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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
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
The Hidden Talent Pool: Turning AI Investment into Enterprise Value
Across industries, organizations are discovering that the most effective AI leaders don’t always emerge from traditional technical backgrounds. A new report from Modern Executive Solutions finds that as companies race to implement AI strategies, many are overlooking a hidden talent pool: executives with deep domain expertise, proven change management skills, and the business acumen to
Look at What Trends Are Keeping HR Leaders Busy Today
With macro-economic uncertainty, geopolitical threats, new ways of working, and the advent of game-changing technologies, businesses need to transform to survive, and they have to transform sustainably if they are to thrive. Leathwaite’s annual HR survey found that more than half the HR leaders surveyed (53 percent) highlighted the enablement of business transformation as an area
ON Partners Recruits Chief Accounting Officer for EverCommerce
Andy Hickman and Joe Olson of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Ryan Siurek as chief accounting officer of NASDAQ-traded EverCommerce in Denver, CO. He will start his new position on July 10. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to EverCommerce,” said Marc Thompson, CFO. “With his deep financial, operational and technical experience at publicly traded growth oriented and mature
Elite Search Partners Places Managing Director for Global Sage in Hong Kong
London-based Elite Search Partners has placed Kong To as the new managing director, head of technology and industrial markets for Global Sage in Hong Kong. Leading the assignment for Elite Search Partners was Matthew Eley, managing director. Mr. Kong has over 25 years of senior executive search and leadership consulting experience, including 15 of those years
United Talent Agency Acquires James & Co.
United Talent Agency (UTA), a global provider of talent, entertainment, sports and advisory, has acquired James & Co., a New York City-based executive search and human capital consulting firm working across the sports, media, entertainment, digital, and consumer sectors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Industry veterans Michele James and Roysi Erbes, who
The Christopher Group and Six Summit Leadership Form Partnership
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has formed a partnership with Six Summit Leadership, an executive coaching and leadership development firm. “We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between The Christopher Group and Six Summit Leadership, two industry-leading firms dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals to achieve their
Keys to Executive Onboarding at Private Equity Firms
Onboarding plans tend to be generic—and an afterthought. Rarely do they consider the specific context in which a person must do their work and deliver the results expected of them, says a new report from Bill Allen, managing partner of CEO.works. “In private equity, I believe that is a mistake,” said Mr. Allen. “All too often, PE
Why Chief People Officers Can be Great CEOs
There is a growing shift in the way that companies view their people and culture function. No longer simply the human resources department or another cost center, the name change appears to be helping people and culture become recognized as the strategic business partner they always were – one that not only enables but also
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for BootUp
After an intensive nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Savita Raj as CEO of BootUp Professional Development (BootUp). The assignment was led by executive search consultant Paul Towne. “We are grateful to our staff, board, and partners who played a crucial part in our decision-making, and to the entire BootUp community
Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Experience Officer for Cava Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates recently helped place Andy Rebhun as chief experience officer for Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava Group Inc. in Washington, D.C. The assignment was led by partner Dana Levine and search manager Jennifer Riemer. The chief experience officer position is reportedly new and will oversee the brand’s creative and digital teams.
DHR Global Names Leader for Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Supriya Dikshit as managing partner, Asia-Pacific industrial practice and managing partner, Singapore. “I am thrilled to have Supriya leading one of our key practice groups and offices within the region,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “Her hard work and dedication to DHR has led to much success, and I know
Opportunities and Challenges in Private Equity Recruiting
Private equity firms are saying that talent is the most important factor in driving growth. While financial engineering, inorganic growth, and market expansion remain important tools in the private equity toolbox, talent continues to emerge as key to growing companies and achieving the investment thesis, according to a report from Bespoke Partners. Yet unlike strategic
Five Key Qualities to Look for in a Successful Executive Hire
The direction of the company does not just rest upon the shoulders of the CEO. For an organization to perform to the best of its ability and capacity, building an executive team that complements each other’s expertise is critical. “Executive hires must be able to effectively embody and promote the philosophy of the company they
RSR Partners Tapped to Lead CEO Search for The Shyft Group
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners was recently called in by The Shyft Group in Novi, MI, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Brett Stephens and Alan Renne are leading the assignment. “Congratulations to the board of The Shyft Group and its CEO, Daryl Adams, on a terrific succession plan,” RSR Partners said. “This
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for CommerceHub
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Iaquinto as the new chief marketing officer of CommerceHub. “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the team,” said Bryan Dove, CEO of CommerceHub. “He is a proven leader and innovator with tremendous experience in creating category-leading brands and teams. I am confident that Kevin will
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CFO and CHRO for Riceland Foods
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently recruited Craig Parr as CFO and Lionel Riley as CHRO of farmer-owned rice and soybean cooperative Riceland Foods. As the organization’s new CFO, Mr. Parr’s expertise is expected to be instrumental as the organization continues to grow, said
Talent Continues to be the Driving Force Behind Private Equity Firms
It has never been harder to attract top talent to private equity and PE portfolio companies. “We’re seeing a huge reluctance to leave jobs for anything less than top brands, and successfully recruiting out the absolute all-stars is requiring more than just outsized economics,” said Jordan Brugg, global head of private equity for Spencer Stuart.
Nexus Search Partners Places VP of HR for Positec Tool Corp.
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed Sid Levy Jr. as vice president of human resources for Positec Tool Corp. Mr. brings a diverse background of management in many different business fields. “Levy is a rare-find-hire in the business world with such diverse and impactful experience across different
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Selected to Find New Leader for TransitCenter
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, was recently retained by TransitCenter in New York City to lead its search for a new executive director. Managing director Anne McCarthy, senior search associate Claire Hunt, and senior search coordinator Kaley Blaszinski are leading the assignment. The executive director must be a strategic and visionary leader
Wilton & Bain Grows Leadership Team
Wilton & Bain has expanded with the addition of Sam Wallace as a partner in its North American technology practice and as part of the wider leadership team. She will be based in Los Angeles. Ms. Wallace joins the firm to support its strategic global expansion, partnering with the current U.S. team, and deepening the opportunities for global
Solomon Page Appoints VP of Business Development
Responding to increased global demand for healthcare services, New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its healthcare staffing division by naming Tricia Weathers as vice president of business development. She will lead business development initiatives under the direction of Ron DeGasperis. Based in Georgia, Ms. Weathers will be supporting the team on
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Nvolv
Leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has acquired Nvolv, a boutique leadership consulting firm serving CEOs and C-suite executives of global businesses. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our acquisition of Nvolv represents a powerful opportunity for us to bolster our client offerings and further strengthen our preeminent position as leaders in C-suite leadership
Digital Technology’s Effect on Recruitment
Professional recruitment has changed considerably in the past decade or so, and, not surprisingly, the rise of digital technologies has played a major role. These technologies have made it so convenient to get the word out about a vacancy that needs to be filled, according to a recent report from Ward Howell International. “One job
SPMB Executive Search Places CFO for Komodo Health
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted Komodo Health, a leading healthcare technology company, in placing Vikas Mehta as its new chief financial officer. The assignment was led by partner Steven Popper. In his role as CFO, Mr. Mehta will be expected to help build on the company’s consistently
ZRG Acquires Helbling & Associates
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Helbling & Associates, an executive search firm focused on real estate, facilities, and construction. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The addition of the Helbling team to the ZRG family will bolster our growing real estate practice,” said
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Clio
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
For PE Firms, a Call to Embrace ESG
Despite growing support for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, many private equity firms have dismissed the concept. In a report last summer, McKinsey & Company cited four main criticisms of ESG – that it distracts from companies’ ultimate mission of creating profits, that it’s not feasible, that it’s not adequately measurable, and that even
The Outsized Role That PE, VC And Tech Play In Executive Recruiting
In their latest Executive Search Report, Thrive noted that following a precipitous drop in executive hiring to close out 2022, the market seems to have found stability. Opened searches increased nearly 12.5 percent in Q1, the largest quarterly uptick Thrive said it has seen in its dataset in almost two years. Closed searches also increased, similarly
ZRG Partners Places CEO for HomeRise
After a national search, ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has placed Janéa Jackson as chief executive officer of HomeRise, a leading provider of permanent supportive housing in San Francisco. Leading the assignment were managing directors Diane Charness and Matt Slepin. “We were incredibly proud to work
Bryant Group Recruits AVP of Outreach and Innovation for Western Michigan University
Following a national search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Michael Carlton as the first associate vice president of outreach and innovation for Western Michigan University (WMU). Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. For more than 15 years, Mr. Carlton oversaw annual giving, alumni relations, special events, and donor relations for public universities
Massey Henry Expands
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has expanded with the addition of Charlotte Berry as partner. “Charlotte’s addition to the firm is reflective of our significant growth, as well as the industry’s rising demand for leadership solutions tailored to financial services,” said Michael Henry, founder and managing partner. “Her breadth of talent management expertise — in both
Is an Executive Hiring Crisis Approaching?
The Great Resignation made headlines in 2021, with scores of employees leaving their jobs amid the pandemic and societal upheaval. But while these issues have receded, another crisis looms in the distance: the upcoming executive labor shortage as baby boomers leave the workforce. Baby boomers — generally defined as people born between 1946 and 1964
