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How Executive Search Firms Identify True Talent
In today’s competitive job market, relying solely on traditional resumes and standard hiring processes is no longer enough to identify the right talent for critical roles. Specialized search and selection firms play a pivotal role in revolutionizing talent acquisition by focusing on a deeper understanding of organizational needs and candidate potential, according to a report
The Moran Company Assists the American Counseling Association With CEO Search
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Brian Banks as the new CEO of the American Counseling Association. Jon Rosell led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to ACA,” said ACA governing council president M. Elsa Soto Leggett. “At a time when policy and
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
AlixPartners Finds A Growing Divide Between PE Firms And Portco Leaders
A recent report by AlixPartners – the Tenth Annual PE Leadership Survey – reveals a striking disconnect between private equity firms and their portfolio companies. While both groups agree that growth, margin expansion, and value creation are top priorities, they diverge significantly in how they view performance and leadership quality. According to the survey, 41 percent of PE executives
Holden Richardson Assists Phase Change Solutions with CFO Search
Holden Richardson has assisted in the recruitment of Alberto Valentin as the new CFO of Phase Change Solutions in Greensboro, NC. Mr. Valentin is a CFO with broad, comprehensive experience in global multi-national businesses of varying revenue sizes and industries including aerospace (Dept of Defense projects), industrial and commercial mfg, distribution and logistics plus services.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Peet’s Coffee
The Talent Studios has recruited Katie Keil as the senior vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer of San Francisco Bay Area-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer Peet’s Coffee. Gretchen Koch and Serena Smith led the assignment. Ms. Keil brings over 20 years of consumer products, beauty, and consumer technology marketing leadership experience. She has a strong track record of driving results on both
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) Appoints Co-Leaders of Chicago Office
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) has named Margaret Resce Milkint and Cheryl Stevens as co-leaders of the firm’s Chicago office. The announcement underscores DSG Global’s ongoing commitment to growth in the Chicago market and throughout the Midwest, serving clients locally, nationally, and worldwide. “We are thrilled that Margaret and Cheryl will be co-leading our Chicago office, bringing
Salary.com Releases Agentic AI Platform for HR and Compensation
Salary.com, a global provider in compensation technology and data, has unveiled its agentic AI platform, specifically for HR and compensation teams. This platform leverages the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced agentic AI to automate complex HR and compensation workflows, scale standard processes, and drive new efficiencies for compensation and HR teams. “By
Strategic Workforce Planning: Choosing Between Growing and Acquiring Talent
Organizations deciding on talent strategies often face a pivotal decision: should they buy talent from the outside or build it from within? Buying talent—recruiting externally—can accelerate the injection of fresh ideas, niche expertise, and leadership capabilities, especially when time is of the essence. On the other hand, executive search consultants tell Hunt Scanlon Media that building internal talent
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Derrick Scott as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Ndeh Anyu. “Dr. Scott is
JDG Associates Fills Senior Position for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Zopelis as the vice president of business development of R&K Enterprise Solutions. R&K is seeking a driven, high performing candidate with significant defense industry knowledge and experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven track record in Department of Defense and/or federal civilian
ESGI Merges with Potomac Recruiting
ESGI Executive Search Consultants (ESGI) and Potomac Recruiting have merged to form Washington, D.C.-based Executive Search Group Inc. – Potomac (ESGI-Potomac). ESGI-Potomac combines the strengths and experience of both Potomac Recruiting and ESGI Search, both providers of executive search in the federal contracting market. The combined network of both companies will provide clients with access
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
Fostering A Strong Workplace Culture to Drive Business Growth
A strong workplace culture is essential to the success of any organization. It cultivates an environment where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated—leading to higher retention and improved performance. In today’s competitive landscape, culture goes beyond workplace atmosphere; it plays a critical role in driving sustainable financial growth and long-term business success. Companies that invest
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking Chief People Officer for Year Up United
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by Year Up United to lead in its search for a new chief people officer. Senior director Crystal Stephens and senior associate Terri Kohan are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a visionary chief people officer who will architect the essential processes and frameworks needed to deliver consistent, world-class HR services. They
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for TRex Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Hants as the new CFO of TRex Bio Inc. (TRexBio), a biotechnology company decoding human tissue immune biology to create revolutionary therapeutics. The search was led by Marc Miller, Jared Kaleck, and Josh Albert. Mr. Hants
Riviera Partners Expands with PE Veteran
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Sam Wholley as a managing partner. A seasoned operator, executive coach, and search professional, he returns to Riviera after four years as an operating partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, where he advised portfolio companies on
Kincannon & Reed Elects Chairman
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has elected Phillip Osborne as chairman of the board. Mr. Osborne has been a partner in the firm since 2018. “This transition aligns with Kincannon & Reed’s long-term vision and underscores the overall commitment to sustained success,” the firm said. As
9 Talent Acquisition Trends You Must Know to Drive Success
If you want to succeed in the competitive world of talent acquisition and consistently hire the right people for your organization, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest hiring trends. The job market is constantly evolving, and candidates’ expectations are shifting just as quickly. Staying ahead of these changes not only helps you connect
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center
SearchWide Global was recently retained by the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s (ARC) multi-faceted programs and business operations. The
Bryant Group Helps Fill Senior Role for the University of San Diego
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of John Rogers as associate vice president for university events and partnerships for the University of San Diego (USD). Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “It was clear through the interview process that John’s extensive experience and leadership developing and implementing
Winner Partners Selected by the Greater Topeka Partnership to Lead CEO Search
The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) has selected Winner Partners to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO search will be guided by a search committee led by JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University and a longtime champion of regional economic development. Dr. Mazachek will work closely with Winner Partners to evaluate internal and external
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Croatia
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Profesio in Croatia as its newest member firm. “Kestria is delighted to welcome a new member firm in Croatia, marking an important milestone in our alliance’s growth within Europe,” the search consortium said. “This addition highlights our focus on delivering local expertise with a global
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
Bespoke Partners Adds AI Expert to Board
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has added Elizabeth Spaulding to its board of directors, bringing her extensive track record in applied AI and digital innovation to guide Bespoke. “Elizabeth brings us incredible experience in the creative application of AI, data-driven processes, and digitization to elevate companies and deliver outsized results,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “Central
Storbeck Search | DSG Global Names Practice Leader for Education Practice
Storbeck Search, part of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), has appointed Dr. Steven Solnick as global managing partner and leader of the firm’s education practice. He succeeds Susan VanGilder, who will continue her work with clients as a managing director, leveraging her experience recruiting and advising presidents, provosts, vice presidents, and academic and administrative deans in higher
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for Family Equality
Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has recruited Darra Gordon as the new CEO of Family Equality in New York City. The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Darra’s decades of leadership in the LGBTQ+ movement is an achievement, itself,” said Mr. Cooper. “Her ability to drive strategic growth, build
Sterling Martin Associates Assists the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy with CEO Search
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has assisted in the recruitment of Celia Zamora as the new executive director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) in Alexandria, VA. “We are thrilled Dr. Zamora is joining the team,” said Kimberly Varnado,
A Private Equity Blueprint To Secure High-Impact Leaders
As private equity firms navigate 2025, leadership and operational expertise will remain at the center of value creation. With deal volume rebounding and investors positioning themselves for growth, securing high-impact executives will be the key differentiator. As such, PE firms are evolving their talent strategies to focus on industry specialization, digital transformation, and AI-driven decision-making
ZRG Appoints Sector Head for AI and Data
ZRG has expanded its data and AI expertise with the addition of Deepali Vyas as managing director, sector head of AI and data. “AI and data are no longer future considerations—they’re shaping business strategy right now,” said Nate Frank, president of executive search at ZRG. “Deepali’s arrival marks a significant step forward in our ability to serve
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Data and Technology Officer for Clinical Partners
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Luis De Miguel Puig as chief data and technology officer of Clinical Partners. “Coulter Partners truly understood our requirements for a leader who could champion automation, self-service, and data-driven strategy,” said Barny Guthrie, CEO at Clinical Partners. “They delivered an impressive, diverse shortlist in under 30 days,
Preng Associates Fills Legal Position for Weatherford International
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit David B. Gooch as assistant general counsel, global ethics & compliance of NASDAQ-traded Weatherford International plc in Houston, TX. Mr. Gooch brings over 20 years of diverse legal and executive leadership experience, having served in senior roles at Schlumberger Limited (SLB) and M-I SWACO. His career began in private practice as
FaithSearch Partners Seeking Athletic Director for King University
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) is leading the athletic director search for King University. Brian Jensen and Andrew Westmoreland are leading the assignment. The next athletic director at King University will be a visionary and strategic leader responsible for shaping the future vision and strategic direction of its comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program. Leading 29 competitive programs at the
How Search Firms Are Positioning for a 2025 Rebound
As the executive search industry weathered another difficult year, the most successful firms stayed focused on gaining market share and protecting margin as they waited for job requisitions and market confidence to rebound. In spite of these global challenges and, perhaps more importantly, pervasive market uncertainty, some firms saw success, and many are building a foundation for
