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U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
HARTZ Search Seeking CFO for Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently tapped by Lake Charles Memorial Health System to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations across the health system. The
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
AC Lion Acquires Ampersand Talent Advisory
AC Lion, an executive recruitment firm focused on the digital and technology sectors, has acquired boutique search firm Ampersand Talent Advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition marks a significant step in AC Lion’s growth, bolstering its ability to recruit top creative and AI talent while expanding its capacity to place
Funk Associates at Closing Stages of President Search for Florida International University
Funk Associates is currently at the end stages of recruiting the seventh president for Florida International University (FIU). “Over the past several weeks, the presidential search committee has identified and interviewed candidates interested in becoming FIU’s seventh president,” Carlos A. Duart, chair, FIU presidential search committee; vice chair, FIU board of trustees, wrote in a letter
Krauthamer & Associates Assists AC Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salvador Llamas as the new general manager and CEO of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in Oakland, CA. He succeeds interim general manager Kathleen Kelly. Gregg A. Moser led the assignment. “Each finalist for the GM-CEO position demonstrated strong strategic leadership and vision,” said board president Diane
Developing a Strong Employer Brand to Attract Executive Leaders
In today’s highly competitive job market, having a strong employer brand is essential for drawing in and keeping top-tier talent. It boosts an organization’s attractiveness, lowers hiring expenses, and increases both employee retention and satisfaction. A new report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) explores building a powerful employer brand to secure high-quality executive talent, supported
Hiring Managers: A Unique Chance to Secure Top Insurance & Wealth Talent
As salary premiums decline, this is the ideal moment to build a stronger, future-ready team. The best talent in insurance and wealth management is more affordable than it has been in years—but not for long, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles.
Rudish Health Assists Novant Health with the Recruitment of Chief Revenue Officer
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health recently assisted in the recruitment of Heather Dunn as senior vice president and chief revenue officer of Novant Health in Winston-Salem, NC. In this role, she will lead Novant Health’s billing department, including financial assistance programs, interface with payors, and identify integration and strategic opportunities. “Heather
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking COO for Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained to lead the chief operating officer search for Deep South Today, a networked hub of non-profit newsrooms. Founder Sam Pettway, director Cynthia Moreland, and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. The inaugural COO will be a future-forward leader who can focus on the organization’s strategic priorities of geographic expansion,
Mercuri Urval Expands Search Staff
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of Anne Zhang as partner and director. “We’re thrilled to welcome Anne back to the MU family,” said Julia Larsen-Disney, director and team leader MU China. “Her extensive expertise in leadership and talent management, combined with her deep knowledge of the Greater China region, will
PitchBook Data Shows PE Outlook Is Shifting Fast
According to PitchBook’s Q1 2025 U.S. PE Breakdown Report, private equity entered the year with positive momentum. Deal activity totaled 2,263 transactions worth $259.7 billion, representing an 11.8 percent increase in volume and 36.1 percent increase in value year over year. Much of the quarter’s value was driven by large take-privates, notably Sycamore Partners’ $23.7 billion
McCormack+Kristel Retained by Equality Illinois to Lead CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been selected by Equality Illinois to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the Equality Illinois, Equality Illinois Institute, and the Equality Illinois PAC boards of directors, the CEO will develop, refine, and execute the organization’s long-term strategic vision, goals, and direction, ensuring alignment with Equality Illinois’ mission and
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with General Counsel Search
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stan McCoy as senior vice president and general counsel of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). “In an industry that depends on the protection of intellectual property to fuel future creativity and innovation, Stan’s extensive experience in government and industry is an immense asset to ESA,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president
SPMB Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for Salsify
Bianca Moreno and Rosalie Lovy of SPMB Executive Search recently placed Lisa Schrumpf as chief commercial officer of Salsify in Boston. “Lisa is a powerhouse commercial leader with deep expertise in scaling teams and driving revenue growth across both emerging and global-scale organizations,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re thrilled to have partnered on this exciting
Miramar Global Opens New Office in Dubai
U.K.-based Miramar Global Executive Search, which specializes in technology, science, engineering, automotive and natural resources, has opened a new office in Dubai. Ross Bailey, managing partner at Miramar Global will lead the development across the MENA region from the Dubai office. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for Miramar across the Middle East
Bullhorn Extends Partnership with ManpowerGroup
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has created an expanded partnership with global workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup to implement automation across 40 new markets over the next six years. This strategic move supports ManpowerGroup’s Diversification, Digitization, and Innovation (DDI) plan, enhancing the company’s ability to connect more people to meaningful work while improving service to its 100,000 clients worldwide.
Interim Executives in Demand for PE and VC Firms
In today’s high-velocity private equity and venture capital landscape, the pressure to deliver rapid, measurable results has elevated the role of executive interim leaders. Firms are increasingly prioritizing not just experience, but personality fit, as a decisive factor in navigating complex, fast-paced transformations. In the fast-paced world of PE and VC, timing is everything. The
Envision Consulting Retained by TreePeople for CEO Search
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has been retained by TreePeople to lead in its search for a new CEO. The incoming CEO will strive to advance environmental resilience while upholding principles of environmental equity. With a robust annual budget of $22 million and a dedicated team of 180 staff members, this leadership role is pivotal in steering TreePeople’s transformative
BarkerGilmore Appoints Strategic Advisor and Leadership Development Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named Edward Nekritz as a strategic advisor and leadership development coach. “Ed is one of the most respected legal minds in the REIT and real estate investment communities,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “His strategic acumen, global experience, and proven leadership in
Redefining CEO Selection in 2025: Navigating High-Stakes Transitions with Strategic Precision
CEO transitions are high-stakes moments that can shape a company’s future as the outcome can drastically affect financial performance, investor trust, employee engagement, and customer relationships. Several forces complicate CEO transitions, according to a new report from True Search’s Evan Grossman, Tim McDonald, and Caroline Lo. The study noted that continuing market volatility creates unease, forcing
WittKieffer Helps Recruit 22nd President for Rutgers University
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has assisted in the recruitment of renowned social scientist William F. Tate as the 22nd president of Rutgers University. Jonathan Holloway announced that he would step down on June 30, 2025. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Christine Pendleton led the assignment. Mr. Tate’s selection as president follows the efforts of a 20-member presidential search committee, which
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Director of Athletics for the University of Maryland
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of James Smith as its new Barry P. Gossett director of athletics for the University of Maryland. “We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold,” said Darryll J.
The Energists Fills Senior Position with Al-Rashed Group
Houston-based The Energists has helped Al-Rashed Group to recruit Andy Hendry to the role of managing director of the Oil & Gas Business, a cornerstone division within one of Kuwait’s most well-established diversified private enterprises. The search team comprised Jonathan Hill, Jerry D. Kurinsky, and Dipika Patel, who leaned on The Energists’ intrinsic global energy solutions network
Kingsley Gate Expands International Presence
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded its international presence with the additions of five new partners across key regions. Dan O’Donovan joins the firm’s Chicago office, Spencer Knibbe joins the New York office, Tatyana Freitas and Loreto Montoya strengthen the Latin American presence in São Paulo and Santiago respectively, while Alejandro Salazar-Simpson enhances the firm’s European
Human Capital as a Strategic Asset: Unlocking High-Performance Leadership in the C-Suite
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, human capital has become a true strategic asset. Organizations are realizing that successful leadership requires more than technical expertise — it demands a blend of measurable competencies and intangible qualities like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural alignment. High-performance leadership is now defined by the ability to drive innovation, inspire
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer for JPS Health Network
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the recruitment of TJ Grassetti as the vice president, chief strategy & business development officer of JPS Health Network. Mr. Grassetti joins JPS Health Network from Intermountain Healthcare, where he was most recently the region vice president of strategic partnerships. Prior to this, he was the
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer for Central New Mexico Community College
Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Chris Pendleton as the inaugural chief marketing officer of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “I’m thrilled to have Chris joining our CNM leadership team,” said Tracy Hartzler, president. “He has proven experience at leveraging modern marketing
Blair Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for the Pasadena Community Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has placed Khanh Russo as the new president and CEO of the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). He will succeed longtime leader Jennifer DeVoll starting on June 5. Following a nationwide search conducted by PCF’s executive search committee with support from Blair Search Partners, Mr. Russo was selected for his extensive background
Solomon Page Launches Clinical Physician Search
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has strengthened its service offerings within the healthcare & life sciences division with the addition of clinical physician search, a new specialty area for the firm. Solomon Page has also appointed Todd Martin as vice president of clinical physician search. “Todd’s arrival is a significant milestone in the evolution of
Rising to the Challenge: How HR Is Evolving to Meet a Complex World
This is arguably the most dynamic and transformative era in the history of human resources. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that human resources is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation and opportunity. There has never been a more exciting time in history to work in HR than now, according to Egon Zehnder’s Rafael Altavini. “The
Heidrick & Struggles Assists the MacArthur Foundation with Chief Investment Officer Search
According to recruiters specializing in the function, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and that demand is expected to soar in coming years. But recruiters say these roles can be generally difficult to develop and ultimately recruit for clients, given their multi-disciplinary and evolving nature. In fact, impact investing roles are new to
Cowen Partners Seeking CEO for United American Indian Involvement
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search was recently called in by United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Sam Torres, managing director, is leading the assignment. “In a period of evolving community needs and dynamic partnerships with tribal, city, county, state, and federal stakeholders, it is essential for UAII to
Rippling Secures $450 Million in Funding
Rippling, a provider of HR information system software, employer-of-record and other talent-related services, has secured $450 million in a series G funding round. The round values the company at $16.8 billion. The series G round includes financing from Elad Gil, Sands Capital, GIC, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Baillie Gifford and Y Combinator. The company also announced
