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Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
Choosing the Right Leadership: External vs Internal Candidates for C-Suite Success
The C-suite is arguably the most vital department in your business. When a leader leaves, it’s critical to focus on a succession plan, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. One crucial decision is whether to initiate external verses internal C-suite hiring. Stahl Recruiting
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
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO and Chief Business Officer for IMU Biosciences
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has helped to recruit John Baker as chief executive officer and Jason Brown as chief business officer of biotechnology company IMU Biosciences. Founder and past CEO Adam Laing will assume the roles of president and chief scientific officer. “I am incredibly proud of what the IMU team has achieved to date,” said
JDG Associates Seeking Business Development Leader for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently called in by R&K Enterprise Solutions to lead in its search for a vice president of business development. Reporting directly to the president, R&K is seeking a driven, high performing candidate with significant defense industry knowledge and experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven track record
BarkerGilmore Adds Strategic Advisor and Leadership Development Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named David Rowan as a strategic advisor and leadership development coach. “We are thrilled to welcome David as a strategic advisor and coach,” said Bob Barker, managing partner. “His unparalleled experience in legal and governance leadership, particularly his work guiding the strategic expansion and complex
Intel Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New CEO
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Intel Corporation to lead in its search for a new CEO. Pat Gelsinger retired from the company after a distinguished 40-plus-year career and has stepped down from the board of directors, effective December 1, 2024. Intel has named two senior leaders, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, as interim co-chief executive officers
Korn Ferry Posts Fiscal Q2 Revenue Decrease of Four Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal second quarter revenues of $674.4, a decrease of four percent from the same period a year ago. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to lower fee revenues in professional search & interim and consulting driven by a decline in demand due to the current economic environment, partially
Fort Lewis College Taps Buffkin / Baker to Find Next President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Fort Lewis College to lead in its search for its next president. Partner Ann Yates and associate partner Pelema Ellis are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of trustees, the president is responsible for shaping the college’s vision and strategic direction. The new president will assume the role at
DHR Global Grows New York Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Robert Kobayashi as managing partner in the New York office. As a key member of the financial services, technology, and industrial practice groups, he will provide strategic guidance to clients seeking top-tier executive talent in these dynamic sectors. With more than 22 years of executive search experience and
Executive Search Veteran Mary Gay Townsend Dies
Mary Gay Townsend, executive search veteran and co-founder of boutique executive recruiting firm Norgay Partners, died on November 28. “Mary Gay Townsend had battled cancer for over 25 years, but never let the disease define her,” said Kylie Hart and Chandler Holbrook, the other two co-founders of the firm. “She was a true leader in
6 Ways AI Will Impact Private Equity Firms’ Human Capital Needs
Incorporating generative AI tools into private businesses and public sector organizations could increase global productivity by 1.5 percentage points over the next decade, according to Goldman Sachs Research. This would lead to a seven percent – or almost $7 trillion – increase in global GDP. McKinsey says generative AI is “poised to unleash the next wave of
Griffith Group Recruits New CEO for the Public Policy Forum
Following an extensive national search, Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Inez Jabalpurwala as president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Caroline McLean, partner, led this important assignment. Ms. Jabalpurwala succeeds Edward Greenspon, who over the past nine years helped build PPF’s reputation as one
Preng & Associates Fills Senior Positions for Ring Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Phillip Feiner as the new vice president and general counsel and James Parr as executive vice president, exploration and geosciences at NYSE-traded Ring Energy Inc. in Woodlands, TX. David and Laura Preng led the assignment. With more than 25 years of energy industry experience, including with both public and private
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Genevive
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has helped to recruit Julia Crist as the new CEO of Genevive in Minneapolis, MN. Tim Frischmon led the assignment. “Driven by a commitment to improving access and affordability for underserved patients and a special passion for enhancing elder care services,” Genevive said. “Julia is particularly
H.I. Executive Consulting Partners with Boardwave
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has established a new partnership with Boardwave. Since its 2022 launch, Boardwave has become a mission-driven hub for the U.K. and European software industry, attracting over 1800 members. As a social enterprise offering free membership to CEOs and founders, Boardwave provides resources and support to drive the region towards global
Top 5 Leadership Trends Set to Define 2025
As 2025 approaches, emerging challenges and opportunities are driving the ongoing evolution of leadership trends. Executive recruiters say that the ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity is becoming more crucial than ever. Korn Ferry‘s Workforce Global Insights Report examines attitudes affecting employee sentiment and emphasizes the growing need for leaders to be agile
Managing Leadership Changes: Navigating Executive Departures in Your Organization
Executive turnover is a natural part of any organization’s evolution. Whether it’s due to retirement, a new career direction, or corporate restructuring, the departure of senior leaders can create challenges if not properly managed, according to a recent report from Kinsley|Sarn Executive Search. In this white paper, the firm explores the impact of leadership transitions, the
PierceGray Seeking CHRO for Ackerman Plumbing
PierceGray was recently called in by Ackerman Plumbing Inc. in Charlotte, NC, to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. With Shore Capital’s backing, Ackerman Trade Services is seeking its first CHRO to support its future growth agenda. This executive will build out policies, procedures, and systems to professionalize and lead the
Gallagher Executive Search Fills People and Culture Post for Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corp.
People and culture executives are leaders responsible for overseeing an organization’s people strategies, workplace culture, and employee experience. Their primary focus is to ensure that the company attracts, retains, and develops top talent while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Gallagher Executive Search recently placed Rhonda Cooper-Burgess as director of people and culture at Alberta
ZRG Expands Presence in Middle East
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has expanded in the Middle East with the addition of Hanan Alsaif as managing director – strategic account relations. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Hanan’s expertise as a practitioner and search professional in strategy, transformation, and HR is a great asset to
A Look at Executive Search in 2025
For decades, relationships were the cornerstone of executive search. “A strong network of C-suite executives and hiring managers could singlehandedly propel a consultant to success,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “Deals were often secured through trust and familiarity, forged during coffee meetings, networking events, or rounds of golf. This approach was effective
Are Counteroffers a Risk Worth Taking?
Should you take advantage of a counteroffer? If you’re on the job hunt, a counteroffer can be a tempting proposition, after all, what’s not to like about being offered a competitive salary raise or promotion, explains Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group in a recent report. “While these enticing incentives may make you feel valued, a counteroffer
Dartmouth College Retains Isaacson, Miller to Find New Provost
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently called by Dartmouth College to lead in its search for a new provost. John Muckle, Becky Piper, Stephen Kalogeras, and Ethan Thomas are leading the search for the firm. Dartmouth seeks a distinguished academic and strategic administrative leader to serve as Provost. Dartmouth’s profile is unique in higher education in combining the
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Allvue Systems
NU Advisory Partners has placed Deborah DeVerna as the new chief people officer of Allvue Systems. “With your wealth of expertise in organizational development and talent strategy, we’re confident your leadership will elevate team cohesion and drive impactful results as the organization grows,” said Nada Usina, co-founder and CEO of NU Advisory Partners. Thank you to Marc Scheipe, Deborah
Cowen Partners Appoints Director of Client Services
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has named Cheryl Nantang as director of client services. “Cheryl Nantang is an exceptional addition to our team at Cowen Partners Executive Search,” said Shawn Cole, president of Cowen Partners. “Her deep expertise across private, public, and non-profit sectors, combined with her passion for connecting organizations with transformative leadership, aligns perfectly
CHROs and Future Thinking: Shaping a Positive Culture
The CHRO role has evolved to encompass not just internal talent management but also the broader responsibility of shaping organizational culture in ways that contribute positively to society. As part of this growth, Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno emphasizes “future state thinking” to help HR leaders build agile workplaces aligned with business goals. The is a
SPMB Completes CFO Searches for Contentsquare and Dragos
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Marcela Martin as CFO of Contentsquare in New York City and Mark Matheos as CFO of Dragos in Washington, D.C. Both assignments were led by partner Steven Popper. “I am delighted to welcome Marcela Martin as chief financial officer,” said Jonathan Cherki, founder and CEO of Contentsquare. “With over three decades of leadership
Acertitude Assists Essendant Fulfillment Services with President Search
Executive search firm Acertitude has helped to recruit Patrick Allard as the new president of Essendant Fulfillment Services, a Sycamore Partners portfolio company. Max Stubenvoll, principal overseeing business services in North America, led the search along with associate Kate Pozner. “Patrick’s experience in business development, marketing and product sales combined with his expertise in general business operations in
Riviera Partners Recruits Chief Product and Technology Officer for Vimeo
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, recently assisted in the recruitment of Robert Petrocelli as chief product and technology officer of NASDAQ-traded Vimeo in New York City. John Twamley led the assignment. “As we ramp up investment in innovation and continue positioning Vimeo to power the
Diversified Search Group Expands Non-Profit and Social Impact Practice
Diversified Search Group has expanded with the addition of Trevor Hooper as managing director at DSG I Koya Partners. Based in Boston, he will leverage his expertise in executive search, talent assessment, and client relationship management to nationally support the firm’s non-profit and social impact and sports practices. “Trevor Hooper’s experience and commitment to client
Leadership in Action: How CEOs and Directors Navigate Change
Geopolitical upheaval, artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty. These external forces are only adding to the challenges CEOs and boards face, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart. The firm knows from its work with these leaders how running an organization is only becoming more relentless and complex. But what if leaders could better understand what
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the YWCA of Greater Flint
BroadView Talent Partners has helped to recruit DeAndra Larkin as the new CEO of the YWCA of Greater Flint. “Throughout her career, Larkin has chosen to work with and volunteer for organizations that have focused on improving the lives of adults, children and families in the community,” said Sandra Murphy, chair of the YWCA board of directors.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for PROS Holdings
ON Partners’ Aaron Clark recently placed Colleen Langevin as chief marketing officer of NYSE-traded PROS Holdings, Inc. “Colleen’s extensive experience and unique blend of B2B brand and growth marketing skills make her the perfect fit for PROS as we execute to capitalize on the large market opportunity in front of us,” said Todd McNabb, chief revenue officer of
