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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
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
A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Flatiron Search Partners Expands
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the additions of Jonathan Scotto as head of business operations & strategy and Suzannah Brown as an associate director. “Our team continues to grow,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Thrilled to welcome two exceptional colleagues to Flatiron Search Partners. Excited to have both of you on the team as
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
WittKieffer Retained by the American Hospital Association to Find New Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been tapped by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a dynamic, transformative leader to serve as its next president and CEO. This is a career-defining opportunity to advance
McCormack+Kristel Leading CEO Search for Resource Center
McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Resource Center to lead in its search for a new CEO. After more than four decades influencing legal change and shaping Dallas’ civic community — including 16 years as CEO of Resource Center — Cece Cox has announced she will retire in early 2027. McCormack + Kristel will conduct a
Harris Search Associates Tapped by Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) recently selected Harris Search Associates to lead its chair, department of electrical and computer engineering technology search. Jeffrey Harris and Peter Rosenthal are leading the assignment. RIT seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment to lead its vibrant educational, research, and service
Options Group Expands in Mumbai
Options Group has strengthened its search team with the addition of Anjum Attar as a director within its private equity and venture capital practice. “Welcome to Options Group, Anjum Attar,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Anjum has joined Options Group Mumbai as a director and will specialize in the private equity and venture capital
What to Look for When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
Securing the right leadership talent can shape an organization’s strategic direction for years, making the choice of a search partner an important business decision. As companies compete for experienced executives who can drive growth, manage complexity, and guide transformation, many are turning to specialized firms that focus exclusively on identifying and attracting senior leaders. Understanding
Rokos Group Tapped by Contra Costa Health for CFO Search
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Contra Costa Health (CCH) in California to lead in its search for a new CFO. Greg Rokos and Mark Lukacs are leading the assignment. This leader will help guide the financial strategy for a large, integrated public health system delivering hospital, health plan, behavioral health,
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Common Sense Media to Find Chief Development Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair. They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization’s
True Adds Digital Infrastructure Expert
Global executive talent platform True has expanded with the addition of Ros Deans as a partner in its digital infrastructure practice. Based in London with a global remit, Ms. Deans will work with data center operators, infrastructure investors, real estate developers, private equity firms and hyperscalers. She will place C-suite, functional and regional leaders who drive
Hudson Talent Solutions Completes Purchase of Acquired Philadelphia
Tampa, FL-based Hudson Talent Solutions has completed the acquisition of Acquired Philadelphia, a female-founded talent acquisition consultancy. The integration brings the expertise of Acquired Philadelphia’s founder, Jessica Dombkoski, into Hudson Talent Solutions’ growing platform and strengthens the firm’s capabilities across executive search, success-fee recruitment, strategic talent advisory, and its proprietary agentic-AI platform, HudsonFlow. “Jessica has built deep,
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
Eastward Partners Fills CEO Positions for Aropha and General Trucking
New York-based Eastward Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of CEOs for Aropha and General Trucking. The firm placed Tammy Deblock as CEO of Aropha, a Comeback Capital backed company. “Congratulations to the team for a great outcome and for entrusting us with this important search,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. The assignment was led
AGB Search Assists Lewis University with Recruitment of 11th President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. The Lewis University board of trustees previously announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
Modern Executive Solutions Names Leader of HR Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has named Brad Pugh has joined the firm as senior partner, where he will lead and grow the firm’s global HR practice across executive search, leadership advisory, organizational consulting, and executive communities. “Brad’s experience sits at the intersection of executive search, leadership advisory, and technology — exactly where the future
Atlanta Fed Retains Heidrick & Struggles for President/CEO Search
Leadership searches for top roles within the Federal Reserve system rarely come to market, making them highly visible assignments within the executive search industry. When they do, institutions often turn to globally recognized firms to help identify candidates with the experience and credibility required to guide regional monetary policy organizations. One such search is now
Jobplex Acquires Her Scout
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Her Scout, a boutique recruiting firm that specialized in early and growth-stage technology startups, and named its founder, Amy York, a partner in the firm’s advanced technology practice. The acquisition expands Jobplex’s capabilities in emerging technology and founder-led businesses, particularly among small, scaling companies that build leadership teams
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Syra Health
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Gregory R. Alexander as CEO at Syra Health, a healthcare technology company dedicated to powering better health outcomes through prevention-focused, accessible, and affordable solutions. “Gregory Alexander is a highly respected leader in the industry, having led several major healthcare initiatives and driving positive change for high-profile organizations throughout his impressive career,” said Sona
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading President Search for the University of Buffalo
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates was recently tapped by the University of Buffalo (UB) to lead in its search for its 16th president. Satish K. Tripathi has announced that he will step down next July. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott are leading the assignment. The presidential search committee is composed of a diverse group of
Bedford Group | TRANSEARCH Partners with System-3 Assessment
Howard Pezim, Steven Pezim and Elan Pratzer have announced a new strategic partnership between Bedford Group | TRANSEARCH and System-3, a provider of simulation-based leadership assessment grounded in observed performance. “By combining Bedford’s four-decades of expertise in executive search with System-3’s highly predictive, performance-based leadership assessment, we are enhancing our ability to support boards and CEOs in making well-informed,
When Founders Step Aside: Navigating Leadership Transitions In Private Equity
A recent Harvard Business Review article examining founder transitions highlights just how precarious these leadership handoffs can be. Founder CEO transitions carry a risk of failure or performance decline two to three times greater than standard CEO successions. The reason is simple: founders are rarely just executives. They are often the cultural center of gravity, the strategic
TM² Executive Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Cheyney University
TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently selected by Cheyney University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Associate principals Jessica Horton and Dr. Will Anyu are leading the assignment. The school is looking for a forward-thinking, mission-driven CITO to lead the office of information technology during a period of strategic transformation. This is the first-ever
Preng & Associates Fills Senior Post for Worley
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit Jon Gribble as president of major projects and programs Americas of Worley. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as president, major projects and programs, Americas at Worley,” Mr. Gribble said in a LinkedIn post. “Worley has a strong project delivery heritage and a clear commitment to serving customers across the
The Bridger Group Names Talent Acquisition Lead
The Bridger Group, a 58-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in the building products and commercial interior products industries, has expanded with the addition of Cheyanna Sayers as talent acquisition lead. “The Bridger Group is excited to announce our new talent acquisition lead, Cheyanna Sayers,” the firm said in a post. “She’ll be recruiting talented industry professionals
Winning the CFO Talent War in a Competitive PE Market
Competition for experienced chief financial officers in private equity-backed companies has intensified as sponsors pursue growth, exits, and operational transformation on tighter timelines. In today’s candidate-driven environment, firms are finding that traditional recruiting approaches are no longer sufficient to secure high-impact finance leaders. Success increasingly hinges on proactive relationship-building, precise role calibration, and the ability
Korn Ferry Records Seven Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q3 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $717.4 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all solutions. “Our strong quarterly performance continues to reflect the evolution of our firm,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO, Korn Ferry. “Today the world is enveloped by unprecedented levels of change – shifts in population,
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Bare Necessities with President Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salima Popatia as president of Bare Necessities, a division of Delta Galil Industries. The search was led by Dana Levine and Jennifer Riemer. “Salima is a disciplined operator who thrives in complex digital-first environments,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. “She brings the accountability and
Long Ridge Partners Announces Promotions
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has recently announced a series of promotions. “We’re pleased to recognize several well-earned promotions at Long Ridge Partners,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Each of these individuals has cultivated strong relationships across the industry and played a meaningful role in our firm’s success. We are proud to recognize their
SpenglerFox Expands in the Czech Republic
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Jana Studničková as client partner in the Czech Republic. “We are delighted to welcome Jana into our team: a senior, multi industry expert bringing diversity of experience and contacts and invaluable insight into what business challenges face today – especially privately owned ones stretching technology, cybersecurity,
Laid Off by AI? What’s Really Driving the Latest Job Cuts
Companies are firing workers and saying AI made them do it. But new research from MIT and Oxford reveals the truth: 95 percent of companies investing in AI are getting zero return, yet they’re still using artificial intelligence as a convenient excuse for layoffs. This matters for anyone worried about job security in today’s market,
