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Daily Newswire
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
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
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
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
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
Greenwood Asher & Associates Tapped by the University of Arkansas System to Find New President
The University of Arkansas System recently retained Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president. Julie Holley and Marion Frenche are leading the assignment for the search firm. The president reports to the board of trustees of the University of Arkansas and serves as the chief executive officer
FPC of Cambridge Announces New Leadership
F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC National), a nationwide network of over 60 franchised executive recruitment offices, has announced the new ownership of FPC of Cambridge, MA. Founded by Aline Wildes, the office will now be owned and led by Joellen Lane. FPC of Cambridge will continue to specialize in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, offering expertise and
ECA Partners Adds Private Equity and Financial Services Expertise
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has expanded with the addition of Evan Markgraf as senior director. The search firm notes that this strategic addition further strengthens ECA’s capabilities in serving private equity firms and their portfolio companies. “Evan’s extensive CFO network and recruiting expertise has strengthened ECA’s ability to meet the growing needs of
Hanold Associates Acquired By Creative Artists Agency
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has been acquired by entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Co-founded by Neela Seenandan and Jason Hanold, Hanold Associates recruits diverse corporate officers and board directors, with a significant focus on leading high-profile searches for chief people and HR
The Bruce Taps Isaacson, Miller to Find New Executive Director
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. As these positions grow more sophisticated and complex, the hunt for top-flight talent to fill these roles becomes all the more important. Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by the Bruce Museum (the Bruce) in Greenwich, Conn, to lead in its search for
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer for CellCentric
Chief development officers are crucial to life sciences organizations as they drive strategic planning and oversee the development of new products and therapies, ensuring alignment with market needs. They foster collaboration across research, regulatory, and commercial teams to streamline innovation and accelerate time to market. Finding these executives has kept executive search firms busy. Life
TalentRise Appoints President
TalentRise has appointed Peter Petrella as president. “Peter Petrella’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of TalentRise,” said Scott Stenclik, CEO of Aleron parent company of TalentRise. “As president, Peter will continue to elevate our capabilities and expand our impact across industries, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner
SpenglerFox Grows Global Life Sciences Practice
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Akim Gaagaa to the firm’s global life sciences practice. “In his new role at SpenglerFox, given our growing portfolio of agile and high-growth companies in the broader life sciences industry who are rapidly expanding across the globe, Akim will play a pivotal role
4 Trends Influencing the Future of Work
The last few years have created an urgent need for executive leaders to become adaptable and intentional in the face of both sudden and ongoing change. “As the workplace is continually being reshaped by these changes, there are several trends that demand the attention of these leaders, compelling them to evaluate and respond strategically in
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO for the Santa Barbara Zoo
Following a comprehensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Charles Hopper as the new president and CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. He will succeed Rich Block, retiring in January 2025 after 26 years of leadership. “Finding someone to succeed Rich Block was no small task,” said Jim Jackson, vice chair of the
Major Executive Search Places CEO at Sivers Semiconductors
Rancho Santa Fe, CA-based executive search firm Major Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Vickram Vathulya as president and chief executive officer for Sivers Semiconductors AB in Kista, Sweden. He succeeds Anders Storm. “Vickram’s leadership qualities and industry expertise are exactly what Sivers was looking for in this CEO appointment in order to accelerate
AIMS International Expands in France
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded its presence in France with the launch of AIMS France, led by Priscilla Motte. AIMS France, formerly known as BHC & Partners, brings experience in leadership solutions, particularly within the life sciences, technology, consumer, industrial, and automotive industries. “Priscilla and the AIMS France team bring expertise and a client-centric approach
Insights Into the Non-Profit Workforce
Non-profits as a whole are the third largest employer in the U.S., and as a result its impact on recruiting and talent is significant. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that non-profits often struggle with a narrow talent pool and geographic limitations, making it difficult to find candidates with both the required skills and a strong
Arts Consulting Group Recruits New Leader for Winsor Historical Society
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has assisted in the recruitment of Carrie Taylor as the new executive director of the Winsor Historical Society. Doug Shipman recently stepped down. Renée Danger-James led the assignment. “We knew we had big shoes to fill with Doug’s retirement,” said search committee co-chair Liz Burke. “We are just thrilled to have been
Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Role for the Bipartisan Policy Center
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paige Ennis has been named executive vice president of development and external affairs at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). “We are thrilled to welcome Paige to BPC,” said Margaret Spellings, president and CEO. “With her proven track record, she brings a wealth of experience in driving transformation and delivering organizational results. Her
Heidrick & Struggles Elects New Board Members
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has elected Vijaya Kaza and Timothy Carter to its board of directors as independent directors, effective immediately. The firm also announced that long-serving board member Lyle Logan will depart. Following these changes, the company’s board of directors consists of nine directors, eight of whom are independent. “We are thrilled to welcome
Comprehending Organizational Culture and Climate: Essential Elements for Effective Leadership
There are a number of different strategies that can enhance both culture and climate that will foster motivation and productivity amongst employees. Jeffrey Hanrahan, PhD, director of organizational optimization, TI Verbatim Consulting, highlights a few here in a recent discussion with Hunt Scanlon Media. “One is leadership development and modeling. Leaders play a huge role in
The Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Taps Academic Search to Find New Leader
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been retained by the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace to lead in its hunt for its 12th president. Joel N. Lohr, an awarding-winning author, scholar of religion, and transformative leader in higher education, stepped down from this position in July. Leading the assignment are Sharon D. Herzberger, senior consultant, and Carly
H.I. Executive Consulting Partners with Software Club
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (H.I.E.C) has formed a strategic alliance with Software Club (SWC), a fundamental business value research platform focused exclusively on the analysis of public and privately owned software and technology companies for private equity funds and professional investors. “This partnership is an opportunity for H.I.E.C’s network of world-class chairs, chief executives, private
IIC Partners Expands to Los Angeles in Partnership with B. Riley Farber
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded in Los Angeles through its affiliation with global member firm B. Riley Farber. “We are excited to see B. Riley Farber extend its exceptional executive search and interim management services to Los Angeles, further enhancing IIC Partners’ capabilities in the United States,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC
Adapting to the Evolving Candidate Landscape
Executive search consultants continue to say that the landscape of recruitment is experiencing profound changes. Driven by technological advancements, evolving workforce demographics, and shifting candidate expectations, the candidate marketplace today presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay competitive, organizations must adapt their executive search strategies to navigate these new dynamics effectively, according to a recent
TM² Executive Search Assists Prairie View A&M University Find New VP of University Advancement
After a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Shaw as the new vice president for university advancement of Prairie View A&M University. The search was led by managing principal, Dr. Dakota Doman and principal, Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett.
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Akebia Therapeutics
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently placed Erik Ostrowski as SVP and CFO of NASDQ-traded Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. “Chartwell’s biopharmaceuticals team was pleased to work with Akebia Therapeutics on this important search,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Erik Ostrowski on being named chief financial officer and chief business officer of the organization.”
SP&A Executive Search Recruits 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has helped to recruit Suresh Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona. The unanimous board vote follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A presidential search advisory committee and informed by robust community feedback. He succeeds Robert C. Robbins. “Dr. Garimella is student-focused and considers
NGS Global Expands in Brazil
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. In response to the growing client demand in Latin America, Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded in Brazil with the additions of Fernando Cesar and Giselle Moraes. “Both
Record Holding Periods for PE Portfolios Drive Urgent Focus on Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies
The median holding period for private equity-backed portfolio companies has reached 5.7 years, the highest since tracking began in 2000, according to Private Equity Info. With a record peak deal year in 2021, many portfolio companies are closing in on their exit timelines in the next few years. And, amid fluctuating market conditions and interest
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Rachal as the new chief human resources officer and senior vice president of people and culture of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Hanold Associates’ Val Lopez, Meg McElroy and Catie Nelson led the assignment. The search, selection and hiring process was facilitated through a partnership with
McDermott + Bull Assists Inari Medical with CTO Search
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Irvine, CA-based search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeking CFO for the City of North Miami Beach
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the City of North Miami Beach to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. The search is being led by senior consultant Barry Bratton and senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn. The CFO is a senior management role that reports directly to the city manager.
Riviera Partners Establishes Cybersecurity Practice
As companies innovate to combat the growing complexity of cyber threats, organizations across all industries are facing unprecedented security challenges. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread, companies are under immense pressure to secure their infrastructure and protect sensitive data. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for experienced, technical leadership has never
Integrating Business and Talent Strategies: How Diagnostics Fuel Growth
As organizations face change, growth, and new leadership, one key question often arises: Is our talent strategy aligned with our business goals? A talent diagnostic assessment helps business leaders and boards understand how their current talent strategies support – or hinder – business growth, according to a just release report from DHR Global’s David Sheahan
