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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
Artico Search Recruits Chief Sales Officer for Versapay
Artico Search has assisted in the recruitment of Emily Roccheggiani as chief sales officer of Versapay in San Francisco. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “Emily has spent her career inside some of the most important growth stories in modern fintech,” said Carey Kolaja, CEO of Versapay. “She knows what it takes to
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.
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
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?
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
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
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
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
Erevena Opens First U.S. Office
London-based executive search firm Erevena has opened its first U.S. office, establishing a new location in San Francisco. The office is being led by partner Terry Shaw and principal consultant Max Levy, who relocates from London. Further additions the office are expected in coming months. Mr. Shaw has led C-suite and strategic go-to-market searches for enterprise software
Steven Douglas Associates Expands to Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale-based executive search firm Steven Douglas Associates has opened a new office in Baltimore. Managing director Matthew Beck has transferred from its Florida office to lead the new location. In his new role, Mr. Beck will continue leading the firm’s national sales, marketing and operations executive search practice as well as launching a local finance and accounting
Korn Ferry Reports Solid Q3 As Hay Acquisition Ponies Up
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) posted third quarter revenue of $272.3 million, a nine percent gain (14 percent gain on a constant currency basis) from $249.5 million in the third quarter of last year. Including revenues related to its Hay Group acquisition, revenues totaled $344.2 million. The acquisition of Hay Group was completed on December 1. The third quarter increase was driven
Parker Executive Search Recruits Athletic Director for UConn
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has recruited David Benedict as athletic director at the University of Connecticut. Warde Manuel has left the school to take on the athletic director position at the University of Michigan. Mr. Benedict, who was one of nine candidates to interview, is now responsible for the stewardship, management, coordination and supervision of UConn’s intercollegiate athletics program, which includes 24 sports, more than
FaithSearch Partners Lands Foundation President
FaithSearch Partners has placed Edward Ammon as president of the Central Valley Health Foundation (CVHF). Mr. Ammon has held fundraising leadership roles for the last 25 years. Most recently he served as executive director of the Foundation for Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. In addition, for eight years he served as mayor of College Place, WA. “Ed is an
HVS Adds VPs In Las Vegas and San Diego
HVS Executive Search has added Mike Young and Rachel Hoffheimer as vice presidents based out of its Las Vegas and San Diego offices, respectively. Mr. Young brings more than 20 years’ experience in securing talent, which includes domestic and international industry leaders inclusive of Fortune 500 companies within the casino, gaming, hotel, restaurant, and information technology
Bialla Partners Expands Recruiting Staff
Sausalito, CA-based executive search firm Bialla Partners has added Jeff Hodge and Diletta D’Onofrio as recruiting partners. Mr. Hodge has conducted board director and C-suite search assignments for more than three decades. He has worked with leading companies in most industries from the Fortune 50 to private equity-backed portfolio companies. He previously led Hodge Partners, which became
Empowering Female Leaders One Country at a Time
Egon Zehnder today is launching a unique global dialogue around the opportunities and challenges faced by young women in the modern business world. Marking International Women’s Day, the search firm is hosting a global event series, “Leaders and Daughters: Cultivating the Next Generation of Women,” bringing together renowned leaders and their talented daughters in 16 locations –
New Recruiting Gig: Finding Culture Leaders Who Transform Companies
To help theme park and resorts company SeaWorld Entertainment grapple with a number of business and brand challenges, as well as help drive its equity valuation, CEO Joel Manby brought in DHR International last year to recruit a head of global investor relations. “When a company is in a turnaround situation, it is even more critical
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Feed The Children
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed J.C. Watts as president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based Feed the Children. Bill Peterson, co-leader of the firm’s non-profit and academic search practice, led the assignment. With a background in politics and business, the board of directors found Mr. Watts to be an ideal candidate. His experience serving others domestically and abroad,
JW Michaels & Co. Enters Atlanta Market
New York-based executive search firm JW Michaels & Co. has expanded into the Atlanta market through a majority investment in executive recruiter ExecuSource, Inc. Since 1998, ExecuSource has placed more than 5,000 accounting, finance and IT professionals with over 200 mid-sized to billion dollar organizations in the Atlanta area. Its local experience and resources will
Heidrick Names U.K. Financial Services Practice Leader
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Jenni Hibbert in London to lead its financial services practice in the U.K. In her new role, Ms. Hibbert will have responsibility for managing the firm’s U.K. financial services business, overseeing a team of approximately 40 individuals with a focus on providing executive search and leadership counsel to top-tier financial institutions.
Companies Continue Adding Jobs; Unemployment Rate Unchanged
Employers added 242,000 jobs in February as the U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This caps 72 months of uninterrupted job gains, the longest streak on record. U.S. companies have now added 14.3 million jobs over six straight years. Currently, there are 7.8 million
Indiana Taps Korn Ferry In Hunt for Chief Investment Officer
Korn Ferry has been tapped by The Indiana Public Retirement System to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. David Cooper, the organization’s previous CIO, recently left to become CIO of the $2.8 billion Purdue Research Foundation. Scott David, the system’s deputy CIO and director of public equity, is serving as interim CIO until the search
BSG to Lead Texas Teachers CRO Search
Boston-headquartered executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has been selected by Texas Teachers to lead its search for a chief revenue officer. Managing partner Todd Hand is leading the assignment along with search consultant Alison Thompson. The chosen candidate will report directly to the CEO and will be a member of the senior executive team and an active
ZRG Partners Names Managing Director in Frankfurt
ZRG Partners has added Alexander Spielberg as a managing director and member of the firm’s global industrial and life sciences practice in its Frankfurt, Germany office. Mr. Spielberg previously spent six years with Korn Ferry in its global industrial search practice. Most recently, he was a partner at European boutique search firm Exgeniam Executive Search Personalberatung
Quick Leonard Kieffer Adds Healthcare Recruiting Specialist
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Scott Sammon as partner in Chicago. Mr. Sammon works with clients to manage C-level search assignments in the healthcare provider and not-for-profit sectors and has served as a consultant to both association and hospital boards and has acted as a facilitator to companies for board retreats. For the past five years,
Alan J. Work: Finding the Right Combination to Success
The hallmark of many successful search firms is their structure: focusing in on one, specific industry or functional discipline can make them, in the eyes of that sector, the go-to expert. While it is challenging, some search firms have been able to stay small while combining specialty practices where the focus of their expertise is
Isaacson, Miller Heading President Search for Central European University
Central European University (CEU) has tapped Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new president. Chairman John Isaacson is leading the search with senior associate Katie Rockman. “We did this search eight years ago and now our hire is retiring, so we are returning to the role,” said Mr. Isaacson. “I think the original assignment back then was a harder search.
CDI Corp. Posts 12 Percent Decline; Stock Remains in Free Fall
CDI Corp./(NYSE:CDI) posted 2015 revenues of $985.5 million, a decline of 12.2 percent from revenues of $1.123 billion the previous year. The company reported a loss of $37 million, or $1.88 per share. At Management Recruiters International, Inc. (MRI), the company’s executive search subsidiary, revenue fell 14.5 percent from $45.8 million to $40.0 million. Fourth quarter
DHR Recruits CHRO for PPL Corp.
DHR International has recruited Tom Lynch as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of PPL Corporation. The search was conducted by Jerry McGrath, managing partner of the firm’s global human resources practice, along with Joe Huddle, its industrial practice managing partner, and senior associate Christine Pasieka. “Tom Lynch was the best candidate for the role; he is an experienced energy and power
University President Tapped to Run Academic Search
Washington, D.C.-headquartered Academic Search has appointed L. Jay Lemons as its president, effective a year from this coming July. Currently in his 16th year as president of Susquehanna University, he will succeed Jessica Kozloff, who will remain with the firm as a senior consultant. Mr. Lemons began his higher education career in student affairs at Nebraska
Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry In CEO Hunt for GlaxoSmithKline
It is one of the biggest search assignments in British business this year: Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry have been tapped by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO, Andrew Witty, plans to step down from his position in 2017. Mr. Witty, a 31-year company veteran who has been CEO
College Sports Solutions Helps Missouri Find Head Football Coach
Atlanta-based executive recruiters College Sports Solutions (CSS) has recruited Barry Odom to the new head football coach post at the University of Missouri (MU). The search began just over three months ago, two days after Gary Pinkel announced that he would step down as coach after the season ended. The team had gone 5-7 after winning consecutive SEC East titles. Mr. Odom,
Heidrick Names Global Financial Services Practice Leader
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed David Boehmer as global managing partner of its financial services practice. He will work out of the firm’s London office and will continue to lead the firm’s financial services enterprise in Europe and Africa. In his role as global financial services leader, Mr. Boehmer will be responsible for driving the strategic direction of the practice and overseeing
DMC Partners Adds Recruiters in New York
Executive search firm DMC Partners has added Lisa Steele and Brian Townes in its New York office. Ms. Steele brings over 15 years of executive search and hedge fund industry experience to DMC Partners. She joins DMC from Global Sage, where she was global head of the firm’s asset management distribution search practice. Prior to this, she was
Cornerstone International Adds Member Firm In Brazil
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has added four new offices in Brazil with the addition of Technique Search. “We are very pleased to welcome Nahid Chicani and his team at Technique Search to our world network,” said Cornerstone president Larry Shoemaker. “Latin America is one of our key regions and
HR Leaders See New Career Path As Executive Recruiters
Executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group has added executive HR veteran Michael A. Biondolillo as senior vice president in the firm’s Radnor, PA office. In his new role, Mr. Biondolillo will manage and conduct executive level search assignments for clients across a range of functions and industry sectors. Mr. Biondolillo brings with him more than 30 years
Diversified Search Fills CFO Post for Quaker Chemical
Diversified Search has placed Mary Dean Hall as vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer of Quaker Chemical. The search was led by James Langston, managing director and leader of Diversified’s financial officers center for excellence. The placement followed a national search that focused on finding premier financial talent from global, publicly traded industrial and manufacturing
Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Midwest Dairy Association
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Lucas Lentsch as chief executive officer of the Midwest Dairy Association, a non-profit organization which manages dairy farmer checkoff funds in a 10-state region. Mr. Lentsch will play a key role for the dairy community. In his new position, he will lead the organization, which represents nearly 20
Caldwell Partners Names Private Equity – Venture Capital Practice Head
Caldwell Partners has named Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor to lead its newly combined private equity and venture capital recruiting practice. Based in San Francisco, Ms. Chatfield-Taylor previously founded and led the firm’s venture capital practice. “Mercedes is the foremost search professional in the high growth technology venture capital sector today,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “Her reputation for
