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AI and its Impact on the Global Workforce
The arrival of AI on the global business scene feels like old news. Yet the pace of its implementation and resulting impact on the future of work is staggering. McKinsey Global Institute’s “A New Future of Work: The Race to Deploy AI and Raise Skills in Europe and Beyond” projects that “by 2030…about 27 percent
Anthem Executive Assists Texas A&M International University with President Search
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has helped to recruit Christopher Maynard as the new president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). The board’s decision on August 28th to name him the sole finalist for the position followed recommendations from Anthem Executive and Texas A&M University System chancellor Glenn Hegar. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Pablo
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.
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
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?
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
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
ZRG Acquires Bravanti
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Bravanti, a Chicago-based advisory firm specializing in services including executive coaching, executive team coaching, developing leaders, and outplacement/career transition services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bravanti brings expertise in three key areas: executive coaching, leadership acceleration, and outplacement career transition,”
ZRG Partners Opens Phoenix Office, Adds Managing Director
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has opened a new office in Phoenix with the addition of David Bruno as managing director. Mr. Bruno has a long history of conducting board of director, C-level and critical VP and director level searches in the Phoenix market. “We are thrilled to add David to our team and bring his wisdom and experience to
hrQ Adds Consultant in Houston Office
hrQ, an executive search and professional services firm focused exclusively on the human resources sector, has named Dale Wunder as a principal consultant in its Houston office. Mr. Wunder joins hrQ with more than 30 years of global human resources experience at Royal Dutch Shell where he was a senior executive overseeing teams in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and had expatriate
AltoPartners Adds Member Firm in Japan
AltoPartners has added Japanese executive search firm KIZASHI Corporation to its global alliance. This extends AltoPartners’ global reach to 51 offices in 31 countries. Founded in 2011, KIZASHI is an executive search firm with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. Its consultants have a wide range of experience in recruiting senior leadership across the industrial, consumer/retail, life science/healthcare, game/entertainment and technology sectors. Clients ranging from
Barton Executive Search Recruits Director for Welch’s
Atlanta-headquartered boutique search firm Barton Executive Search has recruited Michael Keown as a member of Welch’s board of directors. Mr. Keown is president and CEO of Farmer Brothers, a manufacturer and distributor of coffee and tea products. “Mike’s vast consumer products leadership experience shows that he knows how to use a variety of organizational capabilities to deliver substantial results for shareholders and
Top Search Firms Partner on Boardroom Diversity Initiative
The trend by executive search firms to join forces to advance global diversity initiatives in boardrooms around the world has come to Asia. The Diversity Action Committee (DAC) formed just nine months ago with the objective of building up the representation of women directors on boards of companies in Singapore, has signed up six new search
CTPartners Loses Top Producer to Heidrick & Struggles
Sylvain Dhenin, a vice chairman and member of the executive committee of CTPartners, has left the company after more than nine years to join Heidrick & Struggles. Mr. Dhenin joins a chorus of high ranking executives to depart the embattled search firm, whose fortunes have been depleted since its chairman, Brian Sullivan, resigned in disgrace earlier
Buffkin Group Names Head of Digital Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has added Raj Das as partner and head of the firm’s digital recruiting practice in New York. Mr. Das brings more than 22 years of experience advising organizations on digital strategies. For the last 10 years he has focused exclusively on the creation and activation of digital assets and marketing channels for organizations
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Director for PJM Interconnection
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Terry Blackwell to serve on the board of directors of PJM Interconnection. He will finish the unexpired term of William R. Mayben, which will expire in 2016. Mr. Blackwell has 36 years of experience in power system planning and operation. Most recently, he was senior vice president of Power Delivery at Santee
Taylor Winfield Recruits SVP Sales for PayScale
Executive search firm Taylor Winfield has placed Melody Brown as senior vice president of sales at PayScale, Inc., based in Seattle. Ms. Brown has 16 years of sales experience with a focus in the technology industry. She joins PayScale from DataCore Software, an enterprise storage company, where she was VP of sales and channel. Previously, Ms. Brown was VP of
IRC Global Expands Footprint in Africa
Lagos, Nigeria-based Leading Edge Consulting has joined IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) as its newest partner firm. “We’re pleased that we can offer our clients first class executive search services in one of the most important economies on the African continent,” said Patrick Westerburger, president of the board of IRC Global. “Besides giving us a stronger footprint in
Hanold Associates Launches CHRO Search for Outward Bound
Executive Search firm Hanold Associates has been selected by Outward Bound NY Schools to lead its search for a new chief human resources and administrative officer. The successful CHRO candidate, to be based in Queens, NY, will report to Outward Bound’s president, Richard Stopol, and serve as a member of the senior management team and support all senior
Korn Ferry Adds Global Logistics Recruiting Specialist
Korn Ferry has added Dustin Ogden in the firm’s global logistics, transportation and distribution practice. He will be based in Atlanta. Mr. Ogden brings an extensive executive search portfolio, with a strong emphasis on developing and managing talent searches in logistics, transportation, distribution and industrial services. He previously worked at Spencer Stuart for three years in the firm’s greater Atlanta office
Egon Zehnder Expands Life Sciences Practice Group
Egon Zehnder has appointed Jessica Watson as a consultant in its life sciences and healthcare services practice group. Ms. Watson joins Egon Zehnder’s newly opened Washington, D.C. office, where she will also focus on serving clients in D.C.’s public and social sector. Ms. Watson brings a unique policy and government perspective to Zehnder, having previously launched the
Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean at Howard University
Dublin, Ohio-based Harris Search Associates has placed Dr. Hugh Mighty as the 18th dean and vice president of clinical affairs of Howard University College of Medicine. He will also serve as professor on the faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In his new role, Dr. Mighty will oversee the College of Medicine’s academic programs and provide oversight for the
Search Firms Claiming Smaller Piece of Recruiting Budgets
According to a highly-anticipated Bersin by Deloitte research report just released, U.S. companies increased their average talent acquisition spend by seven percent in 2014, with healthcare organizations reporting the largest increase among industries. But a closer look at the study’s findings shows that executive recruiters are taking a significant hit along the way, claiming just 18 percent of typical
Boyden Elects Jörg Kasten as Chairman; Adds New Board Members
Boyden has elected Jörg Kasten, managing partner of Boyden Germany, to a two-year term as chairman. He succeeds Dr. Gerhard Raisig, who is a managing partner in Frankfurt. In addition, Finn Rants, managing partner of Boyden Denmark, was assigned to a first term as director. Kristen Smit, managing partner of Boyden France, and Brent Shervey, managing partner of Boyden Canada,
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Life Sciences Search Specialist
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has strengthened its healthcare and life sciences practice with the addition of Tim Dietlin to its Chicago office. Mr. Dietlin has extensive life sciences and professional services experience and has worked globally and across the R&D, medical and commercial functions. “Tim is an excellent addition to our practice and firm. His deep knowledge of the healthcare and life sciences
Preston & Partners Recruits CEO for Adorama
The New York office of Preston & Partners has placed Barry Litwin as chief executive officer of Adorama, Inc. Gary Preston and Elaine Erickson led the assignment. Adorama is a leading online destination for photography, imaging and consumer electronics. Mr. Litwin joins the company from Sears Holdings, Inc., where he was vice president and general manager of e-commerce.
Herbert Mines Completes Search for Performance Sports Group
New York-based executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Todd Harman as executive vice president of baseball/softball at Performance Sports Group Ltd. Mr. Harman brings more than 20 years of experience in the sporting goods industry and will lead all aspects of the company’s Easton Baseball/Softball business. He was most recently president of Cleveland Golf, USA and had held various
Spencer Stuart’s India Chief Resigns
Anjali Bansal, a partner and co-leader of Spencer Stuart’s CEO and corporate board practice in Asia Pacific, has resigned her post after spending more than a decade with the firm. Ms. Bansal founded and led Spencer Stuart’s India practice, which now operates from Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Ms. Bansal is a noted expert in strategy and leadership consulting.
ZRG Launches Cyber Security Search Practice
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has launched a new cyber security and government / defense recruitment practice with the additions of search consultants Stephen Spagnuolo and Phoebe Henderson. Finding cyber security leadership is one of the fastest growing segments of the talent acquisition business, according to Hunt Scanlon Media in its coming ‘State of the Industry’ forecast report. “The
ON Search Partners Adds Partner In Boston
ON Search Partners has added Leonard Vairo to its recently established Boston office as a partner. With 20 years of executive recruiting experience, Mr. Vairo’s practice focuses on the technology and business services industry across CEO, board of director and senior-level executive search assignments. He joins the firm from Russell Reynolds Associates where he was a partner for 10
Human Capital Group Recruits President for FRANKE
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group, Inc. has placed Gary Langbo as president at Franke, overseeing the Kitchen Systems in North America. Mr. Langbo previously spent five years as vice president of retail, global commercial and consumer products at Underwriters Laboratories, in Northbrook, IL. Before that, he spent 15 years at Whirlpool Corporation where he served in various leadership
Brooke Chase Associates Places CEO at Wellborn Forest Products
Sarasota-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates has recruited Dave Gordon as president and chief executive officer of Wellborn Forest Products. Rick Mohrman led the assignment. Mr. Gordon will oversee all functions of the business, developing and implementing strategic plans for growth and operational improvement, leading and developing the senior management team and driving sales growth and profitability. With a background
Caldwell Partners Recruits Doerr Center Director at Rice University
Caldwell Partners has recruited Tom Kolditz as executive director of Doerr Center for Student Leadership at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The search was conducted by a team led by John Strackhouse, a partner who advises investors and executives at venture capital firms, private equity concerns, and growth-oriented public companies on succession planning, talent acquisition, leadership, and company building. Mr. Kolditz
RSR Partners Adds Managing Director in New York
RSR Partners, a corporate governance and executive search firm, has added Trish Shortell as managing director in its New York office. Her search experience spans the marketing services spectrum — from agencies to corporations — bringing a wealth of knowledge to the firm’s chief marketing officer (CMO) and chief financial officer (CFO) practices. “We are delighted to welcome Trish to our firm. Her
Egon Zehnder Retained by Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Egon Zehnder has been selected by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to find its new director. The firm was responsible for conducting the ABC’s last search for a managing director in 2006, when Mark Scott was appointed to role. According to reports, the new director will ultimately replace Mr. Scott whose second five year term expires in July 2016. The
O’Neill Consulting Group Acquires DMR Advisory
Search firm O’Neill Consulting Group has acquired DMR Advisory, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. DMR Advisory provides executive search and organizational advisory services for the hotel, real estate, and hospitality technology industries. “We are delighted to welcome DMR to the O’Neill family as we continue our efforts to serve clients in new, innovative ways,” said Kevin O’Neill, founder
Andersen Partnership Opens New Office in Dublin
Executive recruiters Andersen Partnership has opened new digs in Dublin, making it the firm’s 11th office. Led by director Darragh Everard, the office intends to hire more than 30 consultants over the coming months, specializing in recruiting mid to senior management level roles. Commenting on the opening, Andersen Partnership’s CEO, Brian Schroder, commended the achievements of Mr. Everard
DHR and CTPartners Begin Takeover Talks As Lifelines Dry Up
CTPartners, No. 7 on Hunt Scanlon’s top Americas search firm rankings, has announced that pursuant to its previously announced strategic alternatives process, the company has received a non-binding indication of interest from it’s top 10 rival, DHR International, to be acquired. The special committee of the company’s board of directors, which was formed to evaluate CTPartners
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Cruise Lines Association
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has placed Thomas P. Ostebo as president and chief executive officer of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Mr. Ostebo will oversee CLIA operations both domestically and internationally, working directly with his senior leadership team to execute the organization’s vision and work on behalf of CLIA members. He replaces Christine Duffy who went on to become president of Carnival
