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The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
DHR Global Recruits Head Coach for Oregon State Men’s Basketball
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Joyner as the next head coach of the Oregon State men’s basketball team. “It is vitally important that we create momentum and an upward trajectory for this program,” vice president and director of athletics Scott Barnes said. “Our move to the new Pac-12 demands a leader like Justin who
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
What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Demand Intensifies From Non-Profits Seeking Senior Talent
Non-profit organizations in 2023 are facing inflation, declining donations, increased demand for services, workforce shortages, and more. A recent non-profit trends report by Forbes says that the changing workforce is presenting challenges for both for-profit and non-profit leaders. Being ready to consider alternative staffing options would put many of them ahead of the shifting landscape,
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 187,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.4 million in August. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare, leisure and hospitality, social assistance, and construction. Employment in transportation and warehousing declined. Among the
Preng & Associates Places Independent Non-Executive Director for CleanTech Lithium
Houston-based Preng & Associates recently assisted in the placement of Tommy McKeith as an independent non-executive director for CleanTech Lithium PLC (CTL), an exploration and development company advancing next-generation sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the EV transition. The assignment was led by consultants Edward Blyth and Jozsef Marton, both located in London. Mr. McKeith, based in Perth,
Spencer Stuart Selected by the St. Louis Fed to Lead CEO Search
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. Spencer Stuart was recently retained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The selection
IIC Partners Names Global Practice Group Leader for Consumer Markets
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has appointed Jouko Pitkänen as global practice group leader for consumer markets. “Jouko’s extensive experience and unique insights make him a valued addition to our practice group leadership,” said Renee Arrington, president and chief operating officer at Pearson Partners International and IIC Partners board liaison for practice groups. “His appointment underscores our
The Shifting Landscape for Leadership Skill-Sets
Reskilling has been a simmering hot topic for the past several years, especially as it applies to professional and technical skills. But the past year and a half may go down as the great shake-up for leadership skills, according to executive search consultants. Traditional leader skill-sets (including communication), which could once be mastered, now need
Winning Strategies For Scale-up CMOs
“The CMO must be world-class at understanding human motivations, data, and storytelling, “ Jonathan Mildenhall, co-founder and chair of marketing consultancy firm TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, was quoted as saying in a new report from boutique search firm Artico Search. “That’s why I love marketing, it’s a data-inspired storytelling function that engages human beings. It really is a
The SR Group Opens Second Office in the U.S.
Global search company The SR Group has expanded its U.S. presence with the opening of a new office in Orlando, FL. The new office will be led by Brewer Morris executive director Jack Hart but can support clients and candidates from across all The SR Group’s three brands present in the U.S. – Brewer Morris,
Private Equity Growth Stirs Demand for In-House Counsel Roles
As the private equity space continues to grow, consistent demand for lawyers and compliance officers at both the firm and portfolio company level has boosted the outlook of these roles. “This is generating a noticeable impact on compensation and responsibilities for these professionals,” said John Gilmore, founding partner of BarkerGilmore, in a new report from
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for ArcticZymes Technologies
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Akoh as the new chief executive officer of ArcticZymes Technologies, a Norwegian life sciences company. Past CEO Jethro Holter stepped down for personal reasons. “We are very fortunate to have engaged Michael as our next CEO,” said Marie Roskrow, ArcticZymes’ chairman of the board. “Coulter Partners ran
N2Growth Names Partner to Head Expansion in Australia
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the appointment of Marinda Carelsen as a partner to head the firm’s expansion into Australia. She will report directly to Kelli Vukelic, CEO at N2Growth. “Marinda’s commitment to fostering transformative leadership and advancing organizational excellence aligns perfectly with N2Growth’s mission,” said Ms. Vukelic. “Her deep understanding
Boards Make Progress with Diversity, More Work Remains
Today’s boards face an increasingly complex business environment, an intensifying regulatory environment, and growing activism by investors and other stakeholders. In response, they are focusing on their own composition and taking a strategic approach to director appointments, according to a new report from Spencer Stuart. Active and retired executives with CEO experience are in demand,
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Intterra
Daniel Bolger and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have helped to place Mike Soldan as the new chief executive officer for Intterra, an interagency common operational platform backed by Emberline. He takes over as CEO from Molly Hausmann, who has served in an interim-role since early 2023, after also holding the COO role. “As the world increases in complexity, we
BrainWorks Names Leader of Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Private Investment Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks expanded with the addition of Charles Wilson as leader of the real estate, infrastructure, and private investment practice. His division focuses on execution, origination, and portfolio management talent for private investment platforms across various asset classes, industries, and strategies. “Charles brings 13 years of experience in finance recruitment, successfully partnering with firms ranging from
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Kilberry
Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has acquired Kilberry, a leadership advisory firm based in Toronto that serves investors, CEOs, and C-suite leaders across North America. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bringing Kilberry into the fold will further bolster RRA’s top-shelf leadership advisory capabilities with some of the most talented consultants in the sector,” said
RH Perry & Associates Places CFO for Manhattan College
RH Perry & Associates has placed James J. Perrino as the new vice president for finance/ chief financial officer of Manhattan College in New York City. He was formerly executive vice president of finance and operations at Adelphi University. Senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak led the search. “We are thrilled to welcome James Perrino
Blue Rock Search Names Leader of Private Equity Practice
Blue Rock Search has appointed Joshua Jones as practice leader for the firm’s growing private equity practice. “Joshua’s invaluable contributions, deep understanding of executive search and private equity sectors, persistent pursuit of excellence, leadership skills, and robust client and candidate relationships, uniquely position him for success as our PE practice leader,” said Ruben Moreno, founder and
Search Firms Bolster Their Own C-Suites to Broaden Push Into Talent Ecosystem
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Frances Brooks Taplett as chief operating officer of its U.S. business. “As we continue to expand our business in the U.S. as a modern and progressive executive search firm, we are committed to building our processes, operations, and teams around forward-thinking strategies when it comes to organizational design and development, people
Pearl Street Collective Seeks Two CDOs for University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation
Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has been enlisted to help fill two key roles for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF). The non-profit is seeking chief development officers for the university’s Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and its Commonwealth Honors College. Leading the assignments are Adele Mezher, co-founder and managing partner, and
Signium Adds New Member Firms in the U.K.
As part of an ongoing growth plan, executive search consortium Signium recently added Elbrus Partners and Digital 360 to its U.K. team with expertise across a wide array of sectors and practice groups. Under financial services, Signium welcomed Mark Jukes and Richard Hoskin, founders of Elbrus Partners, and within technology and professional services the firm added Michael de Kare-Silver,
Four Ways to Attract Neurodivergent Talent
With record low unemployment numbers in many countries but open roles that still need to be filled, executive search consultants say that organizations are expanding their talent pools and seeking innovative ways to hire. Some are focusing on skills-based hiring and building strong talent pipelines for their future requisitions; others are developing their internal mobility programs to
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Herschel Herndon as chief diversity officer for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) in Boston. Executive recruiter Donna Thornton led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Herschel and have him join the leadership team at the MCCA,” said David Gibbons, executive director of the MCCA.
The Moran Company Tapped to Find Chief Program Officer for Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find a chief program officer for the Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City (JVS) in Missouri. Leading the assignment is senior search consultant Jane Lampo. A member of the leadership team reporting to the executive director, the chief
ZRG Acquires Interim Education-Focused Search Provider The Registry
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired The Registry, a Peabody, MA-based interim executive solutions firm specializing in higher education. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The Registry is the nation’s top firm providing the best-matched interim solutions to institutions of higher learning, especially colleges and
Savage Partners Recruits CEO for EnterpriseDB
Todd Savage of Savage Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Dallas as the new CEO for EnterpriseDB (EDB), the leader in accelerating Postgres in the enterprise. He succeeds president, CEO, and chairman of the board Ed Boyajian, who will remain on the company’s board of directors. Following last year’s majority growth investment from Bain
McDermott + Bull Places Inaugural Chief Program Officer for Care for the Homeless
Search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Jonathan Santos-Ramos as chief program officer for Care For the Homeless (CFH), which provides patient centered medical, mental, and behavioral healthcare to the homeless, in New York City. This is a new role created to strengthen the non-profit as it continues its strategic growth and expansion. The search was conducted
Filling New Roles With New Kinds of Leaders
Financial services, like most industries, has been in a period of significant innovation post-COVID-19 affecting business operations. Many firms are now seeing growth opportunities in markets that have been reshaped in large part by the increased pace of the shift to digital as well as changing consumer preferences, according to a report from Heidrick &
Vetted Solutions Places CEO of National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
After a national search, Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions helped to place Victor Stagnaro as chief executive officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Mr. Stagnaro has been with NFFF for 13 years, serving as managing director and, previously, director of fire programs. He replaces Ron Siarnicki, who is currently serving out his role
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Coretelligent
Baillie Parker of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Thomas Pacheco as the new chief financial officer of Coretelligent in Needham, MA. “Further illustrating its tremendous growth, Coretelligent has expanded its team of dedicated employees by 13.4 percent, attracting and retaining top-tier talent even when other companies, including other managed service providers, face talent scarcity,”
Executive Recruitment in the Metaverse
What is the metaverse and how will it shape the future of recruitment? The metaverse is seen by some as a vision of the future, not a specific technology but a combination of a lot of virtual technologies and equipment, which entails much that is virtual and applied in many spheres of business, from finance
The Tolan Group Places CEO for CenExel
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Stuart Goldblatt as the new chief executive officer of Salt Lake City, UT-based CenExel, a network of medical research centers. Managing partner and CEO Kaye Johnson and senior executive recruiter Hailey Brandvold spearheaded the assignment for the search firm. “We are very excited to have
