DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Babraham Research Campus
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Rich Ferrie as the new CEO of Babraham Research Campus Ltd (BRCL). “It has been a privilege to partner with Jo and the board on this high-profile appointment,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Babraham Research Campus is fundamental to the U.K.’s scientific infrastructure. Our search focused on
Acertitude Assists Karo Healthcare with CFO Search
Acertitude has helped to recruit Karine Martin as the new CFO of Karo Healthcare, a KKR portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Eliza Baker, and supported by Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. “We are very pleased to welcome Karine to Karo,” said says Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO. “With her broad international experience, strong financial leadership 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.
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
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?
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,
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
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
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
3 Traits to Help Identify Inclusive Leaders
It’s a common mission in today’s healthcare organizations to build inclusive and diverse leadership teams, knowing that these leaders truly set the tone for the organization as a whole. At the core of everything, for a healthcare organization to truly succeed, providers and staff must be treated equitably; patients and family members must be valued
Chartwell Partners Recruits CEO for The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has placed Stacy M. Brantley as the new CEO of The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, MS. With leader Greg McKee’s retirement, the bank’s executive committee will assume the responsibilities of the CEO of the bank starting this week until Mr. Brantley takes the helm on Feb. 13. “We conducted a
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Atreca Inc.
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Philippe Bishop as the chief medical officer of Atreca Inc. in San Carlos, CA. “Dr. Bishop’s leadership and expertise in developing oncology therapeutics will contribute significantly to Atreca’s executive team,” said Steve Hochberg, CEO of Caliber Associates. “Dr. Bishop is a tremendous addition to the Atreca team at
Wray Executive Search Appoints Partners
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has named Ray Kelley and Rebecca Patt as partners. Mr. Kelley and Ms. Patt will be responsible for growing Wray’s executive search operations across North America, continuing to build a dedicated recruitment team, and driving the implementation of
A Look at the 2023 Job Market
Despite the recent headlines about corporate layoffs, in Q4 of 2022 and even in recent days, most employees need not worry that their own jobs are at imminent risk. In a new report, TurningPoint Executive Search’s Elaine Rosen says it’s important to look closely at who is laying off and why. In Q4 of 2022,
Bespoke Partners Opens Office in San Francisco
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has opened a San Francisco office to enhance its West Coast presence in the U.S. “The new office will position us to expand our signature white-glove service for our clients based in the Bay Area,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO. “Responsiveness and tailored engagement are our hallmarks and we
Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Post for Business Roundtable
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Jennifer Thornton as vice president, trade and international at Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C. “I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to Business Roundtable to lead our policy work on international trade and investment,” said Joshua Bolten, CEO. “She brings to this role a broad range
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Apogee Therapeutics
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh International, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Jane Pritchett Henderson as chief financial officer of biotechnology company Apogee Therapeutics, which provides therapies for immunological and inflammatory disorders. Ms. Henderson has an extensive track record in financial and corporate strategy leadership, including financing private
Jensen Partners Opens New Office in Miami
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has continued its expansion with the opening of a new office in Miami. “As Miami grows into a major global financial center, it is important for our firm to be strategically located to serve our growing
How to Address Quiet Quitting
Quiet quitting. What began as a viral video has become one of the most talked about (and written about) topics this year. Is it a valid phenomenon, or is it nothing more than catchy clickbait? To a certain degree, the answer to that question does not matter, says executive search firm Prestige Scientific in a
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Selects Spencer Stuart for CEO Search
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has retained Spencer Stuart to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Wendy Guillies recently retired after leading the Kansas City, MO-based organization for eights years of her 22-year career with the foundation. Trustee Susan Chambers will continue in her interim role as president and CEO,
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Board Members for Soho Rep
Greenwich Harbor Partners assisted in the recruitment of Sidney Madison Prescott, Aretha Marshall and Anne O’Grady as new members of the board of directors with Soho Rep, an off-Broadway theater company in New York City. “This moment of growth for Soho Rep and systemic change in the American theater presents an ideal time for us to







