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Allen Austin Recruits CHRO for Stress Engineering Services
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has helped to recruit Michelle Howison as the new chief human resources officer at Stress Engineering Services, Inc. The search was led by Edie Bartlett and Liz Townsend. Ms. Howison brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience, with a proven track record in M&A integration, organizational development, and building high-performing
CarterBaldwin Recruits President for Augusta Tech College
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kendricks D. Hooker as the new president of Augusta Tech College. Partner Bill Peterson and associate partner Scott Tanksley led the assignment. “Dr. Hooker is an accomplished leader with a proven record of advancing student outcomes and building strong academic programs,” said Greg Dozier, commissioner of The Technical College System
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.
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search Today
Recruiting top talent today is more complex than ever. Return to work, the ban on non-competes, and the critical importance of company culture are changing the way we approach executive search. But these are not the only factors influencing recruiting practices, according to Alissa Henriksen, co-founder and co-president of Grey Search + Strategy. “More trends
PFM Executive Search Recruits CFO for Capital Regional District
PFM Executive Search has placed Nelson Chan as chief financial officer of Capital Regional District (CRD). In his new role, Mr. Chan will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the board of directors and the finance, audit, and investment committees of the board. Mr. Chan has experience in both the public
Allen Austin Names Global Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Allen Austin has added Paul Moran as managing partner and global technology practice leader. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership solutions servicing clients on a variety of projects across functions, including board selection, general management, professional services, sales, marketing, finance,
Contingent Workforce Continues to Expand Globally
New Zealand ranked as the highest-ranked country for contingent workforce operations in 2016, followed by Singapore and the Philippines, according to the fourth contingent workforce index (CWI) released by ManpowerGroup. The U.S. fell to sixth place from second on the list, and Canada dropped to seventh from third. The index measures and tracks the relative ease
Kensington International Names Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Kensington International has added David Shpiz as an executive vice president within its executive search division. Based in Chicago, he will lead the firm’s technology practice, focusing on private equity-backed companies. Mr. Shpiz was previously a partner at Kindred Partners, an executive search firm placing executives in high-growth technology companies. In addition to his Kindred experience, his
Spencer Stuart Recruits American Trucking Association’s Ninth President
Spencer Stuart has recruited Chris Spear as the ninth president of the American Trucking Association (ATA). He succeeds Bill Graves, who is retiring after more than 13 years with the organization. Mr. Spear is currently vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Company and has a long career on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, as well
CarterBaldwin Taps Leader for Young Life
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Newton Crenshaw as president of Colorado Springs, CO-based Young Life. The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. Mr. Crenshaw is an accomplished leader with a 30-year history of delivering business results, most recently as the vice president of oncology commercial operations / business development / payer at Eli Lilly and Company.
Why Russia Remains a Risk Environment for Search Firms
Executive search firm Boyden has added Moscow-headquartered Zoom Executive Search as part of the firm’s strategy for growth in EMEA and globally. A team of 11 search professionals will join Boyden as part of the firm’s expansion, benefiting clients in Russia and across EMEA. Zoom / Boyden Russia’s new team will be led by managing partners Olga
American Companies Eager to Hire As Second Half of 2016 Kicks In
Hiring managers in the U.S. are prepared to hire more professionals in the year ahead, but the current recruitment environment won’t make their job easy. Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of hiring managers intend to hire more professionals in the next six months, according to the semi-annual hiring survey by DHI Group, a provider of data, insights
The Onstott Group Assists A.I.M. Mutual Insurance In Board Search
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has assisted A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies in the recruitment of Leslie E. Greis to serve on the company’s board of directors. Joe Onstott, managing director, led the assignment. Ms. Greis is the founder and managing member of Perennial Capital Advisors, LLC, an investment firm specializing in evaluating and investing in private real estate strategies worldwide
ManpowerGroup Posts Modest Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5 billion, a three percent increase from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The company’s performance missed Wall Street forecasts which had expected $5.06 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 earnings
Polachi Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ViralGains
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Cindy Brown as chief revenue officer of ViralGains, a leader in consumer-centric video distribution. As CRO, Ms. Brown will be responsible for driving ViralGains’ business in the $16 billion online video advertising market. She brings an extremely strong and diverse background to her role at ViralGains, from high growth
The Coming of Age of the CHRO
There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently about the expanding role of the CHRO, not all of it complementary. So I decided to seek an objective view from Mark Oppenheimer (pictured), chief commercial & innovation officer at leadership advisory and executive search firm Marlin Hawk. Based in New York, Mark engages
Why Universities Have Stepped Up Efforts to Involve Search Firms
Using a search firm to recruit a new president or provost today can cost colleges nearly $100,000 or more in recruiting fees. So, is it worth bringing in outside agencies to help? Research compiled by James Finkelstein, a public policy professor at George Mason University, estimates that fees called for under executive search firm contracts
JM Search Appoints New Partner In Chicago
Executive search firm JM Search has named Gil Stenholm as a partner in its Chicago office. He brings significant executive search and consulting experience to JM Search, having spent 33 years with Spencer Stuart and four years with Booz Allen Hamilton. During his tenure at Spencer Stuart, Mr. Stenholm founded and co-led the firm’s consumer goods
Kaplan Partners Recruits CEO for Mascoma Savings Bank
Executive search firm Kaplan Partners has placed Clayton Adams as president and chief executive officer of Mascoma Savings Bank. He will succeed current president and CEO Stephen F. Christy upon his year-end retirement following nearly 27 years in the leadership role. The announcement of Mr. Christy’s successor follows an intensive six-month search led by Mascoma’s board
WinterWyman Recruits Talent Acquisition Leader for OSRAM Sylvania
Executive search firm WinterWyman has recruited George Ravalico as director of talent acquisition of OSRAM Sylvania. Managing director and senior vice president Beverly Morgan led the search. This is the fifth HR leader WinterWyman has recruited for OSRAM. In his new role, Mr. Ravalico is responsible for building, leading and maximizing a strategic, collaborative talent acquisition function
Alexander Hughes Establishes Joint Venture In Iran
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has partnered with IranianOffice to form a joint venture based in Tehran. Shayan Shadfar and Christophe Laurent-Atthalin are managing the new joint operation. IranianOffice provides business intelligence and operational support for businesses with and in Iran. The scope of activities IranianOffice provides to its western and local clients ranges from business development to operational support
CEO Economic Outlook Shows Modest Improvement
CEO economic expectations for sales, capital expenditures and hiring have moved modestly upward, but GDP growth expectations have dipped, indicating the U.S. still has far to go to achieve sustained growth, according to the recently released Business Roundtable second quarter 2016 ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey.’ The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index — a composite of CEO projections
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Alion Science and Technology Corp.
Executive search firm NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has recruited Kevin L. Cook as chief financial officer of Alion Science and Technology Corporation. Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with partners Hunter Murray and Brian Thomas, led the search.
Nolan Partners Expands Into North America
London-headquartered executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded its operations to North America with the opening of offices in Los Angeles and New York and the appointment of Chad Biagini as managing director of North America. Founded in 2006, Nolan Partners is focused wholly and exclusively on working with clients in sports and related sectors. The firm has
Koya Leadership Partners Places Chief Development Officer at NRDC
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has recruited Anders Yang as chief development officer of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Leading an international team spanning all of NRDC’s offices, Mr. Yang will play a key role in galvanizing a new generation of funders while maintaining ties with the organization’s long standing donors. He will
Egon Zehnder Adds Financial Services Specialist In Chicago
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Egon Zehnder has added Donald Chae to its Chicago office as an executive recruitment and board search consultant. Mr. Chae focuses primarily on financial services, where his experience spans wealth management, asset management, retail banking, risk management and financial technology. He will also be active in the firm’s professional
What Diverse Candidates Look for From Employers
It comes as no surprise that employers are recognizing the value of an inclusive and diverse work environment — nor that the most forward-looking organizations view it as a leading competitive advantage when hiring from the entry level right up through to the C-suite. A diverse workplace, the argument goes, helps companies understand and meet
DHR Lands New CEO for New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm DHR International has recruited Gabriel van Aalst as president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO). James Abruzzo, managing partner of DHR’s global non-profit practice, led the search. Mr. van Aalst has performed in the Sydney Youth Orchestra (violin) from 2001 to 2006 and served on the board of that organization from 2004 to 2008. In 2004,
Korn Ferry Recruits CIO for Indiana Public Retirement System
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has placed Scott Davis as chief investment officer of The Indiana Public Retirement System. David Cooper, the organization’s previous CIO, left to become CIO of the $2.8 billion Purdue Research Foundation. Mr. Davis, a company insider, had been serving as the system’s deputy CIO and director of public
CPL Resources Launches Executive Search Division
CPL Resources, an Ireland-headquartered recruitment agency, has launched Ardlinn, an executive search firm dedicated to supporting the growing demand for corporate leaders within the Irish business sector. As one of 19 recruitment brands to come under the CPL global umbrella, Ardlinn will serve as a division of the company focused solely on executive recruiting for top
SmartRecruiters Receives $30 Million In Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised $30 million in series C financing, led by New York-based venture capital and private equity firm Insight Venture Partners. The company plans to leverage the additional capital to sustain its rapid growth, accelerate its global market presence, and continue to invest in its product footprint to serve the needs of the more
Employers Bounce Back By Adding 287,000 Jobs
Employers added 287,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of workers unemployed increased by 347,000 to 7.8 million. Economists surveyed by Reuters said they were, on average, expecting nonfarm payrolls to show growth of 175,000 for
Isaacson, Miller Recruits President for Central European University
Executive search firm Isaacson, Miller has recruited Dr. Michael Ignatieff as the fifth president of Central European University (CEU). He replaces John Shattuck who was also placed into position by the recruiting firm eight years ago. Chairman John Isaacson led the search with senior associate Katie Rockman. The University, according to documents, had been seeking candidates with intellectual gravitas,
Caldwell Partners Posts 6.7 Percent Revenue Decline
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted fiscal third quarter revenues of $13.8 million (Canadian), a 6.7 percent decrease from $14.8 million (Canadian) last year. In the U.S., third quarter professional fees edged down as declines in the number of assignments per partner more than offset increases in the average fee per assignment and the average
Toft Group Recruits CEO for Curetis
Executive search firm Toft Group has placed Christopher M. Bernard as president and chief executive officer of Curetis USA. Mr. Bernard joins Curetis with more than 22 years of diagnostics, biopharmaceutical and translational research industry experience, including roles in executive management, strategic development, product commercialization, marketing and sales. He previously served as chief commercial officer of Epic Sciences,
