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Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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.
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
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?
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
HM Long Global Partners Merges With RSVP Group
HM Long Global Partners Ltd has merged with RSVP Group, a global boutique recruiting outfit that focuses exclusively on the life sciences and chemical sectors. The combined firms will give the newly-merged entity a broad global presence in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, Boston, Wiesbaden, Washington, D.C., Princeton, Austin, Shanghai and Singapore. “I am very excited to
Ithaca College Taps Spencer Stuart for Next President
Ithaca College has retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for its ninth president. Current president Tom Rochon will be retiring in July 2017. Heading the search will be Michele Haertel, who leads the higher education practice for Spencer Stuart, and consultant Mary Gorman. Their most recent searches include recruiting new presidents for Colgate University and Middlebury
Crist | Kolder In CFO Hunt for Myers Industries
Executive search firm Crist | Kolder Associates has been selected by Myers Industries to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Tom Kolder, president of Crist | Kolder Associates, is leading the assignment. Corporate secretary, EVP and CFO Greggory W. Branning has left the company to pursue other interests. Kevin Brackman, VP and Controller, will be acting
10 Traits of Transformational CEOs
Jeff Christian, CEO of RevenueNOW and head of executive search firm Jeff Christian & Co, has placed CEOs at HP, F5 Networks, Hyperion and many early stage start ups. As founder and CEO of Christian & Timbers (which later became CTPartners), Mr. Christian has enjoyed a storied career finding leaders throughout the technology sector. His focus today is
Employers Add Jobs In the U.S. As Workforce Expands
Employers added 215,000 jobs in March as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently, there are eight million people unemployed in the U.S. This report follows the addition of 242,000 jobs in February when the U.S. unemployment rate held at a low of 4.9
Options Group Names Chief Growth Officer
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has appointed Richard Stein to the newly created role of chief growth officer at the firm. As part of his expanded duties, Mr. Stein will develop and implement programs and management processes designed to accelerate Option Group’s revenue and profitability growth globally. Mr. Stein joined Options Group 18 months ago as a
Colby College Taps Opus Partners to Recruit CIO
Executive recruiting firm Opus Partners has been retained by Colby College to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Katie Dean, an Opus principal, is leading the assignment. Colby’s CIO will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of information technology planning, including program and policy development, managing key projects, and coordinating the delivery
Manhattan Resources Places Corporate Controller at Carlson Products
Houston-based executive search firm Manhattan Resources has placed Kirsten Vassalli as corporate controller at Carlson Products. Ms. Vassalli previously served as controller of Fabpro Orientated Polymers. Prior to that she served in a variety of roles at retail company Sheplers, Inc. and agricultural solutions provder AGCO Corporation. “Carlson Products is a unique company with a great story
Toft Group Opens In San Francisco
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has opened a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area to support continued growth and customer demand. The new office is strategically situated in South San Francisco, among neighboring biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies. According to
Scrambling for Cybersecurity Leaders is Big Business for Recruiters
In the mid-1990s, when Joyce Brocaglia took on her first assignment to help build an information security operation for Citibank, it was a very different world. No one knew how much the Internet would grow and ultimately transform society. Technology was more primitive. Data was less accessible. And the massive connectivity we now taken for
Employee Engagement at Critically Low Levels
A critical need exists to improve employee engagement, according to a new survey released by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry. The survey, which includes data from more than 7,500 business and HR leaders in 107 countries, found that across all leadership levels an average of only 36 percent of employees are “highly engaged.” The report
Association Strategies Recruits Association President
Executive search firm Association Strategies has placed Matthew E. Croson as president of The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). He is replacing Joe T. Franklin Jr., who is retiring in June after leading the organization for 25 years. Mr. Croson has more than two decades of leadership and communications experience in manufacturing trade associations and
Acertitude Lands General Counsel for Chassix
Executive search firm Acertitude has placed Iwona Niec Villaire as vice president and general counsel for Chassix, Inc. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, and supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. In her new role, Ms. Villaire will lead all legal affairs for the company and serve as member of the senior
eg.1 Opens First U.S. Office
London-headquartered executive recruiting firm eg.1 has opened is first office in the U.S., establishing a new location in New York City. The firm will be led by Victoria Gumbley, who will assume the title of vice president of North America. She will relocate from London to New York. The new office will bolster eg.1’s presence in North
Amrop Expands With Five New Partners
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 80 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the additions of five new partners to its global team of executive search consultants. The search consultant additions give Amrop broadening coverage in four countries: Denmark, Ecuador, Italy and Romania: Sandra de
Companies Lacking In Career Development & Succession Planning Efforts
Managers are ill-equipped to have career conversations with their direct reports, with nearly a third (31 percent) saying their organization doesn’t provide people management training for managers, this according to research released by global talent management provider Penna. When asked how satisfied they are with the level of career development they are receiving, employees gave only five
Russell Reynolds In Hunt for New Leader at Chautauqua Institution
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by The Chautauqua Institution to find its next president. Current president Tom Becker has announced he is retiring this fall after nearly 32 years of service. The non-profit adult education center and summer resort hopes to have a successor in place by then. The search will be led by Russell Reynolds
J. Gregory Coleman Group Fills HR Post for NLMK Group
Executive search firm The J. Gregory Coleman Group LLC has recruited Tom Taborek to lead HR for NLMK Group in the U.S. The search was conducted by Greg Coleman, managing principal, along with principal MaryAnne Denniston. This is a new position reporting to NLMK US president Bob Miller. Mr. Taborek is charged with building, implementing, branding and
TRANSEARCH Launches New European Office
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Strasbourg, France with the addition of consultants from Neuman & Partners France. Marie-Helene Sohler and Gonzalo de Pedro join TRANSEARCH as managing directors, along with their support team of executive search professionals. Ms. Sohler has been an executive search professional for the past 20 years and has a strong focus on
Shifting Demographics Creating New Opportunities for Senior Level Talent
In the not-too-distant past, the majority of CEO and board director roles were almost exclusively filled by white males. But changing social demographics have compelled companies to make drastic modifications to their leadership ranks, and to look more broadly at these seats of power. Today’s chief executives and directors are a growing mix of genders,
Job Motivators Are Changing; What Matters In Your Job Search?
Candidate motivations for changing jobs vary by geography and generation, according to a global study from ManpowerGroup Solutions, part of ManpowerGroup. The new white paper, “Below the Surface: Emerging Global Motivators and Job Search Preferences” reveals that “type of work” is now equal to “compensation” as a motivator for career decisions among candidates globally. So, while money
Collegiate Sports Associates Lands Head Coach for University of Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates has recruited Kevin Stallings as head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball program. He replaces Jamie Dixon, who left the Pitt Panthers to become head coach of his alma mater Texas Christian University, despite being under contract with Pitt until 2023. Mr. Stallings has compiled a 455-283 record
Egon Zehnder Names Dallas Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Arun Dhingra as head of the firm’s Dallas office. He assumes the role from Christopher Pfeiffer, who led the office over the past five years. “As head of the firm’s U.S. financial officers practice, Arun has helped dozens of public and private clients find the leaders they need to manage growth in
Radius Partners Recruits CEO for Scully Signal Company
Andover, MA-headquartered executive recruiting firm Radius Partners has placed Eric Kirleis as chief executive officer of Scully Signal Company. Co-founder Jim Poe led the search. “I am pleased to transition the full operational responsibilities to Eric and our new management team,” said Robert G. Scully, who has served as president and CEO since 1964. He
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners has added Paul Stefunek to its roster as a managing director. He will support the firm’s technology practice and serve as a member of the firm’s industrial and private equity team. Mr. Stefunek brings over 20 years of senior level search experience to this new role. Previously, he was a partner with DHR International and before that was chairman and managing partner of paul-lawrenceassociates. Earlier he was one
Motivating Leaders: Why Unlocking Their Potential Is Critical
According to a major new global study of senior executives by Egon Zehnder, mounting evidence shows optimal performance comes from the alignment of an executive’s personal values with an organization’s culture and the role’s responsibilities, yet few executives or organizations have made the adjustments necessary to take advantage of this synergy. The report, entitled “Leadership Identity
Habitat for Humanity Taps Miller Black for Chief People Officer
Executive search firm Miller Black Associates has recruited Andrea Carter as chief people officer of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. Managing director Joanna Miller (pictured) led the search. Ms. Carter most recently served as global vice president of human resources at Ralph Lauren, based in Greensboro, NC. She previously held senior HR positions with
Odgers Berndtson Launches In Houston
Odgers Berndtson has opened a Houston office with the addition of three new partners who will service the leadership needs of clients in the energy and industrial space. Jim Thompson, Gary Payne, and Mary Campagnano, all formerly managing partners at Allen Austin, have joined the firm in its new location. Mr. Thompson will serve U.S. industrial
Eastern Michigan University Turns to Witt/Kieffer for Chief Diversity Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Oliver Tomlin, a senior partner in Witt/Kieffer’s education and healthcare practices, is leading the search along with senior associate Jennifer Bauer. The chief diversity officer will serve as advisor to the president, administration, faculty, staff and students
Argyll Scott Adds Sales & Marketing Search Specialist
Executive search firm Argyll Scott has added sales and marketing specialist recruiter Bradley Feller as a director in its U.K. office. He will launch the new specialty practice for the firm. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, Mr. Feller worked for international recruiter Hudson for a decade before joining Hamilton Bradshaw. Most recently, he
Americans Uncertain About the Future of Work
Seventy four percent of employees are open to a new job – despite the fact that many of them are satisfied in their current one, according to the latest 2016 Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Study released by Jobvite. Thirty-nine percent of respondents report that it is more difficult to find a new job this year than in 2015, while 19
