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Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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.
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
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?
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
9 Talent Acquisition Trends You Must Know to Drive Success
If you want to succeed in the competitive world of talent acquisition and consistently hire the right people for your organization, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest hiring trends. The job market is constantly evolving, and candidates’ expectations are shifting just as quickly. Staying ahead of these changes not only helps you connect
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center
SearchWide Global was recently retained by the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s (ARC) multi-faceted programs and business operations. The
Bryant Group Helps Fill Senior Role for the University of San Diego
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of John Rogers as associate vice president for university events and partnerships for the University of San Diego (USD). Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “It was clear through the interview process that John’s extensive experience and leadership developing and implementing
Winner Partners Selected by the Greater Topeka Partnership to Lead CEO Search
The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) has selected Winner Partners to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO search will be guided by a search committee led by JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University and a longtime champion of regional economic development. Dr. Mazachek will work closely with Winner Partners to evaluate internal and external
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Croatia
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Profesio in Croatia as its newest member firm. “Kestria is delighted to welcome a new member firm in Croatia, marking an important milestone in our alliance’s growth within Europe,” the search consortium said. “This addition highlights our focus on delivering local expertise with a global
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
Bespoke Partners Adds AI Expert to Board
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has added Elizabeth Spaulding to its board of directors, bringing her extensive track record in applied AI and digital innovation to guide Bespoke. “Elizabeth brings us incredible experience in the creative application of AI, data-driven processes, and digitization to elevate companies and deliver outsized results,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “Central
Storbeck Search | DSG Global Names Practice Leader for Education Practice
Storbeck Search, part of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), has appointed Dr. Steven Solnick as global managing partner and leader of the firm’s education practice. He succeeds Susan VanGilder, who will continue her work with clients as a managing director, leveraging her experience recruiting and advising presidents, provosts, vice presidents, and academic and administrative deans in higher
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for Family Equality
Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has recruited Darra Gordon as the new CEO of Family Equality in New York City. The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Darra’s decades of leadership in the LGBTQ+ movement is an achievement, itself,” said Mr. Cooper. “Her ability to drive strategic growth, build
Sterling Martin Associates Assists the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy with CEO Search
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has assisted in the recruitment of Celia Zamora as the new executive director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) in Alexandria, VA. “We are thrilled Dr. Zamora is joining the team,” said Kimberly Varnado,
A Private Equity Blueprint To Secure High-Impact Leaders
As private equity firms navigate 2025, leadership and operational expertise will remain at the center of value creation. With deal volume rebounding and investors positioning themselves for growth, securing high-impact executives will be the key differentiator. As such, PE firms are evolving their talent strategies to focus on industry specialization, digital transformation, and AI-driven decision-making
ZRG Appoints Sector Head for AI and Data
ZRG has expanded its data and AI expertise with the addition of Deepali Vyas as managing director, sector head of AI and data. “AI and data are no longer future considerations—they’re shaping business strategy right now,” said Nate Frank, president of executive search at ZRG. “Deepali’s arrival marks a significant step forward in our ability to serve
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Data and Technology Officer for Clinical Partners
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Luis De Miguel Puig as chief data and technology officer of Clinical Partners. “Coulter Partners truly understood our requirements for a leader who could champion automation, self-service, and data-driven strategy,” said Barny Guthrie, CEO at Clinical Partners. “They delivered an impressive, diverse shortlist in under 30 days,
Preng Associates Fills Legal Position for Weatherford International
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit David B. Gooch as assistant general counsel, global ethics & compliance of NASDAQ-traded Weatherford International plc in Houston, TX. Mr. Gooch brings over 20 years of diverse legal and executive leadership experience, having served in senior roles at Schlumberger Limited (SLB) and M-I SWACO. His career began in private practice as
FaithSearch Partners Seeking Athletic Director for King University
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) is leading the athletic director search for King University. Brian Jensen and Andrew Westmoreland are leading the assignment. The next athletic director at King University will be a visionary and strategic leader responsible for shaping the future vision and strategic direction of its comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program. Leading 29 competitive programs at the
How Search Firms Are Positioning for a 2025 Rebound
As the executive search industry weathered another difficult year, the most successful firms stayed focused on gaining market share and protecting margin as they waited for job requisitions and market confidence to rebound. In spite of these global challenges and, perhaps more importantly, pervasive market uncertainty, some firms saw success, and many are building a foundation for
HARTZ Search Recruits VP of Talent Acquisition for INTEGRIS Health
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has recruited Melissa Trujillo as vice president of talent acquisition of INTEGRIS Health. Mary LaFrancois and Macy Thompson led the assignment. Ms. Trujillo was previously the director of talent acquisition for Ardent Health Services, where she led the recruitment strategy for non-clinical and allied health positions across the
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Signal Ohio with 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. BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment
Harris Search Associates Seeking CFO for Central State University
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Boyden Appoints Leader of Global Financial Officers Practice
Boyden has expanded its global financial services practice group and named Kathy Pattillo as its leader. The expansion of Boyden’s practice group includes additional infrastructure, research capabilities, and a broader operating group of consultants across every global geography. “As the responsibilities of financial leaders become more nuanced, so does the search for talent to fill these
Driving Long-Term Success Through Culture and Values
As we face the complexities of today’s global economy, a company’s culture and values play a more crucial role than ever. They form the foundation of thriving organizations, shaping employee satisfaction and driving productivity. Culture is the collective atmosphere that shapes how employees interact, make decisions, and approach their work, according to a report from DHR
Phelps Acquires Gallagher’s Canadian Executive Search Practice
Executive search firm Phelps has acquired Gallagher’s Canadian executive search practice, a strategic move that strengthens the company’s national presence and expands operations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The addition of this team brings a legacy of executive search excellence, long-standing client relationships, and deep regional insight—enhancing the Phelps network
Acertitude Recruits CHRO for Sunrise Senior Living
Acertitude has recruited Judy Fimiani as the new chief human resources officer of private equity-backed Sunrise Senior Living. The search was led by partner Jessica Tvelia and principal Anny Chou. “The firm continues to build upon its long-lasting relationship with CEO, Jack R. Callison, Jr., and the entire Sunrise team, having conducted 20+ searches throughout the
RSR Partners Seeking Executive Director for Breast Cancer Alliance
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners has been retained by Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. BCA is seeking an experienced and strategic executive director to lead the organization through its next pivotal growth stage. They will be a versatile leader, with a strong combination of business acumen, passion for the mission,
ZRG Names Co-Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has appointed Joni Noel as co-head of its healthcare & life sciences practice alongside Brian McGowan, who has guided ZRG’s healthcare efforts with a focus on executive search. Together, they will partner closely to expand ZRG’s impact across the talent spectrum, from C-suite placements to interim leadership, embedded recruiting, and consulting. Ms. Noel will primarily
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Chief External Affairs Officer for Washtenaw Community College
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been tapped by Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, to recruit the next chief external affairs officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. Reporting directly to the president, this position is responsible for the college’s overall strategy relating to government relations, brand awareness, public relations, reputation,
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Georgetown University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently retained by Georgetown University to lead in its search for a new president. John Isaacson, Anita Tien, Berkley Braden, and Jane McInerney. The search committee is made up of directors of our board as well as members of the faculty and the Society of Jesus. As the search committee begins its work,
NPAworldwide Unveils New Brand to Reflect Global Growth
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has announced a significant brand evolution that reflects the organization’s growth and vision for the future. “This new branding update aims to enhance the identity of NPAworldwide and reinforce its commitment to connecting independent recruitment firms around the world,” the organization said. “The newly designed logo honors NPAworldwide’s rich history while presenting
Hightech Partners Adds to Search Staff
Hightech Partners (HTP Group) has expanded with the addition of Marc Herlant as a partner. “The lasting experience in the management consulting industry, the strategic approach combined with his curiosity and the dedication to create value for the clients that Marc brings will be a major asset to our group,” said Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren, managing
Why CHROs Are Playing a More Active Role in CEO Succession
Boards see the benefits of involving the CHRO, with their people skills and intimate knowledge of the company’s talent pool, not to mention the crucial role they play in broader C-suite succession planning and as a conduit to conversations around the top table. The CHRO is central to building leadership pipelines and ensuring smooth executive







