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Daily Newswire
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
Lancer Group Recruits CFO for LifeSpeak
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Matt Smolko as the new CFO of digital wellbeing platform LifeSpeak. “LifeSpeak is entering an exciting new chapter as organizations demand wellbeing solutions that are reliable, flexible, hyper-personalized, and proven to make a difference,” said Jason Campana, CEO of LifeSpeak. “Our newly expanded leadership team strengthens our ability to
JM Search Assists Eden Brothers with Recruitment of New CEO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Hollenstein as CEO of Kian Capital Partners-backed Eden Brothers. JM Search’s consumer practice team members Liza Stokes, partner, and Avery (Loeffler) Jacob, vice president, led the assignment. “Mike brings over 20 years of merchandising
Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Linda Tsai as the new president and CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She was selected following a rigorous national search led by the museum’s board search committee and conducted by Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc., distinguishing herself among a strong field of candidates. Ms.
Bryant Group Retained to Find Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Chattanooga Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been retained to recruit the vice chancellor for advancement and executive director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the University of Chattanooga Foundation. Katie Riecke is leading the assignment. “We are seeking a dynamic leader to advance the mission of the University of Tennessee
Bay Street Advisors Strengthens Senior Leadership Team
New York City-based executive search firm Bay Street Advisors has expanded with the addition of Patrick Hurley as a managing director and head of the infrastructure practice, further strengthening the firm’s senior leadership team and expanding its capabilities across middle- and back-office leadership search. “Patrick’s experience across banking, hedge funds, and private markets adds meaningful depth
McDermott + Bull Interim Announces New Appointments
Irvine-based McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders (MBIL) has appointed James Hickey as managing partner and president, Mark McConnell as managing partner, head of client services, and Tamra Solis as managing partner, talent. “This leadership team has been essential to building the foundation that supports where we are today,” said Rod McDermott, co-founder and CEO of McDermott + Bull. “James, Mark, and Tamra
The Evolving CFO: Seven Traits Defining High-Impact Finance Leaders
The chief financial officer has emerged as one of the most pivotal figures in the C-suite, tasked with steering organizations through volatility, digital transformation, and heightened investor scrutiny. No longer confined to stewardship and reporting, today’s finance leaders are expected to influence enterprise strategy, guide capital allocation, and help chart the company’s long-term trajectory. As
Artico Recruits Partner for Radical Ventures
Artico Search has assisted in the placement of Richard Kotite as a partner with Radical Ventures. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “Excited to share that I’ve joined Radical Ventures as a partner in London,” Mr. Kotite said in a LinkedIn post. “Europe has world-class entrepreneurial talent in AI, and I’m
Z3Talent Retained by FreshLo to Lead CEO Search
Denver, CO-based executive search firm Z3Talent was recently retained to lead the search for the founding chief executive officer of FreshLo, a non-profit grocery enterprise expanding in Montbello and other Denver neighborhoods. Steve Ziegler and Paula Stolebarger are leading the assignment. This is a build-from-scratch leadership mandate with meaningful operating complexity and community impact. “This is
Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be the
Beyond Expertise: How to Identify and Develop Transformative Legal Leaders
Demand for senior legal executives in both corporate and law firm environments continues to intensify as organizations confront growing regulatory complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting risk landscapes. Boards and general counsel are placing a premium on leaders who are not just technically adept in areas such as compliance, litigation, and privacy, but who also serve
The Squeezed Middle is Breaking Leadership Pipelines and Boards Are Missing It
Most leadership discussions focus on two ends of the organization. Entry-level hiring pipelines and executive compensation get airtime. The layer in between usually does not, according to a recent article from The Barton Partnership’s Michael Doud. “That blind spot is now one of the biggest risks to leadership continuity,” he said. “Middle management is where succession
ZRG Retained by Virginia Union University to Lead Chief Investment Officer Search
ZRG Partners has been retained by Virginia Union University to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. Dakota Doman, managing director in ZRG’s education practice, and principal Jerel Booker are leading the assignment. The chief investment officer will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision. This senior executive will develop and implement comprehensive
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Radsource
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Lanson Hyde as CEO of Radsource. He brings extensive experience leading healthcare organizations through organic growth, acquisitions, and multi-site operational scaling. Mr. Hyde is known for building strong physician partnerships, strengthening leadership teams, and creating high-performance cultures that deliver measurable results. Prior to joining Radsource, Mr. Lanson served as CEO
Peña Search Recruits CEO for The SAFE Alliance
Peña Search has assisted in the recruitment of Pierre R. Berastaín as the new CEO of The Safe Alliance. Travis Hillier led the assignment. He succeeds longtime CEO Julia Spann, whose decades of leadership built SAFE into a nationally recognized model for integrated services. “For more than twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary staff, board
Zemantics Ventures Expands Healthcare Workforce Platform with Dual Acquisition
Hunt Scanlon Ventures has served as buy-side M&A advisor to Zemantics Ventures in its acquisition of Consilium360 and MedWell360, strengthening Zemantics’ healthcare services portfolio and expanding its enterprise workforce and operational solutions capabilities nationwide. The deals bring together complementary capabilities across healthcare HR strategy, workforce process optimization, scheduling, and access center operations — forming a more integrated, technology-enabled
Egon Zehnder Opens New Office in Philadelphia
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has opened a new office in Philadelphia, marking the firm’s 70th office globally. Ari Roitman will lead the Philadelphia office, bringing experience across leadership development and professional sports organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Major League Baseball. “Building on our ongoing work in the Philadelphia region, it was important to us to
TalentRise Assists ECMC Foundation with Executive Director Search
Following a national professional search process, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Julie R. Berrigan as executive director of ECMC Foundation in Buffalo, NY. The foundation received strong interest from a broad range of highly experienced candidates. Ms. Berrigan emerged from that process as the consensus individual to serve as the foundation’s new executive
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for BOOST Pharma
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited seasoned biotech entrepreneur Hans T. Schambye as the new CEO of BOOST Pharma in Stockholm, Sweden. “Hans joined BOOST Pharma at a pivotal time for the company,” said Ingelise Saunders, chair of BOOST Pharma. “Having already made an impact as a member of our board with his deep scientific
ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Klein Hersh Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Zag Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited Jan Hillson as chief medical officer of Zag Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering thymus-targeted medicines in Cambridge, MA. “Jan joins Zag at a pivotal moment as we transition from research into clinical development,” said Jason Cole, CEO of
Herbert Mines Assists Designer Brands with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sheamus Toal as executive vice president, chief financial officer and principal financial officer of NYSE-traded Designer Brands Inc. Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer during the transition period, will return full time to his position as
SPMB Executive Search Expands Private Equity Practice
SPMB Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Rawlins Heaton as a partner and member of the firm’s private equity practice. “Rawlins brings a rare combination of deep private equity expertise, exceptional judgment, and a thoughtful, client-centric approach to executive search,” said Mike Doonan, SPMB managing partner. “She has earned the trust of some of
Massey Henry Expands Advisory Board
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has elected Yung Wu to its advisory board. “Yung brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial drive, executive leadership, and board governance expertise, grounded in a deep conviction in innovation as a driver of social and economic progress,” said Michael Henry, founder and managing partner at Massey Henry. “As financial services organizations navigate
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
Myers McRae Retained by the University of Montana Western for Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by the University of Montana Western (UMW) to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The school seeks a confident and perceptive individual to serve in the executive leadership role of chancellor. With the abilities to balance and prioritize, the chancellor will
SearchWide Global Recruits Executive Director for Cody Yellowstone
Following a nationwide search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Michael Wambolt as the new executive director of the Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Wambolt to Cody,” said John Parsons, chairman of the board of directors of PCTC. “He is a travel
