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Kingsley Gate Launches IGNYTE AI
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has launched IGNYTE AI, a solution that combines proprietary AI technology with decades of executive search expertise. “IGNYTE AI disrupts the old trade-off between quality and speed,” said JL Baker, who leads IGNYTE AI. “We’ve developed IGNYTE AI to challenge traditional recruiting by combining our proprietary native AI platform with decades of executive
How Boards Can Identify and Develop the Right CEO Successors
Few decisions carry as much weight—or long-term consequence—as choosing the next chief executive. The process demands both strategic foresight and deep insight into the evolving demands of leadership. As organizations navigate disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating transformation, boards must balance continuity with the vision and agility required for the future. Boards face a significant
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.
Top 5 Hiring Trends for 2025
Whether you’re planning your talent acquisition goals or headcount forecasts, it helps to know the latest hiring trends. For instance, labor market dynamics shifted in employers’ favor in 2024, with workers more willing to remain in their current roles, strengthening talent retention, according to figures from LHH. But LHH’s research suggests this change in employee sentiment
Quick Leonard Kieffer Appoints Partner
Chicago-based executive recruiters Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Jake Barto as a partner. Mr. Barto has executed numerous senior level search assignments, assisting healthcare systems recruit chief executive officers as well as operational, financial, and clinical leaders. Among his clients: Trinity Health, Sanford Health, McLaren Health Care, and national & state associations, including ACHE and The Alabama Hospital Association. His career in executive
Executive Search Fallout from Brexit Could Run Wide and Deep
There’s a crisis slowly unfolding at executive search firms across London – especially for those with exposure to the financial services markets. But with globalization run amok, bringing with it all sorts of unforeseen challenges, the reverberations in the world’s second largest search market are also being felt as far away as Chicago and Los Angeles, home to the recruiting sector’s
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for The Aerospace Corporation
Spencer Stuart has recruited Steve Isakowitz as president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation. He will assume the position upon the retirement of Dr. Wanda Austin in October. Mr. Isakowitz served as president of Virgin Galactic from 2013 to 2016 and as its chief technology officer from 2011 to 2013. At Virgin Galactic, he
Pi Executive Recruits CMO for News America Marketing
Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Angelique Bellmer Krembs as chief marketing officer of News America Marketing (NAM), a marketer and influencer for online and offline shoppers in the U.S. and Canada. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by senior consultant Kimberly Bertuglia. Ms. Bellmer Krembs brings with her
Slone Partners Appoints CEO
Executive search firm Slone Partners has named Leslie Loveless as its new chief executive officer. She succeeds Adam Slone, who founded the firm in 2000. Mr. Slone will remain engaged with the firm, focusing specifically on strategy, finance, mergers and acquisitions, advisement and business development in Boston and California. Ms. Loveless joined Slone Partners in 2007
AIMS International Names EMEA Regional Leaders
AIMS International has appointed Grégoire Depeursinge, managing partner in Switzerland, as executive vice president with responsibility for the EMEA region. He succeeds Pierangelo Favero, who has held the position since 2013 and has recently been elected president of AIMS. For nearly 10 years, Mr. Depeursinge has served as global practice leader industrial, member global life sciences practice at AIMS. He has held senior
Wendy’s Chief People Officer Adopts Blended Recruiting Strategy
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers (CHRO) play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent as a key
The New York Pops Turns to Greenwich Harbor Partners for Board Directors
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Liz Ritzcovan as a member of the board of directors at The New York Pops. She is the sixth director to be placed on the Pops board by the Greenwich, Conn-based search firm. Ms. Ritzcovan has 20 years of work history increasing profits, building businesses and expanding client and partner bases for
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Korn Ferry’s board & CEO services practice has recruited Robert W. Cook as president and chief executive officer of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He succeeds Richard Ketchum, who served as chairman and CEO since 2009. Mr. Cook will join FINRA in the second half of this year from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he has served
Gerard Stewart Opens New Office In Menlo Park
Executive search firm Gerard Stewart has expanded its services on the West Coast with the opening of a new office in Menlo Park, CA. Sara Boyd has joined the firm to lead the new location as managing director. In addition to overseeing the Menlo Park business, Ms. Boyd will expand the firm’s search capabilities to include EVPs and
CurzonTrinitas Broadens Sector Coverage
Executive recruiters CurzonTrinitas has strengthened its staff with the addition of Robbie Paterson as a partner. Mr. Paterson previously served as partner and head of the renewable energy and utilities practice at Korn Ferry. In that role, he led the placement of CEOs, managing directors and other C-suite roles for businesses across the renewable energy, utilities
Ward Howell, Iconic Search Brand, Returns to U.S. Market
The Hershey Company, the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America with revenues of $8 billion and 22,000 global employees, has expanded its business relationship with executive search firm Ward Howell International. A significant portion of Ward Howell’s recruiting work for Hershey’s has been conducted on a global basis in some 25 far flung markets for more
Robinson Resource Group Recruits Executive Director for Folds of Honor Foundation
Executive search firm Robinson Resource Group has placed William Klinowski as president and executive director of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Managing director, Scott Robinson, led the search. Since its inception in 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has had the singular mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands Into Baltimore
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Randi S. Lewis as a director to launch and lead its Baltimore recruiting office. She will specialize in recruiting and placing law firm partners and associates within the Baltimore market and surrounding areas. In her new position, she also will focus on helping law firms with strategic practice acquisitions and planning. Ms. Lewis joins
Pedersen & Partners Names Consumer Products and Retail Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has added Jan Großmann to its German team as a client partner and head of consumer products and retail. Mr. Großmann brings a wealth of expertise to the firm, with more than three decades of substantial management and leadership experience in the executive search, FMCG, retail, and media industries, and
Recruiting Private School Leaders Growing Sector for Search Firms
Executive search firm Brigham Hill Consultancy has placed Dr. Sarah Pelmas as head of the Winsor School, a top 50 girls’ college prep school based in Boston. She succeeds Rachel Friis Stettler, who retired this month after 12 years of service in the position. The search was led by Brigham Hill founder Linc Eldredge and consultant Jessica
Arts Consulting Group Leading CEO Search for Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Dale Hedding, vice president at ACG, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and working in partnership with the principal conductor, the top post will likely
McDermott & Bull Names Retail Practice Head
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has named Stu Leibach as principal consultant and leader of its retail practice. Mr. Leibach has over 25 years of executive retail experience in both private and publicly held companies. He began his career as co-founder of eSpecialty Brands, based in Chicago, which he sold to a public company. After that,
David Barrett Partners Recruits First Chief Investment Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
David Barrett Partners, a boutique specialist search firm which recruits senior and C-level professionals for the investment and wealth management sector, has placed Jack Mahler as the first chief investment officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Bethesda, MD-based foundation had more than $3.65 billion in investment assets as of December 31, 2014, according to financial statements. Mr. Mahler most recently served as head of equities
Calibre One Expands In San Francisco
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich as vice presidents in its San Francisco offices. “Our selections of Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich were the results of extensive search efforts to find the right vice presidents to maintain our momentum as well as add significant insight and value to our
Boyden Adds HR Specialist In Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Boyden has added Tracy Grajewski as a partner in its Pittsburgh office. Ms. Grajewski previously founded Laurel Summit Insights, a consulting firm geared to the business needs of clients undergoing transformation. Before that, she served as senior vice president of human resources at integrated delivery insurer Highmark Health, where she led an
Mike Hammond Resigns as CEO of Sheffield Haworth
After presiding over a three-year rapid expansion at Sheffield Haworth, Michael Hammond resigned recently as its CEO, reportedly over strategic differences he had with the firm’s founding chairman, Tim Sheffield. His decision to leave was based fundamentally upon a disagreement over the valuation concerning a management buyout of the firm. Mr. Sheffield, chairman and now interim CEO,
Folger Shakespeare Library Taps Diversified Search for Chief Advancement Officer
Diversified Search has been retained by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead its search for a chief advancement officer (CAO). Managing director Gerard F. Cattie is heading the assignment. The Folger Shakespeare Library houses the world’s largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare. The library is home to a world renown collection that supports scholarship
CES Partners Recruits CEO for CAHME
Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners has placed Anthony Stanowski as president and chief executive officer of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Dr. Margaret Schulte recently retired as the organization’s president and CEO. Barry Cesafsky, CES Partners president and CEO, led the assignment. Most recently, Dr. Stanowski served as vice president of Applied Medical Software, where
DHR International Adds Financial Services Specialist
Executive search firm DHR International has added Patrick Slater as a partner in its financial services practice group. Mr. Slater has more than 30 years of experience, including the last 15 years in executive search. He has extensive experience developing and managing client relationships as well as executing senior level executive search assignments. He serves clients in the banking,
Human Capital Group Opens Offices In Austin and Houston
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group has opened new offices in Austin and Houston, TX. Senior consultant Jon Schober has been appointed to lead the Austin office while senior consultant Mike Blake will guide the efforts for the firm in Houston. Mr. Schober has more than 20 years’ experience inside the technology industry and brings large merger and acquisitions experience.
Allen Austin Breaks Ground In Cuban Executive Search Market
Executive search firm Allen Austin has expanded into the Cuban market and assigned search consultants Manuel Corsino and Clement Wigger to lead the firm’s growth in the region. In anticipation of Cuba experiencing robust growth in technology, telecommunications and tourism, Allen Austin’s Latin American search practice is partnering with global companies that are establishing their footprint on the
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading CEO Search for World Education Australia
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by World Education Australia Limited (WEAL) to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The new CEO will replace the group’s founder Guy Winship, who is retiring from his role. Managing director Heidi Mason is the point person for Russell Reynolds. The organization’s CEO is responsible for strategy, business development, operations,
Seiden Krieger Search Underway to Find Board Directors for Covisint
Executive search firm Seiden Krieger Associates has been chosen by publicly traded Covisint Corporation to identify qualified candidates to serve as independent members of its board. “While Covisint has a strong board of directors composed of highly-qualified directors who are proven leaders with solid expertise in a variety of areas that are critical to the
Lois L. Lindauer Names Chief Operating Officer
Executive search firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its chief operating officer. With over 20 years of senior level development experience, Ms. Taft is widely known throughout the profession as a strategic visionary and creative innovator. She will play a key leadership role at LLLS, reporting directly to CEO Lois L. Lindauer. She
An Inside Look at Recruiting In the Global Payments and Big Data Sector
Many executive recruiters work in well-defined and traditional business sectors which have attracted thousands of qualified consultants over the years. But with the advent of technology and its continual expansion, new sectors have emerged that are as much of the organization fabric as any others. One such area is the payments and digital sector. It
