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Mercuri Urval Appoints Five New Partners
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has appointed five new partners made up of a diverse group of experts, representing three nationalities. The new partners are Dennis Tanke, Isabella Valentini, Irena Schierjott, Florian Knorn, and Anne Zhang. “Becoming a partner in MU means to be recognized as exceptionally trusted by clients and colleagues, and it
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,
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
When Ghosting Reappears to Haunt Your Career Opportunities
Every time a person makes a decision to not do the right thing regarding the search for a new job or trying to change careers, it will come back to haunt them, according to Russ Riendeau, Ph.D., senior partner and chief behavioral scientist with New Frontier Search Company. “The trail of evidence around a lack of self-awareness, common
Isaacson, Miller Adds Higher Education Veteran
John W. Roberts has joined Isaacson, Miller as vice president. He will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Roberts was previously dean of the college of liberal arts and social sciences at the University of Houston. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Mr. Roberts brings an extensive network and
Parker Executive Search Fills Basketball Coach for Fordham
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed Jeff Neubaueras as the new men's head basketball coach at Fordham University. In 10 seasons at Eastern Kentucky, Mr. Neubaueras won 188 games and made two NCAA tournaments. Fordham University is a private, non-profit, coeducational research university based in New York City. Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches for corporations,
The Buffkin Group Places VP Marketing at Availity
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Molly Miles as vice president of marketing at Availity, LLC. Craig Buffkin, managing partner, and Jen Bradley, associate partner, led the search. Ms. Miles previously serve as VP of marketing at Wellcentive. Availity delivers revenue cycle and related business solutions for healthcare professionals. The Buffkin Group is an
ManpowerGroup Posts Seven Percent Q1 Revenue Dip
ManpowerGroup/(NYSE:MAN) has posted first quarter revenues of $4.5 billion, a decrease of seven percent from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The Milwaukee-based staffing company recorded earnings of $65.7 million, or 83 cents per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $70.1 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, during the same period a year
Witt/Kieffer Adds Healthcare Specialist to Team
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has added Chris Wierz to its team as a principal in Oak Bridge, IL. Ms. Wierz brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to her executive search practice, including 20 years in healthcare information technology. She will help find leaders for hospitals and integrated delivery networks, academic medical centers, managed care companies,
CTPartners Financial Services Recruiter Heads to David Barrett Partners
Robert F. Gorog Jr., a partner and member of the financial services practice of CTPartners, has joined David Barrett Partners in Boston. Mr. Gorog brings over 20 years of professional search experience dedicated exclusively to the investment management industry. A senior member of CTPartners’ asset & wealth management and specialty hedge fund practices, his recruiting work
Industrial Search Partners Taps CEO for Red River Valley
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has recruited Nathan Asplund to serve as president and chief executive officer of Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW). Jason Ward, managing partner, conducted the search for RRVW. Mr. Asplund most recently served as assistant vice president – Mexico for BNSF Railway. RRVW is a shortline railroad serving North Dakota
Turnkey Search Recruits SVP for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has placed Terry Kalna as senior vice president of sales and broadcasting with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mr. Kalna has spent the past eight years as managing director of International Speedway Corporation, a sister company to NASCAR that operates 13 racetracks across the country. Turnkey considered more than 100 senior
AltoPartners Adds New Norwegian Partner Firm Kingbird
AltoPartners has added new Norwegian-based partner firm KingBird to its global alliance. Based in Olso, Kingbird is a partner- owned recruitment firm with more than 20 years of experience. It assists clients in several specialized areas including finding board directors, senior and middle managers, experienced specialists and key personnel. “We are delighted to welcome KingBird to the
hrQ Expands Staff with New Managing Director in Denver
hrQ, an executive search and professional services firm focused exclusively on the human resources sector, has named Anne Mounts as managing director of its Denver operations. Ms. Mounts joins hrQ with leadership experience from human capital firms including Interaction Associates, Inc., Vantage Partners, LLC and Better Communications, Inc. “Anne brings a wealth of knowledge to
Alexander Mann Solutions Appoints New Leadership in APAC
London-based talent acquisition and management services firm Alexander Mann Solutions has strengthened its leadership team in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions with three new additions. Caleb Baker has been named managing director, Asia Pacific and emerging markets. Based in Hong Kong, Mr. Baker's experience specifically relates to talent acquisition, recruitment process outsourcing, managed service
Jorgenson Consulting Places President at Saratoga County
Executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting has recruited Martin K. Vanags as the first president of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Inc. The partnership was created to guide economic growth following the county’s break with Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Mr. Vanags comes to Saratoga County from Indianapolis, where he was vice president of regional economic development for the Indy
Egon Zehnder Fills Chair Position For BSR
Egon Zehnder has placed Alessandro Carlucci as BSR’s fourth chair. BSR is a global non-profit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. At the end of 2014, Mr. Carlucci stepped down after serving for 10 years as CEO of Natura, the Brazil-based company
Career Partners International – Nashville Adds Senior Principal
Career Partners International (CPI) – Nashville, locally branded as Plumlee & Associates, has added Amy Plumlee to the firm as senior principal and owner. Ms. Plumlee brings over 10 years of human resources and talent management experience to the firm, which was founded by her husband and senior principal, Martin Plumlee. In her new role, she will
Touchpoint Search Opens Doors
Executive recruitment firm Touchpoint Search has been launched to help companies acquire talent as they respond to rapid and transformational developments in data, information and technology within the corporate finance function. Owner and president of the new firm is Steven Crane, who brings over 17 years of multi-industry public company CFO experience to the venture. Touchpoint
The Newport Group Acquires Three Sixty Digital Talent
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has acquired Three Sixty Digital Talent, an executive search services provider focused on the programmatic, AdTech and data analytics industries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Three Sixty’s brand will remain as is, and all of its executives have been retained as managing directors. “Three Sixty
Onstott Group Appoints Head of Healthcare Practice
The Onstott Group has added Brian T. Kelley Jr. to the firm to lead its healthcare search practice. Mr. Kelley will also maintain his consulting relationships with private equity and venture capital firms. “Brian’s extensive experience in the healthcare industry coupled with our existing relationships will greatly strengthen our ability to address the needs of
Diversified Search Recruits CEO for CARE Usa
Diversified Search has placed Michelle Nunn as president and chief executive officer of CARE USA. Dale Jones, CEO, and Veronica Biggins, managing director in Atlanta, led the search. Ms. Nunn has spent her 25-year career dedicated to civic and public service. She has served as a social entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and most recently as a
TNS Partners Finds CEO for LOT Network
Dallas-headquartered executive search firm TNS Partners has recruited Ken Seddon as chief executive officer of LOT Network. Most recently, Mr. Seddon was vice president of intellectual property at ARM and previously held senior positions with Apple, Numonyx and Intel. LOT Network is an intellectual property focused consortium of companies that promotes innovation by reducing the
Kincannon & Reed Makes Additions In Europe
Kincannon & Reed has added four new managing directors to its European team. Jos Boeren joins the firm with 17 years of international experience in corporate business development, finance, and transactions services, including head of Agri Corporate Finance at Société Général and manager of M&A strategic planning at Bunge Limited. Fredrik Lundén brings more than
Phaidon International Opens In San Francisco
Recruiting specialist Phaidon International has expanded to the West Coast with the opening of an office in San Francisco. The new office will be led by associate director, Clare Cooper. Phaidon International’s initial focus in San Francisco will lean towards servicing the technology space, with a specialist IT and telecoms solution delivered by Glocomms, its
Futurestep Expands North American Search Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has announced the appointment of two strategic hires for its North American business. Jonathan Tedesco joins as sector leader of utilities, while Simon Revere becomes supply chain practice leader. Mr. Tedesco joins the team to manage the firm’s client relationships across the utilities sector, working with
Onstott Group Appoints Head Of Healthcare Practice
The Onstott Group has added Brian T. Kelley Jr. to the firm to lead its healthcare search practice. Mr. Kelley will also maintain his consulting relationships with private equity and venture capital firms. “Brian’s extensive experience in the healthcare industry coupled with our existing relationships will greatly strengthen our ability to address the needs of the
TNS Partners Finds CEO For LOT Network
Dallas-headquartered executive search firm TNS Partners has recruited Ken Seddon as chief executive officer of LOT Network. Most recently, Mr. Seddon was vice president of intellectual property at ARM and previously held senior positions with Apple, Numonyx and Intel. LOT Network is an intellectual property focused consortium of companies that promotes innovation by reducing the risk
Diversified Search Recruits CEO For Care USA
Diversified Search has placed Michelle Nunn as president and chief executive officer of CARE USA. Dale Jones, CEO, and Veronica Biggins, managing director in Atlanta, led the search. Ms. Nunn has spent her 25-year career dedicated to civic and public service. She has served as a social entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and most recently as a
CTPartners DiFilippo Joins DHR International as EVP in New York
James DiFilippo, a managing partner at CTPartners who also served as head of the firm’s retail & consumer goods practice, has joined the New York office of DHR International as executive vice president. He brings more than 20 years of executive search experience to DHR within the consumer and retail industries during which time he
Heidrick & Struggles Adds New Partners
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has added Birgit Adels as a partner based in Amsterdam and Thomas Linquist as a partner within its industrial practice. Ms. Adels, who becomes a member of the firm's consumer markets practice, has a career that spans more than 20 years of leadership roles, including global CEO of the fashion house
RSA Grows Interim Team
RSA, a global life sciences executive search and interim management specialist, has added Kris Richards as a senior consultant within its executive interim team. She will be responsible for delivering executive level interim services to both existing and new clients. For the past 16 years, Ms. Richards has specialized in recruiting for the life sciences
Kaplan Partners Leading CEO Search for First National Bank of Elmer
Philadelphia-based executive recruiter Kaplan Partners has been selected by the First National Bank of Elmer to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Douglas E. Carll, current executive vice president and CEO, plans to retire during the third quarter of 2015. The First National Bank of Elmer was founded in 1903. Kaplan Partners
CTPartners Difilippo Joins DHR International as EVP in New York
James DiFilippo, a managing partner at CTPartners who also served as head of the firm’s retail & consumer goods practice, has joined the New York office of DHR International as executive vice president. He brings more than 20 years of executive search experience to DHR within the consumer and retail industries during which time he
Heidrick & Struggles Adds New Partners
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has added Birgit Adels as a partner based in Amsterdam and Thomas Linquist as a partner within its industrial practice. Ms. Adels, who becomes a member of the firm's consumer markets practice, has a career that spans more than 20 years of leadership roles, including global CEO of the fashion house







