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The Stakes of Executive Hiring in Private Markets
In private equity and venture capital, the difference between a portfolio company that delivers 3x returns and one that barely breaks even often comes down to a single factor: leadership. Whether you’re installing a new CEO to drive operational improvements in a mature PE portfolio company or finding a CTO to scale a Series B startup’s engineering team,
Seasonal Hiring Cycles in Life Sciences: A Global Playbook for Getting Talent Timing Right
In MedTech, hiring isn’t a flat line—it’s a waveform. Budgets refresh, regulatory clocks tick, trials start and stop, surgeries surge or stall, and supply chains ripple with global events. As an executive recruiter dedicated exclusively to this sector, Legacy MedSearch‘s Paula Rutledge has the job to help leaders ride those waves rather than get swamped
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.
Global Recruitment Outlook Steady for the Fourth Quarter Despite Year-Over-Year Decline
Global hiring intentions are holding steady for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 25 percent, though outlooks remain weaker compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey, which gathered data from over 40,000 employers across 42 countries between July 1-31,
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
Prout Group Founders Join Diversified Search
Diversified Search has added Patrick M. Prout, the former president and CEO of The Prout Group, and Betsy Bruening, Prout’s EVP and COO, as managing directors. Mr. Prout will serve as the firm’s practice leader for financial services in New York while Ms. Bruening will establish a new office in Cleveland. Before launching Prout Group, Mr. Prout served as
Antal International Acquires Smart Moves
U.K.-based recruitment business Smart Moves has joined the network of Antal International, which operates from 120-plus offices in 30 countries. The acquisition opens up the opportunity to expand the Smart Moves brand to other locations and supports Antal International’s strategy to build its presence across the U.K. Established in 2000 by managing director Julia Hale and Louisa Harris, Smart Moves
Lochlin Partners Finds CEO For Nathan Associates
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Susan B. Chodakewitz as chief executive officer of Nathan Associates. She will succeed Lakhbir Singh, who plans to retire from full-time employment after almost 39 years with Nathan. Ms. Chodakewitz joins Nathan from Tetra Tech Inc., an international environmental and technical services consulting company with $2.48 billion in revenue. She has been president
Russell Reynolds Associates Heads UD President Search
Russell Reynolds Associates has been chosen by the University of Delaware (UD) to lead the search for its next president. Ilene H. Nagel, head of the firm’s higher education practice, will lead the search team assisting UD. Ms. Nagel is a long-term academic, having held professorial and senior administrative positions at Indiana University (Bloomington), the University of Maryland (College
Brentwood Search Partners With Color Stampede
El Segundo, California-based executive search firm Brentwood Search has entered into a consulting arrangement with Color Stampede to advance its recruiting efforts for startup and established media and technology companies moving into downtown Los Angeles. Brentwood Search will serve as executive recruiter of record for Color Stampede; in turn, Color Stampede will help identify emerging players in digital
Healthcare Recruiter Joins HealthTech as VP
Veteran healthcare recruiter Peter Goodspeed has joined HealthTech Management Services as vice president in an effort to bring a fresh perspective to the firm’s recruitment services. Competition for highly qualified healthcare executives has never been greater as healthcare reform continues to evolve, and the need for talent in the sector is expanding. With more than 25
Ferguson Partners Heading CEO Search for Mack-Cali Realty
Ferguson Partners Ltd. has been retained by Mack-Cali Realty Corp. to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Mitch Rudin, former chief executive of Brookfield Office Properties’ U.S. division, was the leading candidate to replace outgoing CEO Mitchell Hersh. “Since initiating this process, the board search committee, in conjunction
U.K. Search Pioneer Dies at 80
Anthony Saxton, a pioneer in the field of headhunting for the educational and charitable sectors, after a first career in advertising, has died at the age of 80. Mr. Saxton and his business partner, Stephen Bampfylde, founded Saxton Bampfylde International in 1986 and built a practice that applied “executive search” skills honed in the business
Abercrombie & Fitch Taps Spencer Stuart for CEO Search
They have not had a CEO in over five months. So retail giant, Abercrombie & Fitch, has gone to the outside to help find itself a new leader by enlisting Hunt Scanlon ‘Big Five’ recruiter Spencer Stuart. In December, A&F’s longtime CEO, Mike Jefferies, who had helped build a brand that attracted millions of teens in
