DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Brettschneider Executive Search Appoints Senior Partner
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Joanne DeStefano as senior partner. “This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start to finish by seasoned executives,” Brettschneider Executive Search said in a release. “DeStefano will play a pivotal role
Human Capital Enters a New Operating Era
Deloitte’s latest 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report makes one point clear: organizations are moving beyond traditional workforce models toward more fluid, capability-driven systems. Work is increasingly decomposed into tasks, projects, and outcomes rather than fixed roles, forcing companies to rethink how talent is structured and deployed. At the same time, leaders are balancing two competing forces.
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.
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,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
Accordant Group Acquires Hobson Leavy
Recruitment company Accordant Group Limited has acquired Auckland, New Zealand-based executive search firm Hobson Leavy. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of another well-respected and market leading brand into the Accordant Group,” said Jason Cherrington, CEO of Accordant Group. “Hobson Leavy’s commitment to quality work and excellent
Transforming Portfolio Companies and Driving Value Creation via Human Capital
At the beginning of last year, Gartner predicted a 20 percent rise in turnover rate across industries. Heightened inflation, rising interest rates, post-pandemic priority shifts, and hybrid work preferences have created a fierce scrimmage for companies worldwide trying to hire the people necessary to drive long-term profits. These challenges are compounded for private equity firms with
Is the Non-Compete Soon to be History?
The federal government has announced a proposed rule which would ban non-compete agreements between employers and employees, independent contractors, externs, interns, volunteers, apprentices, and even sole proprietors who provide a service to a client or customer. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated the widespread use of non-competes agreements is an “often exploitative practice that suppresses
Renovata & Company Recruits CFO for Siteimprove
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Elliott DeLoach as chief financial officer of Siteimprove, a marketing performance platform in San Francisco. “Elliott is an experienced CFO who brings more than 25 years of experience serving private equity-backed and public companies,” said Joanna Chang, partner at Renovata & Company. “His
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for Vodafone Group
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by Vodafone Group to lead in its search for a new CEO. At the end of the year, Rick Read agreed with the board that he will step down as CEO. “It has been a privilege to spend over 20 years of my career at Vodafone and I am proud
Korn Ferry Closes Acquisition of Salo
Korn Ferry has completed its previously disclosed acquisition of Salo LLC, a provider of finance, accounting, and HR interim talent. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Korn Ferry’s adjusted earnings. “Salo will be a great fit, with highly relevant interim professional offerings and expertise that speak
Technology, Quality, and Quantity in Private Equity Recruiting
The recruiting industry is booming, and search consultants expect this to continue. To facilitate such growth, many firms are embracing the digital transformation. Almost 60 percent of respondents to a StaffingHub survey agreed that technology provides a competitive advantage, and respondents plan to increase their tech investment this year. The recruiting industry is booming, and
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for The Howard Hughes Corp.
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has recruited has recruited Hope VonBorkenhagen as chief people officer of The Howard Hughes Corp. (HHC). Jordan Blackmon and Adam Watson led the assignment. “We are pleased to have Dr. Hope VonBorkenhagen join The Howard Hughes Corp. as we continue to grow and develop the exceptional HHC team that is driving our
Finding Talent That Drives Value Creation
Despite macro-environment challenges of virtually every stripe, and hard-to-miss layoffs at major tech companies, many executive search firms continue to thrive as the new year takes hold. Few, however, can boast the impressive results that Bespoke Partners, which serves private equity backed software companies, has seen. In the last three years, the San Diego, CA-based
JDG Associates Recruits New Leader for American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has placed Diane Swecker as the new executive director of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation (AARST). “Everyone on the committee is pleased that Ms. Swecker has accepted the offer and is going to help lead the association into the future,” said Peter Hendrick, former CEO
Leathwaite Expands in Singapore
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded in Asia with the additions of Amanda Cowley and Yuting Goh in Singapore. “I’m delighted to welcome Amanda and Yuting, both of whom bring impressive track records, networks, and reputations within their respective practices,” said James Lawrence-Brown, partner and head of Asia. “Our expansion into Singapore is an opportunity for us
7 Talent Acquisition Trends to Look Out for 2023
The last few years have seen unprecedented disruptions in how, when, and even why we work. As we look to 2023, Korn Ferry talent acquisition experts offered their thoughts on what talent acquisition trends will bring to the job market in the coming year. 1. The rise of internal mobility: moving around – but not
Unemployment Rate Hits 53-Year Low
Employment rose by 517,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.4 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons also decreased to 5.7 million in January. Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and healthcare. Employment
Retaining Your Employees During Challenging Times
The Great Resignation took many companies by surprise and led to a new competition for talent. While turnover is expected to slow in 2023, a recent survey showed that 65 percent of employees are looking for a new job. So, what’s making employees leave, and what will make them stay? Ultimately, employees today are more empowered
Benchmark Executive Search Places President for Janes US
Benchmark Executive Search, a boutique provider of cybersecurity talent, has placed Sam Gordy as president of Janes US in Arlington, VA. U.K.-based Janes is a global agency for open-source defense intelligence. Mr. Gordy will report to Blake Bartlett, chief executive officer based in the U.K. “Sam Gordy brings a distinguished track record of results, leadership,
HARTZ Search Seeks Chief Wellness Officer for Louisiana Children’s Medical Center Health
In these unprecedented times, comprehensive well-being (mental, emotional, physical, financial, and professional) in the workplace is so important. How we support ourselves, and how we support others within our businesses – such as business partners, clients and contacts – is crucial, according to a recent report by Forbes. The good news is that companies are
Exploring a New Career Role
Spurred on by the desire for purposeful careers, companies which align to personal values, and readjusting work-life balance, the Great Resignation has led to a surge of job opportunities. Since the middle of the pandemic, companies of all sizes, across all sectors, and in most countries, have been subject to record turnover levels. The senior leadership
Heidrick & Struggles Closes Atreus Acquisition
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has closed the acquisition of Atreus, one of the leading players for executive interim management in Germany. Together, Atreus and Heidrick & Struggles’ wholly owned, U.S.-based Business Talent Group (BTG), which was acquired in 2021, constitute the company’s on-demand talent segment and build on its
Russell Reynolds Associates Helps Fairfield University Recruit First VP of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Following a national search, Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Don C. Sawyer as the first vice president of diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Fairfield University. He will also be joining the faculty as an associate professor in the department of sociology and anthropology. Consultant Joi Hayes-Scott led the assignment. “Dr. Don Sawyer
Boyden Appoints New CEO
Boyden has named Chad Hesters as its president and CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Trina Gordon, who retires after 12 years as CEO, three years as chair, and more than 30 years as a managing partner at the firm. “Our global search for a leader to succeed our highly successful retiring CEO, Trina Gordon, has led
Ellig Group Names President
New York City-based Ellig Group has appointed Lisa Buckingham as president of the firm. “Lisa is a dynamic, committed leader who has worked extensively with boards of directors and across the C-suite, and whose purpose-driven values are aligned with Ellig Group’s core mission of changing the face of corporate America,” said Janice Ellig, CEO of Ellig
The Multifaceted Role of Today’s CEO
Today’s CEO must be able to navigate a wide array of challenges. To deal with changing market conditions (such as the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and an uncertain outlook) along with the demands of sustainability, technology, cybersecurity, and workforce well-being, among others, CEOs must be able to change and adapt with the evolving
AGB Search Recruits CFO for the University of Alaska
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies and universities. Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, recently placed Luke Fulp as
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
ON Partners recently helped recruit Paul Cleary as the new president and CEO of Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, a The Riverside Company-backed company in Irvine, CA. Partners Baillie Parker and Tara Flickinger led the assignment. “Paul brings years of leadership and skills to Momentum at a time when we are primed for growth,” said Meranee Phing, senior partner, The Riverside
HIEC Continues Expansion
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has expanded with the addition of Matt Raggio as a partner in the software and technology practice, based in the Silicon Valley. “We are excited to have Matt join our software and technology practice, as our firm continues to grow at a rapid pace,” said Tim Chamberlain, managing partner
A Bigger Deal: Independent Chairs in Private Equity
A non-executive or independent chair in a private equity deal has long been considered desirable by investors — and, now, is increasingly deemed essential, with some LPs going as far as requiring it from PE funds. As demand for the role heightens, so are expectations of investors and management teams, according to Acertitude’s Charlotte Cederwall.
Lindal Group Retains New Frontier Search Company for Sales Director Search
Lindal Group, an international leader in aerosol dispensing packaging products, has retained New Frontier Search Company to hunt for a sales director for the U.S. Russ Riendeau, senior partner and chief behavioral scientist with New Frontier, is leading the assignment. This executive will drive new revenue streams and leverage the company’s innovative products to American manufacturers. “Lindal
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits CEO for The Asia Foundation
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Laurel E. Miller as president and CEO of The Asia Foundation. She succeeds David D. Arnold, who is retiring after 12 years of leading the international development non-profit during a period of profound change across Asia and the Pacific. Managing director Kathy Bremer, director of research Patti Kish, and senior
Cook Silverman Search Seeks Executive Director for Fit Kids Foundation
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been enlisted to find the next executive director of the Fit Kids Foundation. Victoria L. Silverman, managing founder of the non-profit-focused search firm, is heading the assignment. Redwood City, CA-based Fit Kids wants an experienced executive director who will be committed to advancing its mission to provide structured physical
Calibre One Opens Office in Boston
Executive search firm Calibre One has expanded with the opening of a new office in Boston. Molly A. Robb, who will head the location, has been added as partner specializing in the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice and working closely with Christos Richards who leads the practice from the west coast. “Between Molly and Christos’ top-notch skills
TurnkeyZRG Seeks New Commissioner for the Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors has selected TurnkeyZRG to assist in identifying the next commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. This leader will succeed commissioner Kevin Warren who has accepted the role of president and CEO for the Chicago Bears. “TurnkeyZRG is honored to assist the Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors in its
