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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
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
Winning the CFO Talent War in a Competitive PE Market
Competition for experienced chief financial officers in private equity-backed companies has intensified as sponsors pursue growth, exits, and operational transformation on tighter timelines. In today’s candidate-driven environment, firms are finding that traditional recruiting approaches are no longer sufficient to secure high-impact finance leaders. Success increasingly hinges on proactive relationship-building, precise role calibration, and the ability
Redefining Talent Management: The Chief Talent Officer’s Role in a New Era
The world of work has shifted permanently. Recruiters say that today’s talent leaders face an environment marked by macroeconomic upheavals, demographic changes, and rapid technological advances—creating a landscape that is not just different but highly complex. Thriving in this new era calls for a holistic, forward-looking approach to talent management, according to a new report
The Critical Role of Human Capital in Assessing Founding and Leadership Teams
Evaluating founding and leadership teams of portfolio companies and acquisition targets has become crucial for investment and operating partners. As businesses grow and adapt to shifting market demands, the strength of the leadership team often dictates a company’s ability to scale and succeed, according to a recent report from N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm.
Academic Career & Executive Search Tapped by Empire State University to Find VP of HR and Chief Human Resources Officer
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Empire State University to lead in its search for a vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. The executive will play a critical role in translating strategic vision into action. In this inaugural position, they
Bauer Harris Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Melissa Gebhard as the new chief operating officer of Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise Group in Winter Park, FL. The assignment was led by Bauer Harris founding partner, Jeff Harris. “Congratulations to Melissa Gebhard on her new role as chief operating officer with Mathnasium- Fortis Franchise
Odgers Berndtson Aligns U.S. and Canadian Businesses
Odgers Berndtson has announced that their businesses in the United States and Canada will implement a unified go-to-market strategy; thereby, further enhancing the firm’s ability to offer industry-specific expertise and market intelligence for clients operating on both sides of the border. As part of this alignment, the firm will continue to offer a full suite of integrated
A Look at How HR Teams Can Implement Successful Employee Retention Strategies
Employee retention has become an increasing priority in the current business climate. While human resource teams generally take center stage in the implementation of retention strategies, the role of executive leadership cannot be overemphasized, according to a recent report from Talento. “Success for HR initiatives and messages across the company requires strong executive support,” the
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief People Officer for Central States
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Arturo Towns as the chief people officer of Central States, a provider of metal building components, roofing, and building systems. The search was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and search consultant Ted Wieber. “Arturo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Central States Inc. as we reinforce
Lochlin Partners Recruits Chief Data and Analytics Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Ankur Jain as chief data and analytics officer of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our selected candidate, Ankur Jain, is an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience in both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer business models,” Lochlin Partners said. “Ankur will help propel the continued growth of St. Jude and
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and Kevin Cavanagh are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments of the college and lead the institution to greater heights as it continues to provide quality educational programs and services.
DHR Global Adds New Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global expanded with the additions of Sarah Zielke and David Morgenbesser as partners. Ms. Zielke, who joins the firm’s Chicago office will also be member of the healthcare services & solutions and private equity practice groups. She brings more than 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a deep focus
Heidrick & Struggles Records 5.9 Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $278.6 million, a 5.9 percent increase compared to revenues of $263.2 million a year ago. The firm experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in the Americas and Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decrease in
Rutgers University Selects WittKieffer to Lead Search for 22nd President
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Rutgers University to lead in its search for its 22nd president. The university board of governors’ announcement officially initiates the process of selecting a successor to president Jonathan Holloway, who announced last month he would step down on June 30, 2025. “This is an important time for Rutgers University and
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Elliott Gaskins as the new chief development officer for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. The assignment was led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. “Over the course of his mission-driven career, Elliott has worked with national nonprofits to address some of today’s most pressing
Focus Search Partners Appoints Managing Partner of Interim Leadership Solutions
Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has named Kate McLellan as managing partner of interim leadership solutions. In this role, she is responsible for building the company’s interim practice and addressing clients’ provisional talent needs across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, technology, manufacturing, consumer products and financial services. “During times of transition, Focus Search Partners’
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in San Francisco
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added San Francisco-based Potrero Group to its global membership. “We are proud to welcome Potrero Group to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their exceptional research-driven approach to board transformation and executive leadership consulting adds tremendous value to our global network. We look forward to strengthening our
What is Bionic Recruiting? The Art of Blending AI with Human Expertise
As we stand on the brink of a new era, the fusion of AI technologies with human intuition is transforming the recruitment landscape like never before. Imagine a world where advanced algorithms can sift through countless resumes in seconds, yet the final hiring decisions are driven by human empathy and insight. This is bionic recruiting—an ideal blend of
Cowen Partners Assists Okland Construction with Chief People Officer Search
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
The Hawkins Company Seeking CEO for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has been selected by Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Vice president Todd Hawkins is leading the assignment. Candidates should possess a high level of integrity and skills that influence and demonstrate a vision of
The Talent Studios Expands Search Staff
The Talent Studios has expanded with the addition of three new search consultants. Renée Motley has joined The Talent Studios as associate partner to lead its talent and performance management practice. As a natural complement to its leadership search business, the firm will be able to offer tools around assessment, onboarding, high-performance team facilitation and succession planning.
Korn Ferry Acquires Trilogy International
Korn Ferry has closed its acquisition of U.K.-based Trilogy International. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Korn Ferry’s adjusted earnings. “We’re pleased to have Trilogy join Korn Ferry,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry. “Trilogy operates at the forefront of change, in a
Unlocking Success: How Leadership Development Drives Growth and Innovation
Have you ever thought about what makes an organization across the world successful? This is because of outstanding leadership. According to a recent report from The Taplow Group, leadership development programs refer to an organized approach to enhancing organizational leadership skills. Leadership must be addressed in today’s business environment, where change is the only certainty,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for Talogy
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Russ Becker as the new CEO of Talogy, a market leader in the talent assessment and development space and a portfolio company of Waud Capital Partners. He succeeds Steve Tapp, who will continue to serve in a transitional role as special advisor to the Talogy board of directors. “Congratulations Russ Becker on
October Job Gains Stand at Only 12,000 Ahead of Election
Employment rose by 12,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.0 million in October. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare and government. Temporary help services lost jobs. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity.
Myers McRae Recruits Dean for the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting recently assisted the University of South Carolina in the recruitment of accomplished public health leader Tara Sabo-Attwood as the new dean of the Arnold School of Public Health. Ms. Sabo-Attwood will take the helm of the Arnold School from retiring dean, Tommy Chandler, who served the school for 17 years.
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of the Canadian Education Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has named Julia Robarts as country as head of the Canadian education practice. Ms. Robarts joined Odgers Berndtson 17 years ago and has become a trusted advisor to universities, colleges, and schools across the country. “I’m very happy to share that I’ll be leading our work across the country as head of
Speed, Communication, and AI are Key to Keeping Top Talent Engaged With Search Firms
What does it take to produce a satisfied, loyal talent community? Speed and accuracy in search and match, and clear, timely communication top the list, according to a recent report from Bullhorn. The recruiting software provider surveyed more than 2,400 global workers on their experiences working with search firms in 2024 to produce this year’s GRID Talent
True Recruits COO for Wonder
Global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tony Hoggett as the new chief operating officer of Wonder. Todd Zangrillo, Joe Illsley, Hannah James, and Alan Cork led the assignment. “At Wonder, we are deeply committed to investing in exceptional talent as we strategically shape our company’s future,” said Marc Lore, founder and CEO. “Bringing
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Marquette University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently retained by Marquette University to lead in its search for its 25th president. Vice president and director Julie Filizetti, partner Phillip Petree, and senior associate Rafael Escobedo, are leading the assignment. Past president Michael Lovell recently died after a three-year battle with cancer. The president serves as the CEO for Marquette and
Egon Zehnder Names Co-Leaders of the Global Technology Officers Practice Group
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Joon Yoon and Sven Michaelis as co-leaders of the global technology officers practice group. “I am thrilled to take on this new co-leadership role for the global technology officers practice group at Egon Zehnder,” said Mr. Yoon. “As technology and innovation continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, the demand for
Friisberg & Partners Appoints Chief Business Development Strategy Officer
Friisberg & Partners International has added Sabine Pirkner to its executive board as chief business development strategy officer. In her new position, she will be responsible for leading and shaping the firm’s business development strategy, furthering its growth and market expansion goals. “We are delighted to have Sabine on our executive team,” said Zoltan Petho, chair
The Evolving Role of Leadership Advisory Services in Executive Search
Leadership advisory services are consulting offerings that help organizations enhance their leadership effectiveness through tailored development programs, coaching, and succession planning. They focus on assessing and aligning leadership strategies with organizational goals while managing change and talent. Ultimately, these services empower leaders to drive performance and foster a positive organizational culture. Leadership advisory services have
