search and
In a Three Generational Workforce, Baby Boomers Provide the Backbone
Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are still some the most motivated and driven members of the workforce, according to a newly released survey by the Futurestep division of Korn Ferry. Interestingly, the survey revealed that Baby Boomers will be working for far longer following the global recession. As a result, businesses should
University of Arizona Taps R. William Funk to Recruit Next President
Executive search firm R. William Funk & Associates has been selected by the University of Arizona to finds its next president. The board of regents has previously announced UA president Ann Weaver Hart’s decision not to seek an extension to her current contract as president. Recruiting firm founder and president R. William Funk will lead the assignment. His
ON Partners Recruits Director to ADTRAN
Executive search firm ON Partners has recruited Jacqueline Hourigan Rice as a new member of the board of directors at NASDAQ-listed ADTRAN, Inc. Partner Matthew A. Mooney led the search on behalf of ON Partners. Ms. Hourigan Rice is executive vice president and chief risk & compliance officer at Target. At Target, she is responsible for managing enterprise and vendor risk, corporate security
Kingfisher Talent Launched to Serve Life Science Companies
Kingfisher Talent has been launched to provide executive search services to life sciences companies in Massachusetts. The company is a Boston-based consortium of six luminaries who are experts in their respective fields. Leading the team is Lucy Watson-Baker, an executive search veteran in the life sciences industry. Ms. Watson-Baker has worked in executive search and talent acquisition for over 15 years. She was previously a
Conroy Ross Partners Names Toronto Managing Partner
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has named Peter Zukow as managing partner of its Toronto office. Mr. Zukow brings to the firm over 20 years of executive search experience recruiting senior talent to a wide cross section of industries, including consumer goods, retail, industrial, pharma / biotech, insurance, and financial services. Previously, he served as
Top Hurdles for Finding and Retaining Top Talent
Low pay is the top reason why applicants turn down jobs, while lack of advancement opportunities is the main reason employees leave jobs, according to a just-released survey of businesses released by Express Employment Professionals. The report was designed to reveal the hurdles that stop applicants from accepting jobs, as well as the top reasons employees
Heidrick & Struggles Begins CEO Successor Search for Ruby Tuesday
The board of directors of Ruby Tuesday has retained Heidrick & Struggles to begin a search for a permanent president and CEO, following the resignation of James J. “JJ” Buettgen. The company has appointed F. Lane Cardwell Jr. as interim president and CEO while the search is being conducted. According to industry sources, the board called
Korn Ferry Names Financial Services Sector Leaders
Korn Ferry has made multiple leadership moves within its global financial services practice. Eric Pikus, who previously served as the firm’s sector leader for asset management as well as consumer and commercial banking in its New York office, will now serve as head of North America, global financial market for the firm. Throughout his career, Mr.
Caldwell Partners Recruits CFO for Academic Partnerships
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has placed Jeff Dawson as chief financial officer of Dallas-headquartered Academic Partnerships. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, head of Caldwell Partners’ private equity and venture capital recruiting practice, led the search. Mr. Dawson comes to Academic Partnerships after more than eight years with Match.com where he held multiple leadership positions. Mostly recently, he was CFO of dating at Match and just
Witt/Kieffer Appoints IT Practice Co-Leaders
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has named principals Hillary Ross and Chris Wierz as co-leaders of its information technology practice. Ms. Ross, based in Oak Brook, IL, is an experienced healthcare information technology executive search consultant. She specializes in the recruitment of senior level physicians and other clinicians, and conducts searches for chief medical information officers and chief health informatics officers.
Finding Leaders to Inspire and Direct In the Digital Age
An explosive new recruiting mandate has been emerging for executive search consultants keen on offering innovative expertise to their clients and finding new avenues to growth: finding leaders who can inspire and direct companies in the digital age. It is the latest directive to be placed in the lap of executive recruiters by companies eager to
Korn Ferry In Hunt for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation CEO
Korn Ferry has been retained by the influential Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey has headed the $10 billion private foundation since 2003. Established in 1972, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the largest U.S. philanthropy focused solely on health. The foundation’s goal, through the
Egon Zehnder Recruits CEO for Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Egon Zehnder has recruited Olivier Chavy as chief executive officer of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Jean-Gabriel Pérès had previously announced his intention to retire after 17 years of leadership. The company sought a new CEO that could “drive value-accretive initiatives” which include the development of commercial activities and the delivery of system integration, enhanced distribution and active yield management, according
TRANSEARCH Opens New Offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town
TRANSEARCH International has opened two offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Johannesburg team is headed up by Zinhle Matentji, who will serve as chief executive officer of the new location. She has a strong focus on financial services, consumer, retail, petrochemical, logistics /supply chain, mining and chemicals. With over 16 years of experience in the executive
Chief Marketing Officers Gaining Momentum As Business Game Changers
Many view Amazon as the most recent talent raiding case in point. The company is seen as a breeding ground for innovative talent — and hanging on to people has created a logistical nightmare for Jeff Bezos, the company’s CEO. In one recent raid, Chicago-based DHR International lured Amazon’s head of worldwide mass and brand marketing to sports
CEO Outlook Shows Moderate Hiring Heading Into the Elections
CEOs expect roughly unchanged plans for hiring and nearly flat plans for capital spending in the third quarter of 2016, according to the recently released Business Roundtable ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey.’ Overall, the results suggest that the American economy is likely to continue to experience lackluster growth, although moderate expansion has been reported by other less
Diversified Search Recruits President for March of Dimes Foundation
Executive search firm Diversified Search has placed Stacey D. Stewart as president of the March of Dimes Foundation. She becomes the organization’s first black president. The search was led by Andrew Wheeler, managing director and practice leader of the firm’s education and not-for-profit practice. The search was a six month long process of seeking input from senior management, volunteers, donors and other key
Norman Broadbent Receives Funding and Plans Expansion
U.K.-headquartered executive recruiter Norman Broadbent has raised more than $3 million from new and existing equity investors to fuel future growth plans. The investment comes from a range of high profile investors, including Miton and City Financial Investment. Backing was also secured from existing investors, including Jon Moulton (a substantial shareholder of the firm), Downing LLP and Ennismore
