DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
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.
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
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?
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
NU Advisory Partners Fills Board Position for Banesco USA
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Stinson to the Banesco USA board. Nada Usina, CEO and co-founder, led the search along with Mar Hernandez, partner and co-founder. “Congratulations Teresa Stinson on joining Banesco USA as board director,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your governance
Why Natural Language Search Is the Biggest Shift in Executive Search Since the Database
Executive search has always been a relationship business. Consultants describe talent in rich, layered terms, leaders who have scaled a commercial function through a turnaround, managed a $200 million P&L across two geographies, navigated a public board through a CEO transition. But the systems they rely on to find those leaders have never understood a
TM² Executive Search Assists Fort Valley State University with CHRO Search
TM² Executive Search (TM²) has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lyn as the new chief human resources officer of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu led the assignment. Mr. Lyn brings more than a decade of progressive human resources leadership experience in higher education. Before joining Fort Valley State University,
Bespoke Partners Opens New Office in Boston
Bespoke Partners has opened a new office in Boston to accommodate the firm’s growing local team and strengthen its presence in a key market for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. The new office in Boston places Bespoke in proximity to leading software and SaaS clients in healthcare tech, cybersecurity, FinTech, MarTech and Adtech, GovTech and many more sectors. “Boston
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
The Christopher Group Retained by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and Partner Jeff Wilbanks are leading the assignment. “The ACGME plays a vital role in shaping the future of
Resource Management Group Assists Biomerics with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of Kristin Mason as CFO of Biomerics, a vertically integrated contract manufacturer for the interventional medical device market in Salt Lake City, UT. “Kristin brings a unique combination of strategic financial leadership, operational rigor and growth experience,” said
Why Slow Hiring Processes Cost Companies Their Best Candidates
You’ve heard it countless times: “Hire slow, fire fast.” It’s sound advice in principle. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate candidates before making an important hiring decision simply makes good sense. However, facilitating a comprehensive selection process and moving quickly are not mutually exclusive, according to a recent report from Noto Group’s Roy Notowitz. “It is a good thing
Bauer Harris Fills Senior Marketing Position for PREMIER Bankcard
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Halpern as the vice president of marketing operations for PREMIER Bankcard. “Congratulations to Mark Halpern on his new role as VP, marketing operations at PREMIER Bankcard,” Bauer Harris said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re excited for Mark as he steps into this new
From Experimentation to Infrastructure: How AI is Redefining Executive Search
What was once considered “experimental” technology (AI-powered sourcing, workflow automation, and predictive analytics) has quickly become foundational, according to a recent Cluen survey. It found that a majority of firms are not only adopting these tools but reshaping entire business models around them. Yet with maturity comes new challenges. How do you balance speed with
Willard Powell Unveils Newly Established Executive Search Group
Ridgefield, CT-based talent acquisition firm Willard Powell has launched its Executive Search Group and has added Mike Lynch, who will manage the company’s division as managing director. The new search division will focus on the recruitment needs of Fortune 100 multinational companies, mid-sized firms and high growth startups seeking executive-level talent. “In today’s competitive market,
Financial Services is Booming, CFO Role Continues to Evolve
The global financial crisis has brought increasing scrutiny from regulators and investors across the world. Combined with digital disruption, new technologies, and a high profile conduct agenda, financial institutions face a number of challenges to continued growth, according to Odgers Berndtson. The firm notes that today’s boards and executives need to foster a culture of
Guiding the Search Process with a Timeline
An executive search process timeline keeps your recruiting efforts on track and on schedule. It outlines the major milestones you need to hit when searching for someone to fill a senior leadership position. Crucially, it also outlines approximately how long each step should take. “Following a timeline matters because the speed of the executive search
Bridge Partners Recruits General Counsel for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
New York City-based Bridge Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Ostrander as the new general counsel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The search firm’s founders and partners Tory Clarke and Larry Griffin along with partner Ryan Whitacre led the assignment. “Rick has deep expertise in the legal and compliance issues facing financial institutions and markets today, which will
Acertitude Recruits CEO for Industrial Defender
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Jay Williams as the new CEO of Industrial Defender, a provider of OT cybersecurity technology in New York City. The search was led by Acertitude’s technology team and co-led by Rick DeRose, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of the technology practice, and Tim Cook, partner and leader of the firm’s cyber
NPAworldwide Adds 15 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 15 new member locations. “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 or increasing split placements.”
Reasons Candidates Don’t Get Calls or Great Offers
If you’ve had the chance to talk with one of the longest tenured executive search professionals in the country, you’d best be ready to feel exposed, laugh a lot, and learn what it takes to secure the job you want—not the leftovers. Entering his 38th year in executive search, industry behavioral scientist and capitalist Russ
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Arkose Labs
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited Prashant Nirmal as chief marketing officer of Arkose Labs, a global provider of fraud deterrence and account security. “Nirmal is a proven leader with deep experience in the cybersecurity space and knows how to connect with our key buyers in a way that enables their success,” said Kevin Gosschalk,
JDG Associates Seeks New Leader for American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Foundation (AARST). The executive director has the primary responsibility for implementing policies and directives as set by the board of directors. Chief among these are: ensuring effective management of the organization; adherence to AARST’s mission, bylaws, policies, and procedures; and
McCormack+Kristel Seeks Executive Director for Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been enlisted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to find its next executive director. Heidi Marston resigned from the role in April due to disagreements with the agency’s board of commissioners over pay for lower-level staff. In September, Kristina Dixon and Molly Rysman, who served as acting co-executive directors
N2Growth Expands to Saudi Arabia
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded to Saudi Arabia with the addition of Waleed Al Ahmadi as managing partner. Headquartered in Khobar EP, Mr. Al Ahmadi will be responsible for the firm’s operations in Saudi Arabia and neighboring GCC countries and will report directly to Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Saudi
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs have been vital to smart companies that want to attract and retain the best talent. However, it’s the lack of such efforts at some organizations that have been making headlines lately in the business press, according to a recent report from Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive. D&I programs are
How Relationship Intelligence Can Boost Business Development
Here’s a way to take your existing customer relationship management (CRM) data to the next level: Incorporate relationship intelligence within your organization’s existing CRM and reveal the people who will have the biggest impact on your business goals, says global data company BoardEx in a new report. When that intelligence can be found with a
Diversified Search Group Seeks Chief Diversity Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, was recently selected by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to lead its search for a senior vice president, chief diversity officer and director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI). Managing director Euris Belle is leading the search. The
HARTZ Search Recruits CEO for the University Medical Center New Orleans
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Emily Sedgwick as the new president and CEO of the University Medical Center New Orleans, an LCMC Health hospital. “Dr. Sedgwick is an accomplished leader in academic and non-academic medical systems with employed and affiliated physicians,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health, the health system that
Norman Broadbent Expands in Scotland
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, has expanded into Scotland. The firm has established a six-person team to launch its new Scottish arm. By the end of 2025, Norman Broadbent Group expects to have 20 staff north of the border, according to The Scotsman. The new Scottish operations are being led
Heidrick & Struggles Q3 Revenues Up Slightly From 2021
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $255.2 million, an increase of 0.7 percent vs. the prior year period. “We are pleased with the performance we delivered in the third quarter, which was near historic highs,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, president and CEO. “Our strong profitability was
R. William Funk & Associates Assists Florida International University with President Search
R. William Funk & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kenneth A. Jessell as the sixth president of Florida International University (FIU). “In Dr. Jessell we have found the best possible leader for FIU at this moment in its history,” said Dean C. Colson, chair of the university’s board of trustees. “His passion, vision,
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Achronix Semiconductor Corp.
Fast-growing executive search firm ON Partners has helped to place semiconductor industry veteran Mahesh Karanth as the new CFO of Achronix Semiconductor Corp., a leader in high-performance FPGAs and eFPGA IP. He will take over for Howard Brodsky, who is retiring after 16 years at Achronix. The assignment was spearheaded by Brad Westveld, the search firm’s co-founder and partner. “Mahesh is
ZRG Partners Names Co-Leader of Global Digital and Technology Officers Practice
ZRG Partners has expanded with the addition of Louisa Perry as co-leader of global digital and technology officers practice. She is located in the firm’s London office. Ms. Perry brings 25 years plus experience in executive search and providing talent advisory solutions. She is focused on hiring at board and executive level within global and domestic
IMSA Search Expands Into Lithuania
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the 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. Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has announced its expansion into Lithuania
Understanding Employee Attrition & Retention
Organizations want to hold on to their employees as they are the lifeblood of a company, and managers spend lots of time training them to produce results and meet business objectives. When employees leave an organization, they take their knowledge and skills with them. Managers then have to find new people to fill their roles
How a Recruitment Firm Can Help Your Hiring Strategy
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on national labor markets. More and more people have been leaving jobs in pursuit of other interests or have dropped out of the market altogether causing a labor deficit across the country. Candidates can demand more money and flexibility, which is causing pressure on companies to not
Bespoke Partners Places CFO at NMI
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently placed Scott Hart as the new CFO of NMI, a full commerce enablement technology company located in Schaumburg, IL. Vice president Katelyn Quaresma and principal Chelsea Mansfield led the assignment. Mr. Hart brings extensive expertise and a track record as a financial operator in tech-enabled growth companies, having previously worked
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Risk Officer for PJM Interconnection
Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Carl F. Coscia as vice president and chief risk officer of PJM Interconnection. “Risk management is a critical function for PJM as an organization and for the protection of our members,” said Manu Asthana, president and CEO of PJM. “Carl brings a wealth of risk
Calibre One Names Global Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences
Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Christos Richards as partner, global head of healthcare and life sciences. Mr. Richards has been in executive search for 25 years dedicated to life sciences recruiting in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, devices, diagnostics, instrumentation, tools, services, genetics, genomics, proteomics, greentech, cleantech, environmental sciences, contract manufacturing, and contract research. He has led over
PE Talent Can Drive Value in a Tough Market
The uncertain state of the economy as well as the ongoing war for talent, among other issues, pose major challenges for talent leaders and recruiters for private equity firms across the board. At Bain Capital, Susan Levine has the ideal seat for seeing the big picture as we move into the final quarter of 2022,
Tips for Strengthening Board & CEO Relationships
Has decision making just become harder? With the business world spinning faster than ever before—and with no pre-established playbooks to fall back on—making high-stakes judgments in exhausting situations is now a daily task for every CEO, according to executive recruiters. As Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global places CEOs and works alongside of their boards
TurnkeyZRG Recruits CEO for the United States Soccer Federation
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of former media, advertising, and technology executive J.T. Batson as the new CEO of the United States Soccer Federation, the national governing body for the sport of soccer. Current CEO Will Wilson announced he will be stepping down at the end of October to pursue new professional ventures and opportunities.
University of Colorado Boulder Retains Eastman & Beaudine for Head Football Coach Search
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU) has enlisted Plano, TX-based recruitment firm Eastman & Beaudine to help find its next head football coach. The Pac-12 school fired coach Karl Dorrell earlier this month after the Buffaloes’ went 0-5 to start the season. Mike Sanford, who had been offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was named interim
Egon Zehnder Recruits CEO for Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health
Egon Zehnder has helped to place Joseph G. Cacchione as the new CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. Emeritus board trustee H. Richard Haverstick, Jr. has served as interim CEO and president of Thomas Jefferson University and interim CEO of Jefferson Health since Jan.1, while Jefferson’s Board embarked on a national search for







