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Inside the Recruiter Performance Training Program
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently rolled out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability to recruiter performance. The initiative reflects
Kincannon & Reed Assists Ritchie Industries with CEO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has recruited Chad Huyser as the new CEO of Ritchie Industries, a manufacturer of livestock watering solutions and a portfolio company of Granite Creek Capital Partners. “Ritchie Industries needed a leader who could respect its heritage while advancing the business
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.
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
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?
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.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
Transforming Executive Transitions into Opportunities
Leadership changes are inevitable, but they don’t have to shake an organization’s foundation. A recent report from DHR Global reveals, C-suite departures have a significant effect on employees’ trust, morale, and sense of direction. In fact, half of respondents experienced the departure of a senior executive in the past year, with 55 percent questioning whether
Furst Group Recruits COO for Medical Associates Health Plans
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Nicole Oishi as the new chief operating officer of Medical Associates Health Plan in Dubuque, IA. “We are excited to welcome Nicole to our team,” said Zach Keeling, CEO of Medical Associates. “Her leadership and experience will help us build on
Kirby Bates Associates Retained by Island Health for Chief Nursing Officer Search
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders, and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most difficult
Saxton Bampfylde Appoints CEO
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has named Kate Ludlow as its new CEO. As part of this leadership transition, Stephen Bampfylde, the firm’s founding partner, will assume the role of non-executive chair, continuing to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight while maintaining his active involvement with key client relationships and projects. Additionally, Jonathan Morgan has been appointed as deputy chair,
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Atlanta
EMA Partners, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new office in Atlanta with the addition of CSearchGroup. The firm is led by managing partner Craig Scheiblauer. “We are extremely pleased that Craig has joined EMA, he brings a very diverse portfolio of clients across the life sciences and healthcare industry sectors and
The Strategic Benefits of Using Retained Search Firms for Non-Profit Leadership Recruitment
In the wake of the 2024 election, the dynamic landscape for non-profit organizations has shifted, making the need to secure and retain top-tier leadership more crucial than ever. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that strong, effective leadership is now key to driving mission success and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability in an increasingly complex environment. A
Lindauer Selected by Scouting America to Lead Chief Development Officer Search
Lindauer has been retained by Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) to lead in its search for an executive vice president and chief development officer (CDO). The assignment is being led by Libby Roberts, senior executive vice president, and Andrew Machado, senior consultant. This critical role requires a strategic development leader with a passion for spearheading fundraising
Reffett Associates Completes Top Search for the Washington State Gambling Commission
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Jeneva Cotton as the deputy director for the Washington State Gambling Commission where she will run the day-today operations and support the commission’s executive director, Tina Griffin. The search was led by Tom Young, the firm’s director of operations in their Seattle office.
Isaacson, Miller Appoints Chief People Officer
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has appointed Shari Chernack as its chief people officer. With over 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and business transformation, she is responsible for aligning people and culture practices with the firm’s business objectives, fostering a high-performance environment for team members. Ms. Chernack will steward talent lifecycle strategies and plans
The Barton Partnership Names Leader for North American Expansion
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed Michael J. Doud as executive vice president, North America. He will lead the firm’s continued strategic expansion in the North American market. “The North American market is a huge opportunity for us as a firm; our proposition is well-established, and we have a talented team
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search Practice
Buffkin / Baker, a national retained executive search firm based in Brentwood, TN, has acquired the U.S. recruiting business of Gallagher Executive Search, including Frederickson Partners. “The acquisition of Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search team will enhance the depth and breadth of our capabilities and provide a more comprehensive national presence,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner. “By leveraging
Key Talent Management Trends to Watch in 2025
Talent management is rapidly transforming as AI advancements, hybrid work models, and shifting leadership expectations reshape the employee experience. To capture these changes, Odgers Berndtson surveyed HR leaders and identified five key trends for 2025 that present both opportunities and challenges for the way organizations manage and engage their top talent. 1. Talent Attraction: Building
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
After an extensive search and careful consideration, non-profit specialists The Moran Company has placed Christopher Thompson as the new CEO of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). Chief executive Martina Guilfoil, who has led the organization since 2013, is set to retire at the end of February. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “The CNE board of directors is delighted
Rudish Health Places CFO at MedStar Washington, D.C. Hospital Center and MedStar Health Research Institute
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health recently assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Barash as senior vice president and CFO of MedStar Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center and Columbia, MD-based MedStar Health Research Institute. With nearly two decades of experience in financial leadership within complex healthcare systems, she brings extensive expertise in strategic
Princeton Search Partners Opens Doors
Princeton Search Partners (PSP) has been launched, uniting over two decades of executive recruiting expertise with an exclusive relationship to Provision People, a global high-volume recruitment platform. The firm integrates professional networks, advanced AI research, and strategic offices across 11 states to offer nationwide and global hiring solutions. “Each member of our team brings deep
TalentoHC Acquires R2 Global
Talento Human Capital has acquired R2 Global, a highly respected technology recruitment and staffing firm known for its niche expertise across cloud & data, business systems, and e-commerce. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor on the deal. This strategic move will expand TalentoHC’s existing footprint in the technology sector and launch,
The Christopher Group Fills Senior HR Position for Wilco
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Cheryl Collins as vice president of human resources for Wilco in Mount Angel, OR. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director, Carrie Longmire, led the assignment. “Working with John Bowersox at Wilco has been an honor,” said Mr. Maloney. “John’s vision for the future of Wilco
Cook Silverman Search Assists Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area with CEO Search
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has helped to recruit Lucinda Bazile as the new CEO of the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area. “I am honored to join Cancer Support Community at such a pivotal time for the organization,” said Ms. Bazile. “My passion for health equity and cancer support services is deeply personal and
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
After the completion of a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle L. Mayo as provost and vice president for academic affairs of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda
AIMS International Adds New Partner in Austria
Executive search consortium AIMS International has launched AIMS Austria with the addition of Murauer Technology, led by Gerald Murauer. “The new partnership significantly enhances AIMS International’s presence in the strategically important Austrian market,” the consortium said. “AIMS Austria has already established relationships with prominent organizations in the Austrian market, including industrial, technology, and research institutions. The team’s
Secure Your Company’s Future with a CEO Succession Plan
In today’s dynamic business world, CEO succession planning is crucial. To navigate challenges and seize opportunities, companies must ensure smooth leadership transitions. A strong plan fosters stability, drives growth, and aligns CEO development with long-term goals. A recent report from DHR Global’s Justin Menkes explores how to approach CEO succession planning, including best practices, and
TurnkeyZRG Retained by Southern Methodist University to Find Next Director of Athletics
TurnkeyZRG has been selected by Southern Methodist University (SMU) to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, is leading the search. Rick Hart announced in a statement that he will be stepping down from his position after more than a decade leading the Mustangs. The search committee will
Allen Austin Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Heath Consultants Incorporated
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Houston, TX-based search
Swoon Acquires KSA Technology Partners
Chicago-based recruiting firm Swoon has acquired KSA Technology Partners, a staffing firm specializing in telecommunications and digital infrastructure such as wireless telecom, fiber broadband and data centers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Both Swoon and KSA Technology Partners share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering exceptional value to our clients,” said Lori
Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotions
Slayton Search Partners has announced made strategic promotions within its leadership team. “These promotions reflect Slayton Search Partners’ commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and fostering leadership development within the organization,” the firm said. “The newly expanded leadership team will continue to drive the firm’s mission of delivering outstanding executive search solutions while pursuing strategic growth
Job Seeker Confidence Rises as Market Shows Signs of Growth
Despite ongoing challenges and frustrations in the job market, job seekers and employees remain resilient, prioritizing growth opportunities by pursuing roles or turning to nontraditional arrangements like contract and freelance work to meet their needs and career goals. The Vaco Talent Pulse Report measures employee and job seeker confidence levels in three core areas—job security,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for 2U
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kees Bol as the new CEO of 2U in Arlington, VA. He succeeds Matt Norden, who has served as interim CEO since October 2024. “Congratulations Kees Bol on joining 2U as chief executive officer,” said Meredith Rosenberg, co-founder of NU Advisory. “With your deep industry and leadership
Borrer Executive Search Assists Mustad Hoofcare Group Find Chief People Officer
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
ConverzAI Secures $16 Million in Funding
ConverzAI, which provides an AI-powered virtual recruiter for recruiting firms, has secured a $16 million Series A funding round to accelerate product innovation and expand go-to-market strategy. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, and joined by Left Lane Capital. Seed investors Foundation Capital and Afore Capital participated in the round as well. “ConverzAI’s solution
Erevena Appoints CEO
London-based executive search firm Erevena has announced that after 21 years as CEO, Dan Hyde will transition into the newly created, full-time role of executive chair, focusing on client-facing activities and market strategy. Following a comprehensive search process, internally and externally, Jonas Helgesson will be promoted to CEO (effective immediately). With this new structure, Mr. Hyde will move away from the
Navigating the Complexities of Hiring for an Inaugural Position
Recruitment is a challenging process that demands a thorough understanding of your organization’s mission and objectives, a strategic vision for growth, and the flexibility to adapt to an evolving job market. However, the process can be especially delicate when you are hiring for an inaugural position, according to a new report from Lindauer’s Faith Montgomery.
