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Cento Acquires Assets of U.S.-Based Executive Search Firm SCW Consulting
U.K.-based executive recruiting firm Cento has acquired the assets of Broomfield, CO-based executive search firm SCW Consulting, bringing together two specialized firms in the global security recruitment sector. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal unites Cento CEO Brett Ennals and Tom Verzuh, combining experience across international security and technology recruitment markets. The
The Evolution of CEO Succession
Leadership stability has become harder to maintain in an environment defined by continuous transformation, shifting investor expectations, and increasing operational complexity. As a result, boards and sponsors are placing greater emphasis on how leadership evolves over time, rather than relying on static assumptions about tenure and timing. This shift is forcing organizations to take a
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.
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for California State University, Stanislaus
After a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the recruitment of Sacha Joseph-Mathews as founding chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at California State University, Stanislaus (CSU). Managing partner Jennifer Muller led the assignment for the search firm. Dr. Joseph-Mathews has over 15 years of experience training executives, managers, and organizations in unconscious bias and
Talent Groups Acquires Abacus Technical Services and The InSource Group
Recruiting company Talent Groups has acquired Dallas-based talent solution providers Abacus Technical Services and The InSource Group. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to welcome Abacus Technical Services and The InSource Group to the Talent Groups family,” said Matthew Ripaldi, CEO of Talent Groups. “These strategic acquisitions align perfectly with our
20/20 Foresight Launches Cloud-Based Client Portal
Real estate-focused executive search firm 20/20 Foresight has launched 20/20 Foresight Client Hub, a first-generation cloud-based client portal that will allow for improved collaboration, transparency, and efficiency throughout the search process. “The 20/20 Foresight Client Hub is unique in the search industry, furthering 20/20’s mission to be the most tech-forward executive search firm in the U.S. and the
7 Qualities and Experiences Needed to be a CHRO
The most common questions that come from executives who aspire to move into their first chief human resources officer (CHRO) role involve what it takes to be a strong and viable candidate. IIC Partners’ people and culture practice group, with consultants collaborating across 40 offices worldwide and, has had the opportunity to interact with many HR executives.
Artico Search Recruits CISO for Xactly
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
Renovata & Company Recruits President for Hodess Cleanroom Construction
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has recruited Mike DiNapoli as president for Hodess Cleanroom Construction, LLC, a Stellex Capital portfolio company and provider of cleanroom design and build for blue-chip corporations in automotive, aerospace, medtech and semiconductor. “Mike is a seasoned E&C leader with a proven track record of business success and
Candidate.fyi Closes $1.3 Million in Pre-Seed Funding
Candidate.fyi recently secured a $1.3 million pre-seed funding round. The company’s platform offers a candidate portal for candidates to receive information in their journey, pulse surveys to collect feedback from job candidates, the ability for job candidates to book meetings online and create profiles and an upcoming scheduling feature. Founded by brothers, Kyle and Chris
Mercuri Urval Launches Board and CEO Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has launched a new board and CEO practice. “MU board and CEO practice is our response to the increasing demand for our services in the realm of board and CEO recruitment and advice,” said Christian Schaffenberger and Mieke Weijenberg, global board and CEO practice leads and partners at MU. “MU provides a reliable alternative
How Research First Data-Driven Recruiting and Talent Mapping Make for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Finding the ideal candidate for the job is a delicate dance. Good recruitment firms are experts in understanding what potential employers are looking for in their ideal candidate and scouring the available talent pool to match them with that perfect fit. According to a report from SGA Talent’s Sheila Greco. “What sets these firms apart
ZRG Partners Recruits CFO for Traditional Medicinals, Inc.
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott Bowman as the new CFO of Traditional Medicinals, Inc. Dave Pearce and Richard Dowd led the assignment. Experienced strategic and financial manager with expertise in analyzing businesses, developing strategic and financial goals, communicating with senior management, directors, and staff,
TalentoHCM Assists Lancer Skincare with CEO Search
Jill De Forest, managing director of TalentoHCM, Los Angeles, has assisted Marc Kravets as the new CEO of Lancer Skincare in Beverly Hills. “I was pleased that Jill De Forest at Talento, introduced this CEO role at Lancer Skincare to me,” said Mr. Kravets. “Jill and I have worked together over the past 10 years,
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits SunLine Transit Agency
Executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Mona Babauta as the new CEO of SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, CA. “We are so pleased to be welcoming Mona to the helm of SunLine Transit Agency today,” said Lisa Middleton, board chair of SunLine Transit Agency. “Our board is impressed by the
IMD International Search Group Adds Member Firm in Spain
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently expanded in Madrid, Spain, with the addition of Padula & Partners as its newest member firm. Padula & Partners has a track record in executive search on the Spanish market as it was founded in 2005. They have since then provided bespoke service to clients in a vast
5 Ways Search Firms Support the Talent Management Priorities of PE Companies
In recent years, private equity firms’ desire for top talent has reached an all-time high. This high level of demand is in response to a recognition across the industry that having the right people in key executive roles is a critical factor in how private equity firms are able to maintain growth amid significant market
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Stax Payments
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently recruited Paulette Rowe as the new CEO of Stax Payments in Orlando, FL. The search was led by Brian Waivada and Alexandra Bossetta. “Following an extensive global search, we’re pleased to welcome Paulette to Stax,” said Ross Croley, founder and CEO of GSV and chairman of the board of Stax. “An accomplished
Frederickson Partners Recruits CFO for Bluberi Gaming
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed chief financial officers at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has recruited Billy Register as the new CFO
Acertitude Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Sunrise Senior Living
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Marco Trecroce as chief technology officer of Sunrise Senior Living, a provider of senior living lifestyles. “Marco — who is an accomplished technology executive with exemplary hospitality experience – is a pivotal addition as Sunrise continues to integrate digital solutions to deliver best-in-class resident-centered services that support holistic health and wellness,”
BarkerGilmore Appoints Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named Kristin Campbell as senior advisor. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Kristin to our team as a senior advisor,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “With her remarkable expertise in the consumer and hospitality sectors, Kristin brings a
CEOs Positioning their Companies for the Long Haul
How do you prepare for a recession that never quite arrives? More than halfway through 2023, economists and market watchers in the United States are starting to take seriously the possibility of a domestic “soft landing” buoyed by labor market resilience, moderating inflation and gently slowing final demand growth, according to EY. But corporate leaders
Six Recruiting Trends Effecting Non-Profits
As the last quarter of 2023 approached, a new report from DHR Global’s Sara Garlick Lundberg and James Abruzzo reflects on the trends affecting recruiting in the non-profit industry. Non-profits are navigating a number of challenges – from new work habits to political currents – as they plan for greater impact in 2024, the study
WittKieffer Leading President Search for the University of Hartford
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been selected by the University of Hartford to lead in its search for its seventh
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Senior Post for Fetch Pet Insurance
Greenwich Harbor Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kristen Easterday as the new controller of Fetch Pet Insurance. Ms. Easterday is a versatile leader with a diverse background and thought process. She uses an extensive data analysis as well as a collaborative team approach. Ms. Easterday was most recently the controller at Roof Maxx, a consumer-facing roofing
Cooper Coleman Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has expanded with the addition of John Toolan as vice president, executive search. “Welcoming John into our firm was not a difficult choice,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO. “We place exceptional value on authentically representing our clients as if we are members of their teams; centering a rich, dignified candidate experience
Achieving Boardroom Diversity Without Marginalizing Anyone
While women have come a long way, there is still a long way to go before we reach gender parity at the top levels of corporate America. As CEO of a women-owned search firm with the serious intention and track record of placing women and members of underrepresented groups in boardrooms and the C-suite (85
JDG Associates Recruits CFO for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has recruited Trevor Williams as the new chief financial officer for the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement plan available to federal employees and members of the armed services. Mr. Williams is a financial executive with more than 26 years of
Hobson Leavy Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Serko Limited
Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy has assisted in the recruitment of Liz Fraser as the new chief revenue officer of Serko Limited. “Liz has extensive experience driving revenue growth across both the travel and media sectors in senior leadership roles at TVNZ, Air New Zealand and most recently as commercial director at MediaWorks,” said
TRANSEARCH Adds Involved Partners in Sweden
TRANSEARCH International has added Involved Partners in Helsingborg, Sweden as its newest member firm. Peter Ohman joins TRANSEARCH as senior consultant and manager. Mr. Ohman focuses on serving the industrial, utility/power, and FMCG market sectors. With a wealth of experience in both management and consultancy roles, Mr. Ohman brings a track record of catalyzing organizational, business, and
Compensation for Cybersecurity Leaders is on the Rise
The CISO role was partially shielded from the macroeconomic challenges of 2023. The average increase in total compensation among CISOs was 11 percent in the latest comp cycle—a drop from 14 percent in 2022, but a relatively small dip in light of the economic climate. One in five CISOs didn’t receive an increase in compensation.
Academic Search Seeking New Leader for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and Maria Thompson of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search was recently selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. After five years of service, the current president, Mildred García, has stepped down. The president leads an accomplished and diverse staff of
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for MacStadium
Co-president Matt Mooney and partner Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have recruited Jason Davis as chief product officer of MacStadium, an Atlanta-based Mac cloud provider. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jason to the team,” said Michael Landreth, MacStadium’s co-founder and CEO. “His proven track record of success in product strategy and development will be a significant advantage for us.
Randstad Announces Senior Leadership Changes
Randstad N.V. has made changes to its executive leadership team. “Our people are our foundation and we focus on ensuring our strong culture, values, and spirit of entrepreneurship are present at all levels of the organization,” said Sander van ‘t Noordende, CEO of Randstad. “We are fortunate to have exceptional home grown talent, who live our







