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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
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.
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
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?
DHR Global Adds New Partner in Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Veronique Denis-Pelliet as a partner in its technology and retail & consumer practices in Singapore. A seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience in executive search, ESG leadership, sales, and international business development, Ms. Denis-Pelliet has led multicultural teams and driven growth in Southeast Asia, China, Europe,
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
Fabric.AI Taps Egon Zehnder for Critical Search
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been retained by NASDAQ-traded AI infrastructure company Fabric.AI to lead the search for a senior project management executive. “Egon Zehnder’s reputation, global reach, and deep expertise across AI, advanced technologies, and organizational leadership make them an ideal partner for Fabric.AI at this stage of our growth,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
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
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
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clements Fluids
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Luanne Carr as the new chief people officer for Clements Fluids in Tyler, TX. Managing partner Pam Noble and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clements Fluids by connecting them with Luanne Carr
Ratliff & Taylor Expands Executive Search Practice
Cleveland, OH-based executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has expanded its executive search practice to support regional demand and continued growth. The firm has named Linda Gray as senior vice president, non-profit executive search and Michael Johnson as senior vice president, executive search. “After opening our New York office in 2023, search engagements surged among our new and
A Look at How to Attract and Retain Gen Z Talent
As the workforce continues to evolve, organizations are facing a new challenge – how to attract and retain the young and upcoming generation, known as Gen Z, with the end goal of filling senior-level positions with professional, experienced leaders. This tech-savvy, ambitious, and socially conscious generation is poised to make a significant impact, but tapping
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.9 Percent
Employment rose by 175,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.5 million in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for
Lindauer Recruits Chief Engagement Officer for Duke University
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Heilenday as associate vice president and chief engagement officer of Duke University. Senior vice president and managing director Jill Lasman and senior consultant Raegan Harvey led the assignment. Ms. Heilenday’s appointment follows a national search led by Lindauer and an advisory committee that included Duke senior leaders, trustees, Duke
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Credit Officer for First Northern Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Brett Hamilton as chief credit officer of First Northern Bank in Dixon, NY. This search was led by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, and executive recruiter Rachel Camonayan. “Brett’s leadership and financial acumen should be instrumental in guiding our credit culture and supporting
Ferguson Partners Names President
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has appointed Graham R. Beatty as president. “As president, Graham is the ideal candidate given his deep expertise in the real assets industry, unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, and great respect by clients and colleagues alike. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and CEO of the firm. “With a
Adapting to Today’s Evolving Search Market
In 2023, TRANSEARCH International navigated the challenges of the market with resilience, maintaining revenue levels in comparison to 2022. “Our commitment to adapt and innovate has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that we remain well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market at large,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH,
Utilizing the Power of Job Architecture and Career Frameworks
From police departments to libraries, public sector organizations face increasing challenges in attracting, retaining and developing talent — under growing internal and external scrutiny. Organizations must take a more strategic approach to human resources management. Job architecture and career frameworks can strengthen public sector employers, according to a recent report from Gallagher’s Erik Henry Smetana
Funk Associates Leading Dean Search for the University of South Alabama’s College of Engineering
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of South Alabama to lead its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. The dean, reporting to the EVP and provost, serves as the chief academic officer for the college and guides the college’s efforts in academic curriculum development, faculty and staff development, research and
BoardWalk Consulting Helps Recruit New CEO for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Following a nationwide search of more than 250 diverse leaders, executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Kim R. Ford as the new CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC). Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Kim is an exceptional leader with a track record of nurturing youth and families,” said Barbara Krumsiek, Girl
How Recruiters Facilitate Founder-PE Firm Agreements When Sourcing New Talent
In the high-stakes world of private equity acquisitions, aligning the strategic visions of PE firms and the founders of the companies they acquire is pivotal for achieving aggressive growth targets and operational excellence. However, this alignment often encounters its first significant hurdle regarding talent acquisition—a critical component for scaling operations and enhancing value, according to
Flatiron Search Partners Assists Exaltare Capital Management with CEO Search
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Heather D’Agosta as the new CEO of Exaltare Capital Management – GF Venture Group Inc. “Congratulations to Heather D’Agosta on her new role as CEO at Exaltare Capital Management, LLC- GF Venture Group, Inc.,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “This platform is a leading franchisee
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New Leader for Communities in Schools
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Communities in Schools in Ohio to lead in its search a new executive director. Christie Angel, Johanna Vargas, Donna Young, and Elizabeth Keyser are leading the assignment. The executive director will serve as the primary leader and director for Communities In Schools, guiding the organization toward successfully realizing
Education Executives Seeking Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives is currently leading a search for the new dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware. Ilene H. Nagel, John D. Simon, and Charles E. Kaler are leading the assignment. The search began in January. The school seeks a forward-looking, engaged, and strategic new dean of its College
Per Ardua Associates Names Leader of Board Practice
London-based financial services search firm Per Ardua Associates has expanded with the addition of Karin Barnick to lead its board practice and strengthen its asset and wealth management practice. “I am very excited to welcome Karin into the firm. Amongst other things, she will lead our board practice,” said Simon Hearn, chair. “With her leadership we
9 Things Executive Search Consultants Say Not To Do
Over the decades, executive search professionals have gathered much intelligence about critical aspects of how candidates need to present themselves when represented by their search practice. Recruiters are retained by the hiring company, so they know the firm, know the pay range, know the benefits plan, know the hiring manager requirements, know the culture, know
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Palmetto Infusion
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the placement of Tim Hadley as the new president of Palmetto Infusion in Columbia, SC. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “Tim’s wealth of experience and dedication to healthcare align seamlessly with our mission,” said David Goodall, CEO of Palmetto Infusion. “As we focus
Bespoke Partners Recruits CFO for Exostar
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rick Simpson as the new CFO of Exostar. Vice president Katelyn Quaresma, Ross Kinnaird, and Leeta Gupta led the assignment. The move comes as the company anticipates building on its record-setting success in the aftermath of its acquisition by private equity firm Arlington Capital
Bryant Group Helps Fill Positions for the University of Washington
Following nationwide searches, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Brad Joutras as assistant vice president, health sciences, and Suzanne Rinker as assistant vice president, schools and colleges for the University of Washington (UW). Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. “Reimagining the UW legacy structure will help ensure our
Strategies for Engaging Millennials in the C-Suite
For HR professionals and business owners, the rise of the Millennial workforce represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Traditional management practices, workplace structures, and career paths often do not align with Millennials’ expectations. This mismatch can lead to disconnects in recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies. However, by understanding the unique attributes and aspirations of
SP&A Executive Search Tapped to Find 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has been chosen by the Arizona board of regents to lead in the search for the 23rd president for the University of Arizona. According to reports, the contract with SP&A is worth $275,000. The announcement comes after current president Robert C. Robbins said he would be stepping down. In 2017, the University
SearchWide Global Tapped by the Alaska Raptor Center to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by the Alaska Raptor Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s multi-faceted programs and business
True Partners with Leadership Circle
Global talent provider True has partnered with Leadership Circle, a global provider of executive coaching, assessments, and advisory services. “We help the most innovative companies recruit the right talent to drive their visions, and Leadership Circle understands, assesses and drives leadership effectiveness better than anyone,” said Joe Riggione, True co-CEO and co-founder. “Our companies are both data-centric and
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, recently named its first-ever partner firm in Ireland. After an exhaustive search, Dublin-based Cronin Partners International Search joined the global partnership. Founded by Claire Cronin in 2003, Cronin Partners has a track record based on its work among the Irish diaspora, as well as serving local and
A Look at How the CFO Role in Private Equity is Evolving
Navigating a tapestry of challenges, private equity CFOs have undergone a transformative evolution, shifting from being financial overseers to becoming strategic pilots. Their role surpasses the scope of accounting and reporting monthly numbers; they now own and harness data, providing invaluable insights that improve fact-based decision making for the organization at large, according to a
August Leadership Assists Paradigm for Parity with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has recruited Nadine Bullock-Pottinga as the new CEO of Paradigm for Parity (P4P), a non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in business leadership. The search is being done by August Leadership on a pro bono basis. “We are delighted to have Nadine at the helm of our executive management,” said Ellen Kullman, Paradigm
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for The COMMIT Foundation
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit J.C. Glick as the new CEO of The COMMIT Foundation in Bozeman, MT. “We are thrilled to welcome JC as the new CEO of The COMMIT Foundation,” said Guy Filippelli, co-founder and board chair. “He represents everything we could hope for in a leader. He will absolutely
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for Santa Cruz Metro
After a nationwide search attracting dozens of applicants, Krauthamer & Associates recently recruited Corey Aldridge as the new CEO of Santa Cruz Metro. His appointment came almost two months after former Metro CEO/general manager Michael Tree announced he would retire from the agency, less than two years after he assumed the role. Board chair Kristen
DHR Global Names Vice Chairman
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Ayman Haddad as vice chairman. In his new role, Mr. Haddad will continue to play a pivotal role in DHR’s ongoing expansion across the Middle East and Africa, with a strategic focus on entering new growth markets, including Saudi Arabia. “Ayman’s elevation to vice chairman is a testament to
Navigating Opportunities in Changing Tides for the Non-Profits in 2024
In the fabric of our society and global economy, non-profit organizations have long been the stitching that binds community care and human altruism. However, in 2024, a new report from ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall says that as dynamic shifts continue to alter the socio-economic landscape, the non-profit sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture, brimming
