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Brettschneider Executive Search Appoints Senior Partner
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Joanne DeStefano as senior partner. “This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start to finish by seasoned executives,” Brettschneider Executive Search said in a release. “DeStefano will play a pivotal role
Human Capital Enters a New Operating Era
Deloitte’s latest 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report makes one point clear: organizations are moving beyond traditional workforce models toward more fluid, capability-driven systems. Work is increasingly decomposed into tasks, projects, and outcomes rather than fixed roles, forcing companies to rethink how talent is structured and deployed. At the same time, leaders are balancing two competing forces.
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.
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
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?
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
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
Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for First United Bank
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Brian Johnson as the new CFO of First United Bank. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search along with principal Sean O’Neal. “We were excited to partner with Greg Massey on this strategic hire,” said Mr. Petty. “Brian
Cooper Coleman Seeking New Leader for the Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kathy Kraushar of Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC is currently at the final stages of its search for a new president and CEO for the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Michigan. The CEO is responsible for all financial, operational, administrative, and legal/compliance aspects of organizational management, including but not limited to public relations, financial management, fundraising, organizational development, and
N2Growth Launches Cloud-Based Platform Vue
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has launched cloud-based Vue. “Vue marks a significant leap in the executive search industry, offering unparalleled transparency, collaboration, and data-driven insights at every stage of the search process,” the search firm said. “In an era where data and transparency are paramount, we’ve engineered Vue to reshape the
Acertitude Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm Acertitude has expanded with the addition of Heather Johnson as a partner working across healthcare services, HCIT, and private equity. “Heather’s deep sector knowledge in services and health-tech, along with her extensive network, client engagement skills, and talent identification capabilities perfectly complement our healthcare expansion strategy,” said Rick DeRose, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of
The Bridge Between Talent and Value
In a world where organizations are driven by talent, the executive search industry plays a critical role in identifying and placing top professionals in key positions. From mid-level roles to the C-suite and boards of directors, recruiters serve as the bridge between talent and value across all industries and sectors. But the world of executive
Academic Search Seeking President for Tennessee State University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search was recently selected by Tennessee State University to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Glenda Glove has announced that she is retiring. The assignment is being led by senior consultants Maria Thompson and John W. Garland. The Tennessee State University board of trustees is seeking an exceptional leader to serve
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Board Positions for Start Early
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Greenwich Harbor Partners recently recruited Claudia Teran VP, deputy general counsel and global head of commercial legal at Snap Inc., Adam Waltuch, EVP,
Executive Search Firm Leap Solutions Acquired by George Peterson Insurance Agency
Santa Rosa, CA-based George Peterson Insurance Agency has acquired executive search firm Leap Solutions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Leap Solutions, also based in Santa Rosa, is a management consulting company specializing in organizational development, human resources, executive search and recruitment. In the announcement sent from George Peterson Insurance Agency’s chief operating officer
Pender & Howe Launches New Interim and Fractional Search Service
Across the board, in every industry, today’s market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people taking temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to stay agile
The Business Case for Gender-Inclusive Leadership Teams
The power of women in leadership has been widely documented over the past decade. When companies appoint more women to senior positions, research shows profitability grows, openness to change rises, and customer experiences improve. It’s no surprise that global organizations are strengthening diversity initiatives, seeking equal gender representation in leadership roles—and increasingly, companies are recognizing the
Lindauer Recruits CEO for the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Gustafson as the new CEO of the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare. The search was led by Lindauer senior consultant Diane Felicio and executive vice president Libby Roberts. “Michael’s visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of healthcare workers, patients, and families
Furst Group Recruits VP of HR for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
KeyStone Executive Search and CorTalent Merge to Form Strategic Talent Partners
Founder and CEO of KeyStone Executive Search, Mike Frommelt, and founder and CEO of CorTalent, Mary Nutting, have announced the merger of their firms under the new name – Strategic Talent Partners (STP). “The executive search industry has shifted from solely recruiting leadership talent, to helping organizations manage a more complex set of talent challenges,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Buenos Aires
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Buenos Aires, Argentina-based Wall Chase to its global network of executive search firms. “This represents a significant milestone in IIC Partners’ strategic efforts to enhance its global footprint and further develop its presence in Latin America,” the search consortium said. “We are thrilled to welcome Wall Chase to IIC Partners,”
AI Leadership: Driving Cross-Disciplinary Innovation
As a partner at SPMB, Natalie Ryan has observed the transformative impact of the newly formed chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO) role within the modern business ecosystem. “Far from being confined to the realms of technology alone, the CAIO has emerged as a vital driver of innovation across diverse organizational domains, including marketing, sales, customer
Harris Search Associates Assists Johnson County Community College with Senior HR Search
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Calibrate Recruits Chief Legal Talent and Inclusion Officer for Fish & Richardson
Austin, TX-based management consulting and executive search firm Calibrate recently assisted in the recruitment of Dana Gray as chief legal talent and inclusion officer for Fish & Richardson, a global intellectual property law firm headquartered in Boston, MA. “Dana is a leader who is dedicated to promoting excellence and a culture of collaboration,” said Kristine McKinney, chief
Royer Thompson Recruits CTO for Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
After an extensive search that attracted interest from within Nova Scotia and across Canada, Royer Thompson has assisted in the recruitment of Gaëtan Boudreau P.Eng as the chief technology officer of Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. “Attracting a leader of Gaëtan’s caliber is a big step forward, and I’m confident he will bring a new
NPAworldwide Elects New Board
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has elected a new slate of representatives to its board of directors. “As president of NPAworldwide, I am delighted to welcome our newly-elected board of directors members,” said Kerry Crockett, president and chief operating officer. “Each individual brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to our organization, embodying the spirit of
Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 303,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.4 million in March. Job gains occurred in healthcare, government, and construction. “This is another really strong report,” said Lauren Goodwin, economist and chief market strategist at New
AGB Search Recruits 22nd President for Seton Hall University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly as the 22nd president of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Melissa K. Trotta and Matthew J. Kilcoyne led the assignment. “There is no one better suited to leading the university at this
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for Inspirica
New York City-based Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by Inspirica in Stamford, CT, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Susan Gluck Pappajohn and Addie Jones are leading the assignment on behalf of Phillips Oppenheim. Inspirica is seeking an energetic and compassionate leader with a strong operational and fundraising background and a track record
Vanguarde Names Managing Partner and Head of Operations
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Vanguarde has appointed Gabrielle Brown as managing partner & head of operations. She will report to LP Green, chairman and CEO of Vanguarde. “We welcome Gabrielle and the experience that she brings to the Vanguarde team,” said Mr. Green. “With her wealth of knowledge in fostering a best-in-class employee experience, boosting productivity, and
Alexander Hughes Adds New Member Firm in Paris
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has added Kienbaum Executive Consultants International in Paris as its
Connecting Talent with Opportunity Across Borders
Securing top leadership talent is essential in the dynamic and fast-paced business world. Global executive search firms are entrusted with identifying and recruiting experienced and qualified executives worldwide. A recent report from N2Growth’s Leslie Goldhill explains that their reach extends beyond borders, tapping into a wider pool of talent and thus making their services invaluable to
BraddockMatthews and David Barrett Partners Join Forces
Alliances and partnerships continue to gain traction in the executive search industry. BraddockMatthews LLC and David Barrett Partners have closed a transaction to combine their firms, creating asset management executive search firm BraddockMatthewsBarrett. The merging of the two firms, which serve complementary segments of the investment management industry, creates an international executive search firm with
KEES Tapped by the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to Find New Leaders
The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) has tapped Kistner Eddy Executive Search (KEES) as its executive search consulting partner leading the spring 2024 interim CEO search, followed by the permanent CEO search anticipated to begin in November 2024. Leading the assignment for KEES are president and CEO Heather Eddy, executive search manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and
Cardinal Grange Retained by Stephen F. Austin State University to Lead AD Search
Stephen F. Austin State University has hired search firm Cardinal Grange to lead in its search for a new athletic director. The school has also formed an in-house committee to work alongside Cardinal Grange during the recruitment process. “The decision means that Stephen F. Austin will benefit from the leadership and vision of Cardinal Grange’s Jim Nichols, who has over
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for ProCare
Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy has placed Jonathan Duncan as the chief commercial officer for New Zealand-based healthcare provider ProCare. “Jonathan will focus on two key areas across the organization,” said Bindi Norwell, group CEO at ProCare. “The first, is ensuring that the organization is future-proofed and has the resources and capability to deliver services
Private Equity’s Shift In Thinking On Talent
More than half of the assignments NU Advisory Partners works on these days are for companies owned by private equity investors. To be sure, private capital is becoming an increasingly significant player in a growing number of industries and search firms dedicated to the space are reaping big rewards. In the U.S., some 12 million people are
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO of THOR Industries
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
