Slayton Search Partners: State of Rural Labor Markets
Title: Communication is Redefining Executive Leadership
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Monica Agrawal as Chairperson & Country Head, India
Mumbai/Delhi, 11th February 2026 – Sheffield Haworth, a global leader in executive search and consulting, is delighted to announce the appointment of Monica Agrawal as Chairperson & Country Head, India. Monica will join on February 11th 2026, and will be responsible for leading Sheffield Haworth’s India Business, deepening client partnerships, and driving strategic growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. India today is one of the fastest-growing and most influential markets globally, on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by the end of the decade. With a rapidly expanding financial services sector, an increasingly globalised private equity market, and a vibrant ecosystem of fintechs, global capability centres, and multinational corporations, the demand for world-class leadership talent has never been greater. Sheffield Haworth’s investment in the region reflects both this opportunity and the firm’s commitment to supporting clients in India and internationally with leadership and transformational change solutions. Monica joins from Korn Ferry, where she spent the past 13 years, most recently serving as Head of Financial Services and Head of Board Services, India. She is widely recognised as one of the most respected executive search and leadership consultants in the region, with deep relationships across Chairs, Chief [...]
Executive Search Jobs: Roles and Responsibilities Explained
The executive search market is dynamic and highly competitive—and so are careers within it. While many people picture executive search as a single “headhunter” role, the reality is a coordinated team of specialists working together to deliver a successful placement. From market mapping and candidate outreach to assessment, client advisory, and business development, each role plays a distinct part in the search process. Below, we break down the most common executive search jobs including what each role does, what success looks like, and the skills that help professionals stand out. How executive search teams are typically structured Most retained search assignments are run by a team with complementary responsibilities: Researchers and/or analysts build market intelligence and identify talent Associates manage execution, candidate engagement, and search momentum Consultants lead strategy, assess candidates, and advise clients Partners, Managing Partners and/or Managing Directors drive relationships, win work, set quality standards, and often lead the most complex searches Titles vary across firms, but the responsibilities below are widely consistent across the industry. Executive Researcher or Analyst: The market-mapping and talent intelligence engine In many executive search firms, Executive Researcher and Analyst roles focus on turning a role brief into a clear, insight-driven view of [...]
Leadership Moves: December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Acertitude placed: Rebeca Sarmiento as Finance Operating Partner at Sixth Street. Sharad Dutta as Chief Information Officer at Veritas Capital. Jack Aleksanyan as Operating Director – Value Creation at Marlin Equity Partners. Boyden placed Chris Wilesmith as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Bapcor Limited. Buffkin / Baker placed: Telisha Yosten as Plant Manager at James Avery Artisan Jewelry. Search led by David Alexander and Jennifer Conkle. Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D, as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Atlantic University. Search led by Ann Yates. Douglas Mays as VP of Facilities, Security, and Environmental Care at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Search led by Brad Veal and Evan Wescott. Cornerstone International Group placed Kristi Kangas as SVP for North America Manufacturing Operations at Dawn Foods. Samuel Dergel led the search. Coulter Partners placed: Dr. Daniel Green as COO of mOm Incubators. Mark Rothera as CEO of TreeFrog Therapeutics. Future Leadership placed Aya Rajakaruna as General Manager at Australian Council for Educational Resources UAE. Johnson Partners placed: Susan Peterson as Chair of Kiwi Group Capital Limited. Elodie Guillaumond as Chief Financial Officer for Michael Hill. Louise Griffin as Executive General Manager External Affairs for Transpower New Zealand. Sheffield placed: [...]
Acertitude: Why CEO Quality in Now a Deal Variable in Industrial Private Equity
Title: Communication is Redefining Executive Leadership
Future-Ready: How AESC Is Powering Lifelong Learning in Executive Talent Acquisition
As agility, technology, and human insight converge, one thing is clear: the path to excellence in executive search and leadership consulting is paved with continuous learning. The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) is rising to this moment, reimagining learning and development not just as a resource, but as a strategic advantage. At AESC, we believe investing in people is the most powerful way to elevate the profession. That’s why our learning offerings aren’t just keeping pace with change, we’re anticipating what’s next. From foundational research skills to advanced executive selection strategies, and from AI transformation to preparing future firm leaders, AESC is equipping executive talent acquisition professionals with the insights, tools, and capabilities they need to deliver better searches—and build stronger careers. Agile Learning for a Dynamic Profession The executive search and leadership consulting profession is evolving at unprecedented speed. New technologies, global complexity, and rising expectations from clients and candidates alike demand a more informed, future-ready workforce. That’s why AESC’s learning experiences are designed to be nimble, practical, and deeply relevant—whether you’re just starting out or preparing to lead your firm into the future. AESC’s Learning and Development portfolio spans every career stage, with a [...]
Bryant Group Welcomes Nick Miller as Vice President & Consultant
Impact-driven relationship builder joins the firm to expand partnerships across higher education, healthcare and nonprofits. DALLAS, TX — January 28, 2026 — Bryant Group, a woman-owned executive search and leadership consulting firm specializing in higher education, healthcare and nonprofits, announced today that Nick Miller has joined the organization as Vice President & Consultant. Miller brings deep experience in consultative relationship development and new business growth, most recently with Huron/Advancement Resources, where he converted prospects into qualified opportunities through multi-channel outreach and managed a portfolio of 75+ nonprofit organizations. In his new role, Miller will help Bryant Group strengthen and steward relationships with senior leaders while supporting the firm’s continued growth in executive search and leadership development—work rooted in service, alignment and emotionally intelligent leadership. “Growth only matters if it strengthens what you stand for and how you serve,” said Sally Bryant, CEO of Bryant Group. “At Bryant Group, our work begins with relationships—and Nick is exactly that kind of leader: a natural connector with the discipline, follow-through and service mindset to build long-term trust with executives doing mission-critical work.” “I’m honored to join Bryant Group,” said Nick Miller. “The firm’s mission and values are clear—and the work is meaningful. I’m excited [...]
AESC Announces New Global Board and Regional Council Officers for 2026 to Continue Transformation Begun in 2025
Sophie Wigniolle Begins Service as Global Board Chair; New Slate of Officers Elected New York, NY, January 28, 2026 — The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the firms that place and advise the world’s leaders, today announced its 2026 Global Board of Directors and Regional Council Officers and new members joining both the Global Board and AESC’s Regional Councils. The new slate builds on the organizational transformation initiated in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum and strengthened global representation. Led by newly elected Global Board Chair Sophie Wigniolle, the Global Board brings together a dynamic group of officers committed to advancing strong governance, global representation, and increased value for AESC members worldwide. “Sophie Wigniolle is enormously well-respected in the profession and in our organization,” said AESC President & CEO James Edmund Datri. “Working closely with our former Global Chair Julian Ha, Sophie was instrumental in our turnaround last year as AESC’s Vice Chair. I now look forward to working with her in her new role as AESC’s Global Chair, along with our new Vice Chair Jacques Bouwens, our Treasurer David Turner, our Chair Emeritus Julian Ha, and our entire Global Board to continue the exciting [...]
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners to Expand Financial Services and Board Advisory Practices
New York, NY — January 27, 2026 — Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a U.S.-based executive search firm focused on Financial Services and Board Advisory. The acquisition strengthens Odgers’ ability to advise leaders and boards where capital allocation, governance, and strategy intersect, recruiting and supporting decision-makers who shape outcomes across industries. This union further positions Odgers’ Global Financial Services and Board Advisory Practices as an industry leader, combining a strong U.S. presence with a global platform and reach to recruit and develop exceptional leaders across 33 countries, including major financial hubs such as New York, London, Singapore, Chicago, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Toronto, Hong Kong, and Sydney. "We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate commitment to client service—an approach shared by Odgers. Uniting our teams is a natural fit that will enhance the knowledge, reach, and impact we provide to clients." - Kennon KincaidChief Executive Officer, US “Together, we are building an executive search and leadership advisory platform aligned with how capital-driven decisions are made today—and how they impact every sector our clients operate in.” “Joining forces with Odgers marks an exciting next chapter for Ridgeway [...]
AI Is Reshaping Leadership Teams: What Walmart’s Moves Mean for Executive Hiring
Walmart’s recent leadership reshuffle, timed with the appointment of incoming CEO John Furner and explicitly positioned as a response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in retail, is more than a corporate personnel update. It signals a broader strategic repositioning of top leadership in response to disruptive technology and offers important lessons for executive hiring, succession planning, and advisory partners across industries. As companies grapple with how AI should influence their business models, Walmart’s decision to restructure its leadership and centralize enterprise platforms underscores a reality that many boards and C-suite teams will soon face: AI isn’t just a tool — it’s a strategic priority that reshapes the competencies leaders must bring to the table. Walmart’s Strategic Leadership Reset Effective February 1, 2026, Walmart is elevating leaders with deep experience in digital transformation and operational execution to positions of greater influence. In addition to Furner’s elevation to CEO, the board has promoted executives such as: David Guggina, who moves from chief e-commerce officer to President and CEO of Walmart U.S., reflecting the importance of digital and supply chain expertise. Seth Dallaire, broadened from U.S. chief growth officer to global Chief Growth Officer, with responsibility for enterprise platforms like [...]
