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Daily Newswire
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
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.
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
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?
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
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,
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Bedford Group | TRANSEARCH Partners with System-3 Assessment
Howard Pezim, Steven Pezim and Elan Pratzer have announced a new strategic partnership between Bedford Group | TRANSEARCH and System-3, a provider of simulation-based leadership assessment grounded in observed performance. “By combining Bedford’s four-decades of expertise in executive search with System-3’s highly predictive, performance-based leadership assessment, we are enhancing our ability to support boards and CEOs in making well-informed,
When Founders Step Aside: Navigating Leadership Transitions In Private Equity
A recent Harvard Business Review article examining founder transitions highlights just how precarious these leadership handoffs can be. Founder CEO transitions carry a risk of failure or performance decline two to three times greater than standard CEO successions. The reason is simple: founders are rarely just executives. They are often the cultural center of gravity, the strategic
TM² Executive Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Cheyney University
TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently selected by Cheyney University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Associate principals Jessica Horton and Dr. Will Anyu are leading the assignment. The school is looking for a forward-thinking, mission-driven CITO to lead the office of information technology during a period of strategic transformation. This is the first-ever
Preng & Associates Fills Senior Post for Worley
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit Jon Gribble as president of major projects and programs Americas of Worley. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as president, major projects and programs, Americas at Worley,” Mr. Gribble said in a LinkedIn post. “Worley has a strong project delivery heritage and a clear commitment to serving customers across the
The Bridger Group Names Talent Acquisition Lead
The Bridger Group, a 58-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in the building products and commercial interior products industries, has expanded with the addition of Cheyanna Sayers as talent acquisition lead. “The Bridger Group is excited to announce our new talent acquisition lead, Cheyanna Sayers,” the firm said in a post. “She’ll be recruiting talented industry professionals
Winning the CFO Talent War in a Competitive PE Market
Competition for experienced chief financial officers in private equity-backed companies has intensified as sponsors pursue growth, exits, and operational transformation on tighter timelines. In today’s candidate-driven environment, firms are finding that traditional recruiting approaches are no longer sufficient to secure high-impact finance leaders. Success increasingly hinges on proactive relationship-building, precise role calibration, and the ability
Korn Ferry Records Seven Percent Q3 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q3 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $717.4 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all solutions. “Our strong quarterly performance continues to reflect the evolution of our firm,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO, Korn Ferry. “Today the world is enveloped by unprecedented levels of change – shifts in population,
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Bare Necessities with President Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Salima Popatia as president of Bare Necessities, a division of Delta Galil Industries. The search was led by Dana Levine and Jennifer Riemer. “Salima is a disciplined operator who thrives in complex digital-first environments,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. “She brings the accountability and
Long Ridge Partners Announces Promotions
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has recently announced a series of promotions. “We’re pleased to recognize several well-earned promotions at Long Ridge Partners,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Each of these individuals has cultivated strong relationships across the industry and played a meaningful role in our firm’s success. We are proud to recognize their
SpenglerFox Expands in the Czech Republic
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has expanded with the addition of Jana Studničková as client partner in the Czech Republic. “We are delighted to welcome Jana into our team: a senior, multi industry expert bringing diversity of experience and contacts and invaluable insight into what business challenges face today – especially privately owned ones stretching technology, cybersecurity,
Laid Off by AI? What’s Really Driving the Latest Job Cuts
Companies are firing workers and saying AI made them do it. But new research from MIT and Oxford reveals the truth: 95 percent of companies investing in AI are getting zero return, yet they’re still using artificial intelligence as a convenient excuse for layoffs. This matters for anyone worried about job security in today’s market,
Employment Falls by 92,000 as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.4 Percent
Employment fell by 92,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in February. Employment in healthcare decreased, reflecting strike activity. Employment in information and federal government continued to trend down. “That jobs weakness coupled
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of John Adams as the new CFO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. “John is an exceptional talent who brings deep financial expertise and strategic judgment to CSIS,” said CSIS president and CEO John Hamre. “With a record of innovative leadership and sound management,
Occam Global Recruits Former CSO of Novo Nordisk to Advisory Board of Cradle
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Marcus Schindler as a member of the advisory board at Cradle, the enterprise-grade AI platform for protein engineering. He will help accelerate the platform’s scientific impact and drive broader adoption of AI-powered protein engineering across the life sciences industry. “Marcus is renowned for modernizing drug discovery at some
Riviera Partners Names Managing Partner and General Manager of Paragon
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has appointed Chris Rice as managing partner and general manager of Paragon, the firm’s global high-volume recruiting division supporting technology founders, leaders, and investors. “Talent remains the clearest advantage in the AI era,” said Michael Newcomer, chief executive officer of Riviera Partners. “Companies
CFO Recruiting Summit — Beyond the Balance Sheet: Executing Growth and Value Creation
As business complexity accelerates across industries, the office of the CFO is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once centered primarily on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are becoming enterprise-wide strategic engines—driving growth, managing risk, enabling transformation, and serving as critical partners to the CEO and board. As the CFO role increasingly serves as a pipeline to
Isaacson, Miller Tapped By Texas A&M to Lead Search for New President
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by Texas A&M to lead in its search for its next president. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, are leading this search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. “Choosing the next president of Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we will make,” said Robert L. Albritton, Board of
Lindauer Recruits President and CEO for Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Tutwiler as president and CEO of Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA. The search was led by Lindauer senior vice president Bob Giannino and vice president Maureen Huminik. He becomes only the fifth CEO in Walker’s 65-year history of serving children, youth, and families across Massachusetts. “At Walker, our mission is
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Provost Search for the University of Cincinnati
Executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates was recently retained by the University of Cincinnati (UC) to lead in its search for executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt are leading the assignment for the search firm. This is a remarkable opportunity to help shape the next phase of UC’s strategic direction
Maven Partnership Announces Promotions and Role Changes
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has announced several promotions and role changes. “At Maven Partnership, we’re committed to the growth and development of our people, so I’m proud to see so many of our team members step into new roles this year,” said Will Hannaford, CEO of Maven Partnership. “Congratulations all – here’s to another exceptional year.”
Hunt Scanlon Names Kiko Restrepo Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Next-Stage Growth Across Media, M&A, and Talent Intelligence
Hunt Scanlon Media has tapped Kiko Restrepo to serve as chief revenue officer. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading all revenue-generating departments at the company, including sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships to drive, align, and scale revenue growth. Mr. Restrepo joins Hunt Scanlon from Warner Bros. Discovery where he
How to Create Intentional Balance in the Workplace
As leadership teams rethink growth strategies for the next decade, many are confronting a quieter but equally consequential challenge: how to align experience, opportunity, and succession in a rapidly changing talent market. The issue is no longer confined to policy debates or headline-grabbing return-to-office mandates; it sits at the core of governance, culture, and long-term
Spencer Stuart Seeking New Leader for Brunswick School
Brunswick School recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead in its search for a new head of school. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, are leading the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
HARTZ Search Recruits CFO for Geisinger
After an extensive national search led by Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search, Geisinger has selected Matt Huff as executive vice president and CFO. Mr. Huff brings extensive expertise in financial planning, reporting, and analysis; accounting services; revenue cycle management; mergers and acquisitions; strategic planning and business development; and supply chain operations. He joins Geisinger from The Guthrie
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Leaders of Interim Management Business in Germany
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Christian Frank and Mike Schwanke as managing directors of its interim management business in Germany, Atreus. They will immediately assume responsibility for Atreus’ in-country operations and strategy. Founders Harald Linné and Rainer Nagel will remain part of the management team through the end 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “Germany represents a core market for our executive
Why Companies Need to Develop an AI-Ready Workforce
AI has emerged as one of the most valued tools in today’s corporate environment. Across nearly every sector—from finance to healthcare—organizations are embracing AI as a critical driver of innovation, automation, and competitive advantage. And yet, for all its promise, one critical issue holds back progress – a shortage of qualified AI talent, according to
Corsica Partners Fills President Role for Aspen Standard Wealth
Executive search firm Corsica Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin DiSano as the new president of Aspen Standard Wealth in New York City. “When ambitious platforms are matched with the right leadership, the probability of exceptional outcomes rises substantially,” Dan Veitkus, managing partner and CEO of Corsica Partners, said in a LinkedIn post.
Lancer Group Recruits CFO for LifeSpeak
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Matt Smolko as the new CFO of digital wellbeing platform LifeSpeak. “LifeSpeak is entering an exciting new chapter as organizations demand wellbeing solutions that are reliable, flexible, hyper-personalized, and proven to make a difference,” said Jason Campana, CEO of LifeSpeak. “Our newly expanded leadership team strengthens our ability to
JM Search Assists Eden Brothers with Recruitment of New CEO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Hollenstein as CEO of Kian Capital Partners-backed Eden Brothers. JM Search’s consumer practice team members Liza Stokes, partner, and Avery (Loeffler) Jacob, vice president, led the assignment. “Mike brings over 20 years of merchandising
Mercuri Urval Appoints Leader of Construction Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion
Executive Search as Strategic Risk Management: Five Insights Reshaping C-Suite Hiring
Leadership decisions are becoming more consequential and more exposed. Across markets, industries and ownership structures, organizations are facing structural transformation, leadership succession pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and accelerated capability shifts, according to Kestria’s Global Internal Survey. “In this environment, executive hiring is no longer a transactional process,” the study found. “It is a strategic inflection point.”
