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Buffkin / Baker Seeking 11th President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker is currently assisting Valdosta State University (VSU) in its search for its 11th president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. President must provide transformational leadership that brings clarity, confidence and momentum to the university’s next chapter. This role begins with the ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision
Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Justin Zale as a partner in its New York and Stamford offices, where he will lead the firm’s global real estate practice. “Justin brings a deeply strategic perspective on talent, honed through his combined experiences as a real estate operator and global advisor,” said George Craft, who leads Spencer Stuart’s global financial
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
Korn Ferry’s Alan Guarino Releases New Book on Unlocking Personal Greatness
Unlock the qualities of success and reach your full potential using this new guide from leadership and career development expert Alan C. Guarino, vice chairman of Korn Ferry and the founder of Cornell International, Inc. “For each of us, the definition of success and the journey to achieve it is different,” Mr. Guarino said. “Yet,
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Chief Program Officer for the Sacramento LGBT Community Center
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel was recently retained by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center to lead in its search for a new chief program officer. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key partner on the senior leadership team, the chief program officer is a strategic and visionary program leader for a growing agency. This executive
3 Reasons to Use an Executive Recruiter
Whether you’ve been recently laid off or you’ve finally decided that you need to leave your current company, the idea of launching a job search can seem daunting. Between sending out countless resumes, dealing with constant rejections, preparing for interviews, and struggling through salary negotiations, it’s no wonder that so many people put off job
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Corporate Angel Network with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Robert Stangarone as president and CEO of the Corporate Angel Network in White Plains, NY. “The decision to bring Robert on board was driven by the recognition of his impressive background, extensive expertise and proven success as a corporate leader, journalist and pilot,” said Jean Rosanvallon,
Solomon Page Names Leader of National Development Initiatives
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Austin Walker as director of business development of the professional services, technology division. Under the direction of managing director, Dan Quin, he will lead national business development initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in technology, startups, and sales, Mr. Walker will leverage his
Korn Ferry Posts Two Percent Revenue Decline
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2024 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, a decrease of two percent from the same period a year ago. The decline was primarily due to decreases in the firm’s permanent placement talent acquisition offerings. Korn Ferry notes that this decrease was also due to a decline in demand driven by
Stevenson Search Partners Receives Long-Term Investment from SixSibs Capital
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has received a significant long-term investment from SixSibs Capital, a Milwaukee-based family-owned private investment company, in an effort to advance its expansion into a total talent solution company for the global life sciences market.
ZRG Acquires Ignata Finance Group in the U.K.
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Ignata Finance Group, a U.K.-based executive search & finance recruitment and interim placement business. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Partnering with Ignata will enable our European growth strategy both in private equity but across our shared global customers,
Lochlin Partners Assists SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation with CEO Search
Following a national search, executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the placement of William Chittenden as the new president and CEO of the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation, headquartered at the SMU Cox School of Business. The selection follows previous president and CEO Jeffrey R. Schmid’s appointment to president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank
Recruiting Firms Continue to Focus on Winning New Business in 2024
In the midst of a tumultuous year and uncertain global economy, the recruiting industry in 2023 focused on maintaining revenue and margin in the face of declining job requisitions and slower conversions. As a result of these challenges, firms seem to have stalled in their digital transformation journey, according to a new report from Bullhorn. In 2020
Trends Facing the Executive Recruiting Industry
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has released the results of its twice annual business barometer survey, which provides insights into the current state of the recruitment industry. Completed in February 2024 by over 560 independent NPAworldwide recruitment firm owners, the survey highlights key trends and challenges faced by the industry. According to the study, the global demand
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Tapped by Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Find CHRO
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to find a chief human resources officer. Kim Dukes, Maureen Alphonse-Charles, and Andy Tarsy of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a creative, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as its next
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to Help Recruit Chief Development Officer
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. Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Head of India Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Puneet Kalra as the head of India practice, taking over the leadership role from Sachin Rajan. “I am delighted to be taking over the leadership of a fabulous team in India and we will continue to deliver the highest quality of work to our clients,” said Puneet Kalra, managing director and head of Russell Reynolds
Keys to Finding Top Senior Talent in 2024
Getting exceptional senior leadership talent on board is one of the most critical activities for any ambitious organization in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. However, the global skills gap makes sourcing ideal C-suite executives who align with organizational capabilities and culture a considerable challenge, according to a new report from The Taplow Group. “This gives
The Whitney Museum of American Art Retains Isaacson, Miller to Find Chief Advancement Officer
Jack Gorman, Elizabeth Neustaedter, and Bryce Ervin of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently seeking a chief advancement officer for the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. The museum is looking to identify and recruit a strategic, innovative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented chief advancement officer. This will join the Whitney at a time of unique opportunity and
David Barrett Partners Recruits Chief Investment Officer for the J. Paul Getty Trust
David Barrett Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Katharine “K.C.” Krieger as the new chief investment officer of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Ms. Krieger will replace James Williams, who announced his intention to retire last fall after 21 years as Getty’s CIO. Ms. Krieger was appointed after an international search, involving a search
WittKieffer Seeking Chief People Officer for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Stephen Davis, Keshia Harris, and Katie Mazzuckelli are leading the assignment. Memorial Sloan Kettering seeks a dynamic, progressive, and innovative human resources executive to serve as its next chief people
Kestria Grows Agribusiness & Agriscience Practice Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has strengthened its agribusiness & agriscience practice group with the additions of Carlos Eduardo Staut, Constanza Ossa, and Pietro Borroni. “In an era where sustainable practices and technological advancements are reshaping industries, agribusiness stands at the forefront of a remarkable transformation,” Kestria said. “The rising demand
Canadian Executive Search Market Shifts to Meet New Demands
Throughout 2023, executive search consultants have Hunt Scanlon Media that the Canadian executive recruiting market experienced shifts in response to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing business environment across the country. Amidst the ongoing transformations in executive recruiting, the Canadian business landscape has become increasingly competitive, requiring a strategic approach to talent acquisition. Recruiters
The American Athletic Conference Selects TurnkeyZRG to Lead Commissioner Search
TurnkeyZRG was recently called in by the American Athletic Conference (AAC) to lead in its search for a new commissioner. Mike Aresco, the AAC’s only commissioner in the league’s 11-year history, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. TurnkeyZRG is helping the AAC in finding a commissioner who
PierceGray Tapped by Four Wheel Campers to Find New CEO
PierceGray has been retained by Four Wheel Campers to lead its for a new CEO. The CEO will have full responsibility for the business and will lead a workforce of 82 employees. They will partner with the management team, the board of directors and Salt Creek Capital on strategic planning, budgeting, capital allocation, financial structure
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the YWCA of Western New York
Following a rigorous, nationwide search, TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Michelle Sawyers as the new CEO of the YWCA of Western New York (YWCA WNY). Current CEO, Jill Ann Robbins-Jabine, is retiring after nearly 10 years of service. “Michelle’s extensive experience in nonprofit operations—coupled with her leadership acumen, community involvement, and ability to build partnerships—makes
Riviera Partners Expands Venture Capital-Backed Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Sam Wilkins as its newest partner, joining the firm’s venture capital-backed practice led by managing partner Eoin O’Toole. “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the team,” said Mr. O’Toole. “In addition to being an incredible
Pitchbook Market Data Points To Uptick In M&A Deal Activity
At the two-year anniversary of an all-time peak reached in 2021, the global M&A market turned in its second weakest year in exactly a decade. With total deal value sitting right around the $3 trillion mark, 2023 closed with a 15.8 percent decrease from 2022. However, according to Pitchbook’s latest Annual Global M&A Report, 2024 may be
AI Today – Challenges and Opportunities for Business Leaders
Today’s business is already being driven by AI as use across industries and around the world is widespread. And AI functionality continues to develop at an accelerated pace, with companies recognizing they can no longer stay on the AI sidelines. However, with changes occurring so rapidly, developing and implementing sound AI strategies comes with significant
JM Search Recruits CEO for Colony Display
JM Search has assisted in the recruitment of Craig Marton as the new CEO of Colony Display in Bartlett, IL. Partner Trista Bleers McCarthy led the assignment. “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Craig to the Colony family,” said Suzanne Yoon, founder and managing partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, investors in Colony Display. “We
Massey Henry Recruits COO for Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Tracey Whittall as chief operating officer of Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust in Toronto. “Tracey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, with demonstrated success in building high performing teams and balancing strategic decisions and fiscal oversight to
The International Executive Search Federation Launches New Standardized Search Process
International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has unveiled a new initiative to standardize executive search processes across its global network. This comes after an intensive collaborative effort culminating in a unanimous agreement among partners during the 2023 annual general meeting. “The decision to standardize the search process underscores IESF’s dedication to fostering best practices and ethical standards
The Massachusetts Port Authority Calls in Isaacson, Miller To Find New CEO
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), one of the nation’s most multifaceted port authorities and a prime engine of economic vitality for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New England, has called in Boston-based Isaacson, Miller to lead in its search for a new CEO. Past CEO Lisa Wieland recently stepped down. Lisa Savereid and Jeff Kessner are leading
Workday Enters Agreement to Acquire AI-Powered HiredScore
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HiredScore, a provider of AI-powered talent orchestration solutions, which enable companies to use data-driven insights to improve recruiting and talent mobility processes. The combination of Workday Talent Management, Workday Skills Cloud, and HiredScore’s Talent Orchestration solutions, will provide customers
Preng & Associates Recruits Senior Operations Leader for PJM Interconnection
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Aftab Khan as executive vice president of operations, planning & security with high-voltage electric power system PJM Interconnection. Consultants Mark Ciolek and John Goodrum led the search on behalf of Preng & Associates. Mr. Khan will report to PJM president and CEO Manu Asthana and will have overall responsibility for
