Sanford Rose Associates’ Dimensional Search Appoints Chief Operating Officer
February 17, 2026 – Sanford Rose Associates’ (SRA) Dimensional Search has named Jeff Wittenberg as its chief operating officer. “Jeff Wittenberg has been among the top five percent of producers in the recruiting industry for decades,” said Jon Bartos, chief executive officer of Dimensional Search. “He built the largest construction recruiting practice in the field and remains a trusted thought leader in talent acquisition. Few professionals have achieved even one of these milestones, let alone all of them. We’re fortunate to have Jeff’s insight, experience, and leadership guiding the future of Dimensional Search.”
As managing director and practice leader overseeing strategy and search execution for the construction & real estate practice at Kaye/Bassman International, Mr. Wittenberg has a proven record as a winning leader, SRA noted. Since joining Kaye/Bassman in 1998, he has worked with commercial construction, commercial real estate and private equity firms to address their organizational challenges and talent needs at the mid and senior executive levels. During that period, Mr. Wittenberg also helped lead talent acquisition, training and development and overall governance for the firm.
In his new role, Mr. Wittenberg will partner with coaches and leadership teams to strengthen operational processes and drive greater efficiency across the organization. His priorities include enhancing onboarding and strategic alignment, as well as providing expanded support to Dimensional Search franchise offices to accelerate their growth and success.
Dimensional Search, a leading brand within the Sanford Rose Associates International network, empowers entrepreneurs to build and scale executive search and staffing firms. Its exclusive network of independently owned offices delivers personalized and exceptional talent solutions that drive results for both clients and candidates.
The Sanford Rose Associates Executive Search Network has over 70 offices worldwide with locations in North America, Latin America, and Asia. Founded in 1959, the organization operates through a network structure in which member firms share branding, methodologies, and certain resources while serving clients in their respective markets. Sanford Rose offices conduct retained and contingent search assignments for companies ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to larger enterprises.
Leadership Appointments at Search Firms
Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but absolute: finding leaders that matter for missions that matter,” said Mr. Pettway. “Crystal Stephens has been central to our success for over half that time. Her thoughtful, creative, and collaborative leadership with clients and colleagues alike makes her a sterling example of our vision in action. I’m thrilled she will be guiding our firm to its next level of impact.” Over the past 13 years, Ms. Stephens has led many of the firm’s most complex and high-profile searches, earning the trust of such national organizations as Earthjustice, ACLU, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Trust for Public Land, and Year Up United. Her impact in Atlanta is evidenced in the leadership of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Gateway Center, and the Betty & Davis Fitzgerald Foundation.
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first non-family CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward as the firm accelerates into the next era of growth. She also becomes the third woman and first of color to run a top 10 executive search firm. Founded in 1989 by the family patriarch David Hoffmann, DHR last saw a leadership transition in 2012 when Geoff succeeded David as CEO. “Priya is a dynamic, trusted, and forward-thinking leader,” said Mr. Hoffmann. “She brings a rare ability to lead a global firm while staying deeply connected to our people, our culture, and our stakeholders. This transition has been thoughtfully considered for some time, and I couldn’t be prouder to see her step into this role. She’s the ideal leader for our next chapter, and I’m confident to know that the firm is in exceptionally capable hands.”
Global hospitality consulting firm HVS Executive Search has appointed Alice Sherman as CEO, beginning January 1, 2026. After more than 35 years in the retained executive search industry—including 12 years as CEO of HVS Executive Search—Court Williams will be retiring from his role. To ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued support for the company’s clients and team, Mr. Williams will remain actively engaged with the firm as chairman emeritus, providing strategic guidance and mentorship over the coming years. “Court has played a pivotal role in shaping HVS Executive Search into the respected global brand it is today,” said Stephen Rushmore, president and CEO of HVS. “His steady leadership and deep client relationships have had a lasting impact on our organization and the broader hospitality industry. We are fortunate to have Alice Sherman step into this leadership role—her energy, experience, and vision position her perfectly to lead the firm into its next chapter.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
