Search firms are just a tool that can be used in many different ways. In this case, I believe the search firm being activated was to a) slow down the momentum of one particular candidate and b) use the “findings” to kill his candidacy. None of that means that they won’t find viable candidates but, to me, it signifies that the dysfunction continues. Why wait to bring in the firm until now? More importantly, I believe it shows that the business as usual board members push back has gained traction, which is not good.