DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Massey Henry Assists Kindred Credit Union with Chief People and Culture Officer Search
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer of Kindred Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to have served as a trusted partner of Kindred Credit Union in the appointment of Andrea Vrbanac as chief people and culture officer,” Massey Henry said in a LinkedIn post. “With
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
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
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
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,
Managing Strategic Risk and Talent Search in 2026
In 2026, return-to-office mandates have evolved from a temporary “reset” into a defining talent-market force—one that’s reshaping executive mobility, employment risk, and the true cost of leadership retention. What looks like a straightforward policy decision on paper is increasingly a high-stakes tradeoff in practice, where culture goals collide with contractual realities and a limited supply
WittKieffer Seeks President for Manhattan College
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been selected to find the next president for Manhattan College in New York. The assignment is being led by Robin Mamlet, Amy Crutchfield, and Jeff Compher. “Manhattan’s 21st president will have a significant leadership opportunity to imagine, develop, and execute an ambitious plan for an even brighter future for the college,” said
Cowen Partners Launches Proprietary Personality Assessment
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has launched a proprietary personality assessment measuring behavioral, motivational, and thinking style assessments (DISC, motivators, and critical thinking) in one applicable tool. The firm’s personality assessment report offers insight into: the individual’s behavioral and communication tendencies; what can drive action toward, away, or against others, based on values; how an individual’s
Shifting Trends in Technology Recruitment
Executive recruiting is a critical aspect of any industry, and the tech sector is no exception. As the demand for talented leaders in the tech industry continues to grow, executive recruitment has become increasingly competitive and sophisticated. In recent years, big tech companies have dominated the executive recruitment scene, luring top talent with generous compensation
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 236,000 in March as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 3.5 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons is 5.8 million in March. Employment continued to trend up in leisure and hospitality, government, professional and business services, and healthcare. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment
Caldwell Recruits CFO for Big Box Outlet Store
Adam Cotterall, Maryse Robichaud, and Christiana Chan of Toronto-based Caldwell recently recruited Mohammed Mahabub as the new chief financial officer of Big Box Outlet Store. Mr. Mahabub is a seasoned senior finance executive and leader. He has over 25 years of finance and operations experience concentrated in the retail, technology and tourism industries. Mr. Mahabub spent 12
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Top Ag
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Jeff Hendricks as the new CEO of Southwestern Illinois cooperative Top Ag. “A strategic thinker with demonstrated success, Jeff is a proven leader that welcomes accountability,” said Jim Gerardot, managing partner at Kincannon & Reed. “Jeff
Vaco Appoints President
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has appointed Kevin Witt as president. Mr. Witt joined Vaco in 2004 from his previous role as a senior manager in Ernst & Young’s tax consulting practice. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout the nearly 20 years he has been with Vaco. Mr. Witt most recently was chief
Creating a New Paradigm for the Work World
Smooch Repovich Rosenberg believes that we are at a pivotal point in which leaders at organizations everywhere can help change the world when it comes to inclusivity and corporate culture. These late-to post-pandemic days hold a rare opportunity, she says, for senior-most executives to effect change on a grand scale, and what’s more, improve their
A Look Inside the Evolving Roles of Top Security Executives
The roles of the chief security officer and chief information security officer have evolved significantly over the decades and require these operators to be adept and agile as they navigate a world of mass digitization and increased regularity of cyber attacks. Rife with tumultuous economic markets with proclivities toward uncertainty, information technology and online security
Greenwood Asher & Associates Retained by the University of the District of Columbia to Find New Leader
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has chosen Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Ronald Mason will step down from his position at the end of June. Marion Frenche, search manager/practice leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and senior
Chartwell Partners Assists Dieterich Bank with CEO Search
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the placement of Jason Semple as the new CEO of Dieterich Bank, effective May 1. He succeeds Chuck Deters who is retiring after 15 years with the bank. “Chartwell’s financial services team was pleased to partner with the board of directors on this CEO succession project,” the firm
ZRG Partners Names New Practice Group Leaders
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has appointed three new practice group leaders in their executive search business. Samantha Foster, Davonne Helmer, and Richard Dowd have been tapped to step up to leadership roles in their major practice groups.
Creating a Positive Hiring Experience and What Recruiters are Looking for on Resumes
When your organization is working to fill a mission-critical role, the hiring process is your chance to leave a lasting impression on both your winning candidates and your runners-up. Creating a positive candidate experience during the interview process will ensure that your interviewees gain a multifaceted understanding of your organization should they land the role,
CarterBaldwin Recruits President for Liberty University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Dondi E. Costin as the sixth president of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Founding partner Price Harding led the assignment for the search firm along with partner Bill Peterson. The search involved the evaluation of nearly 100 credible candidates over a period of eight months. Jerry Prevo has served
Preng & Associates Recruits CFO for NAES Corp
The pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the placement of Arslan Javed as chief financial officer for NAES Corp. Mr. Javed is a globally experienced financial and business leader with expertise
SearchWide Global Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global was recently enlisted to find a chief diversity officer for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) in Boston. Executive recruiter Donna Thornton is leading the assignment. The chief diversity officer will be expected to provide effective leadership to enable the MCCA to become more diverse and inclusive in developing its workforce, working
HireRight Acquires Inquiro Vitae
HireRight, a global provider of on-demand employment screening solutions and workforce solutions, has acquired Inquiro Vitae, a background screening provider based in Argentina. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is designed to allow more targeted local support for its customers hiring not only in Argentina, but across Latin America. “We are
Exploring Five CEO Profiles and Which is Right One for Your Company
Every company has unique business needs and therefore has distinct requirements for a successful CEO. When a company or board is seeking to hire a new CEO, it’s important to recognize the different types of CEO candidate profiles, then gather an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of those profiles to match the requirements of
How HR Can Support Women’s Leadership
Female leadership has made immense gains over the past 50 years, but there remains a significant underrepresentation of women in the executive suite and on boards of directors. Balancing work and family lives, being overlooked for promotions, working under male oriented management systems and in roles lacking the necessary flexibility means female leadership still faces
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Searchspring
Seth Harris and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have placed Alex Kombos as the new CEO of Searchspring, a global leader in site search, product merchandising, and E-commerce personalization. “I was impressed by Alex’s experience delivering value to customers,” said Kurien Jacob, executive chairman of the board at Searchspring. “The company has achieved strong growth and the combination
RMN Electi Recruits Chief Strategy Officer for Southern New Hampshire University
Chief strategy officers typically work for corporations across a variety of industries. They use their experience working in business development and industry-related positions to help improve business operations and help their company adapt to new workplace procedures. Today, chief strategy officer are in high demand and this has been keeping executive search firms busy. RMN Electi, formerly
Bespoke Partners Expands Go-to-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Ravi Gupta as a partner in its go-to-market practice. “Ravi brings an unparalleled track record of placing world-class sales, marketing and customer success leaders,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO. “We know his expansive network and exceptional skills will surpass client expectations as they
A Look Across the Canadian Executive Search Market
The executive search industry in Canada is positioned for continued growth and innovation as it continues to provide valuable services to both employers and job seekers in the country. Critical to its ongoing success is the industry’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and leverage new technologies to identify top talent. Canadian businesses are
Life Sciences: The Power of Supply-Chain Leadership in Today’s Market
Evolving regulatory environments, shifting customer demands, market disruptors, and pricing challenges are changing the life sciences industry. In this new era, where value creation is no longer only about the products, life sciences companies are placing an increased emphasis on building a strong supply chain via both infrastructure and talent, according to executive recruiters. “For
DHR Places First General Counsel for Atlantic Coast Conference
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has helped to place Pearlynn Houck as the inaugural general counsel for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in Greensboro, NC. Ms. Houck, who will begin her tenure on April 17, joins the ACC from the North Carolina-based law firm Robinson Bradshaw, where she was most recently a litigation shareholder. During
The Moran Company Seeks New CEO for Protected Harbor
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find a new chief executive officer for Protected Harbor, a Fort Meyers, FL-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing for people with disabilities. The CEO will be expected to promote visionary leadership, community engagement, and donor development, under
Kestria Names Agribusiness and Agriscience EMEA Practice Leader
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named San-Marie Barnard as agribusiness and agriscience EMEA practice leader. “I am pleased to welcome San-Marie to our team,” said Patrick Westerburger, managing partner of Kestria Netherlands. “The agricultural sector is changing rapidly thanks to innovations on all fronts. San-Marie understands better than anyone the type
What the Future Holds for CEOs
The past three years have been up and down for business across the globe. Macroeconomic shocks affected by a global pandemic, large-scale riots and protests, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, have changed expectations for the role of a CEO. Other factors, such as the shift to remote work, the reopening of offices, and the Great Resignation
Keys to Succession Planning in Healthcare
The number of CEO changes at U.S. companies surged 49 percent from 112 in January to 167 last month, says a new study from executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. February’s total is up 11 percent from the 151 CEOs who left their posts in the same month in 2022. Hospitals announced 18 CEO
Bryant Group Assists Kansas Leadership Center with CEO Search
Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of V. Kaye Monk-Morgan as the new president and CEO of Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). She succeeds founding president and CEO Ed O’Malley, who after 15 years of service became president and CEO of KLC’s parent organization, the Kansas
Hanold Associates Recruits SVP of HR and Diversity for New York Giants
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has recruited Celeste Bell as senior vice president of HR and diversity for the New York Giants. The assignment was led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Ivy Arlia, and Meg McElroy. In this newly created role, Ms. Bell will lead all HR and DEI Initiatives and will be responsible for continuing to
