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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
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.
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
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?
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
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Hunt Scanlon Names Kiko Restrepo Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Next-Stage Growth Across Media, M&A, and Talent Intelligence
Hunt Scanlon Media has tapped Kiko Restrepo to serve as chief revenue officer. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading all revenue-generating departments at the company, including sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships to drive, align, and scale revenue growth. Mr. Restrepo joins Hunt Scanlon from Warner Bros. Discovery where he
Bryant Group Tapped by the University of Washington to Fill Senior Role
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to lead the search for the executive director for annual philanthropy for the University of Washington. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “We are looking for a people-first leader who understands and has a passion for public higher education;
Riviera Partners Names Partner to Lead Financial Services Practice Expansion
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Mike Flood as a partner, where he will lead the expansion of the firm’s financial services practice. “With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in executive search and leadership advisory, Mike’s expertise will enhance the firm’s capabilities
Diversified Search Group Expands Healthcare Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has expanded with the addition of Rick Barr as managing director in the healthcare practice. “Dr. Barr’s consultative approach combined with his leadership and industry experience will provide tremendous value to our healthcare clients during this time,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of
Spencer Stuart’s U.S. Board Index: Shift to Specialized Leadership and Diversity Milestone in S&P 500 Boards
Spencer Stuart’s 39th annual U.S. Board Index reveals that 59 percent of the 406 new independent directors appointed to S&P boards in 2024 possess chief executive or financial expertise, highlighting a shift towards specialized leadership amid low boardroom turnover. Despite this, the report emphasizes the need for boards to embrace proactive refreshment strategies to stay
Bespoke Partners Recruits CFO for WorkWave
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment Greg Doran as the new CFO for WorkWave in Holmdel, NJ. Katelyn Quaresma, partner, and Erin McElfresh, vice president at Bespoke Partners, led the assignment. “At WorkWave, we have set exceptionally high growth goals for ourselves, and while we are making great strides through our innovative solutions
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Lending Officer for Three Roots Capital
Chief lending officers play a crucial role in managing and overseeing an organization’s lending strategies and operations. They ensure that lending practices align with regulatory requirements and risk management standards while maximizing profitability. Craig Buffkin and Ryan Baggett of partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the recruitment of Keith Hickey as senior vice
SPMB Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ChargePoint
Todd Greenhalgh and Nick Hoffmire of SPMB Executive Search have placed David Vice as the new chief revenue officer of ChargePoint. “Congratulates our longtime client ChargePoint on the appointment of David Vice as chief revenue officer,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “David’s proven leadership and deep expertise in scaling global sales and go-to-market orgs will be pivotal in
Saenger Associates Adds New C-Suite Leaders
Saenger Associates has expanded with the additions of Jason Fields as president and chief operating officer and Scott McKinney as executive vice president of talent and client solutions. They will both be based in Atlanta. The firm explains that additions allows Saenger Associates to broaden its scope, extending beyond product manufacturing, technology, and non-profit sectors to encompass
Women’s Representation in the C-Suites Declines as Gender Parity Remains Elusive
In March of 2024, S&P Global published an alarming report: for the first time in two decades, C-suite women lost seats in the S&P Total Market Index. In 2022, women held 12.2 percent of the 15,000 C-suite positions across publicly traded U.S. firms. However, this regressed to just 11.8 percent by the end of 2023. While
Envision Consulting Recruits Executive Director for Pacific Pride Foundation
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Julio Roman as the new executive director of Pacific Pride Foundation. Allison Fuller, Matt Kamin, Melissa Montoya, and Jess McBride led the assignment. “As chair of the selection committee, it has been a pleasure working with the Santa Barbara LGBTQIA+ community and Envision Consulting to find the next leader for Pacific
Egon Zehnder Assists Bandhan Bank with CEO Search
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive landscape, regulatory challenges and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency. This requires strategic leaders, both men and women, with a multidimensional skill-set and competencies that often go above and beyond any typical job description. Like all financial institutions, banks continue to turn to executive
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Communities in Schools in Ohio with Executive Director Search
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Adero Robinson as the new executive director of Communities in Schools in Ohio. Christie Angel, Johanna Vargas, Donna Young, and Elizabeth Keyser led the assignment. Mr. Robinson previously served as the senior vice president, executive director for City Year Columbus. He also served as the organization’s
Marsden Names Head of Financial Services, U.K. and Europe
U.K.-headquartered legal-focused executive search firm Marsden has named Liam Richardson as head of financial services, U.K. and Europe. Mr. Richardson is a seasoned and commercially driven recruitment leader with a track record in building, leading and managing successful teams and businesses, across multiple specialisms (legal, compliance, risk, CFO, tax & treasury) and geographies, including Asia,
Psychological Safety; The Bedrock of Organizational Culture
Research findings consistently reveal that a significant portion of the global workforce does not feel psychologically safe, leading to burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction, according to a report from TI Verbatim Consulting. In a 2023 study conducted by Workhuman, 48 percent of respondents reported experiencing burnout, 61 percent experienced elevated stress levels, and 32 percent felt
DHR Global Leading Director of Athletics Search for Fordham University
Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global has been called in by Fordham University to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Past athletic director Ed Kull recently left the school to take on another role. University president Tania Tetlow appointed a 12-person search committee assigned to choose candidates eligible
Lindauer Seeking Chief Development Officer for SeriousFun Children’s Network
Lindauer was recently retained by SeriousFun Children’s Network to lead in its search for a new chief development officer. Vice president Maureen Huminik and consultant Taylor Beard are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO and working as a key member of the senior leadership team, the chief development officer will be tasked with expanding and
Prestige Scientific Appoints VP of Finance and Operations
Prestige Scientific has named Vanda Hart to vice president of finance and operations. “Vanda’s exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving our success,” said Stephen Provost, managing director and co-founder. “We look forward to her continued contributions as we embark on our next chapter of growth.” In her
A Changing Market Has AI and Cybersecurity Recruiters on Alert
The landscape of AI and cybersecurity recruiting is dynamic and constantly evolving. Executive recruiters say that there is a significant demand for skilled professionals in AI, including machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI researchers. Companies across various industries are actively seeking talent to leverage AI for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Meanwhile, with the
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Taps DRiWaterstone Human Capital to Find New Leader
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been retained by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Arlington, VA, to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Reporting directly to the chair of the board, the CEO of AFP is responsible for the overall strategic direction, governance, and leadership of the organization, driving its
TurnkeyZRG Assisting the Los Angeles Sparks with Head Coach Search
TurnkeyZRG has been tapped by the Los Angeles Sparks to spearhead their search for a new head coach. Managing director Billy King, Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, and Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, are leading the assignment. The three-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a head coach
Slone Partners Launches Fractional Talent Service
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has launched a new fractional talent service. This new service line is designed to complement the firm’s executive search practice, providing current and new clients access to a network of fractional talent comprised of hundreds of verified seasoned leaders and functional experts. These professionals are available on-demand to fill commercial, clinical development, financial,
Randstad Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Randstad has named Jesus Echevarria, chief client and talent officer, as chief operating officer. He succeeds Chris Heutink starting on January 1. The supervisory board and Mr. Heutink have jointly agreed that he will officially step down from the executive board at the annual general meeting in March 2025 and Mr. Echevarria nomination as an executive
Forging Strategic Alliances: The Collaborative Efforts of PE Firms and Search Firms to Enhance Value
In the rapidly evolving landscape of private equity, the interplay between private equity firms and search firms has transformed dramatically. No longer confined to a simple client-vendor relationship, these interactions have grown into strategic alliances that are essential for success in a highly competitive environment, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. As the demand for
Parker Executive Search Seeking Director of Athletics for Villanova University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search was recently selected by Villanova University to lead in its search for a new vice president and director of athletics. The director of athletics is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, management and administration of the university’s athletic and recreation program, in addition to overseeing budgets, personnel, planning, fundraising, revenue generation, marketing, media
NU Advisory Partners Retained by USA Swimming for CEO Search
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) continue to collaborate with search firms to identify and recruit new talent for various roles, including coaching C-level roles, administrative roles, and other leadership vacancies. The latest, NU Advisory Partners has been retained by USA Swimming in Colorado Springs, CO, to find its next CEO. “NU Advisory Partners
Spencer Stuart Names Leader of the Global Technology, Media, Telecommunications & IT Services Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Emanuela Aureli as leader the global technology, media, telecommunications & IT services practice. “I’m excited to announce my new role as partner and global practice leader, tech, media, telco & services practice at Spencer Stuart,” Ms. Aureli said in a LinkedIn post. “To my clients, candidates and colleagues: thank you for your trust,
The Critical Role of Executive Leadership in Navigating Change
Executive leadership has long played a critical role in navigating organizational change, but the question remains, how do executives effectively lead people, and an organization, through change? A new report from Paul Frankenberg, founder and managing partner of Focus Search Partners, points to Warren Buffet, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “He is admired
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Openhouse to lead in its search for a director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI). Bryan Epps is leading the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, the new director will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI
Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Development Officer for Rainforest Flow
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. Following an extensive national search,
NU Advisory Partners Appoints Partner
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has expanded with the addition of Matt Levy as a partner. “Matt’s deep knowledge of talent markets, combined with his curious and analytical approach, aligns perfectly with NU’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients,” said Nada Usina, co-founder and CEO. “We’re excited to see the impact Matt will make as a trusted advisor
The Barton Partnership Forms Alliance with Strategy in Action
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has formed alliance with Strategy in Action, a leader in the field of strategy formulation and execution. “We are delighted to partner with Strategy in Action to offer our clients a comprehensive and innovative approach to strategy,” said Oliver Phoenix, managing director EMEA. “By integrating SiA’s platform
