DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
CFO Recruiting Summit — Beyond the Balance Sheet: Executing Growth and Value Creation
As business complexity accelerates across industries, the office of the CFO is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once centered primarily on financial stewardship, today’s CFO organizations are becoming enterprise-wide strategic engines—driving growth, managing risk, enabling transformation, and serving as critical partners to the CEO and board. As the CFO role increasingly serves as a pipeline to
Isaacson, Miller Tapped By Texas A&M to Lead Search for New President
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been retained by Texas A&M to lead in its search for its next president. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, are leading this search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. “Choosing the next president of Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we will make,” said Robert L. Albritton, Board of
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers 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
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
With Liquidity And Legacy Looming, A New Paradox Emerges For Founder-Led Firms
Jay Alix, the founder of AlixPartners, has teamed up with veteran PE investor David Tayeh to launch Tayeh Capital Group, a $400 million fund aimed at family-owned professional & business services firms facing generational transition. The bet, said James O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Patrick Morgan, is that “aging founders, lower valuations, and stuck portfolio companies will create
Jobless Claims Fall as Layoffs Fall in May
The Labor Department reported that 200,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 210,000 to 211,000. The four-week moving average was 206,500, a decrease of 500 from the previous week’s revised average. The
5 Strategies to Win Over Your Top Candidates
All recruiters have been there –– after spending weeks, sometimes even months, interviewing, assessing, and negotiating an offer with the desired candidate, the prospect turns around and says he or she has decided to go a different direction. A situation like this is not only frustrating for those involved in the hiring process, but it also
Mercuri Urval Names Cybersecurity Practice Leader in Americas Region
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has added Stephen Spagnuolo to build and lead its cybersecurity Americas practice. “Information and cybersecurity is a priority for CEOs and boards, and it’s fair to say will remain so for many years to come. We are delighted to welcome Stephen to further strengthen our advisory expertise in this essential
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Parry Labs
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has helped to place Chris Pehrson as the new chief growth officer of Parry Labs LLC, a defense technology company in Alexandrea, VA. Director Chris Barner managed the search. “We are delighted to have Chris join Parry Labs, as we look to deliver our technology and capabilities to new platforms and
EFL Associates Seeks Provost for Ottawa University in Kansas
Executive search firm EFL Associates, a CBIZ Inc. company, has been called in by Ottawa University (OU) in Ottawa, KS to lead its search for a new provost and chief academic officer. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, is leading the assignment. The new provost must be an articulate spokesperson
Harris Search Associates Seeks CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College
Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been selected to help find the next vice president and chief human resource officer of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland. Search firm founder and managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. Tri-C is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader with the experience and
Post-COVID Recovery Sees the Rise of Revenge Hiring
The global workplace upheaval wrought by COVID-19 has seen employers scramble to play catch-up as the world emerges from the pandemic, spawning what’s called “revenge hiring,” according to a new report from DHR Global. “As Western markets continue to bear the brunt of ‘The Great Resignation,’ with thousands leaving the employment market, elsewhere in the world
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Tufts University
Tufts University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for its next president. John Isaacson is leading the assignment along with Keith Mason. Tufts’ executive search committee will work with Isaacson, Miller, which led the searches that culminated in the selection of presidents Lawrence Bacow in 2001 and Anthony Monaco in 2010. “We are
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Allmark Door
ON Partners partner Baillie Parker has assisted in the placement of Tom Woodruff as CEO of LLR Partners-backed Allmark Door. “We are excited to welcome Tom to the Allmark family,” said Gilbert Markham, founder of Allmark Door. “Tom brings a strong background in operational and sales excellence as well as a customer-first mentality to the team. We have confidence that
KEES Recruits CEO for Youth Job Center
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES recently recruited Lucretzia Jamiso as the new executive director of Youth Job Center (YJC), a youth workforce agency in Cook County, IL. She will succeed Karen Tollenaar Demorest, who is departing in June after eight years leading the organization. “The entirety of Lucretzia’s professional experience has been in roles that help
Wilton & Bain Launches Executive Interim Practice in North America
Wilton & Bain has appointed James Royall to establish and grow an interim management offering for the U.K.-based search firm in North America. He will be based at the firm’s location in Austin, TX. Mr. Royall’s appointment comes as Wilton & Bain faces increasing demand to solve the flexible resourcing challenges of its clients. Mr.
Reimagining Corporate Boardroom Searches to Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Goals
Recent events have laid bare America’s past failures in supporting equality in our diverse culture. Perhaps nowhere has this been more evident than in corporate boardrooms. But according to a report from Ellig Group’s Nicole Sandford, we still see incremental steps rather than the dramatic shift many have been seeking. Since joining Ellig Group in
Buffkin / Baker Retained by Oklahoma State University to Lead Provost Search
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in by Oklahoma State University to lead its search for a new senior vice president and provost. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner and Chelsie Whitelock, principal. The provost serves as the chief academic officer of the university and reports directly to the president of the
ZRG Partners Recruits Advisory Board Member for QIAGEN
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has recruited health diagnostics and biotechnology veteran Eva Pisa to the advisory board of QIAGEN. Robin Toft, of the firm’s global life sciences and boardroom diversity practice, led the nationwide search along with managing associate Janet Carl, and managing director Lauren Lee
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits Chief People Officer for FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers 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
Kestria Appoints Agribusiness & Agriscience EMEA Practice Leader
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has appointed Tracy Dawson as the new agribusiness & agriscience EMEA practice leader. “In the rapidly growing and dynamic field of agribusiness, technological trends meet rising demand for digitalization, farm automation and sustainability,” Kestria said. “Sophisticated technologies such as robots, GPS, temperature and moisture sensors will allow
Talent Shortages Reach Highest Levels in 16 Years
Hiring optimism has returned to levels not seen since the start of the pandemic with employers in 36 of 40 countries reporting stronger hiring outlooks year-over-year according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey of more than 40,000 employers. Yet that optimism is being tempered by the highest levels of global talent shortages in 16
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Bloom and Wild
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of former Facebook executive Fiona Mullan as the chief people officer of online flower retailer Bloom & Wild. “Congratulations to the team at Bloom & Wild on naming Fiona Mullan as the company’s first chief people officer,” said Wendy Colvano, managing director and head of Europe for
Steven John & Associates Assists Earthjustice in General Counsel Search
Executive search firm Steven John & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Conchita Lozano-Batista as the new general counsel of Earthjustice. She succeeds Kelley McKenzie, who retired after nearly six years as general counsel. Steve John and Jason Snyder led the assignment. Ms. Lozano-Batista was previously chair of the Sweatfree Procurement Advisory Group, which assists the city
DHR Global Supports HKW with Leadership Consulting Services
As the war for talent reaches epic proportions, private equity firms are banking on recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing leaders who deliver returns. Middle market private equity investor HKW has partnered with Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global to optimize talent with the goal of speeding up the value creation process and continuing to deliver strong
Jobless Claims Fall by 8,000 Remaining Near Historic Low
The Labor Department reported that 210,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 218,000. The four-week moving average was 206,750, an increase of 7,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 199,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.0 percent
A New Lever for Private Equity Value Creation: Talent Optimization
The very nature of private equity’s value proposition demands continuous evolution, innovation, and quick, nimble strategy. Historically speaking, however, private equity value creation levers have remained relatively static over time, generally shifting only in response to significant external pressures, according to a new report from Business Talent Group (BTG). The timeworn, “if it ain’t broke…” adage certainly applies,
Tips for Retaining Your Talent
If you’re surprised your A-player is leaving, you’re in good company. Too often, employers miss the strongest weapon in their arsenal against employee turnover—communication. Quality communication goes beyond annual reviews and occasional check-ins, according to Ken Schmitt and Victoria Willenberg of TurningPoint Executive Search, in a new report. Big box retailers, large tech companies, and
Artico Search Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for CM Group
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and 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, Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico
Howard Fischer Associates Recruits CFO for KKR-Backed Emsi Burning Glass
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has helped to place Eric Chan as the new CFO of Emsi Burning Glass. Mr. Chan brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling leading SaaS
True Search Adds New Leaders, Expands CFO Role
Executive recruiting firm True Search has added Aisha Christian as general counsel, Didi Dayton as head of platform and community, and is expanding current chief financial officer Korhan Kivanc’s role to include responsibilities as True’s chief operating officer. “The addition of Aisha to the team and Korhan’s expanded role signify that our business has entered a new phase of strategic growth.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Frederickson Partners
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Today, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies, has acquired global HR search firm Frederickson Partners. Frederickson Partners has locations in a dozen cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Nashville,
ON Partners Recruits CIO for OneDigital
ON Partners recently placed Marcia Calleja-Matsko as the new chief information officer of OneDigital, an insurance brokerage, financial services, and HR consulting firm in Atlanta. Partners Jake Espenlaub and consultant Tindall Hein led the assignment. “We’re excited to have Marcia join the executive leadership team as a strategic partner to all our business units as we continue to evolve our platform and
Academic Search Places President for Wesleyan College in Georgia
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has placed Meaghan Blight as the next president of Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. Ms. Blight, vice president of university growth and chief of staff at Huron University College in London, Ontario, Canada, assumes the role on July 1. She succeeds Vivia Fowler, who announced last fall that she would be stepping
Heidrick & Struggles Seeks CEO for LiqTech
LiqTech International, a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies, has been retained by Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a new CEO. In May, the company entered into a separation and release agreement with CEO Sune Mathiesen, who had previously taken a medical leave of absence. The company’s interim CEO, Alex Buehler, has
SGA Talent Opens Office in Saratoga Springs
Amsterdam, NY-headquartered executive search firm SGA Talent has expanded with the addition of a new office in Saratoga Springs, NY. “We are proud to announce that due to our remarkable growth, we are adding a Saratoga location,” said Sheila Greco, founder and CEO of SGA Talent. “Part of our growth to Saratoga is to attract top talent to
