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ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public 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 Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
BarkerGilmore Assists Methodist Healthcare System in Finding New General Counsel
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Burroff as the new general counsel of Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio, TX. The search was led by managing director Katie Gilmore and partner Brittney McDonough. “Teresa’s appointment as general counsel not only underscores her legal prowess but also
Parker Executive Search Recruits 21st President for Illinois State University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed Aondover Tarhule as the 21st president of Illinois State University. Trustees also approved a four-year contract for Mr. Tarhule that will expire March 17, 2028. The transition to the new position takes place immediately following Mr. Tarhule’s year-long interim president appointment and a national search, led by a 29-member search
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has helped to recruit Cheri Faunce as the new CEO of YWCA Northeast Kansas. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher led the assignment. Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring of 2024 after serving in
EMA Partners Announces Leadership Changes Across India, UAE, and Singapore
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has announced leadership changes across India, UAE, and Singapore. “Continuity and longevity of our consultants and relationships is our biggest strength” said K Sudarshan, regional chair, Asia Pacific, EMA Partners. “Each of our colleagues have spent considerable time with the firm and bring with them an
The Futurist Role That Chief Talent Officers Are Suddenly Taking On
As talent becomes increasingly recognized as the crucial lever in the broader success and value of a company, the significance of the chief talent officer role has grown exponentially. Chief executives and boards now concede the influence that talent plays in executing broad business objectives. And, according to a new report from Leathwaite, with this shift
The Power of High-Potential Employee Identification
Identifying high-potential employees is a strategic imperative for organizations looking to nurture talent, drive innovation, and secure future leadership, according to a recent report from The Christopher Group’s Morgan Booker. “The process of recognizing individuals with exceptional capabilities requires a keen understanding of their skills, potential, and ability to contribute significantly to the organization’s growth,”
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking CEO for BRIDGES USA
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by Bridges USA in Memphis, TN, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Director Michelle Hall and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. BRIDGES USA’s next CEO will be a values-driven leader who centers youth in all decision-making. Their work and career reflect a deep commitment
Bailey Fisher Executive Search Recruits CEO for Cambridge Wireless
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has recruited Michaela Eschbach as the next chief executive officer of Cambridge Wireless. “We are delighted to welcome Michaela Eschbach as the new CEO of Cambridge Wireless,” said Steve Unger, chair of the Cambridge Wireless board. “Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Cambridge Wireless as our activities, events
Smith + Howard Acquires VIP Search and VIP Solutions Businesses
Smith + Howard, a tax, accounting and advisory firm, has acquired VIP Search Group, LLC and VIP Solutions Group, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition marks the third in the last 12 months as Smith + Howard continues to aggressively expand its services and brand nationally. “We are thrilled to welcome
Colleges and Universities Rely on Search Firms to Find Leaders in Polarizing Times
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
4 Steps to a Successful Onboarding Strategy
Welcome aboard! It’s an exciting time when a new leader joins your organization. You worked hard to attract and hire them, and you want them to stay, so do not underestimate the profound impact of effective onboarding, according to a new report from TurningPoint Executive Search’s Ken Schmitt and Victoria Willenberg. “Beyond the paperwork and procedures, onboarding plays
Renovata & Company Recruits Chief Technology Officer for OAG Aviation Worldwide
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed James Cameron-Williams as chief technology officer of OAG Aviation Worldwide Ltd (OAG). “James is a dynamic CTO and boasts an impressive 13-year tech journey,” said Lisa Morgan, principal at Renovata. “His experience will be a great asset to OAG as they enter their next phase of growth. We
Jacksonville Housing Authority Selects Gans, Gans & Associates to Lead CFO Search
Gans, Gans & Associates has been retained by Jacksonville Housing Authority to lead in its search for a new CFO. This executive serves as head of the accounting function of the authority. The CFO maintains control of general ledger including preparation of financial reports. They will oversee periodic reporting to the United States Department of Housing and
Korn Ferry Names Chief Product Officer
Korn Ferry has appointed Stacie Overbaugh as a chief product officer for its digital business, which focuses on talent products and technologies. She will be based in the firm’s San Francisco office. “Stacie will play an instrumental role in shaping the strategy for our talent suite and vision for our talent platform,” said Mathias Herzog, president
Rethinking Value Creation in Private Equity
A recent Harvard Business Review article highlights private equity’s need for a talent strategy. While traditionally praised for their adeptness in driving value through financial engineering, the landscape of private equity has undergone a significant transformation: the focus on operational prowess is rising as the prominence of financial engineering diminishes, according to a recent report from ON Partners’ Matt
Flatiron Search Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for WorldSprings
As organizations becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the placement of Jackie Stauffer as the new chief marketing officer of Off Road
Kincannon & Reed Fills Senior Position for CropLife America
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Jeff Blackwood as vice president of government relations at CropLife America in Arlington, VA. Principals Heinrich Gugger and Stephen Coffey led the assignment. “The CropLife America board of directors is pleased to welcome Jeff Blackwood as the
DRG Seeking New CEO for Taproot Foundation
DRG, which serves the non-profit sector, was recently retained by Taproot Foundation to lead in its search for a new CEO. Natalia Kepler, Jessica Hammerman, and Merav Schwartz are leading the assignment. Taproot is looking for a visionary leader who is both strategic and inspirational. They will be responsible for developing the organization’s long-term vision
Leathwaite Names Head of the Americas
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed Hypatia Kingsley as partner and head of the Americas. “We are thrilled to welcome Hypatia to the firm,” said Tom Pemberton, co-managing partner. “The Americas is our largest region, and Hypatia’s impressive track record and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our business and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions
Robust Investment Niche Emerges as Interim Recruiting Gains Traction
For at least a decade, organizations have increasingly recognized the value of integrating highly skilled on-demand talent – independent consultants, executives, project managers, and subject matter experts – into their workforce. “With some 72 million American workers (43 percent of the American labor force) and countless other professionals worldwide choosing to work independently on a
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary for PetroTal Corp.
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sudan I. Maccio as chief legal counsel and corporate secretary of PetroTal Corp. in Houston, TX. Laura Preng led the assignment. Mr. Maccio has over 30 years of extensive legal expertise in global energy, encompassing a wide range of legal, commercial, and leadership roles, including strategic projects, advising the
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for Visit Bend
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has recruited Jeff Knapp as the new president and CEO of Visit Bend. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, led the assignment. He replaces Kevney Dugan, who is now with Travel Oregon. “We were looking for a genuine, passionate, approachable and experienced leader and I know that we found that in Jeff,” said
Reffett Associates Fills Senior Role for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
After a rigorous, nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has placed John McCarthy as the director of digital analytics for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). In this role, he will lead the lab’s digital transformation process. Thomas Young, director of operations of the firm, led the assignment. Reffett Associates focused their national recruiting efforts to find technology
TRANSEARCH International Appoints Global Head of the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Practice
TRANSEARCH International has named John Watson as partner and global head of the travel, tourism, and hospitality practice. “John has a unique blend of working for a family trust, privately held businesses and PLCs at senior levels,” TRANSEARCH said. “He understands the importance of staff, customers and suppliers working in harmony, nurturing and directing resources. Comfortable in strategy,
A Look at the Importance of Proper Background Checks for Executive Search
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process. They can help confirm that candidates have the experience and education they claim to have. This includes verification of education, employment history, professional licenses, and certifications. Background checks can help identify candidates with a history of financial irresponsibility or fraudulent activities. This is important when hiring for senior
Carrington & Carrington Called in to Fill Senior Position for Rochester Regional Health
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been called in by Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, NY, to lead in its search for a vice president/CAO, system service line operations-cancer. This executive will be responsible for assisting in developing the vision, strategy, and standardizing care delivery throughout the assigned service line(s) within Rochester Regional Health.
Campbell & Company Seeking Major Gifts Officer for the Chicago History Museum
For not-for-profit organizations, these are particularly challenging days. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable groups must overcome to stay afloat each year. Simply put, major gift officers are top-level fundraisers. They identify potential donors, cultivate relationships and,
Marquette University Using Collegiate Sports Associates to Find New Athletic Director
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates was recently called in by Marquette University to lead in its search for a new vice president and director of athletics. This position provides leadership for a department of approximately 100 coaches and staff who are committed to student-athlete success. Reporting directly to the president, the AD is responsible for overseeing 16
Lofton Staffing and Security Acquires Frazee Recruiting Consultants
Lofton Staffing and Security, a family-owned and locally operated recruiting and security company in the Gulf South, has acquired Frazee Recruiting Consultants, LLC, a Baton Rouge, LA-based recruiting firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition,” said Bart Lofton, co-president of Lofton. “Frazee Recruiting, along with its founder
Egon Zehnder Appoints New CEO
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has appointed Francesco Buquicchio as its new CEO, effective November 1. He succeeds Edilson Camara, following a strategic leadership transition and succession planning process. Mr. Buquicchio will be the seventh person to serve as CEO in Egon Zehnder’s 60-year history. The process to appoint a new CEO was headed by chair Michael
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by the Saint Louis Zoo to Find New CFO
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by the Saint Louis Zoo to lead in its search for a new vice president of finance and CFO. The CFO will work as a collaborative partner who is highly engaged and well-versed in managing all aspects of accounting and financial functions through others to ensure the organization’s overall







