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Stevenson Search Partners Recruits Chief Research and Development Officer for Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Leslie Meltzer as chief research and development officer at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Meltzer joins Apellis as a seasoned biopharma executive with demonstrated success in advancing innovative therapies from early discovery stages through
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief Operating Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Sandy Ma as chief operating officer. “Sandy has been at the heart of our growth—always bringing sharp strategy, a steady hand, and genuine care for the people she works with,” Riviera Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “In
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.
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
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?
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
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
Urgent Action Needed to Attract Talent in a Rapidly Changing World
Often the process of getting the right people employed into the right jobs at the right time to achieve operational objectives has lagged behind because the yearly budget process gets finalized too late. Today the pace of change in business, throughout the business year, has accelerated to such a speed that this approach severely affects
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
AMN Healthcare Services Finalizes Acquisition of B.E. Smith
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has completed its acquisition of healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith for $160 million in cash. The transaction is immediately accretive to AMN’s earnings and is structured to allow AMN to realize tax benefits having an estimated net present value of approximately $25 million. The purchase price is being
Heidrick & Struggles Names LA Office Leader
Carlos Garcia has been named head of the Los Angeles office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s supply chain & operations search practice and work with clients in its healthcare and life sciences practice sectors. Mr. Garcia recruits senior leaders in sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, distribution, customer service, and integrated supply chain areas. He joined Heidrick
More Workers Looking to Switch Jobs In 2016
More than one in five employees (21 percent) say they will leave their current employers in 2016, a five percent increase since last year (16 percent), according to a survey by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder. Among younger workers, the numbers are starker. Three in 10 employees ages 18 to 34 (30 percent) expect to
Allen Austin Launches Clean Tech Practice As Sector Demand and Funding Soar
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new power & clean technology practice. Managing partner Jim Thompson will lead the new practice and he will be joined by fellow managing partners Mary Campagnano and Gary Payne. Allen Austin’s new sector orientation will be focused on critical growth areas, including solar, wind, fuel cells, energy storage,
Diversified Search Taps President for Triple/S Dynamics
Diversified Search has recruited Chris Rippee as president of Triple/S Dynamics. The search was led by managing director Lauren E. Smith. Triple/S Dynamics, headquartered in Dallas, is a manufacturer of equipment for the process industries, including the Slipstick Horizontal Motion Conveyor and the Texas Shaker Vibrating Screen. It is part of the KMC Global group of companies. Mr. Rippee began his
Allegis Partners In Hunt for CHRO
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by Aleris Corporation to find its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in suburban Cleveland and will report to the president and chief executive officer of the company, Sean M. Stack. Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader (human resources), and Matt Healey, managing
Korn Ferry Expands Aerospace & Defense Search Practice
Korn Ferry has added John F. Weigold as senior client partner in its aerospace & defense practice. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Weigold currently serves as a reserve Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He focuses his efforts on the aerospace, defense, government and aviation sectors, and conducts specialized work in
Cleveland Browns Turn to Korn Ferry for Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns are the latest professional sports team using the services of an executive search firm, this time Korn Ferry, to find its next head coach. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, is heading the assignment. The new hire will be the 16th full time head coach in the organization’s franchise history. Mike Pettine was
Russell Reynolds Taps CEO for Zensar Technologies
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Sandeep Kishore as chief executive officer of India-headquartered Zensar Technologies, a provider of technology services to global clients in the manufacturing, retail and financial services verticals. It offers end-to-end capabilities in Oracle implementation and maintenance. Known as a results-driven, innovative leader, Mr. Kishore served as corporate vice president of life sciences healthcare and
Heidrick & Struggles Names Chicago Office Leader
Lyndon A. Taylor has been appointed head of the Chicago office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s financial services and CEO / board practices. Mr. Taylor rejoined Heidrick & Struggles in 2014. He had spent the previous decade at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he focused on C-level executive search and assessment assignments at
Catalyst Advisors Elects Partner; West Coast Office Expands With New Hires
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has named Sara Hagar as a partner. In addition, the firm has added Amy Bottoms as director and Steve Aeby as senior associate in its Los Angeles office. Ms. Hagar joined Catalyst in 2008 as a director in charge of recruiting board directors, CEOs and other senior executives for a range of biopharma
Erevena Adds Former CTPartners Recruiter as Senior Partner
Former CTPartners recruiter Lilian Poilpot has joined London-based executive search firm Erevena as a senior partner to further strengthen its European, Middle Eastern & African divisions. He specializes in telecommunications, information technology, consulting and private-equity or venture-backed companies. Mr. Poilpot joins Erevena from CTPartners where he led the firm’s technology, media and telecom service sector practices across the Middle East and North
Employees Confident Heading Into 2016
Fifty-eight percent of global employees believe the economic situation in their country will improve in 2016, according to the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor survey. Employees in Australia are the most positive (90 percent) while those in Chile and Greece are the least hopeful (35 percent and 19 percent, respectively). Although expectations are high, only 51 percent
Spencer Stuart Heading President Search for Emory University
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Emory University to lead its search for a new president. Current Emory president James W. Wagner has announced that he will step down from the presidency post at the end of August. He has led the school for more than a decade. “Following consideration of several highly respected search firms, the committee has selected Spencer
Calibre One Adds New Partner
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Diane McIntyre as a partner in its New York and Connecticut offices. The search was managed by Rochelle Schumer of R&L Associates. Ms. McIntyre has over 20 years of experience; she was a managing director at Ramsey/Beirne Associates (Kindred) for nine years, one of the leading internet and technology recruiting firms. She
Four Corners Group Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Bluewater Health
Executive search firm Four Corners Group has placed Shannon Landry as chief nursing officer of Bluewater Health. She takes over the top nursing post from Barb O’Neil in a search process that included 80 potential candidates. Ms. Landry most recently served as chief nursing officer at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. There she also held the roles of vice president of clinical and paramedical
Vered Consulting Launched by Former FiveTen Group CEO
Former FiveTen Group chief executive officer, John Rose, has launched U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Vered Consulting. Mr. Rose has spent the past 12 years in a variety of CEO positions, spanning a wide variety of business types from a private equity-backed group and U.K. AIM-listed company, through to the U.K. division of a NASDAQ-listed business. His
