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Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
What a Strategic Executive Search Partner Actually Delivers
In an environment where leadership decisions carry outsized consequences, the way organizations approach executive hiring has fundamentally shifted. What was once seen as a process-driven function is now a high-stakes exercise in judgment, timing, and alignment—one that directly shapes enterprise value and long-term performance. Executive search is not transactional—it’s strategic, according to a recent report
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.
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
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?
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
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
EY’s CEO Outlook Puts Talent At The Center Of Growth
EY-Parthenon’s 2026 CEO Outlook Survey of 1,200 global CEOs reveals a striking divergence. While confidence in the global economy has softened, nearly nine in 10 U.S. CEOs remain optimistic about their own companies’ prospects. The implication is clear: leaders believe growth, this year at least, will be self-generated rather than market-driven. That confidence rests on transformation. Ninety-seven percent of CEOs report they
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
Eastward Partners Recruits CEO for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils
New York-based Eastward Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Manny Rodriguez as the new CEO of Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils in Dallas, TX. The search was led by Brett Vecchio and Lonia Zylberman. “Eastward Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Manny Rodriguez as chief executive officer for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils,” the search firm
RMN Electi Fills Top Marketing Post for the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, top marketing executives’ responsibility of planning and coordinating an organization’s marketing activities has become much more challenging, according to recruiters specializing in the function. A past DHR Global study found that the companies that have reputations for
WittKieffer Seeking CHRO for Texas Tech
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer was recently selected by Texas Tech University to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Ryan Crawford and Luis Bertot are leading the assignment. The school seeks an CHRO to lead the institution’s efforts to redefine human
Wilton & Bain Opens Office in Dubai
Wilton & Bain recently opened a new office in Dubai. “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Dubai,” said David Heron, CEO. “We will serve clients across the Middle East and North Africa, with further announcements to follow of our new managing partner who will be leading Wilton & Bain
Creating a Winning M&A Leadership Team
What makes a merger or acquisition a success? It all starts with having the right leaders in place. Research shows that strong leaders predict M&A strategy success and specific competencies are associated with high-performing deals. The right leadership team is so critical because they have a big job on their hands: ensuring executive alignment, setting the







