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Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
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.
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
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?
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
New IANS and Artico Search Report Finds Only 34 Percent of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan to Stay in Their Current Roles
Only 34 percent of cybersecurity professionals plan to stay with their current employer, highlighting declining job satisfaction across the field and challenging CISOs to be aggressive and innovative in how they retain talent in a challenging labor market, according to IANS and Artico Search’s just released 2026 Cybersecurity Talent Report. As organizations rely on their
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
Caldwell Recruits Chief Product and Innovation Officer for Beem Credit Union
Toronto-based Caldwell has helped to recruit Oscar Roque as the new chief product and innovation officer of Beem Credit Union in British Columbia. The search was led by Drew Railton, Dinkar Farwaha, and Les Gombik. He brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to the organization as Beem grows its footprint and digital services across the province. “We
Egon Zehnder Opens Eighth Office in Germany
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has opened its eighth office in Germany unveiling a new location in Dreden. “The opening of our office in Dresden is an important milestone – and not just for us,” said Hanns Goeldel, managing partner at Egon Zehnder Germany. “We are the first global consultancy specializing in top leadership to open
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
Confidential Job Posts: A Strategic Approach to Recruitment
In today’s competitive job market, confidential and anonymous job postings have become a valuable tool for both employers and job seekers, according to a new report from ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. “Engaging in online discussions inspired me to explore this topic further,” he said. “As a non-profit executive job board manager and search consultant, I’ve long observed
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Insurcomm
Partners Baillie Parker and Seth Harris, along with consultant Alex Peters of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Kelly Brewer as the new CEO of Insurcomm in Portsmouth, NH. She succeeds Doug Indelicato, who will step into a pivotal role leading Insurcomm’s sales and marketing efforts. “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly Brewer to the Insurcomm team,” said Mr. Indelicato.
Artisanal Talent Assists Workday with President, Product and Technology Search
Executive search firm Artisanal Talent has assisted in the recruitment of Gerrit Kazmaier as president, product and technology of Workday Inc. in Pleasanton, CA. He will succeed Sayan Chakraborty, who is retiring from Workday, assuming leadership of the company’s innovation strategy and product and technology organization. “Gerrit’s strong enterprise software experience and a proven track record
Bridging the Leadership Gap: Succession Strategies For Future-Proofing Organizations
Succession planning is a crucial component in shaping an organization’s future, as it directly impacts hiring practices, talent development, and overall long-term success. By ensuring a strong leadership pipeline, organizations can foster growth, maintain stability, and drive continued prosperity. Suzanne Heske, head of SPMB’s investment practice, shares her insights around succession strategies based on her
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for ClinNEXUS
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Michael Selberis as chief technology officer at ClinNEXUS. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden, partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Kevin Kim. Mr. Selberis will lead the development and execution of ClinNEXUS’ technology strategy, overseeing all aspects of technological direction to ensure alignment with the company’s business goals during this
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Provost Search for Florida Gulf Coast University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates was recently selected by Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to lead in its search for an executive vice president and provost. Leading the assignment are Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant, and Jim Johnsen, vice president of executive search. This executive provides vision and leadership in all matters relating
Arts Consulting Group Seeking New Leader for the San Francisco Jazz Organization
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the San Francisco Jazz Organization (SFJAZZ) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Vice presidents Geoff Chang and Josyanne Roche are leading the assignment. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s business functions, including education, finance, contributed and earned revenue, business
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Evermonte Executive Search in Brazil as its newest member firm. “Brazil is a key player in international business and is strategically positioned, geography-wise,” said Sonal Agrawal, AltoPartners global chair. “There are abundant natural resources and a growing consumer market of over 215
Venture Capital Reinvented: All Roads Lead to Talent
The latest PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor report offers up a revealing look at how the new year might unfold for a sector that has been under water for three years. According to the company’s analysts, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate investment strategies, accounting for nearly half of total VC deal value. Traditional hubs like the
Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Philanthropy Officer for East Coast Zoological Foundation
Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has placed Robyn Ducharme as the chief philanthropy officer of East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Robyn’s track record of scaling development programs and leading high-performing teams makes her the perfect fit to help ECZF achieve its
DHR Global Recruits Director of Athletics for Fordham University
Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Charles Guthrie as the new director of athletics of Fordham University. “In every program he’s led, Charles has created an impressive record of caring for the student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff, promoting a culture of athletic and academic achievement, while building excitement
Excel Sports Management Rebrands Nolan Partners as Excel Search & Advisory
Excel Sports Management has announced Excel Search & Advisory, an executive search and leadership consulting practice that formerly operated as Nolan Partners. Chad Biagini, who has been with Nolan Partners for nearly 10 years and led the practice in the U.S., will now lead all global business as president, Excel Search & Advisory. Stewart King, who has been with Nolan Partners for
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in USA
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added LS International as its newest member firm in the U.S. LS is an executive search firm focused on the consumer and retail sectors. “This partnership reflects our commitment to bridging global expertise with local insight in key markets,” Kestria said. “Our alliance expansion continues
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were
Resource Management Group Announces Key Promotions
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has promoted Tony Chioditti to managing partner and Jonathan Gould to partner. “Tony has been with RMG since its founding and has played a crucial role in the firm’s growth and success,” said Denis LaPolice, president and CEO. “He is one of the
Rokos Group Assists Keck Medicine of USC with Chief Revenue Officer Search
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has assisted in the recruitment of Elise Myers as the chief revenue officer at Keck Medicine of USC. “Please join us in congratulating Chris Allen and the entire team at Keck Medicine of USC on the successful completion of their search for their very first chief revenue officer,” Rokos Group
WittKieffer Seeking President for Loyola Marymount
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer is at the closing stages of its search for a new president for Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The current president, Timothy Law Snyder, plans to retire on May 31, 2025. Suzanne Teer, Philip Tang, and
Amrop Adds New Member in Colombia
Amrop, a global leadership advisory and executive search partnership, has added the executive search division of Colombia-based Human Capital. “We are delighted to establish Amrop’s presence in Colombia,” said Annika Farin, Amrop’s global chair. “Our new team brings a deep understanding of the local talent market, combined with a high degree of ambition and professionalism,
Forces Shaping the 2025 Dealmaking Boom
The latest EY Merger Monthly forecasts an uptick in U.S. M&A activity, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, regulatory shifts, and an increasing appetite for strategic deals. “U.S. M&A activity is expected to build further momentum in 2025,” the report notes, “driven by falling interest rates, strong economic expansion, substantial uninvested capital, and the imperative for business transformation.”Despite
Myers McRae Places President at Broward College
Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has helped to place Torey Alston as the next president of Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL. “This is a decision that my fellow trustees and I took very seriously,” said board chair Alexis Yarbrough. “We had two very strong candidates, but Mr. Alston’s legislative
Diversified Search Group (DSG Global) | Koya Partners Retained by The Shaker Museum to Find New Leader
The Shaker Museum has retained Diversified Search Group (DSG Global) | Koya Partners to lead in its search for a new executive director. Naree W.S. Viner and Stephen Milbauer led the assignment for the recruitment firm. The Shaker Museum seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking, and visionary executive director to lead the organization into a new era of growth and
LSS Strategic Partners Launches ECB STAR Group
LSS Strategic Partners (LSS), an A&M Inc. company, has launched ECB STAR Group, a retained executive search firm specializing in executive, board, and C-suite appointments. As a key component of LSS’s strategic expansion, ECB enhances the firm’s suite of leadership and legal talent solutions alongside SHP Legal Services (SHPLS) and NomosFIT. Led by Tom Wilkinson, co-founder and CEO of
