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Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Ward Howell International Opens New Office in Abu Dhabi
Ward Howell International has expanded with the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi. The firm explains that the decision to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi underscores Ward Howell’s commitment to the Middle East and Africa region and reflects the capital’s strategic importance as a hub for business and innovation within the United Arab
A Tailored Approach to Leadership Recruitment in Alternative Investments
The executive search industry attracts individuals for various reasons. Some are motivated by a passion for talent acquisition and the desire to assist organizations in securing top leadership. Others are drawn to the chance to work across different sectors and develop robust professional connections. Additionally, the promise of lucrative earnings and opportunities for career growth
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Ascendigo Autism Services
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted in the recruitment of Amy Grogan as the new president and CEO of Ascendigo Autism Services, Inc. in Carbondale, CO. Past CEO Dan Richardson left the company at the end of 2024. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Amy is
Lochlin Partners Helps Recruit Executive Director for Educate Texas
After an extensive five-month search, Lochlin Partners has recruited Kerri Briggs as the new executive director of Communities Foundation of Texas’ (CFT) Educate Texas. This follows the departure of longtime Educate Texas executive John Fitzpatrick. “Building partnerships as a means of success has been a focus of Kerri’s career and this role will benefit from
Focus Search Partners Grows Interim Leadership Practice
Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has expanded its interim leadership practice with the additions of Barbara Haith and Matthew Zoltowski as managing directors. “Executive-level staffing has rapidly emerged as a key solution in today’s evolving Gig Economy 2.0,” said Paul Frankenberg, founder and managing partner of Focus Search Partners. “As businesses continue to navigate shifting markets
ZRG Expands into India
ZRG has established a presence in India with the hiring of Ramit Bhel as a managing director in New Delhi. “Ramit’s experience establishing and growing a consumer and retail search practice in India will be a wonderful benefit to our clients,” stated Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “India represents a strategic geography for global business, and
2025 Talent Trend: New Leaders Focusing on Team Alignment and Impact
A leadership trend that has emerged over the past few years is coming to a head, bringing with it a new set of recruitment and talent engagement challenges and opportunities in 2025, according to a new report from Lindauer. Findings from a study by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources say that
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.1 Percent
Employment rose by 256,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.9 million in December. Employment trended up in healthcare, government, and social assistance. Retail trade added jobs in December, following a job loss in November.
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Administrative Officer for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Troy Harper as EVP and chief administrative officer at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California in Lodi, CA. Deborah Skinner recently retired after spending 24 years in this role. The search was led by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, vice president Hilary Raska, and
Caldwell Posts 21.7 Percent Revenue Increase in Fiscal Q1
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q1 revenues of $21.3 million (Canadian), a 21.7 percent gain from the same period a year ago. Professional fees reached $21.2 million, with Caldwell’s segment growing 30 percent to $18.4 million, while IQTalent’s fees decreased to $2.8 million from $3.2 million. Cadlwell reported net earnings of $465,000 ($0.016 per share), compared to $3.8 million ($0.128 per share) in
Preparing the C-Suite for Success in the 2025 AI-Driven Economy
The Total Economic Impact (TEI) of AI is highly lucrative, serving as the primary catalyst for the bold push toward accelerated digitization. TEI measures AI’s comprehensive economic value to an organization by capturing direct financial gains, operational efficiency, customer impact, risk reduction, and competitive advantage, according to a new report from Boyden’s Bashar Kilani. “Direct
Korn Ferry Assists the Universities Space Research Association with CEO Search
Following an extensive national search, Korn Ferry has assisted in the recruitment of Elsayed Talaat as president and CEO of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in Washington, D.C. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Talaat as the next CEO of USRA,” said Gen Lester Lyles, chair of the board of trustees. “We firmly believe he is the
Modern Executive Solutions Recruits CEO for Members Development Company
Atlanta-based executive search firm Modern Executive Solutions has helped to recruit Ned Tobey as the new CEO of Members Development Company in Madison, WI. He succeeds Jeff Kline, the company’s CEO since 2007. The selection of Mr. Tobey caps a search process that followed Mr. Kline’s retirement announcement earlier this year. The company partnered with Modern to
Daversa Partners Appoints Five New Managing Directors
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has promoted Lyndy Adamonis, Tara Cremin, Megan Daversa, Jodie Salzberg, and Ava Talbott to managing directors. “These five have earned their reputation by building deep networks, achieving consistent results for both clients and candidates, and fostering partnerships that drive exceptional company outcomes,” Daversa Partners said in a release. “Their belief that
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Country Manager for Singapore
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has appointed Euan Kenworthy as country manager of the Singapore office. He succeeds Ulrike Wieduwilt, who is stepping down from her role. “We are confident that Euan’s proven track record in building diverse and high-performing leadership teams, complemented with his deep appreciation of cultural sensitivities in the region, will be a
The Strategic Architects Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Business Excellence
The role of HR leaders has expanded significantly, in the last decade, making them vital architects of organizational culture and strategy. The best HR professionals are not only adept at managing talent but also serve as strategic partners who align HR initiatives with broader business objectives, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. These leaders possess
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Kiewit Luminarium
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Mathew Sinclair as the new CEO of Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha, NE. Linda Brandl, who has been serving as interim CEO, will continue to lead the organization until Sinclair assumes his position in February. “Mat Sinclair is an outstanding leader with a strong track record of building collaborative, community-focused initiatives,”
Bryant Group Leading Senior Search Assignment for the University of San Diego
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been retained by the University of San Diego to lead in its search for an associate vice president for university events and partnerships. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “On the heels of an exceptional 75th anniversary year, the University of San Diego is
Kaye/Bassman Expands Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has expanded with the addition of Edward Canning as managing partner within its pharmaceutical and biotechnology recruiting practice. “Bringing Ed Canning onto our already formidable team represents a tremendous opportunity,” said Michael Pietrack, who leads the pharma and biotech division. “His integrity and values align perfectly with our culture, ensuring we
Heidrick & Struggles Unveils 2025 Global and Regional Leadership Appointments
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced key global and regional leader appointments, effective January 1, 2025. The appointed leaders will continue advancing the firm’s objective of delivering exceptional value to clients by fostering differentiated, deep, and durable relationships. “Having the right leadership in place is increasingly crucial to business performance,
Why Soft Skills Still Rule the C-Suite in the Age of AI
In an era dominated by technological advancements and artificial intelligence, it might be tempting to believe that machines can replace human leadership. However, the essence of effective leadership lies in a unique blend of soft skills that transcend AI’s capabilities, according to a new report from Kestria. “While technical expertise is undoubtedly necessary, it is
University of Florida Calls in SP&A Executive Search to Help Find Next President
SP&A Executive Search has been retained by the University of Florida to lead in its search for its 14th president. The school selected the search firm that led the efforts that found former president Ben Sasse, as well as the University of South Florida and Florida State University’s presidents. “The search committee is advisory and will
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for CoreNet Global
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has recruited Scott Wiley as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. Angela Cain recently stepped down. “Scott Wiley is the ideal candidate to assume the CEO of CoreNet Global and lead us into the future,” said David Chang, CoreNet Global board chair. “Scott’s visionary leadership and experience
Pacific International Fills Senior Marketing and Communications Role for the American Bakers Association
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has recently assisted in the recruitment of Anne Fairfield-Sonn as director of marketing and communications for the American Bakers Association (ABA). This strategic hire will strengthen ABA’s ability to deliver results for the industry under its new strategic plan. “Working with Pacific International was an absolute pleasure,” said Eric
NGS Global Appoints Managing Partner for the Middle East
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the addition of Julien Abou Khalil as the managing partner for the Middle East based out of the United Arab Emirates. “With Julien’s addition to the NGS Global team, we have continued to reinforce our commitment to attracting the highest caliber partners in the world to lead our initiatives
The Evolving Trends in Employee Engagement for 2025
Employee engagement is essential for an organization to retain and motivate its workforce. When employees feel connected to their work, productivity, innovation, and commitment to company goals rise. A dedicated workforce also supports a positive work culture, encouraging collaboration and proactive problem-solving, according to a recent report from DHR Global. “Moreover, organizations whose employees are
JM Search Recruits CEO for Inventive-Group
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has helped to recruit Erik Nelson as the new CEO of Inventive-Group in Mountain Home, ID. Andrew Henry, Jim McGinley, and Tucker Twitmyer led this assignment. “JM Search are honored to have helped with this effort,” the firm said in a LinkedIn
Odgers Berndtson Leading CFO Search for World Energy
Odgers Berndtson was recently called in by World Energy to lead in its search for a new CFO. Emily McGonigle is leading the assignment. “We are delighted to be conducting the search for CFO at World Energy,” Odgers Berndtson said in a LinkedIn post. “This role will involve being a strategic member of the World Energy
Myers McRae Assists Northwest Florida State College with President Search
Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting recently assisted in the recruitment of Melvin Ponder as president of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). The announcement followed finalist interviews in November. “The board of trustees thanks all four finalist candidates for participating in our rigorous on-campus interview process,” said Lori Kelley, NWFSC
Signium Opens Office in Dubai
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Dubai, UAE. This expansion strengthens Signium’s presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, complementing its existing Dubai leadership consulting office, led by managing partner Hisham El-Badawy since 2006. The new office is led by search veterans Jon Ashcroft and Mark Holdich, who have joined as managing partners. Together with
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2024
In 2024, the recruiting industry experienced a mix of challenges and opportunities. Recruiters sought innovative ways to deliver value to their clients, as many firms faced dips in revenues and search activity. Investor-driven market consolidation continued to reshape the landscape. Search consultants faced hurdles such as recession fears, talent shortages, and a candidate-driven market. Meanwhile,
