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Daily Newswire
What the Top 25 Percent of Search Firms Do Differently — And Why It’s Not About Sourcing
The performance gap between the highest-grossing executive search and recruiting firms and their peers is not primarily explained by market access, brand reputation, or the size of their candidate networks. According to new operational research from Recruiterflow — drawing on data from over 2,100 retained, contingent, and executive search firms — it comes down to
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CFO for Cleary University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Cleary University to lead in its search for a new CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Cleary recently rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave, and the plan presents an exciting opportunity for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Leading Through Turbulent Times: 5 Things Every CEO Can Focus On
Volatility has a way of stripping leadership down to its essentials, revealing what actually holds a company steady when the ground shifts. For CEOs, the goal in those moments isn’t to predict every turn, but to create the focus, trust, and flexibility that let teams keep moving through it. Major disruptions don’t arrive politely or
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 263,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality and in healthcare. Hurricane Ian had no discernible effect on the employment and unemployment data for September. The number of unemployed persons
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Hygieia
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed Doug Lawrence as the new chief executive officer of Hygieia, a digital therapeutics company for insulin therapy. “Doug Lawrence is an extraordinarily driven and accomplished diabetes technology leader with a track record of tremendous success leading global business operations,” said Tara Kochis, president of Slone Partners. “He brings tremendous experience and a
Renovata & Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Pricefx
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Gill Sheeran as chief financial officer of Pricefx, a software-as-a-service price-optimization management platform. “Gill is an experienced finance executive for the tech industry and fast-growing, global companies,” said Thomas Jepsen, Renovata & Company partner. “She has a proven track record in successful exits, PE fundraising, M&A,
Karen Shnek Lippman Executive Search Launches
Karen Shnek Lippman, former vice president at Bert Davis Executive Search and managing director for Koller Search Partners, among other roles, has launched her own search firm, Karen Shnek Lippman Executive Search. Ms. Shnek Lippman, principal and founder, specializes in recruiting director, vice president, and C-level positions. “I am a retained executive recruiter, hired exclusively
Focus Search Partners Acquires Brad Martin & Associates
Executive search firm Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has acquired Brad Martin & Associates (BMA), a Minneapolis, MN-based boutique executive search firm. Firm principals Brad and Andy Olson will continue to operate from their offices in Minnesota as managing partners for Focus Search Partners. Deeply rooted in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution clients, BMA has
Blue Rock Search Recruits VP of Global Talent Acquisition for LiveRamp
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive, and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Peña Search Seeks New Executive Director for Leadership ISD
During a time of tremendous societal transformation, not-for-profit organizations provide support and stability for individuals and their communities. Executive recruiters say today’s not-for-profits face a growing need for exceptional leaders. Carlos González Peña and Travis Hillier of Peña Search were recently called in to find a new executive director for Leadership ISD (LISD) in Dallas. Since its inception,
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
Executive search consortium AIMS International has further strengthened its presence in Denmark with the addition of Unique Human Capital. “We are very happy and excited to welcome Jørn Duhn and the entire Unique Human Capital team to AIMS International,” said Dimitris Kleftakis, president of AIMS. “Denmark and the wider Nordic region has always been an important market for AIMS International. With
Jensen Partners Secures Strategic Investment from JB Capital
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has received a strategic investment from JB Capital, a Bellevue, WA-based investor focused on market areas underserved by institutional investors. Although the amount was undisclosed, the investment will enhance Jensen Partners’ ability to empower asset
Caldwell Acquires The Counsel Network
Toronto-based Caldwell has acquired The Counsel Network Inc., a Canada-based executive search firm specializing in the Canadian legal market. The acquisition of was an all-cash deal, and no securities of Caldwell were issued in connection with the acquisition. “The Counsel Network is the most respected, connected, and powerful legal recruitment firm in Canada,” said Michael DeCosta, managing
TurnkeyZRG Assists Yale in Finding New Head Baseball Coach
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted Yale University in the recruitment of Brian Hamm as the school’s new head baseball coach. John Stuper, who has coached the team since 1992, recently announced his retirement. Mr. Hamm just led Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) to an NCAA Division III National Championship, capping a season in which the Warriors went
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Brightspot
Partners Jeff Hocking and Tindall (Sewell) Hein of ON Partners assisted in the recruitment of Raleigh McClayton as the new CEO for Brightspot, a provider of content management, workflow solutions, and services for top global brands. “Brightspot is in the right position to serve the content industry which needs our platform and services,” said David Gang, the company’s CEO and co-founder.
Guerrero Search Launched
Guerrero, a minority-owned, privately held, executive advancement company at the intersection of media, professional networks, and talent acquisition, has launched Guerrero Search, a retained executive recruitment service focused on helping companies diversify their leadership ranks. “The demand for diversity at all levels of corporate America has never been greater, yet the needle hasn’t moved much,
Why Talent is Now at the Center of Value Creation
Talent has always been, and always will be, a driver of value creation. Talent management has been an important lever in the private equity industry for years, but it has never been more critical than today. Due to the scarcity of top-end talent in the labor market, it is crucial for private equity firms to
Venture Capital Firm QED Investors Acquires Lingua Franca Search
QED Investors, an Alexandria, VA-based venture capital firm focused on investing in financial services companies, has acquired Lingua Franca Search, a boutique retained executive and professional search firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The search firm allows QED to support portfolio companies with senior-level hires. Led by CEO Thomas King, Lingua Franca
Spencer Stuart Retained by Blue Apron for CFO Search
Spencer Stuart has been selected by meal-kit delivery services company Blue Apron Holdings to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Randy Greben has notified the company that he has accepted a position at another company and plans to resign from his role, effective Oct. 17. Spencer Stuart recruited Mr. Greben into the
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks Executive Director for Soccer in the Streets
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next executive director for Soccer in the Streets (SITS), an Atlanta-based non-profit that empowers underserved youth through soccer, character development, mentoring, and employability programs. Leading the assignment are John Sparrow, senior director, and Lysondra Somerville, senior research associate. “As it looks toward the future, SITS seeks
Korn Ferry Announces Board Changes
Korn Ferry has elected Charles Harringtonv as a new member to its board of directors and appointed Jerry Leamon as a new non-executive chair. Christina Gold, who has served on the firm’s board since 2014, and most recently as the non-executive chair since 2019, has retired from the board. In addition, George Shaheen retired from the
Global Employment Outlook for Q4 Remains Strong Despite Macro Jitters
The global labor market remains strong with steady hiring expected for the remainder of 2022, according to the Q4 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of 40,700 employers. Used internationally as a bellwether of economic and labor market trends, the net employment outlook – calculated by subtracting the percentage of employers who anticipated reductions to staffing levels from
DHR Global Seeks Chief Zoological Officer for Woodland Park Zoo
DHR Global has been enlisted to find a chief zoological officer (CZO) for the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The assignment is being led by James Abruzzo, managing partner, global non-profit practice, and Michele Baird Counter, principal. The chief zoological officer reports directly to the zoo’s president and CEO and serves many of the classical functions
Steven John & Associates Retained by Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Steven John & Associates has been chosen by the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID) in San Mateo, CA to find a new executive director. Steve John and Jason Snyder are leading the assignment. The executive director acts as the CEO of the organization and is responsible for the overall management and direction of
RMN Electi Recruits Chief Product Officer for Northwoods
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The position typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
Newman Group Search Launches Interim Workforce Division
Sanford Rose Associates – Newman Group Search has launched a new interim workforce division and named Brigid Sciaccotta as its practice leader. “The newly created interim workforce department and leadership role are the firm’s response to escalating demand for interim talent in the insurance arena,” said Peg Newman, partner. She cites economic forces such as the pandemic, “The
Hiring Operators as Early Stage Investors — 5 Key Characteristics for Success
In the start-up world, seasoned operators have experienced product launches, growth cycles, fund-raises, and human capital challenges. They’ve achieved huge successes and endured great failures. Operators know firsthand how to build the ideal infrastructure for sustainable scaling and long-term growth, according to a new report from SPMB’s Emily Wallach. “Historically, venture capital firms brought in
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for LiqTech International
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Fei Chen as the new chief executive officer of LiqTech International, a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies. Ms. Chen, who will start on or before Nov. 1, will also be a member of LiqTech’s board of directors.
Development Guild DDI Tapped to Find President for The Doe Fund
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI has been enlisted to find the next president of The Doe Fund (TDF), which helps homeless and formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives. Kieran McTague, senior vice president and director, New York, is leading the assignment. The opening at the prominent New York City charity follows the death of founder
Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Monica G. Ferrini as dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. “I look forward to the flourishing of COSH under Dr. Ferrini’s leadership,” said Sylvia Manning, interim provost and
Kingsley Gate Partners Names Chief Digital Officer
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has named Saurabh Gupta as chief digital officer. Based in Boston, he will be responsible for defining the strategy and technical vision of the firm. “Saurabh has proved himself to be both a visionary and builder of cutting-edge HRIS systems to benefit clients, candidates, and firm members,” said Umesh Ramakrishnan, CEO of
The CEO’s Role in Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is on a lot of people’s minds, and many chief executive officers are struggling to figure out where they fit within this. The CEO’s responsibility is to serve as the heartbeat of an organization, driving culture from the top down, owning and meeting key business objectives, and influencing internal and external stakeholders to
The Christopher Group Seeks Chief People Officer for Vervent
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while CHROs 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 emphasis on
WittKieffer Places Chief Diversity Officer at Gettysburg College
After a national search, Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has placed Eloísa Gordon-Mora as the new chief diversity officer of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Christine Pendleton, senior associate, and Randi Miller, associate, led the assignment. Dr. Gordon-Mora serves as a member of Gettysburg’s president’s council and is charged with advancing the school’s diversity, equity,
