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Daily Newswire
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
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
A New Role For HR: Powering Growth, Not Just Managing Talent
According to McLean & Company’s HR Trends Report 2026: Leading Through Change: Human-Centric and Future Ready, HR organizations are being pulled into the center of enterprise transformation as companies grapple with relentless change driven by AI adoption, economic pressure, and shifting employee expectations. Leadership development remains the top priority for HR, but innovation has surged to
How Slone Partners Built a Strong Healthy Culture as an All-Remote Company
When Adam Slone founded Slone Partners in 2000, he did so with a simple vision – to create a company that stood out from the crowd by delivering high-quality professional customer service in the thriving and often demanding industry of executive search. Through his many network connections, Mr. Slone was attuned to the ways in
3 Key Benefits to Hiring a Data & Analytics Leader
A recent survey by EY found that 53 percent of senior executives have identified data and analytics as their top investment priority in the next two years. This trend is not surprising given the vast amounts of data that companies generate daily. From customer behavior and preferences to market trends and competitive insights, data is
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeks Chief Development Officer for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County (SHFB) to lead its search for a chief development officer. At the start of 2022, Shelli Herman & Associates helped recruit Claudia Bonilla Keller as CEO. The new CDO will actively partner with Ms. Bonilla Keller, who aspires to
College Sports Solutions Retained by New Mexico State to Find New Men’s Head Basketball Coach
College Sports Solutions (CSS) has been selected by New Mexico State University (NMSU) to lead in its search for a new men’s head basketball coach. Former coach Greg Heiar was fired after the second scandal involving the program during his tenure as head coach. In November, forward Mike Peake was involved in a deadly shooting
NPAworldwide Adds 22 New Member Firms in the U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 22 new member locations in the U.S. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are invested as owners. Our continued membership growth allows independent recruitment firms to more effectively serve their clients and candidates by adding
How to Become a Successful CHRO
The prevailing characteristic of many successful HR leaders is care. To be precise, care for people. “However, I have the scars on my back to show that a caring nature has to be balanced with rigor if you are to be effective as a new CHRO,” says a new report from Hein Knaapen, managing partner
Myers McRae Seeks President for Gulf Coast State College
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president for Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, FL. Emily Parker Myers, the search firm’s CEO, is conducting this search with assistance from Jessica Thompson, associate vice president and executive search coordinator. “The college seeks a strategic thinker and lifetime
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for NewLeaf Symbiotics
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Brent Smith as the new president and CEO of NewLeaf Symbiotics. Jon Leafstedt, Cassie Edgar, and Crystal Strauss led Kincannon & Reed’s identification, recruitment, and evaluation of a strong slate of well- qualified candidates. “Passionate and
Glider AI Raises $10 Million in Funding
Glider AI, a Cupertino, CA-based skill intelligence platform provider, raised $10 million in series A funding. The round was led by Primera Capital. The company intends to use the funds to continue its expansion in contingent programs and permanent hiring, furthering the development of proprietary technology, and growing its global team. Founded in 2020 by Satish
How Today’s General Counsel Helps Drive Strategies
Today’s general counsel serves as a trusted advisor to the entire company, leading all corporate, strategic, and tactical legal initiatives, while providing management and operating teams with impeccable legal and business judgment. “Great general counsels are great operators and serve cross-functionally across company strategies, with a granular understanding of every piece of the business, maybe
Healthcare Trends That Will Shape 2023
J.P. Morgan recently held its annual healthcare conference in San Francisco, its first in-person since 2020. The energy was palpable, says Spencer Stuart in its recent report on the gathering. In more than 300 conversations with industry board members, CEOs, and C-suite leaders, the search firm explored many key trends playing out in healthcare this
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Brooklyn Academy of Music
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist companies across the nation to find new chief people officers. Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Missy Flower as the new chief people officer for the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Chartise Clark and Naree W.S. Viner led the assignment for the recruitment firm.
ON Partners Recruits CEO for New Wave Design and Verification
Baillie Parker of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Marti Nyman as the new president and CEO of New Wave Design and Verification LLC (New Wave DV), a provider of high-performance digital electronic interface solutions for defense, aerospace, and medical applications. Founder and acting CEO Josh Dirlam will step into the executive chairman role,
SPMB Places CFO for Deepwatch
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in placing Mel Wesley as chief financial officer of Tampa, FL-based Deepwatch, which provides advanced managed detection and response security. The search was led by Sarah Auten, client partner at SPMB. Mr. Wesley is a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years
The Hot M&A Market for Executive Search Expected to Continue
Significantly more U.S. chief executives plan to pursue deals compared with their global chief counterparts, according to the newly-released U.S. CEO Outlook survey from EY. A full 63 percent reported they will pursue an M&A deal in the next 12 months, much higher than the 46 percent of CEOs globally who plan to pursue M&A. This
Hiring Talent Quickly Boosts Performance
It is no secret that the current labor market is challenging for employers. The pandemic, followed by the Great Resignation, led to talent scarcity that remains today. In 2022, resignations by employees in professional services like finance and accounting roles averaged 750,000 per month. This trend has organizations intent on strategies to both attract and
Unemployment Rate Stands at 3.6 Percent as Uncertainty Looms
Employment rose by 311,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 3.6 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons also decreased to 5.9 million in February. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, retail trade, government, and health care. Employment declined in information and in
NorthWind Partners Recruits CEO for Oasis Technology & Engineering
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited David Zolet as the new CEO for Oasis Technology & Engineering in Burlington, MA. Tom Colatosti is retiring after 12 years as years in the company’s top spot. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “On behalf of the board of directors, management team, and thousands of Oasis
WorkLLama Secures $50 Million in Funding
WorkLLama, technology provider of an AI-driven, talent marketing, relationship management, and direct sourcing suite, has secured $50 million in investments. With the new funds in place, the company says it expects to continue growing its team, accelerate product enhancements, focus strategic acquisitions over the next 12 months, invest in continued automation, and continue to expand
Bespoke Partners Launches Strategic Resourcing Group to Serve PE Outfits
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has launched a service giving curated access to a comprehensive network of executives for private equity. The Strategic Resourcing Group (SRG) proactively provides vetted slates of actionable executives to private equity firms to accelerate recruiting of leadership talent for their portfolio companies. “You will solve your next executive leadership
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Fiscal Q3 Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2023 third quarter revenue of $680.8 million, essentially flat from the third quarter of last year. Revenue decreased in executive search and professional search mainly due to a decline in demand for the firm’s products and services driven by the global economic factors. This decline in fee revenue was fully offset by
ZRG Partners Recruits Chief Data Scientist for DLA Piper
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in placing Bennett B. Borden as chief data scientist with DLA Piper. Lisa Hooker, ZRG’s managing director and technology practice leader, led the assignment along with Rahul Kapur, managing director and global head of fintech, and Jack Dart, managing
Kevin Chase Executive Search Helps Los Angeles Center for Law & Justice Recruit New Leader
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Carmen McDonald as the next executive director for the Los Angeles Center for Law & Justice (LACLJ). Following a national search, the organization decided on an internal candidate. Leading the assignment were Kevin Chase, managing partner, and Catie DiFelice, senior consultant. “Congratulations to Los Angeles Center for Law
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Country Manager for The Netherlands
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has expanded with the addition of Hans Lodewijks as a client partner and country manager The Netherlands. “We are excited to welcome Hans Lodewijks to our Dutch team, as we continue to consolidate our presence in Europe,” said Guido Bormann, partner at Pedersen & Partners. “His impressive track record of over 30
Building the Best PE and VC Leadership Teams in 2023
In 2022, we saw significant growth and increase in the number of deals by private equity and venture capital firms within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Additionally, a recent article discussed a newly emerging area of investment for PE in clinical trials and research. Part of the biggest challenge PE and VC firms are
Reasons New Hires Don’t Always Work
While companies are looking for very specific profiles when hiring in the financial services and fintech industry, studies have shown that hard skills are not the main reason that new hires were unsuccessful, according to a report from Right Executive Search (RES)’s Elisa Sheftic. In fact, according to Leadership IQ, 89 percent of people working
ON Partners Recruits Chief Services Officer for StarCompliance
ON Partners have helped to place Michael DiComes as the new chief services officer of StarCompliance. Partner Seth Harris led the assignment. “As we build on our reputation of best-in-class client service, matched with award-winning compliance solutions, it was imperative that we found the right client service executive to take the organization to the next level,” said Jennifer Sun,
Krauthamer & Associates Places CEO for Capital Metro in Austin, TX
Executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates has helped to place Dottie Watkins as president and chief executive officer of Austin, TX-based transportation provider Capital Metro (CapMetro). Ms. Watkins had been serving as interim CEO since last June. The transit agency’s board of directors appointed her after previous leader Randy Clarke stepped down to head the
Blue Rock Search Partners with White Drive North America
Blue Rock Search has been selected to handle recruitment process outsourcing for White Drive North America. “Blue Rock is proud to partner with White Drive as their RPO services provider,” said Ruben Moreno, founder and HR practice leader at Blue Rock Search. “Our approach is designed to make the whole recruiting process, from position opening
The CHRO Trends for 2023
After several years of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain difficulties, and economic uncertainty, organizations are wondering what to expect in 2023. Unfortunately, there are still adverse remnants of the previous three years. Among others, the war in Ukraine continues, with no end yet in sight. Nor is there any shortage of changes underway in
Effective Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
Okay, so you scored an interview for a new role – congratulations! But what now? Interviewing for a new position can be exciting, intimidating, and anxiety-driven all at the same time. But proper preparation can not only put you at ease and make you more confident going in, but it can also leave a positive-lasting
