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WittKieffer Appoints IT Practice Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Sturman as managing partner and information technology practice leader. He takes over from Hillary Ross, who has led the practice since 2017. Ms. Ross will shift her full-time priorities to client engagements and working alongside Mr. Sturman to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to WittKieffer,” said
Recruiting for Private Equity & Venture Capital: Driving Growth Through Talent
The demand for exceptional talent has never been greater in private equity and venture capital, where growth and innovation depend on the ability to build high-performing teams. As firms face rapid change and intense competition, scaling leadership and adopting forward-thinking talent strategies have become mission-critical priorities. For these organizations, finding and developing the right talent
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.
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
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?
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
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
Advice to New CEOs Building Their Team: Lead with Purpose, Embody Culture & Be Decisive
In Spencer Stuart’s role supporting hundreds of CEO transitions annually, one of the most common aspirations they hear from incoming leaders is the desire to develop an executive leadership team of direct reports that is enterprise-focused, highly collaborative, accountable to each other and widely respected. This ambition is well-founded: Aligned leadership teams grow revenue more
AESC Adds Talent Africa as Member
The Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) has added Talent Africa as a member firm. Talent Africa, an alliance firm of Korn Ferry, is based in Sandton, the business hub of South Africa, and offers integrated talent solutions to clients nationally and in sub-Saharan Africa. “We are honored to be part of the AESC, it
Spencer Ogden Makes Two Appointments
London-headquartered recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has promoted Brad Lewington to director of EMEA and named Kristen Zeilerbauer as managing director in London. Mr. Lewington will combine his new title with an existing position as head of Asia Pacific. In his new role, he will relocate to London and develop the firm's APAC business. Mr. Zeilerbauer
J. Carpenter & Co. Recruits Chief Marketing Officer For Tempur-Sealy
Executive search firm J. Carpenter and Co. has recruited Jay Spenchian as chief marketing officer of Tempur-Sealy International. Most recently, Mr. Spenchian served as EVP and chief marketing officer for Olive Garden. Tempur Sealy is one of the world's largest bedding providers. J. Carpenter & Co. was founded in 2009 and recruits senior-level executives for
Trilogy Search Non+Profit Completes Search For Bioptix
Executive search firm Trilogy Search Non+Profit has placed Ken Dickerson as vice president of sales with BiOptix, a privately-held optical biodetection company. Chuck Pappalardo handled the assignment on behalf of Trilogy. Mr. Dickerson previously served as national sales director with ACEA Biosciences. Trilogy Search Non+Profit specializes in recruiting senior-level executives and company directors for non-profit
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Former Egon Zehnder Partner as Co-Leader of CEO and Board Advisory Services
Global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Justus O’Brien to the firm to co-lead its integrated CEO and board advisory services group alongside industry veterans Charles A. Tribbett III and Ron Lumbra. Mr. O’Brien will be based out of the firm’s New York office. He joins a global team that combines expertise across
Citing ‘Credibility’ Issue, Underwriter Drops Coverage Of CTpartners
Chicago-based William Blair & Company, lead underwriter for CTPartners, has downgraded the company’s stock and abruptly dropped its coverage of the global executive search firm. Blair’s relationship with CTPartners dates back to December 2010 when it acted as lead manager for CTPartners’ initial public offering. At the time, Blair analyst, Tim McHugh, said that ‘CTPartners
HVS Executive Search Names Managing Director For Europe And Middle East
Simon Tucker-Brown has been appointed as managing director of HVS Executive Search for Europe and the Middle East. He will be based in London. Mr. Tucker-Brown specializes in providing advice on talent and market information as well as solutions to clients’ critical assignments, having delivered numerous search mandates across a broad range of disciplines at
Sports Recruitment International Appoints Managing Partner Executive Search
Search firm Sports Recruitment International has named David James as managing partner, executive search. Mr. James was previously global head of sport & leisure at CTPartners, working with some of the leading global sports clubs, governing bodies, government agencies, service providers, sponsors, rights holders, leisure venues and broadcasters assisting them with their senior management recruitment,
Notogroup Promotes Partner
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Notogroup has promoted Gennevieve Emery to partner/recruiting director. A member of the Notogroup team since its inception in 2009, the firm has recognized her contributions with ownership in the firm. “From the beginning Gennevieve has always acted as an owner in establishing Notogroup’s track record of success, one client at
Diversified Search Recruits Chief HR Officer for Barnabas Health
Diversified Search has placed Milton Anderson as chief human resources officer at Barnabas Health. The search was led by managing director Judy Boreham and Gordon Hawthorne, vice chairman and healthcare practice leader. Mr. Anderson formerly served as chief human resources officer at University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care System, Inc. Barnabas Health is New Jersey’s
Boyden Adds Partner in Pittsburgh Office
Boyden has added Fernando Esquivel Vargas as a new partner in its Pittsburgh office. Mr. Vargas will be a key member of the firm’s global human resources, consumer & retail and healthcare & life science practices. He most recently served as SVP and head of human resources of Mylan, a generic and specialty pharmaceutical company;
Talentmark Opens New Office In Germany
Recruitment specialist Talentmark has opened a new office in Frankfurt. Talentmark Deutschland will focus on interim management, clinical consulting and next-generation executive search solutions for the life sciences industry. Klemens Schuette is CEO of Talentmark Deutschland GmbH and executive director of Talentmark Group. His role is to move forward Talentmark’s business model of product driven
Globetec Solutions Group Names Board Director
Executive recruiter Globetec Solutions Group has named Lee Rayner as its newest board director. Mr. Rayner joined the London-based firm in 2011 as a principal consultant and was promoted to account director in 2013. He will be responsible for driving account growth, implementing best practice frameworks and leading marketing activity across the organization. Globetec Solutions
Witt/Kieffer Recruits CFO For MU Health Care And School of Medicine
Executive recruiter Witt/Kieffer has placed Brian Steines as chief financial officer of MU Health Care and School of Medicine. Mr. Steines most recently served as vice president of financial operations for Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network’s Arizona market. Witt/Kieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical
Brooke Chase Associates Fills Position For Canyon Creek Cabinet Company
Executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has placed Robert Foote as executive vice president with Canyon Creek Cabinet Company. Rick Mohrman led the assignment. With more than a decade of experience in the cabinet industry, Mr. Foote has served in increasing roles of responsibility with Masterbrand Cabinets and most recently at American Woodmark. Canyon Creek
Harvey Nash Launches New Inclusion Network
Global executive search firm Harvey Nash has launched a new inclusion network called Engage. Focused on bringing together senior business leaders from all cultural backgrounds, the network will act as a platform for networking and peer-to-peer support for a section of the business community traditionally underrepresented at the executive and board level. Engage follows on
Transearch Japan Names Head Of Technology Practice
Dr. Ken Sakakibara has joined TRANSEARCH Japan as a senior consultant heading up the technology practice in Japan. With over 30 years’ executive experience in the technology and R&D sectors, Dr. Sakakibara started his career at Canon Inc., and then held executive positions in a variety of R&D organizations. He is an inventor of six
Sageview Consulting Expands Team
Sageview Consulting has expanded its team with the additions of Ilana Corum as human resources client manager and Risa Seelenfreund as organizational development associate. Ms. Corum comes to Sageview Consulting with more than a decade of experience as a human resources professional previously serving as HR consultant and prior to that as director of HR
DHR International Completes Search For EPIX
DHR International has placed Jocelyn Diaz as executive vice president and head of original programming for EPIX. Managing director Sean Scanlon and senior associate Ian Thomson led the search. Founded in 2009, EPIX is an American premium television network and subscription VOD service that is a joint venture of Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, and MGM. Founded
Isaacson, Miller Retained to Lead President Search for Virginia State University
Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia State University to lead in its search for its next president. VSU board of visitors Harry Black said: “We are impressed with Isaacson, Miller and confident of the firm’s ability to bring to VSU an exceptionally qualified pool of candidates, that will ultimately result in a visionary president
Korn Ferry Adds Global HR Practice Specialist
Korn Ferry has added Louis Montgomery Jr. as principal and member of its global human resources practice. Mr. Montgomery will be based out of the firm’s northern Virginia office. Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Mr. Montgomery served as senior managing director at a boutique search firm Reffett Associates. Prior to that, he was senior vice
Hoffman & Associates’ Founder Joins Aesc Board
Ineke Arts, partner and founder of Brussels-based Hoffman & Associates, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). Ms. Arts will serve a one-year term in 2015. She represents one of four women on the board and joins fellow IIC Partners member Denys Monteiro, CEO and partner
Direct Recruiters Appoints Director Of Life Sciences
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has named David Fishbach as director of life sciences. Mr. Fishbach specializes in helping life sciences companies (including software providers and CROs) to fill their most crucial positions in sales, professional services, quality & regulatory, clinical data management, clinical operations, clinical informatics, and related functions. With more than
Egon Zehnder Recruits President For Velan
Egon Zehnder has placed Yves Leduc as president of Velan Inc. Until recently, Mr. Leduc was a corporate officer at BRP Inc., as vice president / general manager of its North American business since 2006. Velan is a manufacturer of industrial valves with sales of $489 million in its last reported fiscal year. Founded in
Spencer Stuart Heading CEO Search for Dana Holding Corp.
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Dana Holding Corp. to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Current president and CEO Roger Wood plans to retire in April 2016. Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles, driveshafts, and sealing and thermal-management products, as well as genuine service
Coulter Partners Expands U.S. Footprint
Search firm Coulter Partners has assumed the operations of Palatucci Executive Search, LLC, and appointed Dr. Christopher M. Palatucci as executive vice president in its Cambridge, MA office. Before founding his firm, Dr. Palatucci was recruited to start and grow the life sciences practice for Polachi in Boston. “I am very pleased to welcome Chris
Women Still Absent In Boardrooms Says Catalyst
Women hold 19.2 percent of S&P 500 board seats in the U. S. and 20.8 percent of S&P/TSX 60 board seats in Canada, according to 2014 Catalyst Census: Women Board Directors. In Europe, women’s share of board seats range from 7.9 percent in Portugal (PSI-20 index) to 18.5 percent in Germany (DAX index) to 22.8
Kensington’s Laramie Group Adds VP Business Development
Kensington International, the Chicago area offices of Career Partners International (CPI), has named Matt Kerr to Laramie Group, a Kensington International company, as its new vice president of business development. Mr. Kerr brings more than 25 years of human resources experience in the areas of research, executive search, career transition, talent acquisition and HR management.
Kincannon & Reed Finds CEO For National Pork Board
Kincannon & Reed has placed Chris Hodges as chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. Jon Leafstedt, Jim Gerardot, and Ed Yuhas, principals with Kincannon & Reed, led the assignment. Mr. Hodges is currently senior vice president of business development at Smithfield Farmland. Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed is focused exclusively on the
Odgers Berndtson Retained by PGA European Tour for CEO Search
Odgers Berndtson has been selected by the PGA European Tour to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The search is being led by partner Simon Cummins. Current CEO George O’Grady is stepping down. The PGA European Tour operates a broad range of business initiatives essential to its primary mission of administering professional
Stanton Chase Taps Board-Level Advisory Director
Stanton Chase International has said that Peter W. Stanton, a veteran financial services and search executive, has joined its Miami office as a board-level advisory director. As an advisory director, he will consult with the Stanton Chase offices on issues related to the financial sector and how they specifically relate to searches and executive leadership
