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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 Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment.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.
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
How The Tolan Group is Leveraging Leadership for Behavioral Health’s Next Growth Phase
Behavioral health is undergoing rapid expansion as demographic pressures, access challenges, and capital inflows converge. As the sector matures, organizations are rethinking leadership structures to support scale, governance, and long-term impact. Demand for behavioral health services is reshaping investment priorities, care delivery models, and leadership requirements across healthcare, according to Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and
7 Talent Trends for 2024 and Beyond
Executive recruiters are hoping that 2024 becomes a landmark year in the continuing redefinition of talent – human, artificial, C-suite, board, mid-level, high-potential, and front line. And it is changing so fast: if you blink, you can miss a trend that can significantly impact your business. As a boutique, global executive search firm dedicated to
Pacific Pride Foundation Taps Envision Consulting to Find New Leader
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has been retained by Pacific Pride Foundation to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Fuller, Matt Kamin, Melissa Montoya, and Jess McBride are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors, Pacific Pride Foundation is seeking an experienced, growth-minded executive leader to serve as their next leader. The
Frederickson Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Proofpoint
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has recruited Kim Sullivan as chief people officer for Proofpoint, a cybersecurity and compliance solutions provider. In her role, Ms. Sullivan will lead the global human resources organization in driving business growth through strategic HR programs. She will report to the CEO, Sumit Dhawan. Ms. Sullivan brings more than 25 years of experience
Vetted Solutions Seeking New Leader for the American Peanut Shellers Association
The American Peanut Shellers Association has retained Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions to lead in its search for a new executive director. The executive position offers a special opportunity to lead a proven, highly committed membership and staff in an aggressive effort to promote the best interests of shellers and the broader peanut industry. This
Hudson RPO Acquires Executive Solutions
Hudson RPO, a global total talent solutions company owned by Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc., has acquired Executive Solutions, a Dubai-based talent solutions company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close later this month. “With the entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hudson RPO is
CEO Transitions Decline in 2023
In 2023, the number of S&P 1500 transitions declined from 2022 and have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to findings from Spencer Stuart’s CEO Transitions report. Transitions among the large-cap S&P 500 companies had been on track for a “normal” year of transitions but ultimately were lower than pre-pandemic averages, weighed down by
BroadView Talent Partners Retained by Oweesta Corporation for Multiple Searches
BroadView Talent Partners has been selected by Oweesta Corporation in Longmont, CO, to lead in its searches for a new chief program officer and chief lending officer. Oweesta provides training, technical assistance, investments, research, and policy advocacy to help Native communities develop an integrated range of asset-building products and services, including financial education and financial products.
ZRG Acquires Wiser Partners
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Wiser Partners, a retained executive search firm headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, with offices across the U.S. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “By welcoming Wiser Partners, ZRG gains valuable experience in working with marketing, sales, and analytics senior executives
Lantern Partners Assists Wondr Health with Chief Technology Officer Search
The forces that shape the technology, internet, telecom, and IT services industries move at the speed of light. In these industries, having the right leaders—with the vision and ability to drive growth and innovation—is an absolute necessity. Recently, Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Lantern Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Greg Tracy as chief technology officer of
Daversa Partners Names First Chief Marketing Officer
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Nicole Daversa as the firm’s first chief marketing officer. “I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nicole on her well-deserved promotion to chief marketing officer,” said Laura Kinder, president at Daversa Partners. “Nicole’s dedication, innovative strategies, and leadership have been instrumental
Felix Appoints Managing Director in Executive Search Practice
Leadership development, recruiting, and outplacement firm Felix has expanded with the addition of Scott Sammon as a managing director in the executive search practice. He will join practice leader and managing director J. James O’Malley in supporting the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice and other industry segments. “We are excited that Scott brings his expertise
Hiring Confidence Slows as Employers Steer Economic Headwinds
Employer hiring intentions continue to moderate for the second quarter of 2024, according to the lates ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The research is based on data collected from more than 40,000 employers in 41 countries. Used internationally as a bellwether of labor market trends, the Net Employment Outlook (NEO) — calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who
Creating an Impactful Succession Plan
CEO succession is a critical process for companies, ensuring that they have the right leadership in place to drive success and growth. The process refers to the strategic process of identifying and developing individuals within an organization to take over key leadership positions when they become vacant. Without well-executed succession plan best practices, organizations can face
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has been selected by Milwaukee Area Technical College to conduct a national search for their next college president. Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters are leading the assignment. “We are honored to have been selected by the Milwaukee Area Technical College board to support their
Lindauer Appoints Co-Leader of Higher Education Practice
Lindauer has expanded with the addition of Paula Fazli as senior vice president. She will also serve as co-leader of the firm’s higher education practice along with Faith Montgomery and will expand its executive recruitment, talent management, and consulting services. “Throughout her respected career in executive search, Paula has helped some of the most prestigious institutions
How Companies are Using Interim CFOs
In recent years, the role and responsibilities of CFOs have grown greatly beyond their historical boundaries. No longer seen simply as stewards of the company’s financial management, compliance, and reporting, a Raconteur report recently noted that CFOs today are taking an increasingly prominent role as key strategic partners to the CEO, tapping vast troves of data
The League of Women Voters of the United States Retains BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by The League of Women Voters of the United States in Washington, D.C. to lead in its search for a new CEO. Managing director Kathy Bremer and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and the League of Women Voters Education
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions Assists the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with Marketing and Communications Search
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Julie Stapf as vice president of marketing and communications of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Stapf is a highly accomplished, award winning marketing and communications leader. She joins the Pittsburgh Symphony from the Cleveland Orchestra, where she served for several years as vice president
Newcastle United Taps Odgers Berndtson to Lead Sports Director Search
Given the search industry’s knack for finding a need and filling it, it was only natural that recruitment firms would soon step to the fore in the sports sector, which has become a growth area for executive search businesses. Many C-suite-focused recruiting firms are now active in the sector and some specialize only in the
EMA Partners Adds Dasein in Brazil as Newest Member Firm
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. EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has added Dasein in Brazil as
Conviction And Speed To Drive M&A Deals In 2024
The M&A market has always operated in a boom/bust cycle of expansion and contraction. And the last couple of years have been no exception. According to Bain & Company’s latest Global M&A Report, rising interest rates among other factors represented a significant obstacle for dealmakers. But the biggest hurdle according to the consultancy was the valuation gap between
The Importance of Functional Talent in 2024
Communications and labor relations teams played critical roles in keeping employees safe and informed during the pandemic and during recent labor unrest. These senior executive teams also kept management’s message in the market during the recent labor negotiations, according to a recent report from Holden Richardson’s Beverley O’Connor. The report highlights why these two unplanned
Ivy Group Seeking CEO for The Forum
Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group was recently selected The Forum to lead in its search for a new CEO. After five years of leadership, CEO Paulina Cameron left the organization at the end of December 2023. The incoming CEO will steer The Forum into its next chapter of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will
The Christopher Group Recruits Head of Human Resources for IVS Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Jim Carpenter as the new head of human resources at IVS Group, a trusted source in the industrial services and infrastructure-related construction industries. Managing partner, Tobin Anselmi and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, headed the assignment. “Morgan and I truly enjoy working with Keith
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head of Financial Services and PE Practice in India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Avneesh Raghuvanshi as executive director and head of financial services and private equity practice in India. He will be based in the Mumbai and Delhi offices, overseeing and driving the executive search initiatives in India’s financial services sector and private equity domain. “Avneesh’s
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.9 Percent in February
Employment rose by 275,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose 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 February. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in government, in food services and drinking places, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Empathetics
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Pam Holt as the new CEO of Empathetics, Inc., a provider of evidenced-based techniques to engage and empower healthcare employees to deliver empathic communication. Kaye Johnson, managing partner, and senior search consultants Hailey Brandvold and Mallory Schmidt, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam Holt
Direct Recruiters, Inc. and INNOVA People Join Forces to Form Healthcare and Tech Recruiting Divisions
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) and INNOVA People, Starfish Partners companies, have launched INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech staffing practice areas. “We have diligently been searching for the right firm to merge our existing staffing business with since the inception of Starfish Partners,” said Dan Charney, president and CEO of Direct Recruiters, Inc. “Joel Slenning and
SPMB Executive Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Arlo Technologies
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has recruited Samir Kapoor as the new chief technology officer of NYSE-traded Arlo Technologies, Inc., a smart home security brand in San Jose, CA. The search was led by Sean Lucq and Lea Hagglund from SPMB’s engineering and product practice. “As Arlo looks forward to its
Blue Rock Search Appoints Director of Business Development
Blue Rock Search has expanded with the addition of Madison Rountree as director of business development. “Blue Rock Search is delighted to welcome Madison Rountree to our team,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader of Blue Rock Search. “Madison brings considerable experience in business development and client outreach, as well as a growth mindset
Startup Leaders Upbeat, Poised for Growth After Turbulent Stretch
According to a just-released Business Leaders Outlook report from JP Morgan Chase, innovation economy leaders are still grappling with the fallout from three years of economic turbulence. But three in four leaders at early-stage startups, venture-backed and high growth companies are confident about their company’s performance heading into 2024. U.S. startup leaders, according to the report, differ
