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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.
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
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?
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
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
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
Venture Capital Reinvented: All Roads Lead to Talent
The latest PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor report offers up a revealing look at how the new year might unfold for a sector that has been under water for three years. According to the company’s analysts, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate investment strategies, accounting for nearly half of total VC deal value. Traditional hubs like the
Search Firms Continue Expansion In Africa As Demand Rises
Boyden has opened a new office in Nairobi, further expanding its presence to a third region in Africa. The firm has appointed Farah Samanani as managing partner to lead its East Africa operations, serving Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia. Boyden East Africa service offerings cover a number of high growth sectors, including financial services, real estate, life
Bespoke Partners Adds C-Level Recruiting Specialist
Executive search firm Bespoke Partners has added Adam Szepkouski as a principal. Bringing more than five years consulting experience to his new role, Mr. Szepkouski will play a critical role helping the firm expand. He will be responsible for executing C-level searches for the firm’s new and existing clients as well as internal lifecycle process enhancement and whitepaper development. Prior
Companies Remain Unprepared to Fill CEO Vacancies
While many companies are performing some form of succession planning for their CEO posts, most are not doing enough to ensure a successful transition, according to a new report, ‘2015 CEO Succession Planning Survey,’ conducted by consulting firm AlixPartners and executive search firm Vardis. The study involved more than 100 senior level executives, including C-suite professionals, board members
Two Search Firms Finalize Their Acquisitions
Korn Ferry yesterday formally completed its acquisition of Hay Group. Under terms of the acquisition agreement, Korn Ferry acquired Hay Group for $452 million, consisting of approximately $252 million in cash, net of estimated acquired cash and after giving effect to estimated purchase price adjustments as described in the Purchase Agreement, and $200 million in the company’s common stock.
SPMB Lands CMO For Citrix
West Coast-based technology search firm SPMB has recruited Tim Minahan as chief marketing officer of Citrix. He is responsible for leading and evolving the Citrix marketing strategy to continue to drive the company’s vision of securely and reliably delivering applications and data. As a change agent for digital transformation, go-to-market strategy, demand generation, sales execution, M&A, and supply chain, Mr. Minahan has
Heads! International Appoints West Coast Leader
Former CTPartners recruiter Jeff DeFazio has joined global executive search and advisory firm Heads! International as managing partner. He will work from the firm’s West Coast offices. In addition to his regional leadership role, Mr. DeFazio will play a global role in the firm’s consumer and digital practices advising clients on the leadership imperatives associated with managing a dynamic mix of
Milwaukee Brewers Taps Turnkey Search to Recruit Finance VP
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has placed Jamie Norton as vice president of finance and accounting of the Milwaukee Brewers. He will oversee the daily financial operations of the Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation, including financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, tax compliance, and payroll. Before joining the Brewers, Mr. Norton spent nine years with the Chicago Cubs, where his
Expanding Role of Social Media In Finding Talent to Rise Sharply
The role of social networks and mobile platforms in the job seeking and recruiting process is becoming more relevant, with an expansion of technologies expected soon, according to the 2015 Work Trends report just released by Adecco Group. Over 31,000 job seekers and more than 4,100 recruiters from 26 countries took part in Adecco’s survey — making
Russell Reynolds Taps Leader for Dartmouth’s Hood Museum of Art
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited John Stomberg as director of the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College. His appointment comes more than seven months after Hood director Michael Taylor abruptly left saying he was pursuing new career opportunities. The search committee was comprised of 12 representatives from many diverse areas around Dartmouth. Russell Reynolds Associates worked
Morris and Berger Heading CEO Search For Union Station Homeless Services
Executive search firm Morris and Berger has been retained by Union Station Homeless Services to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Current CEO Rabbi Marvin Gross announced he is retiring next year. Mr. Gross has been at the helm of Union Station for 21 years, during which he led the agency through an unprecedented period of
Preng & Associates Adds Energy Search Veteran
Executive search firm Preng & Associates has appointed Steve Raben as a senior consultant in its Houston office. He has led over 500 domestic and international client assignments for public and private oil & gas, petroleum equipment, service and hydrocarbon processing & transportation companies, at the board, C-suite and business segment leadership levels. With a 30-year career in the search industry,
Futurestep Grows EMEA Financial Services Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has added Jessica Taylor to its EMEA financial services practice group to support an increased demand for talent in the region. She will be based in London. In her new role as financial services senior consultant, she will be responsible for delivering talent for organizations across a number
Millennials Find Difficulties In Managing Older Workforce
A growing number of Millennials are managing Gen X and Baby Boomer professionals, according to ‘The Multi-Generational Leadership’ report, conducted by executive development firm Future Workplace and career network Beyond. According to the survey’s 5,771 respondents, this shift in leadership could be harmful to a company’s work environment. The survey found that 83 percent of respondents have seen Millennials managing
Diversified Search Recruits Interfaith Medical Center CEO
Diversified Search has recruited LaRay Brown as president and chief executive officer of the Interfaith Medical Center. She is tasked with bringing together Interfaith’s diverse constituencies and executing a strategic vision for the hospital that reflects the service needs of the community, changing market dynamics and reimbursement trends. Neysa Dillon-Brown, managing partner in Divesified’s healthcare services practice, led
Port of New York and New Jersey Retains Spencer Stuart
Spencer Stuart has been retained by the Port of New York and New Jersey to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The Port Authority’s board of commissioners has been conducting a search for the agency’s first CEO since Governors Christie and Cuomo endorsed the December 2014 recommendation of the Special Panel on the Future of the Port Authority that
Argyll Scott Expands Commerce & Industry Search Practice
Executive recruiters Argyll Scott has named Ben Westwood as director and Paul Vince as an associate director in its commerce and industry recruiting sector practice. Mr. Westwood will help drive the future growth of Argyll Scott’s commerce and industry recruitment team. He joins the firm with 10 years of experience working for global recruiter Robert Half. After building
Matteson Partners Forms Alliance With TalentQuest
Atlanta-based executive search firm Matteson Partners has formed a partnership with TalentQuest, a provider of cloud-based talent management software and solutions. Matteson Partners will offer TalentQuest’s cloud-based talent management suite of solutions to its client base. Additionally, Matteson Partners will provide executive search services for TalentQuest. Cloud-based talent management solutions continue to appear in the headlines. In recent weeks, Talentsoft, a
General Counsel: A New Pathway to CEO
Executive search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Denise R. Cade as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of IDEX Corporation and Marchelle E. Moore as general counsel of The Motorists Insurance Group. Paul Williams, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, led both searches. Ms. Cade, who was recently honored as a 2015 ‘Chicago United Business Leader
ChampionScott Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Red Box Recorders
ChampionScott Partners has recruited Bob Charland as Americas chief revenue officer at Red Box Recorders, a private equity-backed global provider of multimedia communication recording solutions. Mr. Charland brings to Red Box over 25 years of experience in software sales, marketing and operational leadership. He was most recently regional vice president of sales, eastern region and federal government sales at Spok,
IRC Global Names Americas Regional Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has appointed Jane Lyons (pictured) as Americas regional leader. Ms. Lyons is a managing partner of Rhodes Associates. During her more than 25-year career in executive search and organizational consulting, she has completed more than 700 search and consulting assignments, specializing in the real estate industry. She has assisted leading real estate companies
Korn Ferry Adds Former CTPartners Recruiters
Korn Ferry has added former CTPartners recruiters Rick Sklarin as senior client partner in its technology practice and Nathaniel Hook as a senior client partner based in its U.K. consumer practice. They join ex-CTPartners recruiters Debra Germaine, Laurie O’Shea, Paul Ciancarelli, John Davitt, Jeremy Zemen, Adam Prager, Sarah Lim, Florence Magne, Nick Evans, and several others, all of whom
Pedersen & Partners Opens New Office In Lisbon
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has opened a new office in Lisbon, Portugal. This is the firm’s 34th established office in Europe, and follows the recent launches of offices in the U.S. and Mexico. Margarita Hernández will serve as the firm’s country manager for Portugal and will also oversee executive search engagements in Angola. She joins Pedersen & Partners from
U.K. Boardrooms Gaining Female Directors At Faster Pace Than U.S.
The number of women serving as directors in the top FTSE 150 companies continues to expand, according to the just-released Spencer Stuart 2015 U.K. Board Index. The survey found that 23 percent of all directors in the FTSE 150 are women, compared with 20.6 percent in 2014; 28.4 percent of FTSE 150 non-executive directors are women, verses 25.9 percent
PFM Executive Search Lands CEO for Cancer Foundation
PFM Executive Search has placed Lynne Hudson as national chief executive officer of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Ms. Hudson brings a wealth of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors through her time with PLAN Canada as VP for risk & effectiveness and as a financial management group leader with Ernst & Young. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
North Carolina Bar Assn. Taps Young Mayden to Find Director
Legal search firm Young Mayden, LLC, has been selected by the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) to lead its search for an executive director. Ken Young, a principal at Young Mayden, is leading the search. Current executive director Allan Head will be retiring in 2016 after being with the organization since 1981. “We expect to have many top
Petroplan Appoints Recruitment Manager In Houston
Oil and energy focused executive recruiting firm Petroplan has appointed James Monaghan as recruitment manager for its Houston office. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding the firm’s footprint throughout the U.S. while leading a team of recruiters specializing in construction, commissioning, engineering, HSE and project services. Mr. Monaghan brings a decade of experience
Alexander Hughes Expands In Paris
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has expanded its Paris office with the addition of Erick Parraud as a client partner. Mr. Parraud brings 20 years of international experience within major distribution groups, offering a combination of corporate strategy and hands-on management. He was formerly managing director of Wolseley France. Through several management roles at Kering / PPR Group
Economic Forecasts Point to Expanding Jobs Outlook for 2016
The Conference Board’s U.S. leading economic index rose sharply in October, suggesting continued expansion heading into the New Year. The index rose 0.6 percent in October, following declines of 0.1 percent in both September and August. This matched the average estimate of economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal. “The U.S. leading economic index rose sharply
Heidrick Recruits Top Posts for Brookdale Senior Living
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Labeed Diab as chief operating officer and Lucinda Baier as chief financial officer of Brookdale Senior Living. Mr. Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales. He has served in operational leadership roles for the Walmart U.S. division of Wal-Mart Stores since 2009, most recently serving as its
Waverly Partners Leads CEO Search for Greenville Chamber
The Greenville Chamber has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Ben Haskew has served as the Chamber’s president and CEO since 2003 and plans to retire in early 2016. The CEO role is ultimately responsible for all operations of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and serves
Conley Search Group Adds Director In Boston
Executive search firm Conley Search Group has added Peter Hamilton as a managing director in Boston. “I have known Peter for over seven years and he is a respected advisor, confidant, and leader. We are very excited to have Peter join our growing business,” said Kevin Conley, president and CEO. Mr. Hamilton specializes in recruiting senior executives
