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How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
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 Moran Company Names CEO
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has announced that Mike English joins Bill Moran as a partner of the firm and has been named the company’s CEO. Mr. Moran will continue his role as president of the company he established more than 30 years ago. Since then, The
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?
DSG Global Appoints Managing Director
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Arpan Narayan as managing director. “We are pleased to welcome Arpan to DSG Global at a time when leveraging technology and AI depends on leadership that can execute the agenda,” said Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “People sit at the center of the most consequential decisions, and
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus to
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading Executive Director Search for Seismic Foundation
DRiWaterstone Human Capital is currently leading in the search for an executive director for Seismic Foundation. This executive will fully own Seismic’s North American strategy and execution. The mission for this executive is to build out the Seismic Foundation operations as part of the AI governance ecosystem by delivering high-impact campaigns that shift the needle
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
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,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
Choosing the Right Leadership: External vs Internal Candidates for C-Suite Success
The C-suite is arguably the most vital department in your business. When a leader leaves, it’s critical to focus on a succession plan, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. One crucial decision is whether to initiate external verses internal C-suite hiring. Stahl Recruiting
Lindauer Recruits Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Gary Grant as chief philanthropy officer of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The search was led by Lindauer assistant vice president Terri Rutter. “Gary is deeply committed to the belief that philanthropy begins with real relationships,” the Zoo said in a LinkedIn post. “He is excited to bring that
PierceGray Retained by Metglas for Senior Operations Search
PierceGray was recently retained by Metglas to lead in its search for a vice president of operations. This executive will serve as the senior on-site operational leader for Metglas’ 24/7 manufacturing facility, with responsibility for all aspects of plant performance excluding finance, HR, and IT. Reporting to the president and COO, this role represents a critical
Modern Executive Solutions Appoints CFO
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Apostol Nikolov as its new CFO. “Apostol brings a powerful combination of strategic insight and operating experience,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “His background advising on complex transactions and then leading finance functions within high-growth environments gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable as
Candidate Confidentiality: Why It Matters
Executive search sits in a uniquely sensitive middle ground: recruiters are asked to represent an employer’s interests while also earning and protecting a candidate’s trust, explained a recent report from ExecSearches. That “in-between” position makes confidentiality more than a professional courtesy. “For the candidate, it can be the difference between a strategic career move and
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
Massey Henry Assists Kindred Credit Union with Chief People and Culture Officer Search
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer of Kindred Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to have served as a trusted partner of Kindred Credit Union in the appointment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer,” Massey Henry said in a LinkedIn post. “With
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
The Tolan Group Recruits Senior Director of Revenue Cycle for Ascension Living
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Barbara Graham as senior director of revenue cycle at Ascension Living. She brings more than three decades of experience leading revenue cycle transformation across hospitals, physician groups, and specialty care organizations. Most recently, Ms. Graham served as vice president of operations at Medusind, where she directed global revenue cycle operations
GHP Search Recruits Three New Board Members for IDEA Public Schools
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has assisted is the recruitment of three new board members for IDEA Public Schools. New members identified by GHP include Najuma Atkinson, founder of The Joyful Harvest Project, Stacy Eng, principal at HR AI Strategy, and Ryan Green, founder and principal of Greenpoint Advisory. Ms. Atkinson is a seasoned corporate executive with nearly 30
20/20 Foresight Appoints Regional President
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has expanded with the addition of Anna Souers as regional president. “The appointment of Anna Souers illustrates exactly what 20/20 has been doing for years: identifying progressive, forward-thinking search consultants and positioning them as leaders within our ever-growing platform and the evolving landscape of the search business,” said Robert Peck, president of
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
Artico Search Appoints Partner
Artico Search has expanded with the addition of Andrew McCormack as partner, strengthening the firm’s New York-based growth equity and venture capital practice with a seasoned executive search leader. “Andrew brings the judgment, connectivity, and client partnership we value most deeply,” said Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder and chief executive officer of Artico Search. “He is relentlessly client-focused,
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading COO Search for Step Up For Students
DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently tapped by Step Up For Students to lead in its search for a chief operations officer. The COO is a critical role for the transformation and growth of Step Up for Students. Reporting to the chief executive officer, the COO is responsible for leading the organization’s operational teams, including customer experience, scholarship
Peña Search Seeking Philanthropy Lead for The Rees-Jones Foundation
Peña Search has been retained by The Rees-Jones Foundation to lead in its search for a senior director of philanthropy. Travis Hillier and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The Rees-Jones Foundation is seeking a senior director of philanthropy to help lead and advance its mission of serving vulnerable populations through faith-driven, high-impact grantmaking. This is
Egon Zehnder Appoints U.S. Market Leader
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Grant Clayton as U.S. market leader. He succeeds German Herrera, who has held the position since 2021 and was recently elected global chair of the firm. “It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding leadership that has driven Egon Zehnder’s growth in the United States, and I am
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
Why Your Most Difficult Hire Isn’t the One You Think
Headline employment data and hiring activity paint an incomplete picture of today’s workforce landscape. Beneath the surface, shifting candidate expectations and constrained talent pipelines are creating challenges that aren’t immediately visible. If you lead talent strategy in the insurance sector, you are navigating one of the most deceptive hiring markets in recent memory, according to
Vetted Solutions Retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer for CEO Search
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions was recently retained by GO2 for Lung Cancer to lead in its search for a new CEO. GO2 for Lung Cancer seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven CEO who will lead with vision, impact, and growth in mind. GO2 is facing an inflection point, expanding national networks and integrating research, early detection, and
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Warren Wilson College With Senior Search
Blue Rock Human Capital has assisted Warren Wilson College in the recruitment of W. Eric Sykes as vice president for enrollment management. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Warren Wilson College to identify their vice president for enrollment management,” said Jacquelyn D. Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “In today’s
Wray Executive Search Names VP of Recruiting
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has expanded with the addition of Jonathan Kelley as vice president of recruiting. “Jonathan’s energy, responsiveness, and consultative approach align perfectly with how we serve our clients,” said Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley, managing partners. “He understands
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
What a Strategic Executive Search Partner Actually Delivers
In an environment where leadership decisions carry outsized consequences, the way organizations approach executive hiring has fundamentally shifted. What was once seen as a process-driven function is now a high-stakes exercise in judgment, timing, and alignment—one that directly shapes enterprise value and long-term performance. Executive search is not transactional—it’s strategic, according to a recent report
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Babraham Research Campus
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Rich Ferrie as the new CEO of Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL). “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the board on this high-profile appointment,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the U.K.’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on
Acertitude Assists Karo Healthcare with CFO Search
Acertitude has helped to recruit Karine Martin as the new CFO of Karo Healthcare, a KKR portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Eliza Baker, and supported by Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. “We are very pleased to welcome Karine to Karo,” said says Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO. “With her broad international experience, strong financial leadership and
Boyden Opens New Office in Chile
Boyden has opened a new office in Santiago, Chile. The office will be led by Francisca López and María José López, who both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm. “Latin America is a compelling and fast-changing environment for business,” said Chad Hesters, president and CEO of Boyden. “Chile has emerged as one of the
New IANS and Artico Search Report Finds Only 34 Percent of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan to Stay in Their Current Roles
Only 34 percent of cybersecurity professionals plan to stay with their current employer, highlighting declining job satisfaction across the field and challenging CISOs to be aggressive and innovative in how they retain talent in a challenging labor market, according to IANS and Artico Search’s just released 2026 Cybersecurity Talent Report. As organizations rely on their
