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Daily Newswire
Kaye/Bassman Appoints Managing Partner
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has appointed Will Smith as managing partner within its construction practice. “Will’s promotion to managing partner is a proud moment for our team as he is the embodiment of our life laws including leadership, performance, commitment to clients, flexibility, unselfishness, and fun,” said Lee Martin, managing director of the Midwest construction & real
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
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.
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
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?
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
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
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 No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
KPMG Finds Success in M&A Remains Stacked Against Acquirers. Here’s Why.
New research from KPMG found that 57.2 percent of acquirers ultimately destroyed shareholder value, despite many appearing promising before closing. “Although many deals looked promising in the months leading up to closing – generating an average 13.2 percent in total shareholder return above the relevant S&P sector index – TSR dropped an average of 7.4 percent in the
The Pros and Cons of Hiring Interim Executives
Many organizations never consider hiring an interim executive for fear of a bad investment. If done correctly, however, this can be an extremely fruitful venture, according to a new report from Kinsley|Sarn. “And, with today’s unconventional work practices, this is becoming a much more popular opportunity to revamp operations and generate innovative practices to keep your organization relevant,”
Search Committee Best Practices: Setting Up for Success
By their very nature, search committees are both varied and imperfect. They span companies, industries, and continents, bringing together individuals from across an organization to share the recruitment and hiring process. Even if they understand the main goal — conducting a search for the organization’s next best leader — it’s easy for these committees to
Artico Search Recruits General Partner of USVP
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Matt Garratt as general partner of U.S. Venture Partners (USVP), a Silicon Valley venture capital firm with a focus on cybersecurity, enterprise software, consumer, and healthcare. “We are thrilled to welcome Matt Garratt to the USVP team,” said Dafina Toncheva, general partner, USVP. “Matt brings a
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Five Board Positions for Teach for America-New York
Greenwich Harbor Partners assisted in the recruitment of Laurent Desmangles, Julian Gonzalez, Mike Henry, Toretha McGuire, and Anthony Ross as new members of the board of director for Teach for America-New York. Mr. Desmangles is a senior C-suite advisor with a global perspective and deep experience helping large organizations chart growth strategy, execute large scale transformation,
Herbert Mines Appoints Vice President
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has expanded with the addition of Lindsay Alexander as vice president. In her new position, she will focus senior-level searches within the beauty and consumer brands. Ms. Alexander brings over 16 years of experience in finance, operations, and strategy leadership roles at consumer-facing brands including beauty,
The Current State of Leadership Hiring
Throughout 2022, recruiters witnessed a rapid decline in leadership hiring–dropping 43 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the first quarter. In total, leadership hiring was down 14 percent vs. 2021, despite starting the year at an all-time high, according to a just released report from Thrive. “Tough public and private market conditions directly impacted
ON Partners Acquires Olympus Search Partners
ON Partners has acquired Olympus Search Partners and added its founder, Ashley Estes, as senior partner to further expand its market growth in both PE-backed health and wellness, and TMT. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Ashley brings in over 14 years of executive search experience to our team in the areas of
DHR Global Places SVP for DePaul University’s Division of Advancement and External Relations.
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has helped to place Katie Fraumann as senior vice president for the Division of Advancement and External Relations at DePaul University in Chicago. A well-rounded fundraiser, Ms. Fraumann has more than 20 years of experience building large-scale international capital campaigns for academic and athletic programs in complex higher education institutions. DHR’s
The Moran Company Seeks New Leader for No Barriers
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to help find the next executive director for No Barriers in Fort Collins, CO. Senior search consultant Mike English is leading the assignment The non-profit is poised for a post-COVID “re-boot” and is looking for a new executive director to
Koya Partners/Diversified Search Group Names Leader of Chicago Office
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has appointed Marissa Delgado as leader and managing director of its Chicago office. “Continuing to grow our impact nationally and globally requires exemplary leadership,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “We are thrilled that Marissa will lead our Chicago office, which has more than tripled in size over the
An Inside Look at the World of Sports Recruiting
Given the search industry’s knack for finding a need and filling it, it was only natural that recruitment firms would soon step to the fore in the sports sector, which has become a growth area for executive search businesses. Many C-suite-focused recruiting firms are now active in the sector and some specialize only in the
Harris Search Associates Recruits CISO for the University at Buffalo
Following an extensive national search, Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has recruited Joseph Grupp as assistant vice president and chief information security officer at the University at Buffalo (UB). Mr. Grupp began his career with UBIT in 2011 as a programmer for HUB, later becoming technical coordinator. He joined UB’s dental school in 2017
Altair Executive Search Launches
Veteran executive search consultant Shawn Woessner has launched Altair Executive Search in Minneapolis, MN. Altair was founded to cater to small- and mid-market organizations as they look to find top-quality talent to drive significant enterprise value. “The global firms have largely ignored serving our targeted clients,” said Mr. Woessner. “Our white-glove, customized search approach combined
True’s Climate Tech Practice Grows Leadership Team
Global talent provider True has named Paul Gilkerson to co-head of its climate tech practice and added Wrendon Hunt to lead climate tech’s industrial and manufacturing sector. “Paul and Wrendon exemplify the innovative leaders that make True the world’s best talent partner to clients taking advantage of the investment opportunities of today,” said Andy Towne, co-head of the climate tech practice. “Paul’s experience
PFM Executive Search Seeks CFO for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
PFM Executive Search has been chosen to find the next vice president and chief financial officer for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) in Vancouver, British Columbia. The non-profit raises funds on behalf of BC Children’s Hospital, the sole hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children. Associate partner Jennifer Madden and senior
Developing Sustainability-Focused Leaders
Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues on the CEO agenda today. Employees, investors, customers, and communities are looking for business leaders to pivot their organizations to a more sustainable future. Yet, as Clarke Murphy, veteran leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, outlines in his new book: there’s just one problem: Many are struggling
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Sixth President for Christopher Newport University
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has recruited Rear Admiral William G. Kelly as the sixth president of Christopher Newport University (CNU). Leading the assignment were Martin M. Baker, managing partner and Chelsie Whitelock, principal. Mr. Kelly was selected after a year-long rigorous, inclusive nationwide search. The board was unanimous in its decision, noting that Mr. Kelly’s life of public
BoardWalk Consulting Places New CEO for Louisiana Children’s Museum
BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Tifferney M. White as the new CEO of the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) in New Orleans. John Sparrow, senior director, and Lysondra Somerville, senior research associate, spearheaded the assignment. An experienced and nationally recognized leader in the children’s museum field, Ms. White will officially begin her new
Slone Partners Appoints Chief Business Officer
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Bridget K. Burke as chief business officer. This is a new position that reflects the firm’s commitment to long-term business planning and growth. “Bridget Burke is a tremendously talented, driven, and accomplished business leader with a wide range of experience over more than 20 years in
Saxton Bampfylde Recruits CEO for the Royal Albert Hall
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has placed James Ainscough as the new CEO of the Royal Albert Hall in London. Craig Hassall stepped down from the role in December. Dan Freeman, Royal Albert Hall’s chief operating officer, will continue to act as interim CEO until Mr. Ainscough starts in the late spring. Mr. Ainscough joins the Royal Albert Hall from Help Musicians,
Keys for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in the Cannabis Industry
Attracting and keeping talented cannabis employees that fit your company culture is top priority for all human resources departments in the industry. One market, the legal cannabis industry, has over 420,000 full-time employees. However, the revolving door of the space is an issue every cannabis business must deal with, like any other industry, according to
Egon Zehnder Recruits CEO for Primedia Group
After an intensive executive search, leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has recruited Bongumusa Makhathini as the new CEO of Primedia Group in Johannesburg, South Africa. He takes over from Dave Roberts who now serves as chairman of Primedia Outdoor and also heads up mergers and acquisitions at Primedia Group. “Last year I shared the Primedia Group’s Vision
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Seeks CEO for New Brunswick Medical Society
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette (KBRS) has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the NBMS and the general management of the society while representing New Brunswick physicians and
ON Partners Recruits Chief Information and Technology Officer for ClearCaptions
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum and executive search firms have been there to meet this demand. Andy Hickman and Tim Conti of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Sanjay Singam as the new chief information and technology officer of ClearCaptions and Vimient in Roseville, CA. He will report directly to the companies’ CEO, Robert Rae.
Furst Group Appoints Vice President
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has named Paul Esselman as vice president. “We are excited and honored to welcome Paul Esselman to the Furst Group community of leaders,” the search firm said. “With more than 35 years of experience leading healthcare executive searches and providing client consultation focused on physician leaders and
Executive Search Firms Continue to Adapt to Economic Conditions
Beyond the health crisis it created, COVID-19 in many ways changed the world. In business and our work lives, the pandemic sparked and accelerated shifts that had already been stirring, driving them to the forefront, from the rise of technology and remote work to a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Concern about supply chains, meanwhile,
Choosing a CEO in Financial Services
Boards—especially within a financial services environment—play a critical role in providing direction on organizational strategy and performance while operating with shareholders, consumers, and key stakeholders top of mind. While the scope and oversight of boards have grown exponentially in recent years, there are two critical responsibilities that are especially pertinent for directors. These include approving
N2Growth Recruits President for Hiffman
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of John Heiberger as president of Hiffman. This includes NAI Hiffman, an independent commercial real estate company in the Midwest, and Hiffman National, a project management, property accounting and lease administration services company. The assignment was led by senior director Tom Dunn. “With John’s vast
RevelOne Recruits Top Marketing Executive for Sézane
As business becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently assisted in the recruitment of Kelsie Lo-Pelletier as vice president of marketing,
Agilium Worldwide Names New Chairperson
Global executive search consortium Agilium Worldwide has appointed Matthias Rode as chairman. He succeeds Olivier Bouhoulle. “I would like to thank Olivier for leading the group successfully during the past three years,” said Dr. Rode. “Despite difficult times adapting to the COVID pandemic Olivier kept the group together and provided us with positivism and stability.” Dr.
How to Attract the Best Cybersecurity Talent
Recruiting a chief information security officer (CISO) is crucial for any organization looking to protect itself from cyber threats executive recruiters say. The CISO is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, as well as overseeing a team of security professionals. Finding the right CISO for your organization, however, can take time and
