DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
Risk Mitigation and Business Complexity is Driving Demand in Legal Recruiting
Demand for senior legal leaders is rising as companies, and law firms face mounting regulatory complexity, global uncertainty, and shifting risks. Boards and CEOs now expect legal executives to be not only technical experts but also strategic business partners who can influence decisions, manage crises, and deliver commercial impact. The bar has never been higher
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
EssentialDx Announces Launch
EssentialDx, a new business diagnostic solutions provider, has been launched. The Austin, TX-based solutions provider is looking to tap into “a new frontier of enterprise data to provide transformative insights that directly address the highest priorities of today’s C-suite.” “In the face of one of the most dynamic and challenging business environments in history, leaders
Mercuri Urval Acquires Delta Management Consultants
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has acquired German executive search firm Delta Management Consultants GmbH. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are pleased to be acquiring such a longstanding firm with such exceptional colleagues,” said Richard Moore, CEO. “Together we will create even further value for both our clients. Today clients need effective,
CarterBaldwin Recruits President for the University of North Georgia
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Shannon as president of the University of North Georgia (UNG). He will replace Bonita Jacobs, who has led the school since 2011. Founding partner and chairman Price Harding led the assignment for the search firm along with search consultant Susan DeWoody. “UNG plays a unique role within the
Ivy Group Retained by W.J. Stelmaschuk & Associates for CEO Search
Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group was recently selected by W.J. Stelmaschuk & Associates Ltd. (WJS) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search firm notes that with the retirement of WJS’ CEO, a shifting market landscape and a healthy team and culture in place, there is an opportunity for a new leader to
How DEI is Impacting How We Recruit and Retain Talent
Until recent years, executive recruiters would often speak about sourcing candidates who seem to be a good “culture fit” for an organization. The idea behind it was that potential hires who were aligned with the look and feel of the existing culture would easily assimilate into it, and would require less time to ramp up
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for CharterUP
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor of Artico Search recently assisted in the recruitment
Kestria Expands in Chile
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, recently added Krebs Consulting
How to Use AI to Stand Out to Executive Search Consultants
Emerging generative AI tech like ChatGPT is shifting the global paradigm for data and knowledge creation and changing human-centric industries like executive search in the process. “At ECA Partners, we’re curious about this new horizon and are taking a closer look at how ChatGPT might impact our internal process and the advice we give to
