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AI Moves from Hype to Workflow in Executive Search as Innova Launches Hands-On Summit
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution within executive search, reshaping how firms approach everything from business development to candidate delivery. As expectations rise around speed, insight, and precision, search firms are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional workflows and identify where technology can meaningfully enhance performance rather than simply add complexity. Unlike
Recalibrating Talent: How Generational Dynamics and Mid-Level Hiring Are Reshaping Leadership Strategy in 2026
The hiring landscape is entering a new phase—one defined less by disruption and more by recalibration. After years of volatility, organizations are taking a more deliberate look at how talent aligns with long-term strategy and evolving business needs. That shift is bringing new attention to how companies build teams, assess potential, and define leadership across
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.
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
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?
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
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Drowning in AI-Generated Resumes? How to Spot Real Talent
The job market has witnessed dramatic changes over the past few years and while many organizations are facing critical talent shortages in niches like machine learning and AI, they are also drowning in a glut of optimized applications, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Candidates are fully aware that hiring teams use applicant tracking systems
A Look at Today’s Most in Demand Executive Skills
In this post-Covid era, are there hiring trends or executive skills that are more prevalent and in demand? “As an executive recruiter focused largely on the private equity markets in B2B tech, we’re experiencing two distinct – but overlapping – macro trends in leadership hiring,” said Jon Landau, partner at SPMB, in a recent report.
Korn Ferry Recruits President and CEO for the Boy Scouts of America
Following an extensive selection process, Korn Ferry has assisted in the recruitment of Roger Krone as the new president and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He succeeds Roger Mosby as the 113-year-old organization’s top administrator. “Roger Krone has spent his entire career transforming complex businesses and preparing them for what lies ahead,” said Brad Tilden, who serves
Spencer Stuart Recruits President for the National Outdoor Leadership School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Sandy Colhoun as its new president of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). “With a strategic mindset and a keen ability to assess operations and bring clarity to the school’s complex finances, Sandy met and exceeded these critical requirements,” said N. Stuart Harris, NOLS board of trustees
ON Partners Recruits CISO for SPS Commerce
Increasingly, organizations of all sizes are awakening to the perils posed by cyberattacks. For years, many groups tried to ignore the problem, dismissing cybersecurity as a concern only for the biggest, most high-profile entities, be they government or corporate. These days, more groups are coming to understand how ruinous such intrusions could be. This has
Havencrest Capital Management Acquires Focus Staff Services
Havencrest Capital Management, a Dallas-based healthcare private equity firm, has acquired Focus Staff Services, a provider of temporary workforce solutions in the healthcare marketplace. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We have been extremely impressed with Focus’s growth to date and are excited about our partnership with the company,” said Matt Shofner, partner
What AI Could Mean for Talent in the C-Suite
AI is here and it will impact you no matter your sector or function, as its capabilities are growing exponentially. According to Forrester research, 100 percent of organizations will be using AI by 2025. But the impact will vary markedly across areas. A new report, authored by Heidrick & Struggles’ Victoria Reese, explains that the
U.S. Job Growth Slows in October
Employment rose by 150,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.5 million in October. Job gains occurred in healthcare, government, and social assistance. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity. Among the major
University of Alaska Anchorage Taps AGB Search to Find CIO
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been selected by the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. Margaret Plympton and Monica Burton are leading the assignment. The CIO will be managing a staff of 40 and a budget of $8.9 million. This
Lochlin Partners Recruits Executive Director for the Pentagon Memorial Fund
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McCarthy as the executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. succeeding Jim Laychak. He will lead the organization as it goes to the next phase of its initiative to build a visitor education center at the site of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. “We are thrilled to have Mike
IIC Partners Makes Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Oliver Schmitt and reappointed Vanessa Dalas to the board of directors. They were elected during the IIC Partners’ AGM held in October and will serve a three-year term. “Oliver Schmitt and Vanessa Dalas are highly accomplished global leaders who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to IIC
Predicting 2024’s Talent Acquisition Trends
No individual can see the future clearly. But when we blend the expert views of global talent leaders with comprehensive data, it becomes clearer. It’s this powerful combination of insights that fuels Korn Ferry’s annual talent acquisition trends report. Each year the search firm, which is the largest globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, lays out
Isaacson, Miller Seeking VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Davidson College
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been retained by Davidson College to lead in its search for its inaugural vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keight Tucker Kennedy, Diana Carmona, and Alexis Scott are leading the assignment. A search committee of faculty, staff, students, and a member of the board of trustees, supported
Slone Partners Fills Board Positions for Fusion Pharmaceuticals
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek as members of the board of directors at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. “Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek are all very accomplished and highly respected leaders in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, oncology,
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Wellborn Cabinet
Chairman and CEO Joseph McElmeel, Richard Mohrman, and Mark Otto of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates have placed Mara Villanueva-Heras as the new chief marketing officer of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. in Ashland, AL. With an extensive background in marketing, Ms. Villanueva-Heras most recently served as SVP of marketing with Emser Tile. Prior to that, she held various senior
Odgers Berndtson Names Managing Partner, Netherlands
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson Netherlands has appointed Kristien Janssen as managing partner. She succeeds Ed van der Sande, who returns to the leadership practice full-time after six years, focusing on executive search, assessments and (team) coaching. “Over the past four years, Kristien has made a special contribution to the transformation we are undergoing as an organization,”
The Dynamic State of the European Tech Ecosystem
The U.S. venture capital market has experienced an unprecedented slowdown over the past couple of years, with a decrease in IPOs and a substantial decline in investment funds, according to EY. But despite challenging global economic conditions and a slow venture market, Europe’s tech ecosystem is undergoing a transformative period. The market continues to display
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Suehila Glass as the first female president and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. She succeeds Stan Law, who retired earlier this year. “Throughout our partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the Nexus team focused
5 Reasons to Hire a Search Firm to Find Your Next HR Leader
In the realm of HR leadership, finding the perfect candidate often feels like searching for a unicorn. The unique blend of skills, experience, and cultural fit required for these roles can be elusive. Many organizations underestimate the challenges of such recruitment endeavors and the potential consequences of getting it wrong, according to a recent report
ZRG Partners Helps Place New CEO at Sunshine Coast Airport
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Chris Mills as the new CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport in Australia. Garreth Ball led the assignment on the behalf of ZRG. “Chris’ extensive experience in finance, tourism, leisure, aviation, property planning and development across the private and
Ellig Group Acquires Corporate Director Academy
New York City-based Ellig Group has acquired Corporate Director Academy, a training program for those aspiring to become a corporate board director. “I didn’t want to just talk about board diversity, I wanted to do something about it,” said Maggie Wilderotter, the former Fortune 500 CEO and current corporate director, and champion of gender balance in the boardroom.
AI Making Inroads Into Human Capital Sector, Jolting Investor Interest
A recent McKinsey & Company survey revealed a remarkable adoption of generative AI tools across various industries. Over one-third of respondents reported that their organizations were already leveraging artificial intelligence in at least one business function. What’s even more astonishing is that nearly a quarter of C-suite executives admitted to incorporating AI into their work processes, signifying
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Phillips 66
Jason Hanold, Sarah Kennedy, Katrina Maione, and Eleanor Tetreault of Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search have assisted in the recruitment of Andrez Carberry as senior vice president and chief human resources officer to Phillips 66, a Houston, TX-based diversified energy company. “We are excited to have Andrez join Phillips 66 at such an important time for our company,” said
ON Partners Recruits CEO for META Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Jim Fusaro as the new CEO of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. George Palikaras has been removed as president and CEO and is no longer with the company. “On behalf of the board of directors, it is my pleasure to welcome Jim Fusaro as CEO of Meta Materials,” said Jack Harding,
Caliber Associates Fills Chief Medical Officer Post for Palisade Bio
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates assisted in the recruitment of Mitchell Jones as the chief medical officer of Palisade Bio, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company advancing therapies for acute and chronic gastrointestinal complications. “We are delighted to welcome Mitch to Palisade Bio as our chief medical officer,” said J.D. Finley, CEO of Palisade Bio. “His extensive
IMD International Search Group Adds Ishwa Consulting as Its Newest Member Firm
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has added Ishwa Consulting as its newest member firm. With a team of 10 senior consultants strategically located in India’s key business hubs – Gurgaon (Delhi), Bangalore, and the Middle East, Ishwa Consulting has its global footprint with an office in Dubai. Founded in 2016 by Arvind Pandit,
Will the Surging M&A Market for Executive Search Firms Continue?
Over the past decade, a wave of consolidation activity across the executive search sector has profoundly changed the recruiting sector as we know it. And in the last five years, the role of executive search firms has fundamentally changed the look and feel of the sector even more. The industry has moved from simply identifying
True Recruits CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems
Karin Andersson of global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tatiana Brandt as the new CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems in Sweden. Former CEO and founder, Christian Johansson, takes on the role of chief strategy officer and remains a board member and largest shareholder in the company. “NODA is in a very exciting phase and
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Growth Officer for aptihealth
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Conway as the new chief growth officer of aptihealth in Boston, MA. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “We are delighted to welcome Amanda Conway to the aptihealth family as our new chief growth officer,” said Tim Koehler,
Premier Staffing Solution Acquires Staffing Unit of TTi Global
Premier Staffing Solution has acquired the external staffing business of TTi Global, Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Included in the acquisition are client staffing contracts that will be transferred to Premier. The primary focus of the contracts is supporting large clients in the mobility sector and other industries in North America with temporary engineering,
Egon Zehnder Forms Partnership with The 350 Club
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has formed an alliance with The 350 Club, an online community that connects the FTSE 350 global board community. This partnership combines Egon Zehnder’s boardroom expertise with The 350 Club’s shared vision to fostering an online platform for board members to exchange insights and learnings. “We are incredibly honored to be
Identifying and Landing a Board Seat for Women
It is no longer news that a diverse board of directors can have a direct impact on a company’s bottom line. According to McKinsey, those companies in the top quartile for board member gender diversity are 25 percent more likely to outperform than those in the bottom quartile, and a Pipeline study found that organizations where women make
