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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
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
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 —
Myers McRae Tapped by Florida A&M to Find CHRO
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions
Signium Expands with New Office in Argentina
Executive search consortium Signium has launched Signium Argentina in Buenos Aires. Led by managing director Flavio Beretta, Signium Argentina will support organizations across the country and the wider region in identifying and developing senior leadership talent as Argentina undergoes significant economic transformation. With more than 35 years of executive search experience across Argentina and extensive work with
The Expanding CFO Mandate: From Scorekeeper to Value Creator
As business complexity increases across industries, the office of the CFO is experiencing a significant transformation. Traditionally focused on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are evolving into enterprise-wide strategic drivers—supporting growth, overseeing risk, enabling transformation, and acting as key partners to the CEO and board. With the CFO role increasingly viewed as a pathway to
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Texas Gulf Bank, N.A.
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has helped to recruit Steve Thompson as president and CEO of Texas Gulf Bank, N.A. He succeeds James F. Brown, who will continue as vice chairman of the company. The appointment follows a disciplined and comprehensive executive search conducted in partnership with Chartwell Partners. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell
Lancer Group Fills Senior E-Commerce Position for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has placed Cullen Rowley as the new vice president of e-commerce at NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. In this role, he will help to advance the company’s retail strategy and accelerate value creation within its marketplace ecosystem. Lancer Group partnered with Liquidity Services on this executive search, identifying a leader with the right
RH Perry & Associates Assists Illinois Central College with President Search
Following a comprehensive national search, RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Jamonica Rolle as the next president of Illinois Central College (ICC). Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Charlene Newkirk led the assignment. The presidential search included a national recruitment effort and engagement with campus and community stakeholders. Feedback from faculty, staff, students, and community members informed the board’s
The Barton Partnership Expands in North America
U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP) has added Marty O’Doherty and Purab Parikh as part of the continued expansion of its North American business and its CEO and board capability, based in Toronto and aligned with the firm’s global private equity platform. “The appointments reflect TBP’s continued investment in senior leadership hiring for
Juicebox Secures $80 Million in Funding at an $850 Million Valuation
AI recruiting platform Juicebox has announced $80 million in Series B funding at an $850 million valuation led by DST Global, with meaningful participation from Sequoia, Coatue, Y Combinator, NFDG, and Verified Capital. The company has tripled ARR since its Series A in July 2025, and now serves 5,000 customers spanning fast-growing technology companies and
Findem to Acquire Glider AI
Findem, an AI platform for talent, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Glider AI, a skills validation platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Together, the companies will deliver an AI-powered hiring solution that produces hire-ready candidates — candidates who are discovered, assessed, and verified before they reach hiring managers. “Companies do not buy
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New Leader for Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The next CEO will lead GNEMSDC at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The organization is stable, credible, and mission-driven, and
Acertitude Recruits Chief Information Security Officer for Cast & Crew
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Tal Hornstein as chief information security officer of Cast & Crew, an EQT Group portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Tim Cook and principal, Connor Gebhardt, with support from Finty Hunter and Jeremy Atwater. “Cast & Crew is thrilled to welcome Tal Hornstein to the crew as we
Resource Management Group Expands Financial Officer Practice
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has expanded with the addition of Craig Sigovich as a partner in the financial officer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Craig to RMG,” said Denis LaPolice, CEO of RMG. “He is nationally recognized for his work across the CFO market, and his
Global Shift Elevates DEI as a Strategic Imperative in the C-Suite
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly moving from corporate initiatives to core elements of business strategy as organizations respond to evolving workforce expectations and market demands. Companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress, particularly at the leadership level, where representation and decision-making have the greatest impact on culture, performance, and long-term growth.
The Moran Company Recruits Executive Director for National Assistance League
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, recently placed Judy Zulfiqar as the new executive director of National Assistance League. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “After a comprehensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Judy to National Assistance League,” said Andrea Goodman, board chair. “Her track
Allen Austin Fills HR Position for The Lebermuth Company
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has assisted in the recruitment of Adria Logan as director, human resources at The Lebermuth Company. The search was led by Liz Townsend and Edie Bartlett, who partnered closely with Lebermuth’s leadership team to identify a leader who will strengthen HR strategy and champion a high-performance, values-driven culture. “This placement comes
The Forum Group Expands Private Wealth Management Practice
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Jack Manire as director of private wealth management. “We’re excited to welcome Jack Manire to The Forum Group as director of private wealth management,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Jack joined The Forum Group because of the people, culture, and commitment to excellence. He’ll
Kaye/Bassman Appoints Managing Partner
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has appointed Will Smith as managing partner within its construction practice. “Will’s promotion to managing partner is a proud moment for our team as he is the embodiment of our life laws including leadership, performance, commitment to clients, flexibility, unselfishness, and fun,” said Lee Martin, managing director of the Midwest construction & real
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking HR Leader for the University of Central Missouri
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained to recruit the next associate vice president of human resources at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the president’s strategic leadership team, the AVP of HR will play a vital role in
NPAG Leading CEO Search for Horizons Foundation
Executive search firm NPAG has been retained by Horizons Foundation to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Ellen LaPointe. The next CEO will bring strategic clarity, fundraising acumen, community insight, and a demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, and LGBTQ belonging. This leader will navigate a rapidly evolving social, political, and
Boyden Recruits CEO for the Canadian Marketing Association
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Esther Benzie as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). Ian Collyer led the assignment. Following Alison Simpson’s retirement announcement in September 2025, the CMA board of directors launched a comprehensive executive search to identify the association’s next leader. The search attracted strong interest from highly
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm Bucharest
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Resolute Advisory as its newest member. Located in Bucharest, Resolute Advisory expands IIC Partners’ capabilities across Romania and Eastern Europe. “I am delighted to welcome Resolute Advisory into membership,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their philosophy of search as a strategic intervention, combined with their rigorous,
Hiring vs. Hustling: When It’s Time to Add to the Team
There’s a point in almost every growing company where things come to a head. Revenue is up, the pipeline is strong, and the team is stretched but still getting the job done, explained a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners. So leaders decide, “Let’s wait before making that hire.” “On paper, this seems disciplined, responsible, and
The Tolan Group Assists MAX Surgical Specialty Management with CFO Search
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Jeff Couper as the new CFO of MAX Surgical Specialty Management. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare finance, operational transformation, and strategic growth. Mr. Couper most recently served as CFO for multiple multi-site healthcare organizations including Absolute Dental Group and Children’s Dental Health, where he
Furst Group Fills CEO Position for PracticeWise
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Eric Meier as the new CEO of PracticeWise. Principal/senior client partner Tim Frischmon and senior consultant Judy Kliethermes led the assignment. “Practicewise has appointed Eric Meier as its new CEO, further strengthening its focus on providing evidence-based solutions in pediatric and adolescent mental health,” said Sharon
Potrero Group Selected by Solano Land Trust to Assists COO Search
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by Solano Land Trust to assist in its search for its first chief operating officer. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. This is a newly created senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO and working in partnership as a member of the
Bay Street Advisors Strengthens of Leadership Team
New York City-based Bay Street Advisors has announced two promotions that reflect the continued growth of the search firm and the strength of its leadership team. John Gregory has been promoted to managing director, leading Bay Street’s business development and search activities across liquid and structured credit. “John brings a rare combination of strategic perspective, market
Gen Z’s Growing Impact in the Workplace
As Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) steadily expands its presence in the global workforce, its influence is beginning to reshape how organizations think about leadership, culture, and talent strategy. For executive search firms and the clients they serve, understanding the expectations and motivations of this emerging generation is becoming an important factor
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Trust for Public Land with CFO Search
Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan of BoardWalk Consulting have assisted in the recruitment of Keysha Bailey as the new CFO of Trust for Public Land (TPL). “Keysha brings a rare combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of how to align resources with impact,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Trust for Public
TalentRise Seeking Executive Director for Grassroots Gardens of WNY
TalentRise has been retained by Grassroots Gardens of WNY (GGWNY) to lead in its search for a new executive director. GGWNY is seeking an executive director to provide strategic leadership and overall management for the organization. The next leader of Grassroots Gardens must be capable of responding to the multi-faceted needs of a land trust while
Reffett Associates Retained by Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been retained to conduct a nationwide recruitment for the position of senior vice president of real estate for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). The search is being spearheaded by a veteran leadership team at Reffett Associates: Marshall Reffett, managing director; Eric Reffett, managing director; and Sam Mayberry, senior advisor. “It is a privilege to partner
