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Daily Newswire
BoardWalk Consulting Appoints CEO
Executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CFO for Wesley Housing
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Pruell as the new CFO of Wesley Housing of Alexandria, VA. He will succeed longtime CFO Christopher Cherry, who will retire later this year after more than a decade of leadership that strengthened Wesley Housing’s financial foundation and guided the organization through key milestones. Wesley
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
General Counsel Compensation Jumps 25 Percent Since 2019, Reflecting Rising Demand for Legal Expertise
According to Equilar‘s 2024 General Counsel Pay Trends report, compensation for general counsel has skyrocketed nearly 25 percent since 2019, reaching a median total of $3.3 million in 2023. The report, based on an analysis of the Equilar 500 — the 500 largest U.S. companies by revenue — reveals that the median total compensation for general counsel
Private Equity Firms Turn to Headhunters to Grow Portfolio Companies
NorthWind Partners, a boutique search firm focused on tapping talent for the private equity sector, has recruited David E. Kopf as president of Anaren, Inc.’s Space & Defense Group. Anaren is a world leader in high-frequency technology deployed in space, defense, wireless infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The company is owned by private equity firm
DHR Names Global Real Estate Practice Leader
Former CTPartners recruiter Martin Nass has joined DHR International as managing partner and global real estate practice leader. He will be based out of the firm’s New York office. With 35 years of real estate and mortgage banking experience, Mr. Nass has maintained long standing relationships with leading investment management firms, REIT’s, institutional investors, private equity real
Recruiting Mandates for Top Sales Professionals On The Rise
Executive search firm Fairfield Partners has placed Tamara Brown as senior vice president of sales for Mineral Fusion, a leading natural cosmetics and personal care company based in Denver. The company is owned by North Castle Partners, a leading private equity firm in the health & wellness space. Ms. Brown was formerly VP global sales at Alterna
Fox Rodney Opens On West Coast
Fox Rodney Search (FRS) has expanded its global legal search practice on the West Coast with the opening of a new office in San Francisco/Silicon Valley. Led by director Kelli Fiore, the West Coast office will join three other locations across the U.S. tasked with identifying and recruiting candidates in the legal profession. “Kelli’s appointment as
Middle East / North Africa Seen As Fertile Ground for Farsighted Recruiters
Dubai-headquartered executive search and management advisory firm Metin Mitchell & Company has added Muna Awwadova to its management team. She joins the firm as a senior client partner and will have a particular remit for extending the firm’s capabilities in the life sciences, industrial and public sector sectors. Ms. Awwadova has spent most of her career in the Middle East and
Youngest GM in Major League Baseball Recruited to The Brewers
Just over a month after being tapped by the Milwaukee Brewers to replace outgoing GM Bob Melvin, Korn Ferry has recruited David Stearns as the team’s new general manager. At 30 years old, Mr. Stearns becomes the youngest active GM in the major leagues. Only Theo Epstein and Jon Daniels were younger when appointed to GM posts
Board Recruiting More Challenging As Standards, Commitment Levels Rise
Egon Zehnder has recruited Michael Traill and Andrew Fraser to serve on the board of directors of Sunsuper. Messrs. Traill and Fraser are the second and third directors to be appointed in recent months who are not direct appointments of Sunsuper’s shareholder bodies. The first was Jenni Mack who was appointed in July; she, too, was
Recruiting Specialist Navigates Turbulent Oil & Gas Sector
U.K.-based oil and gas recruiting specialists Orion Group has launched a new specialist search business: One Executive. The new offering will act as a specialist search business focused on technical and non-technical executive level roles, primarily within the energy sectors. “As the oil and gas sector navigates its way through a difficult period, the industry needs to think about its
Lucas Group Grows Leadership Team in Cincinnati
Search firm Lucas Group has named Ken Martin as a managing partner in its information technology search division. Mr. Martin, an executive recruiter specializing in the placement of IT professionals, will help develop the firm’s newly opened Cincinnati office through the establishment and growth of an IT branch. He joins Sara Luther, Cincinnati branch lead and managing partner
Christenson Advisory Services Names East Coast Search Practice Leader
Christenson Advisory Services (CA), a full service consultancy providing executive search, compensation, financial advisory and management consulting services to the global real estate industry, has strengthened its healthcare and senior housing expertise with the addition of Amy Bauer as leader of the firm’s East Coast executive search practice. Ms. Bauer has more than 20 years of industry
U.S. Chief Executives Remain Cautious On Hiring Plans
A growing number of American CEOs expect sales, investment and hiring to decrease in the next six months, according to the Business Roundtable’s third-quarter 2015 ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey,’ a composite of CEO projections for sales and plans for capital spending and hiring over the next six months. The survey found 33 percent of chief executive respondents
Heidrick Recruits NYISO Chief Executive As Energy Field Stagnates
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Bradley C. Jones as president and chief executive officer of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). Mr. Jones will replace Stephen G. Whitley who is retiring after serving as the company’s top executive since 2008. Mr. Jones is a distinguished energy industry executive with 29 years of wide-ranging experience, including grid
La Quinta Seeks CEO As Hospitality Sector Rebounds
La Quinta Holdings Inc. has tapped Korn Ferry to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Wayne Goldberg has stepped down from his leadership positions in the company by mutual agreement with the company’s board of directors. While Korn Ferry conducts its search process, Keith Cline, chief financial officer, will serve as La Quinta’s interim president
Executive Recruiters Search for Talent and New Business In Unlikely Places
Executive recruiters are increasingly being served hiring mandates in some of the world’s least likeliest of places. To meet the demand, search firms are developing new practices, hiring new recruiters, and opening new locations, from across the Middle East to Eastern Europe. The spike in demand seems to be favoring affiliated global recruiting consortiums and
Boston Seen As Growing East Coast Recruiting Hub
The Execu | Search Group has opened a new office in Boston that will initially service the accounting/finance, health services, human resources, information technology, life sciences and office support sectors in the city and throughout the local region. The firm says it has additional plans to deliver recruiting solutions in the financial services space soon. “The Execu
David Clapp Explores What It Takes to Build Great Management Teams
David Clapp is managing partner for CarterBaldwin Executive Search, a boutique search firm based in Atlanta. Mr. Clapp leads an active client portfolio that ranges from Fortune 100 global brands to high-growth PE backed companies. His clients are predominantly focused in the distribution, technology, consumer products and professional services sectors. In the following interview, Mr.
Ontario International Airport Authority Taps Boyden for CEO Search
The Ontario International Airport Authority has retained Boyden to lead its search for a new executive director and chief executive officer. Tim McNamara, managing partner in Boyden’s Washington, D.C. office, is heading the assignment. The post is expected to be filled by the end of the year. “Candidates can come from several disciplines,” said Mr. McNamara. “It’s a
Michael Kelly Associates Names Global Healthcare Practice Head
Executive search firm Michael Kelly Associates has added Rosanne F. Ott as global head of its global healthcare practice. She will serve as a senior financial services healthcare specialist assisting healthcare clients in the selection, integration and development of senior leaders. Ms. Ott has over 25 years of professional leadership experience in the fields of corporate healthcare,
Martin Partners Recruits CFO for Amēda
Executive search firm Martin Partners has placed Chris Guglielmi as chief financial officer at Amēda. With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare financial management, Mr. Guglielmi was CFO at Vesta Funding Inc. since 2008. He served in positions of increasing responsibility at Baxter Healthcare following stints with Pepsi General Bottlers and Ernst and Whinney in Chicago.
Norman Broadbent Names Managing Director in TMT Practice
U.K.-headquartered executive recruiter Norman Broadbent has named Mark Soden as managing director for its technology, media and telecoms (TMT) practice. In this new role, he will focus on helping clients identify and secure high caliber senior management and board level appointments, with a particular emphasis on companies going through change and transformation. Mr. Soden has more
Executive Recruiters Step Up Their Diversity and Inclusion Talent Drive
Korn Ferry has recruited Jina Etienne as president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Since 1969, the NABA has been a leader in expanding the influence of minority professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. The organization has over 6,000 members across the country and more than 49 chapters.
DMC Partners Launches In New York
David McCormack has launched executive search firm DMC Partners. Headquartered in New York City, the firm’s core practices are focused on recruiting in the capital markets, infrastructure, investment management, and technology sectors. Brook Berry joins Mr. McCormack as client manager. The firm is expected to add a chairman in October. DMC Partners plans to hire up to six senior
Foundation for Financial Planning Taps Vetted Solutions to Recruit Executive Director
The Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) has retained Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC to conduct its search for a new executive director. The search is being led by Vetted Solutions president James Zaniello and vice president Evelyn Savage. The ideal candidate, according to both recruiters, will be an executive with a passion for, and track record of, significantly
TRANSEARCH Opens Office in Norway
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Oslo, Norway and appointed Baard I. L. Storsveen to run the new location. Mr. Storsveen has over 20 years’ experience in the business, covering a full range of business models across most disciplines and sectors. Having worked as consultant and partner in the leadership development and recruiting sectors since 1995,
Charlson Partners Names Head of Southern California Operations
Charlson Partners, an executive search firm focused on enterprise technology solutions, has appointed Lisa Grinde Hovagimyan as partner and head of its Southern California operations. With over 15 years of experience in executive search, Ms. Hovagimyan has global executive recruitment and search experience within the hi-tech, software, telecommunications, consumer technology, life-sciences & healthcare IT, manufacturing & electrical, environmental engineering
Demand for Chief HR Officers Is Rising At American Companies
The American Diabetes Association has retained Diversified Search to lead its search for a chief human resources officer (CHRO). Demand for C-level HR executives is rising, according to recruiters specializing in the function, as upbeat U.S. hiring forecasts point to a growing sense of urgency within the HR community to prepare and plan for potential talent shortages. “Chief human
Executive Recruiters Continue Their Expansion Into the Sports Industry
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has launched a sports practice focusing on mid-level and emerging talent. Bret M. Fishkind will lead the new group as a managing consultant. Mr. Fishkind has been a senior associate at Korn Ferry, where he has served as a member of the firm’s global sports practice, led
Famous Dave’s of America Taps Heidrick for CEO Search
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Ed Rensi has stepped down from his role as CEO. Mr. Rensi joined Famous Dave’s board in January 2014, and agreed to assume the role of CEO the next month following the unexpected resignation of his predecessor. The company’s board has appointed Adam
FaithSearch Partners Grows With the Healthcare Industry
FaithSearch Partners has appointed Scott Kuhlman as senior vice president, specializing in finding talent in the post-acute/long-term care sector (PA/LTC). Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he will work directly with the firm’s PA/LTC clients. Mr. Kuhlman brings an array of experience in healthcare practice management and organization growth, spanning over 25 years. He most recently served as
Agilium Worldwide Adds Four New Member Firms
Agilium Worldwide, LLC has added four new member firms to its global network of retained executive search firms. Joining the organization are Greensearch in Budapest, Hungary; Plongê Consultoria Capital Humano in São Paulo, Brazil; Schnopp & Partner(MLS Dr. Max Schnopp AG) in Zurich, Switzerland; and PLATINIUM Executive Search in Belgium. Founded by Andrea Deák, Greensearch is an executive search and consulting firm that specializes
Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Level in More Than Seven Years
The U.S. unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in seven and a half years but job growth fell short of expectations, offering mixed signals about the economy, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Total employment increased by 173,000 in August, which is less than most economists had predicted. Currently eight million
