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Daily Newswire
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. CEO J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
KEES Places Executive Director for Chicago Debates
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES has placed Anthony J. Bolden Jr. as executive director of Chicago Debates, which uses academic debate to help advance Chicago’s youth. He previously served as the organization’s director and then senior director of programs. Most recently he was interim executive director. Mr. Bolden succeeds Toinette Gunn, now president and CEO
Slone Partners Cybersecurity Practice Launches
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has launched Slone Partners Cybersecurity, a national talent recruitment firm that delivers diverse commercial, operational, and technical cybersecurity specialists and leaders for companies in all business verticals and health systems. The firm is a successor to Wolf Hill Group, which was founded as a joint venture with Slone Partners in 2019. Adam
Heidrick & Struggles Opens New Office in Colombia
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has opened a new office in Bogotá, Colombia, and appointed Roberto Hall as the office’s new leader. He will be supported by four key consultants with a wide range of expertise across all of the firm’s existing sectors. “The expansion aligns with Heidrick & Struggles’ strategy
How to Build an Inclusive Company Culture
It’s one thing to include diversity, equity, and inclusion in your company’s mission and values. Consider it a prerequisite. It’s a much larger and more involved undertaking to show a commitment to DEI daily throughout your organization, according to a newly released report from DHR Global’s Nina Chatrath, Christine Greybe, Jonathan Hoyt, and Maryanne Wanca-Thibault. “Too
Envision Consulting Recruits CEO for Aviva
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting recently placed Amber Rivas as president and CEO for Aviva in Los Angeles. This follows the recent retirement of Regina Bette, who served as in the top role for 11 years. The appointment of Ms. Rivas comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by board chair Jonathan Werner and the search
Carrington & Carrington Seeks Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Cook County Health in Illinois
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief behavioral health officer (CBHO) for Cook County Health (CCH), a safety net health system for low-income patients in the Chicago area. The CBHO will serve the organization as both the lead on behavioral health strategy and program development. The CBHO will be
Payrolls Rise by 223,000 as Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 223,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent, according to today’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons also decreased to 5.7 million in December. Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, healthcare, construction, and social assistance. Among the major worker groups,
Former Netflix Talent Acquisition Lead Joins U.K. Recruiter Ibison Talent Group
U.K.-based executive recruiting firm Ibison Talent Group (ITG) has named former Netflix talent acquisition executive Lynnette Happ as a partner. “This appointment is significant as we continue to expand our business into the U.S. market,” said Nicola Ibison, CEO of ITG. “We’ve recently attracted outstanding U.S.-based talent to roles in the U.K., and Lynnette’s appointment will
What Senior Leaders Need to Ask Themselves in 2023
It’s the beginning of a new year and new possibilities. The global leadership team at Grace Blue Partnership has created a list of thought-provoking questions as well as some advice for leaders of all teams looking to retain, acquire, and develop their people in the year ahead and achieve business success. The executive search firm
SearchWide Global Tapped by Choose Chicago to Find Chief Marketing Officer
The travel and tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of 8.46 percent. By 2026, the projected market value will be just under $1 billion. This has created a heightened demand for senior leaders within the sector, keeping executive search firms busy. Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global was recently enlisted to find a chief marketing officer
Preng & Associates Recruits CFO for Flotek Industries
Houston-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Bond Clement as the new chief financial officer of Flotek Industries Inc., a NYSE-traded provider of technology-driven specialty green chemistry solutions. “We are excited to welcome Bond Clement to Flotek,” said John W. Gibson Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Flotek. “We believe
Sterling Martin Associates Seeks Executive Director for the Funeral Service Foundation
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the Funeral Service Foundation (FSF), the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). FSF’s executive director is
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief People Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Decio Mendes as its chief people officer. “Mendes’ enthusiasm for people, expertise in organizational development, and ability to instill a positive culture is a key part of Riviera’s growth,” said Will Hunsinger, CEO at Riviera Partners. “As we continue to
What It Takes to Lead on DEI in 2023
Global leaders now overwhelmingly consider diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a strategic business imperative as employees increasingly place value on equality advances in their work environment. A new report released by Heidrick & Struggles finds that 93 percent of leaders view DEI as more important now than three years ago. The report, Employees at the Center:
ZRG Partners Recruits CEO for Oasis Marinas
ZRG Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kenneth Svendsen as the new chief executive officer for Oasis Marinas, a provider of third-party marina management services. Dan Searby and Brian Meany spearheaded the assignment. “We are thrilled to have Kenneth join the Oasis team,” said Matt Shipman, president of Oasis Marinas. “Kenneth is a proven leader, and his decades
Reading a Prospect’s Commitment to a Job Opportunity
We’re in an era in which higher education leaders are doing a lot of looking around, wondering if there isn’t a better opportunity out there. It makes sense that individuals are wondering about their job security and whether another institution might offer a more stable, financially rewarding or friendly environment. There is also something to
Hudson Gate Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Mogo
Hudson Gate Partners recently recruited Brad Shapcott as the first chief technology officer of Mogo, a NASDAQ-traded digital payments and financial technology company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Ryan Kellner, Hudson Gate’s head of technology recruiting, was retained to lead the search. “We are very excited to have Brad join as our inaugural CTO,” said Greg
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President and COO for aptihealth
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has recruited Tim Koehler as president and chief operating officer of aptihealth, a Saratoga Springs, NY-based tech-driven behavioral healthcare provider. Partner Jackson Ross led the assignment. “I am grateful to our entire aptihealth team for their dedication and hard work in helping us build a powerful, high-impact behavioral healthcare company,”
Changing the Focus in Succession Planning
What holds true for traditional talent management, in general, holds true for succession planning in particular. Both suffer from the same flaw: a focus on supply rather than demand, according to a new report from Hein Knaapen, managing partner of CEO.works. “Talent management is about the uninterrupted availability of the right talent to drive continuous company performance; succession
Myers McRae Seeks Provost for Winthrop University
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted to find the next provost for Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, is leading the assignment. Winthrop’s previous provost, Adrienne McCormick, stepped down last summer to become provost at the University of Redlands in California. Peter Judge, a professor
The Millard Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ReliaQuest
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has assisted in the recruitment of John Wallace as the new chief revenue officer of ReliaQuest. “John Wallace joins ReliaQuest having overseen successful go-to-market and growth efforts for well-respected companies,” said Brian Murphy, founder and CEO
RevelOne Recruits Top Marketing Executive for RevenueCat
Greenwood Village, CO-based RevelOne has assisted in the recruitment of Hendrik Haandrikman as vice president of marketing for RevenueCat in San Francisco. Vice president Harry Master led the assignment. “Hendrik’s years of experience in building marketing organizations from the ground up, exceeding year-over-year revenue goals and driving high rates of growth at various startups stood out to the
AETHOS Consulting Group Expands to Las Vegas
After taking a massive hit during the pandemic, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. Leisure and hospitality added 88,000 jobs in November, including a gain of 62,000 in food services and drinking places. Leisure and hospitality added an average of 82,000 jobs per month through 11 months last
Executive Hiring Predictions for 2023
With market uncertainty on the minds of senior executives as we move into the new year, ON Partners recently asked its consultants to offer predictions and insights about the executive jobs they expect to be in demand in 2023. The past few years have seen one of the most volatile business environments in memory. Political, social,
Heidrick & Struggles Plans to Acquire Atreus
Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has entered into an agreement to acquire Atreus, one of the leading players for executive interim management in Germany. The acquisition expands Heidrick & Struggles’ on-demand talent offering into Continental Europe and is an important component of the firm’s broader strategy to
RMN Electi Recruits CFO for HomeX
The pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, RMN Electi, formerly RM Nephew and Associates, assisted in the recruitment of Zach Ripps as the new CFO of HomeX Services Group in Lincoln, RI. Mr. Ripps is formerly head
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits COO for Wellborn Cabinet
Chairman and CEO Joseph McElmeel, Richard Mohrman, and Gina Felicita of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates have placed Richard Farr as chief operating officer for Wellborn Cabinet in Ashland, AL. “We are excited to have a person with Richard Farr’s experience and cultural fit join our company,” said Paul Wellborn, the company’s president and CEO.
Amrop Expands in EMEA and Asia-Pacific
Global recruiting organization Amrop has strengthened its European and APAC consulting team with new partner hires in Portugal, Italy, and Singapore. Filipe Morais joins Amrop as an independent partner in Portugal. He becomes a core member of Amrop’s global board services practice. Mr. Morais is an expert on board governance and has published books, academic and
Hunt Scanlon Looks Back at a Whirlwind Year in Executive Recruiting
Like every year, there were searches that caught the entire recruitment industry’s eye, and left competitors a bit envious that they had not won the assignment. Our story about TurnkeyZRG’s placement of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, nearing the end of his last term in office, as the new head of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
Hanold Associates Seeks Head of HR and Diversity for the New York Giants
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has been selected by professional football’s New York Giants to lead the search for a head of human resources and diversity. The assignment is being led by Jason Hanold, Lisa Yae, Ivy Arlia, and Meg McElroy. As the Giants organization has grown and evolved, the need for more rigor around the
Axiom Acquires Plexus’ Legal Talent Division Plexus Engage
Axiom, a global provider of on-demand legal talent, has acquired Plexus Engage, a subsidiary of Australian headquartered legal technology company Plexus. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Plexus Engage offers experienced, flexible lawyers for in-house legal teams to support projects or augment capacity. This acquisition further advances Axiom’s long-term M&A and geographic expansion
