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The Hidden Driver of Great Teams Isn’t Strategy—It’s Responsiveness
When people think about what makes a strong team, they often focus on strategy, talent, or experience. But one of the most effective ways to create a reliable, connected team is by focusing on something much smaller: response time, according to a recent report from The Bridger Group, a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
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.
Women’s Representation in the C-Suites Declines as Gender Parity Remains Elusive
In March of 2024, S&P Global published an alarming report: for the first time in two decades, C-suite women lost seats in the S&P Total Market Index. In 2022, women held 12.2 percent of the 15,000 C-suite positions across publicly traded U.S. firms. However, this regressed to just 11.8 percent by the end of 2023. While
Core-Asset Consulting Selected as Recruitment Partner by Kiltearn Partners
Boutique financial executive search firm Core-Asset Consulting has been appointed by Kiltearn Partners, a global equity asset manager, as its sole recruitment partner. Last year, the executive recruiter signed a similar agreement with Alliance Trust. The partnership gives Kiltearn Partners access to Core-Asset’s existing recruitment infrastructure, as well as additional specialist support including HR advisory services, candidate
Modern Day CHRO: Consigliere to the CEO
The role of the chief human resource officer (CHRO) has changed dramatically over the years. Once a mid-level staff position, the head of human resources today sits at the elbow of the CEO and maintains one of the most influential positions within senior management. But finding the right chief human resources officer (CHRO) can be
Apollo Theater Turns to Phillips Oppenheim for Executive Producer
Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm dedicated to the non-profit sector, has been selected by the Apollo Theater to lead in its search for a new executive producer. Executive search consultant Sandi Haynes is leading the search. Reporting to the Apollo’s president and CEO, the executive producer will continue to be the primary steward of the Apollo’s artistic vision,
NorthWind Partners Recruits CTO for Emergency Communications Network
NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on recruiting talent for the private equity sector, has placed Michael Ely as chief technology officer of the Emergency Communications Network (ECN). Managing partner Mark HuYoung, who leads the firm’s private equity practice, along with Patrick Gray — partner and aerospace, defense and industrial sector practice leader — and Hunter
Boyden Expands U.K. Industrial Practice
Executive search firm Boyden has added Andrew Mann and James Twiston-Davies in the U.K. as partners in its industrial practice. Previously, Mr. Mann led the EMEA and Americas regions for Gerard Daniels, a boutique search firm focused on the natural resources and primary industries sectors. In his eight years in this role, he worked for large and small clients
Valerie Frederickson & Co. Names Partners; Rebrands as Frederickson Pribula Li
Valerie Frederickson & Company, a global HR executive search and consulting firm based in Silicon Valley, has named Mathilde Pribula and Michele Li as partners and rebranded as Frederickson Pribula Li. The firm serves as an executive search partner to venture capitalists, private equity funds, and founders in key technology growth markets that include software,
Competition for Talent Expected to Tighten In 2016
Many companies in growth mode have been focusing on key strategic hires to support their expansion in 2015. But while an average of 230,000 new jobs were created monthly this year in the overall labor market, the hiring process has slowed in the executive, managerial and professional sector, according to new data from the latest ‘Recruiter Sentiment
Herbert Mines Recruits COO for Kohl’s
Herbert Mines Associates has placed Sona Chawla as chief operating officer of Kohl’s. Ms. Chawla now gets in line as a viable choice to become the company’s next CEO. Kohl’s is a specialty department store with 1,166 stores in 49 states. “The search for this role has been exhaustive and dynamic,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, CEO and president. “As
Odgers Berndtson Launches Financial Services Practice in Australia
Odgers Berndtson has launched a dedicated financial services practice in Australia as the firm continues to expand its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The new practice will be led by former CTPartners’ recruiters Lynn Muirhead and Jules Orpin. “We are excited to announce the launch of our financial services practice with the appointment of two of
Jorgenson Consulting Recruits CEO for Pasco Economic Development Council
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Jorgenson Consulting has recruited William C. Cronin as president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council. He will succeed John Hagen, who served in that capacity since January 2010. Todd Jorgenson, managing director of Jorgenson Consulting, began the search in April. Mr. Cronin’s 25-year career has spanned across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
Top Gun Ventures Names West Coast Leader
Recruiting firm Top Gun Ventures has added Ralph Young as partner and executive in charge of its West Coast search practice. Mr. Young has a background in a variety of vertical markets at Microsoft, including executive leadership positions within multi-billion dollar business units (vice president of both worldwide communications sector and worldwide public sector). Previously, he was president, strategic business
Hunt Scanlon Releases New Trends Report on Executive Recruiting
After an intensive 15-month review of more than 3,000 executive recruiters across the U.S., Europe and Asia, Hunt Scanlon Media has just released its executive report tracking developments in the field. “The recruiting sector is now in its golden age,” said Scott A. Scanlon, founding chairman and the report’s editor-in-chief. “The entire talent industry is at an
Baylor College of Medicine Taps Allen Austin for CIO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has been selected by Baylor College of Medicine to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Leading the assignment are chief executive officer Rob Andrews, managing partner Jim Thompson, and senior partner Brian Johnston. Baylor College of Medicine, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, is a health sciences university. It
Hanover Search Group Adds Senior Consultant
London-based Hanover Search Group (HSG) has named Harry Bromacombe as a senior consultant. He will initially focus on senior and strategic finance and accounting assignments across the U.K. insurance and asset management sectors. During his career he has placed a number of senior hires across the insurance and investment management markets at head of finance, CFO
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Leader for Barack Obama Foundation
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has placed Michael A. Strautmanis as vice president of civic engagement for The Barack Obama Foundation. He will be tasked with developing and leading the execution of outreach efforts and civic engagement relating to the work of The Foundation. Mr. Strautmanis was selected from a pool of candidates and was
Burke • Gillis • Juliano Group Forms Executive Search Practice
Burke • Gillis • Juliano Group (BGJ), a management consulting firm focused on providing solutions for the extended retail value chain, has expanded its practice into executive search with the appointment of Len Okyn as senior search consultant. Mr. Okyn joins BGJ from Lawrence James Associates, where he was president and CEO in charge of managing
Do You Have a Chief Risk Officer Onboard? If Not, You Will Soon…
Despite worrisome breaches in recent years, corporate America has a limited grasp of the growing and continually evolving threat of cyber incursions. Massive security lapses have left companies vulnerable and seemingly defenseless. And the ever-expanding convergence of web, cloud, social, and mobile technology makes the dangers greater than ever. Most companies, according to Jeremy King,
Korn Ferry Recruits Leader for Massachusetts Convention Center
Korn Ferry has recruited David M. Gibbons as executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCAA). He becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over for James Rooney, who left it to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In his role, Mr. Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities,
Coulter Partners Expands In U.S.
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has named Elizabeth McCabe as executive vice president in Morristown, New Jersey. She joins the firm’s U.S. team, while further enhancing Coulter Partners’ international networks. Ms. McCabe joins the firm with a focus on C-level and VP-level assignments across a broad spectrum of functions, for early stage to well-established
Quick Leonard Kieffer Taps CEO for Providence Health Plan
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has placed Michael Cotton as chief executive officer of Providence Health Plan in Portland, OR, part of the integrated delivery system of Providence Health & Services. Mr. Cotton brings to the position over 25 years of diverse managed care and healthcare consulting experience, with a background in both operations and strategy. He
Kincannon & Reed Expands In Australia and New Zealand
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Phillip Osborne as a managing director in Australia / New Zealand. Mr. Osborne’s background includes CEO and CFO positions in the FMCG, beverage, food and food ingredients, and agribusiness sectors. In addition, he led turnarounds and recovery efforts on behalf of private equity firms and has consulted in the fields of genomic research, food
Despite Oil Price Declines, Recruiters Look to Middle East for Growth
Russell Reynolds Associates has opened a new office in Dubai. Stephan Schönwälder serves as managing director and area manager of the new location. The firm now has 46 offices in 26 countries. “Our firm was first in our industry to establish a Middle East practice,” said CEO Clarke Murphy. “Our Dubai office is another important step in the global
Advance Auto Parts Taps Spencer Stuart in CEO Hunt
Advance Auto Parts has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its hunt for a chief executive officer. The search will include internal and external candidates, including president George Sherman who has been appointed interim CEO, effective next month. The search process is being overseen by the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, which is comprised of committee chair Jeff
FARO Technologies Turns to Heidrick to Find Next CEO
FARO Technologies has retained Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Dr. Simon Raab, its chairman and co-founder, has been named interim president and CEO, effective immediately, following the resignation of Jay Freeland as president and CEO. “We believe Simon’s leadership through the transition period to a new CEO will provide more effective decision making across
Harvard Group Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has added two new members to its executive search team. Jeff Doyle, a veteran of the sports consulting and sponsorship sector, joins the firm’s International’s global sports & entertainment practice and will be leading a new practice in the brand marketing and agency space. He has extensive experience working with
Warren Partners Hires Former CTPartners Recruiter
Former CTPartners recruiter Laurence Vallaeys has joined executive search firm Warren Partners as a director where she will augment the firm’s capability in senior executive and non-executive recruitment in the FMCG, retail and leisure sectors. Ms. Vallaeys’s track record spans both executive and non-executive placements including chairs and CEOs. She has more than 20 years of experience in assisting board
New Complexities in Running a Global Search Brand
ZRG Partners represents a new breed of talent management provider – smaller, more intensely focused, with global reach. The firm’s CEO, Larry Hartmann, stands at the forefront of today’s leadership solutions industry, redefining a field once dominated by large, generalist players. Like its mid-sized rivals, ZRG Partners promises more attention to client’s needs and they
Gerry Roche to Retire from Legendary Career at Heidrick & Struggles
Gerard R. Roche, arguably the best known recruiter in the history of executive search, will announce later today his retirement from Heidrick & Struggles. Mr. Roche, 84, will officially step down at the end of the year and will retain the title of chairman emeritus. In a career spanning more than five decades, Mr. Roche specialized in CEO
Toyota Taps Diversified Search for Diversity Advisory Board Directors
Diversified Search has recruited Jyoti Chopra as a member of the North American diversity advisory board for Toyota Motor Corporation. Earlier this fall, Diversified placed Howard W. Buffett, a lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University, to the same board. Both searches were led by Patrick Prout, managing director with responsibility for the firm’s financial services practice.
DHR Adds Specialist Partner In Philadelphia
DHR International has added Kenneth Schwenke to the firm as a partner based in the firm’s Philadelphia office. He becomes a member of DHR’s board & CEO and human resources practice groups. Mr. Schwenke is an experienced consultant in finding executive talent, having conducted more than 400 searches for employers and clients across a wide range of industries and in
Eton Bridge Partners Expands Staff
Executive search and interim management partnership Eton Bridge Partners has made three new additions to its team. Ross Dawson joins the firm as a partner specializing in interim management within the business transformation practice. Ms. Dawson has over 10 years interim recruitment experience and specializes in executive level interim appointments within business transformation. She was previously a business
