DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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.
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
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?
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
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
HR Leaders Take Center Stage as Companies Push to Scale AI Across the Enterprise
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, forcing leadership teams to rethink not only technology strategy, but how work itself is structured, delivered, and scaled. As adoption accelerates, companies are moving beyond early experimentation and pilot programs, with growing pressure to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. What was once a forward-looking initiative
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Axcelis Technologies
Executive search firm ON Partners recently helped to place James Coogan as the new CFO of NASDAQ-traded Axcelis Technologies Inc., a supplier of enabling ion implantation solutions for the semiconductor industry. Mr. Coogan will join the company in October. Partner Lenny Vairo spearheaded the assignment for the search firm. “After an extensive search, we are delighted to announce
Greenwood Asher & Associates Places President and CEO for University of the District of Columbia
After an extensive, seven month search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has placed Maurice D. Edington as the new president and CEO of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Marion Frenche, associate vice president of executive search and practice leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion, led the assignment
Frederickson Partners Recruits HR Leader for Kyverna Therapeutics
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Portia Serame as vice president of human resources at Kyverna Therapeutics, a clinical-stage cell therapy company with the mission of engineering a new class of therapies for autoimmune diseases. Ms. Serame joins Kyverna Therapeutics from ReCor Medical, where she served as senior director of HR. In
Corsica Partners Acquires Alora Search Partners
Corsica Partners has acquired Alora Search Partners and appointed its founding partner, Mary Langan as managing director and cybersecurity practice lead. “Alora Search Partners has developed a respected reputation serving public, VC and PE backed software, robotics, and cybersecurity firms,” said Dan Veitkus, managing partner and CEO of Corsica Partners. “Under Mary’s leadership, Alora has
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Q1 Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2024 fiscal first quarter revenues of $699.2 million, essentially flat from the same period a year ago. Fee revenue remained constant primarily due to an increase in the interim portion of Professional Search & Interim, resulting from the acquisitions of Infinity Consulting Solutions which was effective Aug. 1, 2022 and Salo which
The Tolan Group Fills CFO Role for Memorial MRI & Diagnostic Imaging Centers
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the placement of Fred Huang as the new chief financial officer of Memorial MRI & Diagnostic Imaging Centers (MMRI). The company is based in Houston, TX and backed by Panos, a private equity sponsor focused on making investments in middle-market healthcare and business services companies. Jennifer Chee, principal,
BoardWalk Consulting Places CEO of Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has placed Warwick Sabin as the inaugural president and chief executive officer of Deep South Today, a networked hub of non-profit newsrooms. Founding director Sam Pettway and directors Cynthia Moreland and Michelle Hall led the assignment. Mr. Sabin, who most recently served as chief strategy officer at Interfaith America, a
Artico Search Recruits Chief Product Officer for LeadsOnline
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The position typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work
August Leadership Expands Senior Search Team
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Thomas Fuller as a partner based in New York City. “Tom’s exceptional track record and extensive experience across multiple industries at the board and C-suite level bring an invaluable dimension to our firm’s capabilities,” said Asad Haider, founder and CEO of August Leadership. “With Tom on
The Balance Between Using Artificial Intelligence and Authentic Intelligence to Find Talent
We live in a day and age when artificial AI continues to gain steam. Consider how it has already changed our everyday lives. It’s omnipresent and it’s no surprise that technology leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI lead the way. All three recently released groundbreaking AI-powered chatbots that can code, converse, debate, plan, write;
Easing Resistance to Going Back to the Office
The debate between employees and employers regarding a return to the office continues. Recently, however, we’ve seen more leaders across various sectors initiate the call to return to the office in what appears to be a shifting of the tides. Whether fully remote, hybrid, or in-office, the end goal of a company is the same:
DHR Global Recruits Head Baseball Coach for Northwestern University
Talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Ben Greenspan as Northwestern University’s new head baseball coach. DHR’s managing partner and global sports practice leader Glenn Sugiyama led the assignment. “After an extensive nationwide search, Ben’s experience and coaching prowess quickly set him apart within the candidate pool,” said Derrick Gragg, vice president for athletics and recreation
BrainWorks Assists Visterra Landscape Group in the Recruitment of Chief Development Officer
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is Job One. Recruiters continue to report that CDOs are
Kingsley Gate Acquires Seeliger y Conde in Spain
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has acquired Seeliger y Conde, an executive search and leadership advisory firm in Spain. “Despite the unquestionable importance of Spain as a key vertex of North American, European, and Latin American enterprise, this partnership goes beyond mere geographical strengths,” said Eduardo Antunovic, chief client officer and senior partner at Kingsley Gate. “At the
Demand Intensifies From Non-Profits Seeking Senior Talent
Non-profit organizations in 2023 are facing inflation, declining donations, increased demand for services, workforce shortages, and more. A recent non-profit trends report by Forbes says that the changing workforce is presenting challenges for both for-profit and non-profit leaders. Being ready to consider alternative staffing options would put many of them ahead of the shifting landscape,
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 187,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.4 million in August. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare, leisure and hospitality, social assistance, and construction. Employment in transportation and warehousing declined. Among the
Preng & Associates Places Independent Non-Executive Director for CleanTech Lithium
Houston-based Preng & Associates recently assisted in the placement of Tommy McKeith as an independent non-executive director for CleanTech Lithium PLC (CTL), an exploration and development company advancing next-generation sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the EV transition. The assignment was led by consultants Edward Blyth and Jozsef Marton, both located in London. Mr. McKeith, based in Perth,
Spencer Stuart Selected by the St. Louis Fed to Lead CEO Search
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. Spencer Stuart was recently retained by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The selection
IIC Partners Names Global Practice Group Leader for Consumer Markets
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has appointed Jouko Pitkänen as global practice group leader for consumer markets. “Jouko’s extensive experience and unique insights make him a valued addition to our practice group leadership,” said Renee Arrington, president and chief operating officer at Pearson Partners International and IIC Partners board liaison for practice groups. “His appointment underscores our
The Shifting Landscape for Leadership Skill-Sets
Reskilling has been a simmering hot topic for the past several years, especially as it applies to professional and technical skills. But the past year and a half may go down as the great shake-up for leadership skills, according to executive search consultants. Traditional leader skill-sets (including communication), which could once be mastered, now need
Winning Strategies For Scale-up CMOs
“The CMO must be world-class at understanding human motivations, data, and storytelling, “ Jonathan Mildenhall, co-founder and chair of marketing consultancy firm TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, was quoted as saying in a new report from boutique search firm Artico Search. “That’s why I love marketing, it’s a data-inspired storytelling function that engages human beings. It really is a
The SR Group Opens Second Office in the U.S.
Global search company The SR Group has expanded its U.S. presence with the opening of a new office in Orlando, FL. The new office will be led by Brewer Morris executive director Jack Hart but can support clients and candidates from across all The SR Group’s three brands present in the U.S. – Brewer Morris,
Private Equity Growth Stirs Demand for In-House Counsel Roles
As the private equity space continues to grow, consistent demand for lawyers and compliance officers at both the firm and portfolio company level has boosted the outlook of these roles. “This is generating a noticeable impact on compensation and responsibilities for these professionals,” said John Gilmore, founding partner of BarkerGilmore, in a new report from
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for ArcticZymes Technologies
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Akoh as the new chief executive officer of ArcticZymes Technologies, a Norwegian life sciences company. Past CEO Jethro Holter stepped down for personal reasons. “We are very fortunate to have engaged Michael as our next CEO,” said Marie Roskrow, ArcticZymes’ chairman of the board. “Coulter Partners ran
N2Growth Names Partner to Head Expansion in Australia
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the appointment of Marinda Carelsen as a partner to head the firm’s expansion into Australia. She will report directly to Kelli Vukelic, CEO at N2Growth. “Marinda’s commitment to fostering transformative leadership and advancing organizational excellence aligns perfectly with N2Growth’s mission,” said Ms. Vukelic. “Her deep understanding
Boards Make Progress with Diversity, More Work Remains
Today’s boards face an increasingly complex business environment, an intensifying regulatory environment, and growing activism by investors and other stakeholders. In response, they are focusing on their own composition and taking a strategic approach to director appointments, according to a new report from Spencer Stuart. Active and retired executives with CEO experience are in demand,
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Intterra
Daniel Bolger and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have helped to place Mike Soldan as the new chief executive officer for Intterra, an interagency common operational platform backed by Emberline. He takes over as CEO from Molly Hausmann, who has served in an interim-role since early 2023, after also holding the COO role. “As the world increases in complexity, we
BrainWorks Names Leader of Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Private Investment Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks expanded with the addition of Charles Wilson as leader of the real estate, infrastructure, and private investment practice. His division focuses on execution, origination, and portfolio management talent for private investment platforms across various asset classes, industries, and strategies. “Charles brings 13 years of experience in finance recruitment, successfully partnering with firms ranging from
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Kilberry
Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has acquired Kilberry, a leadership advisory firm based in Toronto that serves investors, CEOs, and C-suite leaders across North America. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Bringing Kilberry into the fold will further bolster RRA’s top-shelf leadership advisory capabilities with some of the most talented consultants in the sector,” said
RH Perry & Associates Places CFO for Manhattan College
RH Perry & Associates has placed James J. Perrino as the new vice president for finance/ chief financial officer of Manhattan College in New York City. He was formerly executive vice president of finance and operations at Adelphi University. Senior consultants Sue DeWine and Pam Shockley-Zalabak led the search. “We are thrilled to welcome James Perrino
Blue Rock Search Names Leader of Private Equity Practice
Blue Rock Search has appointed Joshua Jones as practice leader for the firm’s growing private equity practice. “Joshua’s invaluable contributions, deep understanding of executive search and private equity sectors, persistent pursuit of excellence, leadership skills, and robust client and candidate relationships, uniquely position him for success as our PE practice leader,” said Ruben Moreno, founder and
