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Daily Newswire
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
The New Engine of Executive Search: How Hunt Scanlon Is Powering a Productivity Revolution
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit last week began rolling out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability
Lochlin Partners Recruits Executive Director for the Pentagon Memorial Fund
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McCarthy as the executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. succeeding Jim Laychak. He will lead the organization as it goes to the next phase of its initiative to build a visitor education center at the site of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. “We are thrilled to have Mike
IIC Partners Makes Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Oliver Schmitt and reappointed Vanessa Dalas to the board of directors. They were elected during the IIC Partners’ AGM held in October and will serve a three-year term. “Oliver Schmitt and Vanessa Dalas are highly accomplished global leaders who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to IIC
Predicting 2024’s Talent Acquisition Trends
No individual can see the future clearly. But when we blend the expert views of global talent leaders with comprehensive data, it becomes clearer. It’s this powerful combination of insights that fuels Korn Ferry’s annual talent acquisition trends report. Each year the search firm, which is the largest globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, lays out
Isaacson, Miller Seeking VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Davidson College
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been retained by Davidson College to lead in its search for its inaugural vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keight Tucker Kennedy, Diana Carmona, and Alexis Scott are leading the assignment. A search committee of faculty, staff, students, and a member of the board of trustees, supported
Slone Partners Fills Board Positions for Fusion Pharmaceuticals
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek as members of the board of directors at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. “Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek are all very accomplished and highly respected leaders in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, oncology,
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Wellborn Cabinet
Chairman and CEO Joseph McElmeel, Richard Mohrman, and Mark Otto of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates have placed Mara Villanueva-Heras as the new chief marketing officer of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. in Ashland, AL. With an extensive background in marketing, Ms. Villanueva-Heras most recently served as SVP of marketing with Emser Tile. Prior to that, she held various senior
Odgers Berndtson Names Managing Partner, Netherlands
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson Netherlands has appointed Kristien Janssen as managing partner. She succeeds Ed van der Sande, who returns to the leadership practice full-time after six years, focusing on executive search, assessments and (team) coaching. “Over the past four years, Kristien has made a special contribution to the transformation we are undergoing as an organization,”
The Dynamic State of the European Tech Ecosystem
The U.S. venture capital market has experienced an unprecedented slowdown over the past couple of years, with a decrease in IPOs and a substantial decline in investment funds, according to EY. But despite challenging global economic conditions and a slow venture market, Europe’s tech ecosystem is undergoing a transformative period. The market continues to display
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Suehila Glass as the first female president and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. She succeeds Stan Law, who retired earlier this year. “Throughout our partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the Nexus team focused
5 Reasons to Hire a Search Firm to Find Your Next HR Leader
In the realm of HR leadership, finding the perfect candidate often feels like searching for a unicorn. The unique blend of skills, experience, and cultural fit required for these roles can be elusive. Many organizations underestimate the challenges of such recruitment endeavors and the potential consequences of getting it wrong, according to a recent report
ZRG Partners Helps Place New CEO at Sunshine Coast Airport
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Chris Mills as the new CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport in Australia. Garreth Ball led the assignment on the behalf of ZRG. “Chris’ extensive experience in finance, tourism, leisure, aviation, property planning and development across the private and
Ellig Group Acquires Corporate Director Academy
New York City-based Ellig Group has acquired Corporate Director Academy, a training program for those aspiring to become a corporate board director. “I didn’t want to just talk about board diversity, I wanted to do something about it,” said Maggie Wilderotter, the former Fortune 500 CEO and current corporate director, and champion of gender balance in the boardroom.
AI Making Inroads Into Human Capital Sector, Jolting Investor Interest
A recent McKinsey & Company survey revealed a remarkable adoption of generative AI tools across various industries. Over one-third of respondents reported that their organizations were already leveraging artificial intelligence in at least one business function. What’s even more astonishing is that nearly a quarter of C-suite executives admitted to incorporating AI into their work processes, signifying
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Phillips 66
Jason Hanold, Sarah Kennedy, Katrina Maione, and Eleanor Tetreault of Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search have assisted in the recruitment of Andrez Carberry as senior vice president and chief human resources officer to Phillips 66, a Houston, TX-based diversified energy company. “We are excited to have Andrez join Phillips 66 at such an important time for our company,” said
ON Partners Recruits CEO for META Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Jim Fusaro as the new CEO of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. George Palikaras has been removed as president and CEO and is no longer with the company. “On behalf of the board of directors, it is my pleasure to welcome Jim Fusaro as CEO of Meta Materials,” said Jack Harding,
Caliber Associates Fills Chief Medical Officer Post for Palisade Bio
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates assisted in the recruitment of Mitchell Jones as the chief medical officer of Palisade Bio, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company advancing therapies for acute and chronic gastrointestinal complications. “We are delighted to welcome Mitch to Palisade Bio as our chief medical officer,” said J.D. Finley, CEO of Palisade Bio. “His extensive
IMD International Search Group Adds Ishwa Consulting as Its Newest Member Firm
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has added Ishwa Consulting as its newest member firm. With a team of 10 senior consultants strategically located in India’s key business hubs – Gurgaon (Delhi), Bangalore, and the Middle East, Ishwa Consulting has its global footprint with an office in Dubai. Founded in 2016 by Arvind Pandit,
Will the Surging M&A Market for Executive Search Firms Continue?
Over the past decade, a wave of consolidation activity across the executive search sector has profoundly changed the recruiting sector as we know it. And in the last five years, the role of executive search firms has fundamentally changed the look and feel of the sector even more. The industry has moved from simply identifying
True Recruits CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems
Karin Andersson of global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tatiana Brandt as the new CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems in Sweden. Former CEO and founder, Christian Johansson, takes on the role of chief strategy officer and remains a board member and largest shareholder in the company. “NODA is in a very exciting phase and
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Growth Officer for aptihealth
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Conway as the new chief growth officer of aptihealth in Boston, MA. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “We are delighted to welcome Amanda Conway to the aptihealth family as our new chief growth officer,” said Tim Koehler,
Premier Staffing Solution Acquires Staffing Unit of TTi Global
Premier Staffing Solution has acquired the external staffing business of TTi Global, Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Included in the acquisition are client staffing contracts that will be transferred to Premier. The primary focus of the contracts is supporting large clients in the mobility sector and other industries in North America with temporary engineering,
Egon Zehnder Forms Partnership with The 350 Club
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has formed an alliance with The 350 Club, an online community that connects the FTSE 350 global board community. This partnership combines Egon Zehnder’s boardroom expertise with The 350 Club’s shared vision to fostering an online platform for board members to exchange insights and learnings. “We are incredibly honored to be
Identifying and Landing a Board Seat for Women
It is no longer news that a diverse board of directors can have a direct impact on a company’s bottom line. According to McKinsey, those companies in the top quartile for board member gender diversity are 25 percent more likely to outperform than those in the bottom quartile, and a Pipeline study found that organizations where women make
Blue Rock Search Recruits Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Cummins
Blue Rock Search has assisted in the recruitment of Basant Pandey as global head of talent acquisition for Cummins. “Blue Rock Search was pleased to partner with Cummins on their search for their global head of talent acquisition,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader and founding partner at Blue Rock Search. “Remaining competitive in
ON Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Transformco
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. ON Partners’ Andy Hickman and Alex Pelak recently placed Patrick
Spelman Johnson Seeking Director of Athletics & Recreation for University of California, Santa Cruz
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been retained by University of California, Santa Cruz, to lead in its search for a director of athletics & recreation. Dell Robison, athletics practice leader and senior consultant, and Anne-Marie Kenney, senior consultant, are leading the assignment. The school seeks a dynamic, student-centered, and culturally competent professional to serve
Hightech Partners Expands in Brussels
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Roberto Zangrandi as a partner in Brussels. Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren, managing directors of HTP, said: “Since many years, our traditional client base in the high tech industry has been complemented by leading international companies seeking digital talent to help them harvest the benefits
Heidrick & Struggles Sees Three Percent Revenue Gain Amid Challenging Market Conditions
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $263.2 million, a three percent increase compared to the same period a year ago. The firm experienced growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in Europe, partially offset by declines in Executive Search in Asia Pacific and the Americas. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth
CarterBaldwin Recruits Fourth President for Covenant College
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Brad Voyles as the new president of Covenant College. Consultant Stephanie Steele led the assignment. The presidential search committee began its search this spring after former president Derek Halvorson was named director of the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership. Prior to the vote to elect Dr. Voyles
Leader Dogs for the Blind Selects Vetted Solutions to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been retained by Leader Dogs for the Blind (Leader Dogs) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The incoming leader must be passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with independence and mobility. They must also love dogs and truly
Calibre One Appoints Leader of Health and Well-Being Practice Group
Executive search firm Calibre One has named Harry Greenspun as partner and leader of the new innovative health and well-being practice group while expanding the company’s presence in the D.C. area. “Dr. Greenspun brings an exceptional perspective to our organization,” said Tom Barnes, managing partner. “He’s served not just the clinical side, but across nearly every industry.
