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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
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
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
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
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
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of the Canadian Education Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has named Julia Robarts as country as head of the Canadian education practice. Ms. Robarts joined Odgers Berndtson 17 years ago and has become a trusted advisor to universities, colleges, and schools across the country. “I’m very happy to share that I’ll be leading our work across the country as head of
Speed, Communication, and AI are Key to Keeping Top Talent Engaged With Search Firms
What does it take to produce a satisfied, loyal talent community? Speed and accuracy in search and match, and clear, timely communication top the list, according to a recent report from Bullhorn. The recruiting software provider surveyed more than 2,400 global workers on their experiences working with search firms in 2024 to produce this year’s GRID Talent
True Recruits COO for Wonder
Global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tony Hoggett as the new chief operating officer of Wonder. Todd Zangrillo, Joe Illsley, Hannah James, and Alan Cork led the assignment. “At Wonder, we are deeply committed to investing in exceptional talent as we strategically shape our company’s future,” said Marc Lore, founder and CEO. “Bringing
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Marquette University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently retained by Marquette University to lead in its search for its 25th president. Vice president and director Julie Filizetti, partner Phillip Petree, and senior associate Rafael Escobedo, are leading the assignment. Past president Michael Lovell recently died after a three-year battle with cancer. The president serves as the CEO for Marquette and
Egon Zehnder Names Co-Leaders of the Global Technology Officers Practice Group
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Joon Yoon and Sven Michaelis as co-leaders of the global technology officers practice group. “I am thrilled to take on this new co-leadership role for the global technology officers practice group at Egon Zehnder,” said Mr. Yoon. “As technology and innovation continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, the demand for
Friisberg & Partners Appoints Chief Business Development Strategy Officer
Friisberg & Partners International has added Sabine Pirkner to its executive board as chief business development strategy officer. In her new position, she will be responsible for leading and shaping the firm’s business development strategy, furthering its growth and market expansion goals. “We are delighted to have Sabine on our executive team,” said Zoltan Petho, chair
The Evolving Role of Leadership Advisory Services in Executive Search
Leadership advisory services are consulting offerings that help organizations enhance their leadership effectiveness through tailored development programs, coaching, and succession planning. They focus on assessing and aligning leadership strategies with organizational goals while managing change and talent. Ultimately, these services empower leaders to drive performance and foster a positive organizational culture. Leadership advisory services have
Funk Associates Recruits Dean for the University of South Alabama College of Engineering
Funk Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Darryl James as dean of the University of South Alabama College of Engineering. He takes over the deanship from John Usher, who will remain on faculty. “Dr. James brings a wealth of experience to South, both as a faculty member, and as a highly effective leader,” said Andi Kent,
Renovata & Company Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Cleversoft
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Gerard McNamara as chief revenue officer of Cleversoft, a cloud-based RegTech company. “Gerard has an impressive track record in scaling software companies and building dynamic teams who execute rigorously,” said Lucy Brealy, principal at Renovata. “He has deep expertise in commercial strategy and building go-to
Mercuri Urval Names Global Practice Head of the Public Sector
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Christian Nyhlén as partner and global practice head of the public sector. “The public sector practice is a multifaceted environment with many different layers,” said Mr. Nyhlén. “Especially in a complex, volatile and rapidly changing world the demands on leadership will be higher and more challenging than ever.
Lyneer Search Group Appoints Director of Branding and Content
Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles, has expanded with the addition of Karen Childers as director of branding and content. “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Lyneer Search Group team,” said Scott Noga, vice president. “Karen’s expertise in digital marketing and her vision for creating
A Look at the Growing Need for Cybersecurity Executives
The market for cybersecurity recruiting is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats faced by organizations globally. Companies are seeking skilled professionals to protect their data and infrastructure, leading to high demand for cybersecurity talent across various industries, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. This competitive landscape has resulted
McDermott + Bull Recruits U.S. Leader for Rayner
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott Corning as vice president, Americas, for Rayner, a global manufacturer of products for cataract surgery headquartered in Worthing, U.K. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden, and head of search operations Mallory McDermott. Mr. Corning will play a pivotal role in developing and executing
Work&Partners Fills Senior Positions for Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has recruited John Dalton as director of product management and Chelsi Tryon as director of ESG for Toppan Merrill, further strengthening the company’s leadership team. “The additions of both Chelsi Tryon and John Dalton to the Toppan Merrill team will have a positive impact going forward across their all business lines and product
Reffett Associates Appoints Leader of Consumer Practice
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has expanded with the addition of Tom Danowski to lead its consumer practice. “Tom is an exceptional executive,” said Marshall Reffett, managing director of Reffett’s Seattle office. “He brings deep industry experience and will be a great compliment to not only our team but, also to our clients.” “Tom Danowski brings years of leadership
Archer Search Partners Opens Doors
Venture-backed executive search firm Archer Search Partners has been launched by Alexis DuFresne and Fraser Trimble, specializing in aligning human capital strategies with business goals for asset managers. The firm places investment and distribution professionals at alternative asset management firms. Clients include private equity, credit, and hedge fund firms. The firm also offers fractional human
Predicting Talent Acquisition Trends for 2025
As organizations navigate the post-AI boom and the shift to skills-based hiring, many are experiencing analysis paralysis, but now is the time to act with purpose. Korn Ferry recently surveyed over 400 talent acquisition professionals and consulted with more than 40 of its experts to uncover five key hiring trends shaping 2025, including the critical
How Executive Search Firms Adapt
In today’s dynamic hiring landscape, executive search firms like BrainWorks are adapting their strategies to focus on stable sectors such as technology, healthcare, and essential services during uncertain times. BrainWorks recently joined Hunt Scanlon Media to discuss how recruiting firms can meet evolving client needs by adjusting search strategies and leveraging advanced tools. Key insights from
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Executive Director for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Anya Lynn-Alesker (they/she) as executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. “We are confident that Lynn-Alesker will lead our organization to new heights as we continue our important mission of promoting justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity,” said Bendita Cynthia Malakia,
Collegiate Sports Associates Assists St. Johns with Director of Athletics Search
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of alumnus Ed Kull as the eighth vice president and director of athletics for St. John’s University. “Ed Kull has demonstrated a commitment to excellence on and off the field of competition,” said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. John’s University. “This is an important hire
JM Search Expands Team Focused on Recruiting Key Executives Across the Financial Services Sector
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded its team of experts dedicated to recruiting executives for financial services organizations and fintech businesses. “JM Search is seeing increased demand for key leaders within financial services, including investment management, banking, consumer & commercial finance, fintech, and insurance, and is committed to
The Transformation of HR in the Age of AI
The integration of artificial intelligence into HR is not a trend; it’s a transformative shift that is reshaping how organizations manage people, optimize processes, and drive innovation. As businesses seek to enhance efficiency and effectiveness while fostering a more dynamic and engaging workplace, AI and automation are increasingly being implemented into HR strategies, according to
Acertitude Assists Sterling Site Access Solutions with CEO Search
Executive search firm Acertitude recently assisted in the recruitment of Kaye Ceille as the new CEO of Sterling Site Access Solutions in Chicago. Kevin O’Neill, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of the industrial practice at Acertitude, led the search together with Max Stubenvoll, principal overseeing business services in North America. “In our search for CEO, we looked
The SAFE Alliance Taps Peña Search to Find Chief Development Officer
The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) recently retained Peña Search to lead in its search for a new chief development officer. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The chief development officer is a critical member of SAFE’s executive and senior leadership teams. In collaboration with the CEO and others, the CDO will help co-create,
TurnkeyZRG Expands Revenue Functional Practice
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Jamie Spencer as a managing director within the revenue functional practice. “Jamie Spencer has been a top revenue executive for 25+ years – especially in tickets, premium and season ticket holder programs,” said Len Perna, chairman and CEO of TurnkeyZRG. “Jamie is joining TurnkeyZRG as our managing director to
NPAworldwide Adds 11 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 11 new member firms. The new partners are located in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Spain and the U.K., with recruitment specialties including engineering, healthcare, information technology, sales, and more across multiple industry sectors. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are
A Look at Key Trends in Executive Recruiting for Private Equity-Backed Companies
A long-awaited interest rate cut in the U.S. finally arrived in September. Bespoke Partners’ Second Half 2024 Private Equity Talent Report asks will it thaw the deep freeze gripping private equity deal-flow and exits? Signs were that prospective deals in late Q2 and early Q3 had already priced in the expected rate cut and deals
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CFO for Rexford Industrial Realty
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Michael Fitzmaurice as the new CFO of NYSE-traded Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. in Los Angeles. Deb Barbanel and Nick Roberts led the assignment. “We are very pleased to welcome Michael Fitzmaurice to the Rexford Industrial team,” said Michael Frankel and Howard Schwimmer, co-chief executive officers of the company. “Michael is a strategic,
AGB Search Seeking Chancellor for the University of Colorado Denver
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, was recently retained by the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) to lead in its search for a new chancellor. Roderick McDavis, Monica Burton, Kimberly Templeton, and Carlos Hernandez are leading the assignment. The chancellor is the campus’s chief executive officer, reports to the CU
Caldwell Launches Academic Healthcare Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launched a new academic healthcare practice, a specialized division dedicated to finding senior leaders for academic health systems. “With the increasing complexity of academic health systems, there is a growing need for leaders who can navigate the intricacies of clinical, research, and education missions,” said Chris Beck, CEO. “Our new practice is designed to connect
Blue Rock Search Appoints VP of Business Development
Blue Rock Search has expanded with the addition of Colleen Barker as vice president of business development. “On behalf of the entire Blue Rock Search team, I’m so pleased to welcome Colleen Barker to our organization,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader of Blue Rock Search. “As the executive search landscape continues to evolve in response to







