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BarkerGilmore Fills Senior Legal Post for Firefly Aerospace
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Kristen Price as associate general counsel, commercial at Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, TX. “Firefly is at a defining stage as a newly public company, and Kristen joins at a pivotal moment as the company continues to scale its commercial capabilities
Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Estee Aiken as the next chancellor of the University of Montana Western (UMW). “Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal
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
Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
DHR Global Recruits Head Football Coach for Bowling Green State University
Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Eddie George as the new head football coach of Bowling Green State University (BGSU). “At BGSU, we always emphasize how our people and our community transform this great university and enhance the student experience,” said vice president for athletics
Academic Search Seeking New President for the University of Alabama
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Alabama (UA) to lead in its search for a new president. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of the University of Alabama, has announced his plans to step down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade in the school’s top leadership role. Senior consultant Ann
JM Search Expands Consumer Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded its team of experts dedicated to recruiting executives for consumer businesses with the additions of John Foristall, Heidi Rustin, and Jennifer Green. “JM Search is experiencing rapid growth in the consumer goods market, necessitating exceptional leaders to navigate the evolving landscape,” the
Signium Elects New Board of Directors
Executive search consortium Signium has announced the election of its 2025+ board of directors: Annelize van Rensburg, director of executive search in Johannesburg, South Africa was re-elected as chair. Felipa Xara-Brasil, managing partner in Lisbon, Portugal was elected as vice chair. “I am privileged to serve a second term on the board and honored for the trust my fellow board members
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
5 Hiring Strategies for 2025
This time of year presents an ideal opportunity to fine-tune your hiring strategy and assemble a team that will propel your business forward. In today’s competitive talent landscape, attracting and securing top candidates demands more than a simple job description and a handful of interviews. It demands a thoughtful, proactive approach that aligns with your
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Alameda Health System
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Alameda Health System (AHS) in Alameda, CA. Reporting directly to the CEO, the chief medical officer serves as the senior medical leader and strategic visionary for Alameda Health System. As both a physician executive and clinical strategist, the CMO champions AHS’s commitment to delivering the
GHP Search Fills Board Positions with Literacy Partners
According to recruiters interviewed by Hunt Scanlon Media, the executive search process for board directors is inherently complex and demands a customized approach. Firms specializing in board recruitment typically start with a thorough evaluation of the organization’s existing board structure, strategic objectives, and industry dynamics. This assessment helps shape the ideal candidate profile, which often
True Launches Hybrid Talent Solution SearchEssentials
Global talent provider True has launched SearchEssentials, a versatile technology and services hiring solution designed for flexible customization. Focusing on roles that may not require a fully retained executive search, SearchEssentials offers an adaptable, tech-enabled, partially retained search model tailored for team expansions, key individual contributor positions, and leadership roles in smaller or early-stage companies.
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, flat from the same period a year ago (two percent increase on a constant currency basis). During the quarter, fee revenue increased slightly in Executive Search, RPO and Digital, offset by a decline in fee revenue in Consulting. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and
Building Strength in the Messy Middle
The managers who bridge senior leadership and frontline teams play a vital role in shaping organizational success. Many of these professionals have been promoted from an individual contributor position into leadership for the first time or are in an elevated leadership role without the necessary guidance and training to address increasingly complex challenges and systems,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Men’s Head Basketball Coach for Florida State
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Loucks as its men’s basketball head coach for Florida State University (FSU). “I’m excited to announce that Luke Loucks has accepted our offer to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Florida State,” said Michael Alford vice president and director of athletics. “Luke will bring a
Vetted Solutions Tapped by Architects Foundation to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been retained by Architects Foundation to lead in its search for a new executive director. The foundation seeks a visionary executive director to lead the crucial work in advancing future design leaders through scholarships and early career support for emerging professionals, fostering sustainable and inclusive community design, and preserving and
EMA Partners India Debuts on NSE Emerge with Strong Investor Demand
EMA Partners India Limited has become the first global executive search firm to publicly list its shares in India. The firm has listed on the NSE Emerge exchange. The public issue received solid investor interest and was oversubscribed by 200+ times. EMA Partners India Limited is a member firm of London-based EMA Partners International Limited.
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking New HR Leader for Fort Hays State University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Fort Hays State University to lead in its search for a director of human resources. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. With a strong, dedicated and experienced team already in place, the director will be well supported in providing leadership across human resources, employee relations,
Lonergan Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Carbice
Menlo Park, CA-based executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Tony Fernandez-Stoll as the new chief revenue officer of Carbice. Kirsten Settle led the global search. “Tony’s impact from two decades at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is truly remarkable,” said Baratunde Cola, founder and CEO of Carbice. “His extensive experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we
WittKieffer Launches Physician Leadership Institute
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has launched its Physician Leadership Institute, an initiative designed to support and prepare experienced physicians for executive leadership roles across the healthcare field. The institute offers customized executive development led by a team of experienced physician leaders and leadership coaches and tailored to the specific needs of hospitals and health systems. “I am extremely
Is Your Organization Driving Away Top Female Talent? Learn How to Retain Them
The corporate world is facing a concerning trend—women in leadership roles are leaving at a higher rate than their male counterparts. In some cases, this shift is an unexpected consequence of existing workplace policies. As the trend continues, it is crucial to understand the drivers behind this phenomenon and devise strategies to reverse the tide,
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 4.1 Percent
Employment rose by 151,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rose slightly to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in February. Employment trended up in healthcare, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, and social assistance. Federal government employment declined. “Today’s jobs
Kincannon & Reed Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Izzio Artisan Bakery
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Clamp as the new chief operating officer of Izzio Artisan Bakery. “Rob’s extensive experience in commercial baking and his proven ability to drive operational efficiency make him the ideal candidate for this role with Izzio,”
m/Oppenheim Seeking New President and CEO for The Discovery
The Discovery in Reno, NV, has retained non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Mark Oppenheim, Lisa Grossman, and Kevin Redick are leading the assignment. The CEO will lead and financially strengthen The Discovery as it continues its evolution as a unique institution that engages children through
Noto Group Opens Office in London
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has opened a new office in London and the appointed of John Copeland as senior partner. The firm explained that this strategic expansion strengthens Noto Group’s ability to serve its growing international client base while bringing its proven search and selection approach to the European market. “The opening of our
2025 HR Talent Trends and Strategies
As organizations adapt to a shifting workforce landscape, HR leaders are prioritizing six key areas in 2025. Workforce planning is critical, yet few companies take a long-term approach, despite challenges like automation and leadership retirements. Change management is another pressing issue, with HR playing a vital role in reducing employee fatigue and preparing managers for
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Community Connections with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Damien Cabezas as the new president and CEO of Community Connections, Inc. in Washington, D.C. Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Community Connections has long been a trailblazer in behavioral health, consistently setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the field,” said Dr. Mark
JamesDruryPartners Fills Board Position for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Chicago-based JamesDruryPartners has helped to place Ty R. Silberhorn as a new member of the board of directors
ZRG Appoints Co-Leader of CHRO Practice
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has named Dan Kaplan as managing partner and co-head CHRO practice. A recognized organizational expert, Mr. Kaplan is an advisor to global CEOs, investors, and boards. He has recruited and coached many top CHROs around the world and has spent nearly 15 years helping elevate CHROs onto boards. “Dan isn’t just one
Massey Henry Adds New Partner
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry recently expanded with the addition of Lisa Newey as partner. Ms. Newey, joined by newly appointed senior consultant Lee-An Palo and research associate Aarti Arora, brings deep sector expertise that further enhances the firm’s ability to address the leadership needs of financial services clients. “Massey Henry is experiencing significant growth, and with these hires, we have
Cultural Humility Primer: Connecting Knowledge with Authentic Engagement
Diversity is a cornerstone of the American experience. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the United States will become a majority-minority nation by 2045. A diverse population creates both opportunities and challenges, especially in fields like business, government, education, and social services, where understanding difference is critical for successful communication and productive workplaces, according to
The Writers Guild Foundation Retains Envision Consulting to Find New Leader
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has been selected by the Writers Guild Foundation in Los Angeles to lead in its search for a new executive director. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director is in charge of coordinating the overall operations, financials and strategy for the organization. This position will improve fund development and revitalize the
Acertitude Recruits CEO for Tideshift Capital Group-Backed Libera
Acertitude has placed Michael Wons as the new CEO of Tideshift Capital Group-backed Libera, Inc. in Jamestown, NY. The search was led by co-founder and managing partner, Rick DeRose and partner, Scott Jacobs. “Mike’s capabilities and past leadership success in leveraging product innovation and developing high-performing sales teams at scale for private, public and not-for-profit enterprise companies







