DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Hunt Scanlon Media Taps ZRG to Recruit New Sales Chief
Hunt Scanlon Media, the long-time trade publisher and media concern serving the global executive search and human capital sectors, has retained ZRG to recruit the company’s new head of sales. ZRG is ranked as the seventh-largest search firm in the U.S. according to Hunt Scanlon. “Given ZRG’s outstanding media and entertainment search practice, we could not
Diversity and Inclusion Trends for 2023
Reviewing the current mindset around diversity and inclusion within global organizations in financial services, consulting, and technology two powerful overarching trends have emerged this year. In a new report, Sheffield Haworth’s Helen Tudor examines the D&I trends the firm is seeing from clients around the talent pipeline, and around effectively onboarding, integrating, and developing diverse talent
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the San Mateo County Transit District
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help them find senior talent. After a nationwide search, executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of April Chan as the next general manager and CEO of the San Mateo County Transit District in California. She will succeed
Caliber Associates Places CEO for Valitor Inc.
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Steven Lo as chief executive officer and board member for Valitor Inc., a biotechnology company founded to develop advanced, protein-based drugs. The assignment was led by Steven P. Hochberg, the search firm’s founder and CEO. “Steve’s broad experience as a leader in biotech will contribute greatly to Valitor’s
Paycor Acquires AI Recruiting Platform Talenya
Paycor HCM Inc., a provider of human capital management (HCM) software, has acquired Talenya, an AI-driven recruiting platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Talenya’s platform will allow Paycor customers to reduce time to fill critical roles by sourcing both candidates that are actively looking to change jobs and passive candidates that are
PRAXI Alliance Adds TalentRise to Network
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently added TalentRise to its
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Tapped by United Way to Lead CFO Search
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been enlisted by United Way Worldwide to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Peter Gillin and Chartise Clark are leading the assignment for the recruitment firm. Reporting to the president and CEO, the CFO will play a critical role in the development and implementation of the financial systems
Data’s Impact on Executive Search
As workforce management paradigms shift to meet 21st century talent needs, HR leaders and executive recruiters are leveraging new tools and capitalizing on analytics to adapt their strategies and address changing trends. Anyone who’s been put in charge of selecting a new leader knows that they have a daunting task before them. But what’s changed
When is the Right Time to Look for a New Job?
The number of times a person changes his job entirely depends upon his needs and wants. People usually change their jobs when unsatisfied or career growth becomes stagnant. Many people have worked in the same positions for more than five years and are happy with their job and company. Many people change careers when they
The Moran Company Places CEO for Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has helped to place Claas Ehlers as chief executive officer, a newly created role, for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement (CLM) in Newtown, CT. The non-profit works to teach social and emotional learning. Scarlett Lewis, who founded the organization shortly after her six-year-old
KEES Retained by Little City Foundation to Find New Leader
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES is seeking a new executive director for Little City Foundation in Chicago. Shawn Jeffers, having served and expanded Little City over the past 20 years, plans to retire after a new leader is identified. KEES president Heather Eddy and project coordinator Megan Taylor will lead the search. The new leader
How Critical Roles Drive Value
Inevitably, whether through inflation, supply chain disruptions, global political turbulence, or some other force beyond our control, change hits—suddenly and without warning. When this happens, insightful CEOs need to pivot towards the must-do work and the must-have roles connected to that work. This practice will enable precision in any business transformation but is especially important
Frederickson Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Iterable
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resources officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with
RH Perry & Associates Recruits CFO for California State University Stanislaus
Asheville, NC-based RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Christene James as the new vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer of California State University Stanislaus in Turlock. Leading the assignment were Sue DeWine, senior consultant, and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. “Ms. James is a highly resourceful senior leader with
CarterBaldwin Recruits Provost for Lipscomb University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Jennifer Shewmaker as the new provost of Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. She succeeds W. Craig Bledsoe, Lipscomb’s chief academic officer, who served as provost for 25 years. “The search process for our next provost was extraordinarily thorough,” said Alan Bradshaw, chair of the search committee and
Hightech Partners Expands Senior Staff
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Arnaud Ruffat as a partner. He is charged with managing international client relationships and lead assignments out of Paris. Mr. Ruffat will advise existing and new HTP clients on their digital skills needs and help them recruit new digital executive talent. “Now more than ever
The Road Ahead; Approaching 2023
“Disruptive” has, in the wake of tech-speak’s infiltration of our everyday speech, taken on a positive connotation: industry “disruptors” are shaking things up in creative, future-oriented, and highly profitable ways. According to the report from ZRG Partners, it has not, however, lost its older, negative, connotation: the pandemic has been broadly disruptive at every level
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Bushel
Joe Olson of ON Partners assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Donalds as the new CFO of Bushel, an independently-owned software technology company focused on developing solutions for the grain supply chain. “Kevin’s experience will help us build upon our financial operations to best serve our customers for the long-term.,” said Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel. “He’s someone
Bryant Group Selected by Kansas Leadership Center for CEO Search
Dallas, TX-based Bryant Group has been retained by Kansas Leadership Center to lead in its search for a new CEO. Sally Bryant, president and CEO, and Chris Bingley, senior vice president, are spearheading the assignment. “Kansas Leadership Center was fortunate to thrive under the leadership of its founding CEO, Ed O’Malley,” said Bryant Group. “This is an
PierceGray Seeking Chief Marketing Officer for Blue Ridge Global
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. PierceGray is currently seeking a new chief marketing officer for Blue Ridge Global. In August of 2022, Jeff
The Lawrence Advisory Coaching Consortium Launched
The Lawrence Advisory has launched The Lawrence Advisory Coaching Consortium (TLACC). “With this new venture, we are creating the industry’s most diverse team of highly accomplished and experienced executive coaches and leadership consultants,” The Lawrence Advisory said. TLACC is founded on the principle that leadership and inclusion should not be treated as separate priorities, but
Hanold Associates Seeks Chief People and Culture Officer for Save the Children
Broad and lasting changes to the workplace have advanced a more integrated approach to talent management built around culture, according to executive recruiters. Organizations that used to synchronize their talent to corporate vision, core values and strategic objectives are now aligning people around purpose. And for good reason: Building sustainable cultures in the long run
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Highline Mushrooms
Agribusinesses worldwide face a host of challenges as they navigate their complicated mission of feeding the growing world population. This has led to high demand for new leaders among food businesses and agricultural organizations. Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Jose Cambon as the new CEO
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of U.S. Life Sciences Practice
Odgers Berndtson has named Peter Schineller as a partner and head of the firm’s U.S. life sciences practice. “Odgers Berndtson is delighted Peter has joined us as a partner and head of our U.S. life sciences practice,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “Peter is joining us at a time of high growth for our life sciences practice.
Kestria Names Healthcare and Life Sciences Americas Practice Leader
Healthcare and life sciences are among the largest industries in the world and have increased in status since 2019. Aside from the pandemic, the healthcare industry has experienced significant growth and change over recent years. Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, recently appointed Céline Chabée as healthcare and life sciences Americas practice leader. “It is
From A Company’s Top Lawyer a Top Decision Maker
Beyond the ever-increasing level of connectivity and complexity in the business environment, emerging issues in the last several years have re-shaped priorities for public companies in areas ranging from human capital management to political activity and data security. Growing social movements have brought a sharper focus to diversity, equity, and inclusion from investors, employees, and
Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Lambda Legal
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Gillian Power as the new chief technology officer of Lambda Legal. “We are proud to have Gillian join our team as our new chief technology officer,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal. “Gillian’s rich depth of experience and ability to adapt quickly to technological change will be critical
Furst Group Places Chief People Officer at BHSH System
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist companies across the nation to find new chief people officers. Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted in recruiting Tracie Morris as the new chief people officer of BHSH System, a not-for-profit health system in Michigan. “Tracie shares our
True Search Launches Diversity Practice
Executive recruiting firm True Search has launched a new diversity practice, which will connect companies with DE&I leaders. Under the leadership of True Search partners Aaron Clubb and Keri Gavin, the diversity practice was created to reinforce True’s commitment to delivering diverse candidate slates. The practice also helps clients develop engagement and recruiting strategies to attract underrepresented talent. “DE&I leaders are
Orangewood Partners Invests in Barrington James
Private investment firm Orangewood Partners has made an investment in Barrington James, a global executive recruitment firm serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sector. In partnering with Orangewood, Barrington James says it intends to enhance its global recruiting solutions, expand its client-service capabilities and support its ongoing commitment to developing and utilizing cutting-edge technology and
The Burgeoning Demand for Cybersecurity Talent
The impact of a cybersecurity breach—be it from cyber criminals, business competitors, terrorist organizations, or foreign nations—is unsettling to say the least. In terms of dollars alone, the average data breach cost $4.35 million in 2022, an increase of 2.6 percent over last year and 12.7 percent since 2020, according to a new report by
Lindauer Seeks New Leader for California Rural Legal Alliance
Lindauer has partnered with California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) to find their next executive director. Senior consultant Diane Felicio, Ph.D. and consultant Elsa Gomes Bondlow are leading the assignment. California Rural Legal Assistance seeks applications and nominations for the position of executive director. This is a pivotal moment in the organization’s history as Jose Padilla, the organization’s longstanding leader is retiring after more
