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Inside the Evolving Role of HR Leadership
As organizations scale and evolve, building the right HR leadership structure becomes a critical driver of performance and long-term success. Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment. Increasingly, leaders are recognizing that effective HR is not about headcount ratios, but about aligning
TM² Executive Search Retained by Lumina Foundation and Southern University to Fill Senior Roles
TM² Executive Search (TM²),the executive search firm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), was recently awarded a grant from Lumina Foundation to launch a board governance excellence initiative. “HBCUs have long deserved this level of targeted investment in their governance capacity,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “TM²’s work will generate
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.
How Law Firms Are Redefining Partner Recruitment in the Age of AI and Regulation
In a legal market defined by relentless competition and accelerating client demands, elite firms are placing an even higher premium on partners who can deliver immediate impact and sustained growth. As lateral movement intensifies across key global markets, the ability to identify, attract, and integrate top-tier talent has become a strategic advantage—one that can reshape
Spencer Stuart Retained by Dentons to Lead CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has been retained by global law firm Dentons to lead in its search for a new CEO. Elliott Portnoy recently announced that the 5,900-attorney law firm would maintain its aggressive international growth strategy when he leaves his post as global CEO in November, promising business as usual. “A new global CEO will have to
RH Perry & Associates Recruits 12th President for Saint Martin’s University
Following a competitive nationwide search, RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of William Brownsberger as the 12th president of Saint Martin’s University in Lacy, WA, to lead in its search for a new president. Leading the assignment were senior consultants Sue DeWine and Jean Scott. “We look forward to this next chapter for Saint Martin’s with Dr. Brownsberger’s
PFM Executive Search Recruits Chief Social Purpose Officer for British Columbia Lottery Corporation
PFM Executive Search has placed Natasha Questel as the new chief social purpose officer and vice president, marketing with British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Partners Allison Rzen and Jennifer Madden led the assignment. “As British Columbia Lottery Corporation continues to mature as a social purpose company working to generate win-wins for the greater good, it’s integral that we
Riviera Partners Expands Private Equity Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has added Rick Harris to its private equity-backed practice as a partner. “With more than 20 years of experience placing top executives for many of the world’s leading software and consumer tech companies, Rick will be a valuable asset within our private equity-focused team,”
Keys for First-Turn Portfolio Companies Using Executive Search Firms
For first-turn portfolio companies—companies that are typically founder-led and partnering with a private equity firm for the first time—the experience of working with an executive search firm often varies. Founders are often new to partnering with search firms, as they have mostly hired through their networks. While PE firms want to hire world-class talent and
Pearl Street Collective Recruits Chief Development Officer for the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at University Of Massachusetts Amherst
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. Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street
Morris & Berger Leading CEO Search for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group and Pediatric Management Group
The non-profit sector is one of the fastest growing areas within executive search today. Recently, Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, was called by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Medical Group and Pediatric Management Group to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search committee is seeking an exceptional visionary
The Chason Group Recruits CEO for Southern Conservation Trust
The Chason Group has placed dedicated and proven conservation enthusiast Chris Doane as president and CEO of Southern Conservation Trust in Fayetteville, GA. He is replacing Katie Pace Quattlebaum who served seven years as CEO and executive director until stepping down in May of 2023. “Chris’ experience in the areas of leading and building a
Horton International Forms Alliance with Brown & Chase
Horton International has formed a strategic partnership with Brown & Chase, a distinguished name in the Australian Search and HR Advisory landscape. The search consultancy will leverage the expertise brought in by Brown & Chase managing director, Brian Russell and partner, Noel Rowland. “With this latest collaboration, Horton International continues its journey of global expansion which has seen it extend
Managing Cultural Friction Along The M&A Deal Cycle
New research from McKinsey & Company confirms that companies that regularly and systematically pursue moderately-sized M&A deliver better shareholder returns than companies that don’t. To be sure, M&A offers companies an unparalleled opportunity to scale. Why, then, do so many acquisitions fail? According to Culture Partners, a West Coast-based culture consultancy, poor outcomes are the result of a
Caldwell Assists the ONE Campaign with CEO Search
After an extensive global search, John Strackhouse and Bethany George of Toronto-based Caldwell assisted in the recruitment of Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as CEO of the ONE Campaign in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Gayle Smith. “I’m most thrilled to welcome Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli to The ONE Campaign,” said Tom Freston, board chair. “Ndidi is an incredibly accomplished professional, a passionate
ON Partners Helps Place CTO for RB Global, Inc.
Josh Nathanson and Bryan Buck of ON Partners have recruited Nancy King as chief technology officer of NYSE-traded RB Global, Inc. in Westchester, IL. “Nancy is a thoughtful and driven leader – an innovator and culture builder who brings strong vision and delivers solutions that deepen relationships with customers to ultimately gain market share,” said Jim Kessler, CEO of RB Global. “Her leadership
Storbeck Search | Diversified Search Recruits President for Monmouth College
Higher education-focused Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Patricia Draves as the 15th president of Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL. Julie E. Tea, Anne Koellhoffer, and Danielle Mebert led the assignment. She succeeds Clarence R. Wyatt, who has been the College’s 14th president since July 2014 and will retire at the end of
AIMS International Names Senior Advisor for Board Services
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded with the addition of Annika Hall as the new senior advisor for board services, bolstering its family business advisory services worldwide. “It’s an honor to welcome Annika Hall to our team at AIMS International,” said Titti Hammarling, global head of board services practice at AIMS International. “Her extensive background in family
Using Artificial Intelligence to Drive DE&I Initiatives
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our world in ways that were previously unimaginable. From self-driving cars to personalized healthcare, it is changing every aspect of our lives including business, where its integration into operations is arguably the biggest shift since the internet was developed. Understanding the relationship between AI and diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) is
Shelli Herman and Associates Retained by the Santa Barbara Zoo to Find New CEO
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by the Santa Barbara Zoo to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO will be responsible for utilizing the zoo’s platform and the community’s trust to advocate for animal conservation and the protection of the planet. To succeed in this role, Shelli Herman and Associates
Lancor Assists VERTEX with CFO Search
Executive search firm Lancor has assisted in the recruitment of Ron Charow as the new CFO of VERTEX in Weymouth, MA. “We are proud to collaborate with the leadership team at The Vertex Companies on the appointment of Ron Charow as chief financial officer,” said Tim O’Toole, partner at Lancor. “Congratulations to Ron and best of luck from the Lancor search team.”
m/Oppenheim Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Creative Alliance
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has placed Jason Steer as the new executive director of Creative Alliance in Baltimore, MD. Lee Kappelman, Oscar Quiros, and Steve Oppenheim led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jason Steer to Creative Alliance and to Baltimore,” said Amy Seto, Creative Alliance board president. “Jason brings to us his vision and
True Appoints Regional Lead for Middle East and North Africa
Global talent provider True has named Paul Navratil as regional lead for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “Paul’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for True in MENA,” said Sam McGrath, True’s general manager, EMEA & APAC. “His wealth of international experience and strategic acumen align perfectly with our vision for growth and client success in the
Executive Recruiting Sector Declines 12 Percent
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual productivity report of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2023, but at a slower rate than in previous years. “Market turbulence and a soft economy impacted most executive recruiters who pulled through a challenging year,” said Scott A.
Howard Fischer Associates Assists Agility Robotics with CEO Search
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has helped to recruit Peggy Johnson as the new CEO of Agility Robotics, creator of the bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) called Digit. “Peggy Johnson’s long track record of engineering and business success at Qualcomm and Microsoft, and her recent achievements driving change as CEO of Magic Leap, make her
Harbour West Consulting Recruits Chief Librarian for the New Westminster Public Library
Executive recruitment firm Harbour West Consulting Inc. has placed Carolyn Caseñas as chief librarian for the New Westminster Public Library. Ms. Caseñas was selected for the role after a comprehensive search process in collaboration with the search committee, Harbour West Consulting, and with the approval of the library’s board of trustees. “New Westminster Public Library is thrilled
Borderless AI Secures $27 Million in Funding
Borderless AI, an AI-powered startup in the Employer of Record (EOR) space, has raised $27 million in seed funding. The seed round was led by Susquehanna and Aglaé Ventures, the venture arm of Bernard Arnault, with participation from additional institutional investors. The company was founded by serial entrepreneur Willson Cross and Lyft’s founding investor Sean Aggarwal. “As the first company in the world to bring
Pedersen & Partners Names Head of Boston Office
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed John Durkey as a client partner and head of Boston office. “We are excited to welcome John Durkey to our team as client partner and head of the Boston office,” said Gary Williams, CEO of Pedersen & Partners. “John’s extensive experience in the life sciences & healthcare and industrial sectors,
The Critical Role of Interim Executives
In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, companies often face unexpected challenges that demand swift and effective solutions. One such solution gaining prominence is interim management, according to a recent report from SpenglerFox. The global search firm delves into the pivotal role that interim management plays in times of crisis in transforming businesses, especially
The Moran Company Seeking CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by YWCA Northeast Kansas to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher is leading the assignment. YWCA Northeast Kansas is seeking a CEO who can build on the organization’s successes as a leader
Kittleman & Associates Recruits CEO for National Industries for the Blind
Following an extensive nationwide search, Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Soraya Correa as president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind. Kevin Lynch, who has been NIB president and CEO for more than 15 years, announced last summer
Charles Aris Combines Finance, Accounting and Corporate Development Teams
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has announced that its finance, accounting and corporate development teams have combined as one practice. The groups will now operate as the finance and corporate development practice. “Senior firm leaders agreed on this development after recognizing the value one unified practice will bring to clients seeking specialized expertise at
Karen Harvey Consulting Group Grows Search Staff
Karen Harvey Consulting Group (KHC), an international executive search and brand advisory firm in fashion, luxury, lifestyle and beauty, has appointed Anais Goujon to director, executive and creative search, Kate Sunderland as vice president, creative search, and Charlotte Reeve as associate director, executive search. “Since founding Karen Harvey Consulting, my goal has been to build
Why High-Performing Executives Don’t Always Operate as High-Performing Teams
It might sound counterintuitive, but a group made up of individual high performers does not always translate to a high-performing team. The fact that these professionals excel at their primary jobs doesn’t automatically mean they will work cohesively and effectively as a team, a new report from Odgers Berndtson explains. A poorly functioning team is
ECA Partners Recruits CEO for RedCAT Systems
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Jason Phillips as the new CEO for RedCAT Systems, a Boulder, CO-based compensation platform with people-centered solutions for performance and pay. “With a rich background in global business leadership spanning over a decade, Jason’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for







