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So far Christina Claus has created 48 blog entries.

AESC Launches New Website Showcasing the Global Gold Standard in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the highest standards in executive search and leadership advisory, is proud to announce the launch of its all-new website.   The new platform reinforces AESC’s role as the global gold standard in executive search and leadership consulting, providing Members with a stronger platform to demonstrate their credibility and helping the organizations and candidates they serve understand the distinct value of working with an AESC Member firm.  “Our new website is more than a redesign—it’s a platform that showcases the rigor, trust, and excellence that define AESC Members,” said James Edmund Datri, AESC President & CEO. “It empowers our Members to grow their businesses and brands, while giving Board directors, CEOs, and talent acquisition leaders worldwide a clearer path to the trusted advisors who help shape strong leadership teams.”  With a modern design, simplified navigation, and updated branding, the website offers an intuitive experience tailored for the executive leadership ecosystem AESC Members, the companies that seek out executive search and leadership consulting services, and the executives they place.  Benefits for AESC Members:  Improved Access: A simplified, intuitive navigation ensures members can quickly find essential resources, from exclusive insights and [...]

By |2025-11-14T10:12:37-05:00November 12, 2025|Press Release|0 Comments

Thriving in Uncertain Times: The Strategic Power of Learning for Executive Search and Talent Acquisition Professionals

Uncertainty has always been part of business, but the current era feels different. Rapid technological change, economic volatility, and shifting global dynamics have transformed unpredictability from a passing phase into a constant force. For those in executive search and leadership consulting, uncertainty isn’t just something our clients face, it’s the terrain we walk daily. One quarter, a client’s top priority is expansion and growth, and the next, it’s restructuring and resilience. Leadership profiles evolve just as quickly. The competencies that defined an effective executive five years ago – stability, efficiency, and predictability – are now joined by adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to lead through ambiguity. As trusted advisors, search professionals are expected not only to keep up with these changes but to anticipate them. That’s an impossible task without one critical habit: continuous learning. Why Uncertainty Demands a Learning Mindset In times of disruption, the instinct is often to pause and wait for things to settle before acting. However, in a world that is rapidly transforming, those who pause risk falling behind. The most successful leaders, and the trusted partners who advise them, treat uncertainty as an opportunity to learn faster than the environment changes. For example, consider [...]

By |2025-11-04T14:49:19-05:00November 4, 2025|Blog|0 Comments

Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Harpreet Khurana as Chief Technology and Data Officer

Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), the leading global leadership advisory firm, has appointed Harpreet Khurana as Chief Technology and Data Officer. In his expanded remit, Khurana will lead a unified technology organization that combines the firm's Information Systems, Digital and Data, and AI efforts, reporting directly to CEO Constantine Alexandrakis. This strategic appointment will enable RRA to accelerate its digital transformation at a pivotal moment when artificial intelligence and advanced technology platforms are reshaping leadership advisory services, including executive search and leadership consulting. Recent studies show that 44% of workers will need reskilling within the next five years, and AI is expected to impact almost 40% of global employment. "This is the time to leverage technological advances to increase the speed of our delivery and depth of our insights, and to bring even more innovative ideas and quality solutions to our clients,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “Harpreet's proven leadership and vision make him the ideal person to accelerate our technology enablement and fluency as we advance this agenda across our global firm." Khurana brings a depth of expertise in digital transformation and emerging technology trends to his expanded role. Since joining Russell Reynolds Associates in 2022 as the firm's [...]

By |2025-10-28T14:41:28-04:00October 28, 2025|Member News|0 Comments

Spencer Stuart U.S. Board Index Marks 40 Years with Signs of Slowing Refreshment and Shifting Director Profiles

Spencer Stuart, one of the world's leading executive search and leadership advisory firms, today released its 40th annual U.S. Board Index, revealing that while board composition continues to evolve, the pace of refreshment has slowed, and boards are prioritizing seasoned expertise amid a more complex operating environment. The 2025 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index — a milestone edition marking four decades of governance insight – analyzes the composition, governance practices, and refreshment trends across S&P 500 boards. This year's findings reflect a landscape defined by low turnover, a shift toward proven executive experience, and a recalibration of board diversity metrics. S&P 500 boards appointed 374 new independent directors in 2025, an 8% decrease from last year and the lowest number since 2016. "For four decades, the U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index has tracked the steady evolution of corporate governance," said Julie Hembrock Daum, chair of the North American Board Advisory Practice. "Boards have transformed from compliance-focused bodies to strategically engaged stewards guiding long-term value. This 40-year milestone is a reminder of how far boards have come — and how essential they remain to the strength, resilience, and success of companies." Top findings include: Board refreshment slowed: Only 50% of S&P 500 boards appointed a new independent director [...]

By |2025-10-28T14:31:48-04:00October 28, 2025|Member News|0 Comments

Where People and Platforms Meet: How Technology Supports Business Development in Executive Search

In today’s market, business development has never been more critical, or more complex. Economic uncertainty, evolving client expectations, and intensified competition are reshaping how executive search and leadership advisory firms operate. While the art of business development has always relied on human skills, technology is emerging as a powerful ally. AESC, in collaboration with Sara Barker of The Foundry Team, has launched Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals, a program designed specifically for the profession. This learning experience focuses on the human side of business development: communication, influence, and relationship-building. It equips executive search professionals with the mindset and soft skills needed to shift from reactive selling to a proactive, consultative approach that drives meaningful, sustainable growth. The upcoming cohort is presented in partnership with Ezekia, a leading CRM and assignment management platform built for executive search firms. Ezekia will lead participants on an exploration of how technology can complement proactive selling skills, illustrating where systems and data can support the relational and strategic capabilities that define exceptional business development in executive search. Here are five ways technology can elevate the skills taught in Proactive Selling for Executive Search Professionals. One: Turning Market Insight into Strategic Focus Proactive selling [...]

By |2025-10-28T12:56:49-04:00October 28, 2025|Blog|0 Comments

Chief Advancement Officers Belong on the Executive Team

The most successful nonprofit organizations understand a central truth about advancement leadership: Chief Advancement Officers (CAOs) are strategic executives. Case studies across the nonprofit sector indicate that institutions achieve better fundraising outcomes when the CAO or Head of Development is a direct report to the CEO and a member of the executive team. This organizational decision transforms how advancement functions and significantly improves results. Why This Role Drives Strategic Success The CAO cultivates relationships with key external stakeholders: major donors who fund institutional priorities, alumni who champion the mission, board members who govern, and foundation officers who approve significant grants. Experience from universities and large nonprofits shows these relationships become far more valuable when advancement leaders participate directly in executive decision-making. This positioning enables advancement officers to identify donor interests that align with institutional priorities, adapt campaign timing to reinforce strategic initiatives, and ensure that major supporters are engaged at the highest organizational levels. Executive-Level Reporting Creates Real Impact When the Head of Development reports directly to the CEO, fundraising becomes an integral part of organizational strategy instead of a parallel activity. This reporting structure increases fundraising effectiveness, clarifies leadership priorities across the institution, and empowers advancement leaders to [...]

By |2025-10-28T12:57:53-04:00October 28, 2025|Blog|0 Comments

AESC Welcomes Fusion Search Partners into its Global Membership of Top Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Firms

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the $20+ billion executive search and leadership consulting industry, with member firms spanning 1,300+ offices in 80+ countries, is pleased to welcome Fusion Search Partners as a new member. The firm’s acceptance follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure quality standards. Fusion Search Partners is a global executive search firm designed to provide clients with a superior, more immersed search process. This process combines the experience and insights of senior level search professionals with the cutting-edge power of today’s most innovative AI tools, allowing Fusion to access and engage a broader range of leadership talent resulting in long-lasting placements and enduring client relationships. Fusion Search Partners Founder & CEO Greg Gerson commented: “Fusion Search Partners looks forward to collaborating with AESC and its member firms globally to continue advancing excellence, innovation, and integrity in executive search and leadership consulting.” About AESC AESC Members place and advise the world’s board directors and c-suite leaders. Founded in 1959, AESC represents the global gold standard in executive search and leadership consulting, bringing together over 16,000 professionals in more than 80 countries. AESC Members are rigorously vetted to meet the highest standards in the [...]

By |2025-10-22T10:45:19-04:00October 22, 2025|Press Release|0 Comments

Cluen’s 2025 Top Trends in Executive Search Technology

Explore Cluen's Latest Whitepaper Discover the latest AI innovations and cutting-edge technology trends in the executive search space based on 2025 industry surveys. Cluen’s Encore system leverages the latest AI technology to save time and win new business. Its research brings a deep understanding of the latest tools and strategies that enable you to better innovate for the future. Download the Whitepaper

By |2025-10-20T12:21:54-04:00October 20, 2025|Research & Guides|0 Comments

The Shortening Shelf Life of the Modern CEO

CEO departures have risen to record levels. Tenures continue to fall to new lows. The modern CEO faces an unrelenting mix of challenges, including surging internal pressure to drive business growth and performance amid social scrutiny, political tension, and economic instability. The weight of these expectations often leads to CEO burnout or boardroom dissatisfaction, resulting in high departures and shorter tenures. In July 2025, Forbes reported that 1,358 CEOs around the globe had left their job since the start of the year – “more than the entirety of 2022.” According to Russell Reynolds Associates, “The average tenure for outgoing CEOs fell to 6.8 years in the first half of 2025, down from 7.7 years during the same period in 2024—the lowest H1 figure since we began tracking CEO turnover in 2018.” Changing Times: The Reasons for Today’s Increased Turnovers The rate at which CEOs choose to depart their current position or are asked to step down is rising at an incredible rate due to a multitude of factors. “CEO tenures are shortening as organisations confront mounting complexity, shifting stakeholder demands, and accelerated cycles of disruption,” says Yvonne Pengue, Director at executive search firm spot on minds Ltd. WittKieffer’s Managing Director Jennifer Borrer and Global Leader for Commercial Strategy [...]

By |2025-10-17T13:50:11-04:00October 17, 2025|Executive Talent Magazine|0 Comments

Acertitude: 5 Cybersecurity Shifts Every Executive Must Prioritize Before Q1 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about reminders to update your password or avoid phishing emails. It’s a chance to step back and ask a deeper question: is your organization truly prepared for the threats and opportunities shaping the next era of business? From ransomware that writes itself to shadow AI tools spreading across enterprises, the risks facing leaders in 2025 are evolving faster than most strategies. For executives, especially those in private equity and high-growth companies, cybersecurity is no longer a technical function in the background. It’s a front-line issue that directly impacts enterprise value, customer trust, and long-term growth. Read the full article Connect with Acertitude

By |2025-10-20T11:55:07-04:00October 17, 2025|Member Thought Leadership|0 Comments
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