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Daily Newswire
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
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.
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Resideo
CIO Partners was recently tapped by Resideo to lead in its search for a new chief information officer. This executive is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise technology strategy that enables innovation across connected home products, digital services, and global distribution operations at Resideo Technologies. This leader ensures that enterprise technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, and
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?
DSG Global Appoints Managing Directors
DSG Global has expanded with the additions of Kris McFeely, Chris Clarey, and Scott Murray as managing directors. Ms. McFeely, who joins the firm’s nonprofit and social impact practice, brings more than two decades of executive search experience to the team. She specializes in identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations. Drawing on experience across
U.S. M&A Accelerates as Buyers Raise the Bar
EY-Parthenon’s September Merger Monthly points to continued momentum across the U.S. M&A market. Through August, deal value for transactions above $100 million reached approximately $2.2 trillion, up roughly 48 percent year-over-year, while volume increased 23 percent. Momentum remained strong from June through August, with deal value rising 23 percent and volume advancing 22 percent from
Why the Best Job Offer Is About More Than Salary
A higher salary can make a new job attractive, but compensation alone does not always tell candidates whether an offer is truly better. According to a recent report from NPAworldwide, recruiters can play an important role in helping candidates evaluate the complete package while also helping employers understand why a competitive base salary may not
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Donald J. Green president of Valdosta State University (VSU). Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt led the assignment. “Don Green is a leader who knows how to deliver results, and he’s proven that time and again,” USG chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At Gordon State, he focused on
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
Building Your IR Function: The Questions Every VC Should be Asking
As venture firms mature and fundraising becomes more institutionalized, building the right investor relations function is increasingly becoming a critical part of long-term growth. The best time to hire an investor relations leader is before you urgently need one, according to a recent report from SPMB’s Suzanne Heske and Emily Leder. “LP relationships take years to
U.S. Hiring Slows as Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 29,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, also increased in September. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Black (7.0 percent) increased in September.
Cook Silverman Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Common Sense Media
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Alicia Chang as chief development officer of Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. Ms. Chang joins Common Sense Media after spending a decade with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she most recently served as deputy chief development officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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
Ellig Group Forms Advisory Board
New York City-based Ellig Group has formed an advisory board consisting of 10 highly respected CEOs and board directors from various industries and non-profit organizations. “I am honored to have this amazing board, chaired by Truett Tate, to promote our vision of enhancing corporate cultures and good corporate governance with more diverse executives in senior level roles and
Executive Hiring Predictions Moving into 2023
Macro-environment factors have always had an impact, to some degree, for better and worse, on the jobs market, and in turn, the executive search industry. For the most part, the executive search industry has more than just weathered these tempests in the last two years. In fact, today, executive search firms are reporting they are busier than ever.
Navigating a Non-Profit Succession Plan
The executive director/CEO position in a non-profit organization is a central element in the organization’s success. Therefore, ensuring that the functions of the executive director/CEO are well understood and shared among senior staff and the board of directors is important for safeguarding the organization against unplanned or unexpected change. This kind of risk management is
Artico Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for parcelLab
As business becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, recently recruited Sidra Berman as chief marketing officer of parcelLab, an operations experience management platform.
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Board Members for Teach for America Miami-Dade
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners assisted in the recruitment of Romina Rosado and Deena LaMarque Piquion as
Mogul Forms Alliance with Brimstone
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul has signed a deal with Oakland, CA-based Brimstone, a venture-backed climate technology company that created the world’s first carbon-negative Portland cement. “As we scale our operations and grow, we are dedicated to continuing to build the strong, diverse team we need to decarbonize cement production, one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries,”
The Benefits of Having a Diverse Skill-Set
Regardless of industry, size, or goals, every organization will face its own set of ongoing challenges, from new competitors and market fluctuations, to media scrutiny, to evolving technologies. A leadership team and board that embraces a diverse combination of skill-sets and perspectives is better equipped to navigate challenges as they arise. A recent analysis by
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits CEO for Vera Bradley
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Jacqueline Ardrey as president and chief executive officer of NASDAQ-traded Vera Bradley Inc. She replaces retiring president and CEO Robert Wallstrom, who will work closely with Ms. Ardrey through December to ensure a smooth transition. “Jackie Ardrey is a highly accomplished
The Lancer Group Recruits CFO for Elm Street Technology
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group has placed Brad Wolfe as chief financial officer for Aquiline Capital Partners-backed Elm Street Technology LLC. Mr. Wolfe specializes in assessing situations and risks, then developing and executing effective strategies. With 14 successful exits ranging from 2X to 10X over 20 years, he has built departments from scratch
ChampionScott Partners Names President
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, has appointed Doug Kaplan as managing director and president. “We’re thrilled Doug is joining ChampionScott Partners,” said Geoff Champion, CEO. “Having had the pleasure of supporting his success as a candidate and client, we’re confident that he’ll add great value to our team. Doug joins
HIEC Names Three New Partners
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has named two new partners, Michael Otte and David Ferguson, to its industrial practice in addition to a new partner, Carmen Koch, to its consumer and retail practice. Mr. Otte, who will be based in Atlanta, joins the firm from global HR consultancy Kienbaum, where as vice president he was
How Emotional Intelligence Can be the Leadership Differentiator
Intelligence is measured in many ways. Intelligence quotient (IQ) is often the first measurement that comes to mind. IQ and all of its measurements we encounter over the course of our lives can be primary markers of our success (or failure), according to a new report from Nubrick Partners’ Joe Mazzenga. The concept of emotional
Lindauer Assists Pacifica Graduate Institute in Recruitment of a New CEO
Boston-based Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Leonie Mattison as president and CEO of Pacifica Graduate Institute, a graduate school in Santa Barbara, CA, specializing in depth psychology. She becomes the first black director of the school. Deb Taft and Tensie Taylor led the assignment. “After extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and a unanimous board vote, we
Quick Leonard Kieffer Places Leader for Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients and CRISP Shared Services
Chicago-based Quick Leonard Kieffer has placed Craig Behm as president and chief executive officer of The Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP) and CRISP Shared Services (CSS) in Columbia, MD. CRISP is a non-profit organization that facilitates the electronic transfer of clinical information between disparate health information systems. CSS is a non-profit support organization
Sterling Martin Associates Recruits New Leader for the Mount Washington Observatory
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has placed Drew Fulton Bush as the new executive director of the Mount Washington Observatory in North Conway, NH. Board of trustees chair Robert Kirsch called Dr. Bush a passionate and visionary leader who will bring a distinctive
Kingsley Gate Partners Names Talent Acquisition Leader
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate Partners has named Ali Brainard as senior vice president, senior talent acquisition, North America. She will be responsible for identifying and recruiting partner-level talent for the firm’s North America region. Ms. Brainard will join the firm’s New York City office. Ms. Brainard previously built and led the talent acquisition team for a $12 billion publicly
How to Choose Your Executive Search Partner
The hard truth about talent, especially leadership talent, is that if you’ve got the wrong talent in place, it can quickly become your company’s Achilles heel. Alternatively, great leadership can serve as a business multiplier, and retaining top talent ranks as the top priority for CEOs and other C-suite executives globally. Quite simply, securing the
5 Communication Skills Found in Top Leaders
Smart recruiters don’t expect candidates for leadership roles to have it all. But those leaders must have a preponderance of it all and they must be able to lead it all. Any gaps or blind spots that he/she/they have must be ably or mightily filled by one of their current or prospective direct reports to
SPMB Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Xage Security
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses. The tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities, or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. In one recent search, SPMB, an
Berglass + Associates Recruits Chief Equity Officer for Pizza Hut
Around the globe, diversity, equity, and inclusion has grown to become a critically important boardroom topic given the increasing focus by legislatures, regulatory bodies, stock exchanges, investors, and the general public. Many of these stakeholders have enhanced their expectations around DEI because of the growing body of research that shows improving DEI results in improved
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
