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IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
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,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
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
Modern Executive Solutions Appoints CFO
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Apostol Nikolov as its new CFO. “Apostol brings a powerful combination of strategic insight and operating experience,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “His background advising on complex transactions and then leading finance functions within high-growth environments gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable as
Candidate Confidentiality: Why It Matters
Executive search sits in a uniquely sensitive middle ground: recruiters are asked to represent an employer’s interests while also earning and protecting a candidate’s trust, explained a recent report from ExecSearches. That “in-between” position makes confidentiality more than a professional courtesy. “For the candidate, it can be the difference between a strategic career move and
AI Reshaping Leadership Hiring in Private Equity
Private equity investors are under increasing pressure to drive value creation quickly, placing greater emphasis on leadership decisions made early in the investment cycle. As deal timelines compress and operating demands intensify, firms are rethinking how they identify and evaluate executives capable of executing complex growth and transformation strategies. In response, new technologies are being
The Talent Studios Recruits President for Beach House Group
The Talent Studios has placed Fadi Sayegh as president at Beach House Group, the parent company of BÉIS luggage & PATTERN Beauty. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen, Serena Smith, and Gretchen Koch. Mr. Sayegh is a seasoned finance and operations executive who recently served as the CFO of MaryRuth’s Organics, where he helped to build the accounting and
Massey Henry Assists Kindred Credit Union with Chief People and Culture Officer Search
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer of Kindred Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to have served as a trusted partner of Kindred Credit Union in the appointment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer,” Massey Henry said in a LinkedIn post. “With
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
The Tolan Group Recruits Senior Director of Revenue Cycle for Ascension Living
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Barbara Graham as senior director of revenue cycle at Ascension Living. She brings more than three decades of experience leading revenue cycle transformation across hospitals, physician groups, and specialty care organizations. Most recently, Ms. Graham served as vice president of operations at Medusind, where she directed global revenue cycle operations
GHP Search Recruits Three New Board Members for IDEA Public Schools
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has assisted is the recruitment of three new board members for IDEA Public Schools. New members identified by GHP include Najuma Atkinson, founder of The Joyful Harvest Project, Stacy Eng, principal at HR AI Strategy, and Ryan Green, founder and principal of Greenpoint Advisory. Ms. Atkinson is a seasoned corporate executive with nearly 30
20/20 Foresight Appoints Regional President
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has expanded with the addition of Anna Souers as regional president. “The appointment of Anna Souers illustrates exactly what 20/20 has been doing for years: identifying progressive, forward-thinking search consultants and positioning them as leaders within our ever-growing platform and the evolving landscape of the search business,” said Robert Peck, president of
Spencer Stuart Names Chief Communications Officer
Spencer Stuart has appointed Bill Launder as chief communications officer, a newly created position with the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Bill to Spencer Stuart in this important role at a pivotal time for our firm,” said Jordan Brugg, chief executive officer of Spencer Stuart. “We operate at the intersection of talent and strategy, and
Executive Search: Why It Matters and When to Use It
Leadership decisions at the senior level shape an organization’s trajectory in ways that are both visible and structural. Individuals appointed to board and C-suite positions influence capital allocation, operational priorities, governance standards, and organizational culture. Their judgment impacts not only performance, but also the confidence of investors, employees, and partners. Against that backdrop, executive hiring
Artico Search Appoints Partner
Artico Search has expanded with the addition of Andrew McCormack as partner, strengthening the firm’s New York-based growth equity and venture capital practice with a seasoned executive search leader. “Andrew brings the judgment, connectivity, and client partnership we value most deeply,” said Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder and chief executive officer of Artico Search. “He is relentlessly client-focused,
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading COO Search for Step Up For Students
DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently tapped by Step Up For Students to lead in its search for a chief operations officer. The COO is a critical role for the transformation and growth of Step Up for Students. Reporting to the chief executive officer, the COO is responsible for leading the organization’s operational teams, including customer experience, scholarship
Peña Search Seeking Philanthropy Lead for The Rees-Jones Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Rees-Jones Foundation to lead in its search for a senior director of philanthropy. Travis Hillier and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a senior director of philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving vulnerable populations through faith-driven, high-impact grantmaking. This is
Egon Zehnder Appoints U.S. Market Leader
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Grant Clayton as U.S. market leader. He succeeds German Herrera, who has held the position since 2021 and was recently elected global chair of the firm. “It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding leadership that has driven Egon Zehnder’s growth in the United States, and I am
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
Why Your Most Difficult Hire Isn’t the One You Think
Headline employment data and hiring activity paint an incomplete picture of today’s workforce landscape. Beneath the surface, shifting candidate expectations and constrained talent pipelines are creating challenges that aren’t immediately visible. If you lead talent strategy in the insurance sector, you are navigating one of the most deceptive hiring markets in recent memory, according to
Vetted Solutions Retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer for CEO Search
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions was recently retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer to lead in its search for a new CEO. GO2 for Lung Cancer seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven CEO who will lead with vision, impact, and growth in mind. GO2 is facing an inflection point, expanding national networks and integrating research, early detection, and
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Warren Wilson College With Senior Search
Blue Rock Human Capital has assisted Warren Wilson College in the recruitment of W. Eric Sykes as vice president for enrollment management. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Warren Wilson College to identify their vice president for enrollment management,” said Jacquelyn D. Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “In today’s
Wray Executive Search Names VP of Recruiting
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has expanded with the addition of Jonathan Kelley as vice president of recruiting. “Jonathan’s energy, responsiveness, and consultative approach align perfectly with how we serve our clients,” said Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley, managing partners. “He understands
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
What a Strategic Executive Search Partner Actually Delivers
In an environment where leadership decisions carry outsized consequences, the way organizations approach executive hiring has fundamentally shifted. What was once seen as a process-driven function is now a high-stakes exercise in judgment, timing, and alignment—one that directly shapes enterprise value and long-term performance. Executive search is not transactional—it’s strategic, according to a recent report
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Babraham Research Campus
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Rich Ferrie as the new CEO of Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL). “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the board on this high-profile appointment,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the U.K.’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on
Acertitude Assists Karo Healthcare with CFO Search
Acertitude has helped to recruit Karine Martin as the new CFO of Karo Healthcare, a KKR portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Eliza Baker, and supported by Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. “We are very pleased to welcome Karine to Karo,” said says Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO. “With her broad international experience, strong financial leadership and
Boyden Opens New Office in Chile
Boyden has opened a new office in Santiago, Chile. The office will be led by Francisca López and María José López, who both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm. “Latin America is a compelling and fast-changing environment for business,” said Chad Hesters, president and CEO of Boyden. “Chile has emerged as one of the
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
How AI Workflows Are Transforming Executive Search
In the rapidly evolving landscape of work, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is a present force reshaping industries, redefining roles, and reimagining possibilities. At The Energists, a Houston-based boutique search firm, they have embraced this transformation not with trepidation, but with strategic intent. “Each day, we witness firsthand how AI-enabled workflows are enhancing
N2Growth Recruits CEO for KTGY
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed William Bate as CEO of KTGY, a national design firm focused on architecture, interior design, branded environments, and urban design. Brian Greer led the assignment. The search was prompted by the planned retirement of Tricia Esser, who has been with KTGY since its founding and has
Klein Hersh Places President and CEO for Damora Therapeutics
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited Jennifer Jarrett as president and CEO of NASDAQ-traded Damora Therapeutics in Boston. “We are excited to welcome Jen to Damora as we accelerate our efforts to bring innovative medicines to patients with mutant calreticulin (mutCALR)-driven myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPNs),” said Peter Harwin,
CenterPeak Expands to Boston
Legal-focused executive search firm CenterPeak has expanded into the Boston market, led by Jennifer Moss. She will now serve as senior partner and managing partner of CenterPeak’s Boston office. “Jen is exactly the kind of recruiter CenterPeak was built around,” said Clint Johnson, president and CEO of CenterPeak. “She has deep market knowledge, a proven







