DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
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.
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
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?
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
Candidate-Driven Market Continues to Complicate Hiring Top Talent
More movement in the job market appears to be on the way. According to a survey of more than 2,500 workers in the U.S. from Robert Half, one-four respondents are currently looking for a new role, and an additional 24 percent plan to start searching by year-end. The combined percentage (49 percent) is up three points
ZRG Partners Finds Chief Growth Officer for Bonchon
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Suzie Tsai as chief growth officer for Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain. Issy Perez, managing director, and Cheryl Malcomb Gonzales, managing associate, led the assignment. Ms. Tsai joins Bonchon with more than 25 years of marketing and
Education Executives Recruits President for Ohio State University
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives has assisted in the recruitment of Walter “Ted” Carter as the 17th president of Ohio State University. He will start in his new role on Jan. 1. Kristina Johnson, who held the role since 2020, stepped down in May. It was also recently announced that Peter Mohler, the university’s executive vice president for
Heritage Executive Search Opens Doors
Executive search and HR veteran Howard Glenn has launched Heritage Executive Search in Birmingham, AL. “I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Heritage Executive Search,” said Mr. Glenn. “After countless conversations and a lot of planning, I’ve taken the entrepreneurial leap to start my own executive recruitment and talent advisory business.” “My goal is to partner
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head of Markets for the Americas
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Michael Nelson as a managing director and head of markets for the Americas. He will be based in the firm’s New York office. “Michael’s expertise and understanding of the markets will allow him to drive forward a thriving business for us in the U.S.,” said Julian
Anxiety About the Economy Hurts Even Hot Sectors like Cybersecurity
Despite the economic uncertainty and inflation, security budgets have generally continued to rise but at a lower rate than prior years, according to IANS Research and Artico Search’s just released 2023 Security Budget Benchmark Report, an annual research study that analyzes detailed cybersecurity budget data. Respondents reported an average security budget increase of six percent,
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
Following an extensive national search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Bobbi-Jo Meuleman as the new chief executive officer for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce in Idaho. She will be replacing current president and CEO Bill Connors who announced his intent to retire earlier this year. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice
ON Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for SmartBear
ON Partners’ Tindall (Sewell) Hein and Aaron Clark recently helped recruit Melissa Campbell as the new chief revenue officer for SmartBear, a Sommerville, MA-based provider of software development and visibility tools. “Melissa believes that high-performing sales teams demonstrate key qualities like high energy, data-driven decision making, results focused, and customer obsession, so I’m certain she will fit right
Odgers Berndtson Boosts Technology Practice, Scale-Up Offering
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is investing in the growth of its technology practice, at the same time as focusing heavily on its investor backed scale-up offering, the Scale Up Collective. The firm recently announced that David Bell will be heading the collective. He is joined by Sam Smith, who brings over a decade of executive
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Montreal
TRANSEARCH International has added Décarie Executive Search in Montreal as its newest member firm. “I am very pleased to welcome Décarie Executive Search, which strengthens our presence in Eastern Canada and our overall Canadian and North American capability,” said Ulrich Ackerman, chairman of the board of TRANSEARCH. “Over the years, Décarie has built a strong reputation in Québec based
Amid Uncertain Economy, Finance Expertise Tops the List of Most In-Demand Skills for 2023
Companies find themselves in a unique position in today’s dynamic and ever-changing business landscape. While fears of an economic downturn have lingered through much of 2023, a significant recession has yet to materialize, and there is now serious debate among economists on whether we’re likely to enter one anytime soon. Amid these uncertain times, leading
Herbert Mines Assists Cooks Venture with CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of John Niemann as the new chief executive officer of Cooks Venture, a vertically-integrated poultry business with proprietary genetics for a slower-growth, pasture-raised bird. “We are delighted to welcome John as our new CEO,” said Matt Feldman, board member. “John
Lindauer Places VP for Inclusive Excellence in Philanthropy for University of Cincinnati Foundation
Lindauer has helped the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) find its inaugural vice president for inclusive excellence in philanthropy. Tammy Bennett was recently hired for the role after serving as chief equity and inclusion officer at national law firm Dinsmore & Shohl. Leading the assignment were Faith Montgomery, vice president and managing director, and Chandra
JW Michaels & Co. Acquires Legerity Group
New York-based executive search firm JW Michaels & Co. has acquired executive consulting firm Legerity Group Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This addition of Legerity fits perfectly in the JW Michaels Holdings portfolio, expanding the family of brands to 20 offices across the country,” JW Michaels & Co. said. “It also provides Legerity
Solomon Page Expands in Southern Florida
As part of its nationwide growth, New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded in Southern Florida with the addition of Sara Yacano, who will focus on growing the company’s presence in the region. She will be based on Boca Raton. Ms. Yacano will join the growing accounting and finance team in Florida, working with Kim Wheeler, vice president
Executive Recruiters Scramble to Find Financial Services Executives
The financial services industry is perpetually in a state of change. From embracing digital banking in the 2000s, to the rise of fintech, banking-as-a-service, and all of the new options available to consumers today, institutions have always faced a growing need to evolve. Today is no different. Financial services firms must strategically differentiate themselves from
The Hawkins Company Seeks Fire Chief for City of Santa Monica, CA
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has been chosen to find the next fire chief for the City of Santa Monica, CA. “The City of Santa Monica is seeking an experienced, energetic, and engaging leader to continue building on the department’s established foundation,” said the search firm. “A strong leader who is
Pearl Street Collective Fills Key Position for Northeastern University
Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has assisted in the recruitment of Chris DeMeo to the newly created leadership role of associate vice president of marketing and communications for the office of university advancement at Northeastern University. Co-founders and managing partners Adele Mezher and Maeve Clifford led the assignment. Mr. DeMeo has a track record
Bespoke Partners Launches People & Talent Leadership Recruiting Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently launched a new people &talent leadership recruiting practice for HR leaders. The firm has named Alexandra Bossetta as a partner and leader of the new practice. “Talent is the most important lever for value creation in private equity portfolio companies. That’s why finding the best human capital leaders
FPC Peachtree, GA, Launched
F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC National), a nationwide network of over 60 franchised executive recruitment offices, has opened FPC Peachtree, GA. Owned and led by Daniel Singer, FPC Peachtree will specialize in finance, accounting, and technology placements. “We are incredibly excited that Daniel has decided to open his office within the FPC family,” said Jeff Herzog,
What is Attracting Top Tech Leaders
For the last 15-plus years, people flocked to tech with promises of a faster pace, career growth, the ability to innovate and drive impact, and the overall prospect of wealth and prosperity. But a new report from Hunt Club says that an interesting phenomenon has been happening for the last 12 months: “For the first time
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Role in Senior Leadership
In today’s interconnected and diverse world, effective leadership must go beyond traditional notions of authority and control. It requires embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles that drive organizational success, according to a recent report from DHR Global. In this study, the search firm explores the pivotal role of DEI as a catalyst for
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting Seeks Chancellor for Southern Arkansas University Tech
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been chosen to help Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) find its next chancellor. Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is spearheading the assignment. SAU Tech’s next chancellor will be expected to be an innovative, inspirational, and visionary leader committed to academic excellence and student success, said Myers
Princeton Theological Seminary Selects Buffkin / Baker to Find New CFO
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by the Princeton Theological Seminary to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner, and Pelema Ellis, associate partner. The search appears to be in its final stages as the firm recently stopped taking new applications. The CFO
Gerard Stewart Rebrands as L.Maxwell Signifying Next Phase of Growth
Gerard Stewart, a global provider of retained search for executives in human capital and professional services, recently rebranded to L.Maxwell Global. The name change aligns with the firm’s continued expansion and underscores the position of its founder Lisa Maxwell. “I am thrilled to share a momentous milestone in our 18-year history with the birth of
What CHROs Need to Know About DEI Moving Forward
What obstacles stand in the way of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the companies of today and tomorrow? What approaches can leaders adopt to drive the necessary changes? And what comes next for chief human resources officers in the context of DEI? These are some of the pressing topics that CHROs explored in a
The Tolan Group Assists Max Surgical Specialty Management with CFO Search
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed chief financial officers at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the placement of Paul Olson as the
Kincannon & Reed Places Two Top Leaders for AgReliant Genetics
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently helped to fill two key leadership roles for AgReliant Genetics in Westfield, IN. Brian Barker is the new chief executive officer and president of the biotechnology research company, and David Pugh, who was hired a few weeks earlier, is
Artico Search Recruits Sales Leader for Mitek Systems
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, Sarah Scheer, and Todd Daniel of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Jason Kontos as vice president of sales for NASDAQ-traded Mitek Systems Inc. in San Francisco. Mr. Kontos previously spent over 10 years with OneSpan, where he most recently served as vice president of North American sales. Prior to that, he spent a brief time
Leathwaite Appoints Co-Managing Partners
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has named Martha Harvey-Jones and Tom Pemberton as new co-managing partners. Co-founder Andrew Wallace, who has served as managing partner since 2017, will step into the chair role as successor to Martin Leuw. All four founders, Martin Phillips, James Rust, Neil Ejje, and Andrew Wallace, will continue to be key members of the team at Leathwaite, central to the firm’s growth strategy
Why Businesses Should Embrace the Imperfect CEO
Imperfection isn’t failure. Yet when it comes to CEO succession, businesses today often expect candidates to be the full embodiment of excellence and success—to be perfect. They expect CEOs to avoid any missteps as they set the direction and strategy of the company, lead and develop the executive team, build and maintain relationships, make decisions,
