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The Rise of Authentic Leadership
For years, professionals have felt compelled to separate their “work selves” from their “personal selves” in order to conform to strict corporate norms. But that’s beginning to change. Today, authentic leadership is what drives organizations to thrive, inspire, and retain great talent. It’s about authenticity and showing up as your true self, not just focusing
Taurean Opens Doors to Serve PE Sector
In private equity, the investment function looks remarkably similar across firms. But the portfolio-facing value creation function? That varies wildly – from model to model, firm to firm – with equally variable levels of success, durability, and impact. There’s no one right answer, but there are many wrong ones. For years, this didn’t matter much.
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.
Navigating Uncertainty: How Global Business Leaders Are Adapting to Disruption and Complexity
A Protiviti and North Carolina State University study of over 1,300 board leaders and C-suite executives from around the world, found disruption and ongoing economic uncertainty are among the top concerns of global business leaders today. The study shows that these external forces add to the growing complexity of business leadership. In addition, a report from Boardroom Insiders shows
MRINetwork Names President
MRINetwork, the executive search subsidiary of CDI Corp., has appointed Jill Albrinck as its new president. “Jill will drive a new phase of strategic growth for MRINetwork,” said Scott J. Freidheim, president and CEO of CDI Corp. “Jill’s leadership experience and track record of successfully growing businesses makes her the right person to leverage MRINetwork’s 50 years of innovation in talent solutions.”
D. Hilton Associates Recruits Marketing Head for East Idaho Credit Union
The Woodlands, TX-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates has placed Tracy McCord as vice president of marketing at East Idaho Credit Union. Ms. McCord comes to East Idaho C.U. from Mid Missouri Credit Union, where she most recently was SVP of marketing. Over 16 years, she served in multiple roles at Mid Missouri, including VP of marketing and marketing
HVS Executive Search Expands In Europe
Karl Schorman has joined HVS Executive Search as a director in Europe. He will be based in the firm’s London office. Mr. Schorman has over 25 years of experience in executive search in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries, across all management disciplines for hotel companies, restaurant chains, food service providers, hospitality & event caterers, and other
CHROs Undervalued by CEOs Despite Growing Influence
While boards consistently rank human capital as a top priority, two thirds of HR professionals believe the chief HR leader is undervalued by the CEO, this according to a just-released Harvey Nash ‘Human Resources Survey. The report tallies the views of 1,253 HR leaders from over 30 countries. Almost half believe the HR leader is considered less important
Egon Zehnder Recruits TGI Fridays CEO As Demand Soars for Sector ‘Visionaries’
Egon Zehnder has placed Robert Palleschi as president and chief executive officer of TGI Fridays. He replaces Nick Shepherd who stepped down from the company in October. Mr. Palleschi has spent the past 12 years at global hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide. He currently serves as global head of full service brands, where he oversees all franchise
Slayton Search Partners Adds Veteran Recruiter
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has added Kevin Duffy as an executive vice president. During his 25-year career in executive search, Mr. Duffy has focused on the consumer sector, partnering with retailers, multi-unit consumer service companies and consumer food and product manufacturers. He has filled the executive hiring needs of Fortune 500s, Fortune 50s, private equity portfolio
Carmon Group Lands President for Global Cleveland
Cleveland-headquartered executive search firm The Carmon Group has recruited Joe Cimperman as the next president of Global Cleveland. Chris Carmon, founder and president, led the assignment. Currently serving his seventh term and 18th year on the Cleveland City Council, Councilman Cimperman is a senior member of the body and highly regarded by his constituents. He currently represents Ward 3, one of the most
Major Lindsey & Africa Names Veteran Global Marketing Head
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Jennifer Silver as executive director and global head of marketing and communications. She will be based in the firm’s Boston office. In her new role, Ms. Silver will be responsible for the strategic marketing direction for both MLA and Allegis Partners, its sister company focused on executive search. She has
Companies Adapting to Candidate-Driven Job Market In 2016
Sixty-six percent of employers plan to hire additional staff in 2016, according to the ‘2016 Hiring Outlook: Strategies for Adapting to a Candidate-Driven Market’ report just released by The Execu | Search Group. The study is intended to provide insights into how companies can attract and retain talent and how they can effectively hire and manage their current employees on
Cejka Executive Search Strengthens Recruiting Team
Cejka Executive Search has added healthcare executive Joyce Tucker as an executive vice president responsible for senior-level healthcare search services and recruiting consultation. In her role, she will work in collaboration with healthcare boards and senior executives at healthcare organizations nationwide to assist them in acquiring senior talent. During her more than 30 years as a healthcare executive,
Heidrick to Search for Technology Chief
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Siluria Technologies to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Ed Dineen has announced he is stepping down from the CEO role. Erik Scher, currently executive vice president and company co-founder, is serving as interim CEO. Siluria Technologies is a San Francisco-based company which has developed methods for converting natural gas into products such
Ballinger | Leafblad Taps Director for Intermedia Arts As Non-Profit Sector Looks for Leaders
Executive search firm Ballinger|Leafblad has placed Eyenga Bokamba as the new executive director for Intermedia Arts. Ms. Bokamba will provide leadership to advance the organization’s mission to be a catalyst that builds understanding among people through art and will serve as chief development and fundraising officer. She comes to Intermedia from Sprockets, St. Paul’s nationally recognized out-of-school-time network, where she has
Amrop Names Six New Global Hires
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 83 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has made six new hires thought Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Murat Ayberk has been appointed as a senior consultant in Vienna. He has a long track record in the telecommunications sector as a
More Companies Using Social Media to Reject Job Candidates
More than one-third of companies have disqualified a job candidate in the past year because of concerns about information found on public social media or an online search, according to survey results just released by the Society for Human Resource Management. Candidates were disqualified for illegal activity and discrepancies with job applications, among other reasons. However,
Benchmark Expands Board Director Practice As Hunt for Cyber Security Leaders Intensifies
Benchmark Executive Search has launched a newly expanded board of directors practice which will now serve Fortune 1000 clients. In coming months, the firm will be adding new recruiting consultants to the practice group. Founded by Jeremy King eight years ago, Benchmark focuses on helping startups, emerging growth and mid-cap companies recruit leaders with government or private/public sector
Witt/Kieffer Recruits CEO for International Association of Fairs and Expositions
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has placed Marla Calico as president and chief executive officer of International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Past IAFE CEO Jim Tucker had announced his retirement after 15 years at the helm. Jennifer Biehn, a consultant in Witt/Kieffer’s not-for-profit practice, and Gregory R. Santore, principal and sports leadership practice leader, led the search. IAFE sought a leader who appreciates
CES Partners Retained by CAHME to Lead CEO Search
Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners, Ltd. has been selected by the Washington, D.C., area Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made by Daniel J. West Jr., PhD, chair of the CAHME board of directors, following the notice that current
TRANSEARCH Expands In the Middle East
TRANSEARCH International has added Vanessa Fisk and Jack Khabbaz to its Middle East team as search consultants. Ms. Fisk, who joins TRANSEARCH in Dubai, has extensive experience across the financial services sector, holding a variety of C-suite positions in a number of global institutions in both advanced financial centers as well as emerging and underdeveloped markets. She is also an
Employers Remain Confident on Hiring Plans for 2016
U.S. employers remain confident in their hiring plans as they embark on a new year, with 36 percent of employers planning to add full-time, permanent employees in 2016, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. Nearly half of employers (47 percent) plan to hire temporary or contract workers. Workers can also expect to see higher starting salaries,
Curry College Taps Isaacson, Miller for CHRO Search
Curry College has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vice president Alan Wichlei is leading the search with managing associate Liz Vago. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the college’s senior leadership team, the CHRO will implement an innovative and comprehensive HR program and systems.
Egon Zehnder Appoints Boston Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Lisa Blais as leader of the firm’s Boston office. She is assuming the role from Jamie Satterthwaite, who has led the office for the past five years and oversaw significant growth for Zehnder in the New England market. Ms. Blais has served as head of the firm’s North American industrial practice, where
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paul Wiedefeld as general manager and chief executive officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Managing director Patrick Friel led the search. Mr. Wiedefeld brings to the WMATA 30 years of public and private sector transportation management experience, formerly serving as CEO of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where
Kincannon & Reed Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Alan Temple as a managing director where he will serve clients in the produce and food sectors. Mr. Temple’s background includes a two decade long career with B&W Quality Growers, Inc., a producer and distributor of branded and wholesale leafy greens with international distribution. As president and CEO of
2015 Was Second-Best Year for Hiring Since 1999
The labor market continued to grow at a healthy pace in December as employers added 292,000 jobs and the U.S. unemployment rate remained at five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently there are 7.9 million people unemployed in the U.S. For the year, total job growth totaled 2.7 million, the second-best year
SR Group Acquires Maximum Management Corp.
London-based specialist recruiter The SR Group has acquired Maximum Management Corporation (MMC), a boutique HR recruitment firm based in New York. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition gives SR Group its first office in the U.S. and complements global offices in the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. As well as expanding the
Polachi Taps CFO for NewStore
Executive recruiter Polachi Inc. has placed Joel Abdinoor as chief financial officer of NewStore, Inc. He will oversee finance and operations while working across the organization to optimize the business for growth. Charley Polachi, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Abdinoor is an experienced leader in building, restructuring, transforming and increasing the profitability of companies in a diverse
ZRG Partners Expands Industrial Search Practice
ZRG Partners has added Leslie Sharp as a managing director and member of the firm’s industrial recruiting practice. She brings expertise in the utilities and energy sectors. Ms. Sharp brings more than 15 years of executive search experience to ZRG. For the past six years, she has been supporting clients in the sector as practice leader,
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Energy / Natural Resources Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded its Houston office with the appointments of Brian Bayne and Stuart Vardaman. They join the firm’s energy and natural resources search practice. In addition to serving in the energy and natural resources practice, Mr. Bayne will also serve as a member of the firm’s corporate officers practice. With more than 17 years of experience
Success In Recruiting Now Depends On Change and Innovation
A great shift is underway in the executive search field – and few industry professionals have witnessed more change than Steven B. Potter. As managing director of U.S. operations at Odgers Berndtson, the sixth largest international search firm, Steve has captained numerous C-suite and board director searches, with a special expertise in financial services. He
Caldwell Posts 13 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted first quarter revenues of $13.9 million (Canadian), up 12.7 percent from revenues of $12.4 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 22.5 percent, while Canadian revenues dipped 20.8 percent. “Despite absolute revenue growth, we are disappointed in our first quarter results,” said CEO John Wallace. “Our revenue was
CarterBaldwin Recruits VP HR for Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Jim Matte as vice president of human resources for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated. Managing partner David Clapp led the search. Based in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. Mr. Matte has 25-plus years of experience in human resources leadership and labor law. At Coca-Cola Consolidated he will have responsibility







