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The New Engine of Executive Search: How Hunt Scanlon Is Powering a Productivity Revolution
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit last week began rolling out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability
What the Top 25 Percent of Search Firms Do Differently — And Why It’s Not About Sourcing
The performance gap between the highest-grossing executive search and recruiting firms and their peers is not primarily explained by market access, brand reputation, or the size of their candidate networks. According to new operational research from Recruiterflow — drawing on data from over 2,100 retained, contingent, and executive search firms — it comes down to
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
Using Leadership Assessment to Win the PE Talent Wars
Talent has become an increasingly acknowledged driver of value creation in private equity firms as pressure to deliver outsized returns increases. With this, PE funds have invested in executive recruiting services and built out their own internal functions to find the best talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Nevertheless, the evaluation process for talent hasn’t
The Key Strategies for Scaling a Business; More Than Just an Experienced CEO
Scaling a business is an important milestone that many companies hope to accomplish. However, the common misconception is that it takes an experienced CEO at the helm to successfully navigate this crucial phase. In reality, scaling has more to do with readiness, purpose, and a specific set of required leadership traits and skills that often
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief Legal Officer for the U.S. Soccer Federation
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Carlos Kuri as the chief legal officer of the U.S. Soccer Federation in Chicago. Jason Hanold, Mayank Parikh, Meg McElroy, and Catie Nelson led the assignment. “I’m thrilled to join U.S. Soccer at this momentous time for the organization and sport, as we look forward to the Men’s World Cup
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Seeking Chief Program Officer for Point Foundation
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group was recently retained by Point Foundation to lead in its search for a chief program officer. Kevin Chase, managing partner, and Catie DiFelice, senior associate, are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. The chief program officer is responsible for managing Point’s scholarship programs, spearheading program innovation and delivery, and
Egon Zehnder Appoints Co-Head for North America CEO Board Practice
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Pam Warren as a new leader for the North America CEO and board practice. She joins Chuck Gray at the helm of the practice, succeeding Lisa Blais. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam Warren as co-head of the North America CEO and board practice,” said Mr. Gray. “Her commitment
A Look at the Landscape for Hiring a PE Operating Company CEO
Leaders of private equity firms looking to hire a portfolio-business CEO have a great deal to consider. The U.S. PE talent landscape is changing dramatically in real time, due to multiple forces related to economics, industry, and consumer habits, according to a recent report from Heidrick & Struggles’ Jason Henderson and Amanda Worthington. “They’re all
Envision Consulting Assists Ryman Arts with Executive Director Search
Following an extensive search, Pasadena, CA-based Envision Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Audrey T. Salzburg as the new executive director of Ryman Arts. “We are thrilled to welcome Audrey Salzburg as our new executive director,” said David A. Price, board chair. “She is a charismatic and visionary leader, uniquely positioned to build and foster
Buffkin / Baker Leading President Search for Augusta University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker was recently retained by Augusta University to lead in its search for a new president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. Reporting to the chancellor of the University System of Georgia, the president of Augusta University serves as the campus’ chief executive officer, directs the
PoliHire Appoints General Counsel and Senior Advisor
PoliHire, a retained executive search firm and consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., has expanded with the addition of James Banks as senior director and general counsel and Marcia K. Thompson as senior advisor. “I am thrilled to have James and Marcia’s extraordinary talents and expertise on our team as we approach our 19th year in
AltoPartners Elects New Member Firm in Abu Dhabi and London
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Evrima, an executive search and leadership solutions firm with offices in Abu Dhabi and London, as its newest member firm. Led by Karla Dorsch, Evrima specializes in buy-side financial services, with a client base comprising asset managers, private banks, investment companies, sovereign
CHRO Perspectives for 2024 and Beyond
A notable lack of confidence in leadership, coupled with significant skepticism around overall business performance, is raising concerns among HR and people leaders. Pressing questions are emerging about leadership capabilities that demand attention. When a recent report from Leathwaite queried about prioritized current people challenges, leadership capabilities emerged as the top concern, followed by organizational
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CFO for the Los Angeles LGBT Center
McCormack+Kristel recently helped to recruit Robyn Goldman as the new CFO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which fights to advance civil rights and freedoms for LGBTQ people domestically and internationally through education, advocacy, and community organizing. Michelle Kristel led the assignment. “Join us in congratulating Robyn Goldman on her new role as the chief financial officer
Anthem Executive Recruits Provost for Texas Woman’s University
Following a national search, executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has helped to recruit Angela Christine Bauer as the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “We are poised for growth with pioneering faculty, new buildings and infrastructure, a comprehensive fundraising campaign,
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Spryker
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Sarah Scheer of Artico Search have assisted in the recruitment of Dustin Deno as the new chief revenue officer of Spryker, a global composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B, enterprise marketplaces, and IoT commerce. “We are thrilled to have Dustin join the Spryker leadership team,” said Boris Lokschin, co-founder and CEO at Spryker. “His innovative
Miner Lake Partners Launched by Veteran Search Consultants
John Moon and Han Liou have launched executive search firm Miner Lake Partners. “I’m proud to announce Miner Lake Partners, an executive search firm focused on the building products and industrial industries,” Mr. Moon said in a LinkedIn post. “My business partner Han Liou and I are building this firm on a foundation rooted in
7 Ways a Retained Search Recruiter Can Help Your Career
With the increasing number of emails, calls and texts from colleagues and clients, it is understandable why someone would overlook unsolicited messages from recruiters, especially for professionals happy in their current roles. There is a perception that recruiters focus solely on filling immediate job openings, and nothing more—but nothing could be further from the truth,
A Look at the Crucial Role of Talent Advisory in Guiding Hiring Executives
In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, attracting and retaining top talent is a strategic imperative for organizations. As companies recognize the critical link between workforce excellence and overall success, the role of Talent Advisory functions has become increasingly vital, according to a report from Comhar Partners. “Talent advisory is not merely a recruitment service;
True Search Recruits CEO for Funko
Global talent provider True has placed Cynthia Williams as the new CEO of NASDAQ-traded Funko, Inc. in Everett, WA. Todd Zangrillo, Ben O’Reilly, Gail Tifford, and Elizabeth Tyler led the assignment. Michael Lunsford is serving as the company’s interim CEO until Ms. Williams joins the company. “There’s a next level of innovation happening in collectibles category,” said Mr.
Ichor Leadership Search Recruits CEO for OSPRI
New Zealand-based executive recruiting firm Ichor Leadership Search has assisted in the recruitment of Sam McIvor as the new CEO of OSPRI. “OSPRI is thrilled to welcome Sam,” said Paul Reynolds, board chair. “Sam will bring extensive practical and strategic experience and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector to drive OSPRI forward and deliver value to
QuantumWork Advisory Acquires KatThree
QuantumWork Advisory, a provider of workforce advisory and transformation services, has acquired KatThree, a workforce management advisory company based in Amsterdam. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to welcome KatThree to the QuantumWork Advisory family,” said Andrew Grant, managing partner of QuantumWork Advisory. “Their expertise and experience blends creativity, practicality, and
PitchBook Calls 2024 A Rebuilding Year for Global M&A
M&A deal activity rose five to 10 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, despite falling short of Q4 2023 totals, according to new data released by PitchBook. Deal multiples have remained stable, meanwhile – “a sign that the valuation reset may be complete, and have room to move higher to catch up with elevated prices of
Bespoke Partners Creates Alliances Program and Leader Community to Boost Value Creation Amid Strong Q1
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has announced commercial performance in the first quarter that exceeded all targets and launched its private equity-focused Alliances Program and the Bespoke Leader Community. The firm’s outperformance included winning a record number of searches to recruit executives in software and SaaS companies with private equity sponsors. “Deal flow is a chief
Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
After a national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has placed Tommy Gregory as the seventh president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, led the assignment, along with Jessica Thompson, associate vice president and executive search coordinator. A search committee of six members, including SCF faculty, staff, a
FaithSearch Partners Leading President Search for Point Loma Nazarene University
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) was recently retained by Point Loma Nazarene University to lead in a search for its 15th president. Current president Bob Bower recently announced his retirement. The presidential search committee will keep the university community – including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners– informed throughout the process. The Point Loma Nazarene
ZRG Names Leader of Digital and Transformation Practice
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has named Marc Gasperino as managing director and leader for the digital and transformation practice. “Marc Gasperino’s appointment as managing director for our digital and transformation practice marks an exciting addition to the ZRG team,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO. “His extensive experience and commitment
A Look at How the New Rule Banning Noncompete Clauses Could Affect Recruiting Firms
On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a new rule that bans non-compete clauses for workers across all industries, with limited exceptions. The rule will prohibit most employee non-compete agreements with retroactive effect, except existing non-compete provisions. The rule also requires employers to notify workers, including former employees, that the non-compete clauses are no longer in
Furst Group Recruits President for Sisters of Charity Hospital
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted Catholic Health in the recruitment of Meghan Aldrich as president of Sisters of Charity Hospital and St. Joseph Campus. “Meghan’s experience as a nurse executive and operational leader will be a tremendous asset to Sisters Hospital as we continue to accelerate our strategic
Griffith Group Assists Habitat for Humanity Canada with CEO Search
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group has placed Pedro Barata as the new president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Caroline McLean, partner, led the assignment. “Pedro has dedicated his entire career to driving systemic long-term improvement on key social and economic initiatives, including poverty reduction and housing policy reform,” said
Saxton Bampfylde Recruits CEO for Britten Pears Arts
Following an extensive search process, U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has recruited Andrew Comben as the new CEO of Britten Pears Arts. He succeeds Roger Wright CBE who leaves Britten Pears Arts after 10 years at the helm. Mr. Comben starts his new position in September. “Our appointment of Andrew brings back to Britten Pears Arts someone
Macrae Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Legal search firm Macrae has appointed Leah Guggenheimer as chief operating officer. She will be based in New York. “Leah’s proven leadership and extensive experience directing and enhancing a wide spectrum of business operations at some of the world’s most successful organizations, including a major international law firm, make her a perfect fit for Macrae,”
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 11 Percent Revenue Increase for Q1
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted first quarter revenues of $265.2 million, an 11 percent increase from a year ago. Revenues included the acquisition of Atreus Group GmbH completed on February 1, 2023 and the acquisition businessfourzero completed on April 1, 2023. The firm experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and executive
