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Daily Newswire
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
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.
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
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?
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
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Tapped to Find President for Liberty University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted by Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to help find its next president. Founding partner Price Harding is leading the assignment for the search firm along with partner Bill Peterson. The evangelical university’s current and interim president, Jerry Prevo, has served in the role for two years. Prior to his
ON Partners Recruits Chief Accounting Officer for Tegus
Joe Olson, Daniel Bolger, and Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have helped to place Lisa Akhionbare as chief accounting officer for Tegus, a research platform for institutional investors. Previously, Ms. Akhionbare was vice president and corporate controller at Vroom where she scaled the accounting organization from 12 to nearly 100 team members. During her time at Vroom, sales revenue grew from
SGA Talent Opens Office in Delray Beach, FL
Amsterdam, NY-headquartered executive search firm SGA Talent has expanded with the addition of a new office in Delray Beach, FL. As part of this strategic move, SGA Talent is also creating employee benefits at the Delray location for flex workspace and incentive trips to encourage the team to take advantage of the new workspace and benefits. “As we
Buffkin / Baker Names Chief Clinical Officer
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has added David Ballard as chief clinical officer in its healthcare practice. “David is a welcome addition to the Buffkin / Baker team,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner. “His extensive healthcare experience provides us with a strong foundation to provide quality service for our clients seeking today’s leading physician, nursing, and
Targeting the Most Impactful Points of Value Creation
Inevitably, be it through inflation, supply chain disruptions, global political turbulence, or other unavoidable calamities, change hits – sometimes suddenly and without warning. When this happens, CEOs pivot towards the “must do” work and should pivot towards the “must have” roles connected to that work. According to Sumeet Salwan, co-founder of CEO.works, this practice enables
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for BlueCat Networks
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently placed David Duncan as chief marketing officer of BlueCat Networks in Toronto. Katherine Baker and Kim Le led the assignment. “David’s experience and track record for leading and nurturing agile marketing teams is a tremendous asset,” said Stephen Devito, CEO of BlueCat. “His passion for DNS and extensive cybersecurity
Caldwell Places New CFO for Ponce Bank
Caldwell has placed Sergio Vaccaro as the new chief financial officer for Bronx, NY-based Ponce Bank. He was formerly CFO for Private Bank Americas, HSBC. Richard C. Perkey, managing partner, and Mark Dillard, consultant, led the assignment. Ponce Bank’s previous CFO, Frank Perez, remains with the bank as executive vice president; he has assumed the
Seven Critical Actions to Elevate Recruiting and Retaining Efforts
More than 47 million Americans quit their jobs last year, the highest number of resignations on record, and there was still recently a record 11.5 million job openings. As labor shortages continue, this year could go down as a “pit of despair for employers,” said one senior economist. “It’s not all bad news, though,” said Molly Brennan in a new report from Diversified
ON Partners Places Chief Revenue Officer for LastPass
Partners Aaron Clark and Tindall (Sewall) Hein of ON Partners have helped to place Amy Appleyard as the new chief revenue officer of Boston-based LastPass, which provides password and identity management solutions. A cybersecurity sales veteran, Ms. Appleyard will be responsible for leading key priorities across revenue-related functions, continuing to bolster global sales performance and
NPAworldwide Adds 28 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 28 new recruitment firms to its membership base. The latest members are from countries all over the world, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and the U.K. “The second quarter was an excellent period for us as we continue to expand our reach and provide our members with even more value,”
Surging Non-Profit Sector Seeks Senior Leaders
During a time of tremendous societal transformation, not-for-profit organizations provide support and stability for individuals and their communities. These mission-driven institutions create equitable opportunities for all, leverage funds and resources for critical social programs and initiatives, and ensure at-risk and underserved individuals are not left behind, according to WittKieffer. The value of not-for-profits has only
WittKieffer Appoints Co-Leader of Professional Search Practice
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Schroetlin as managing partner and co-leader of the firm’s professional search practice (formerly known as its mid-level executive search practice). He will share leadership responsibilities with managing partner Elaina Genser, who has guided the practice since 2020. Both individuals will continue their executive search work for WittKieffer—Ms. Genser in the healthcare practice and Mr.
Under Pressure to Fill Jobs? Here’s the Relief Valve You’ve Been Looking For
If you’re responsible for hiring at your organization, you are no doubt under tremendous pressure. The skilled talent shortage is driving a hiring frenzy. Top talent is more willing than ever to jump to a new job and employers are seizing upon that trend by offering huge bonuses and inflated salaries, according to a new
Carrington & Carrington Seeks Executive Director/Chief Development Officer for the Cook County Health Foundation
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to find an executive director/chief development officer (ED-CDO) for the Cook County Health Foundation in Evanston, IL. The new leader will be charged with overseeing the non-profit’s fund development, annual planning, board development, and marketing and strategic initiatives. The ED-CDO will be responsible for managing a portfolio
Slone Partners Appoints Practice Leader for Healthcare
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Melissa Hurst as practice leader for healthcare. “Melissa Hurst is a very smart, talented, and experienced leader in healthcare executive search,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners. “As practice leader, she will drive our strategic efforts to build out Slone Partners’ healthcare client base and expand our partnerships with some
Knowing the Distinctions Between Talent Advisors and Recruiters
When filling open positions within your organization, your instinct may be to contact a recruiter to find candidates. You not only need qualified candidates but the top talent in your field to ensure ongoing growth for your organization, according to a report from SGA Talent. “When recruiters restrict their search to the same strategies, such
Caliber Associates Places Executive Vice President of Research and Development for Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Dr. Volker Knappertz as executive vice president of research and development of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. He will be responsible for leading the consolidated research and development function. “Volker has a strong track record of advancing biotechnology and medical innovation and is recognized for his leadership in creating diverse,
ECI Group Adds Member Firms in China and New Zealand
ECI Group, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added Fitco Consulting in China and Baxter Executive Search in New Zealand as its newest member firms. “We at the ECI Group are delighted in welcoming Fitco Consulting and Baxter Executive Search to our network and to expand our footprint in the APAC region,” said Marcus Meyer,
The Interim Executive Model Has Become Mainstream
Organizations are having to respond to the Great Resignation by looking outside of the traditional channels to source talent. And they’re finding one of the best ways to address skills shortages is to tap into a highly skilled, diverse interim executive talent pool that is readily available and adept at dealing with the ambiguity of
Finding Insights From Losing
No one enjoys losing, but there is much we can learn and take away from a loss. Steve Ziegler, founder of Denver-based executive search firm Z3Talent, recently shared a story from about a year ago in which he and his team drove an hour to kick off a search for a chief operating officer of a
Herbert Mines Assists Invited in Finding New CHRO
Chief human resources officers have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success
To Integrate AI, Companies Must Alter Management Styles
As technology develops, business as well as executive search firms must develop with it. Companies that want to keep up with society must find ways to effectively integrate new technologies that will benefit them and allow them to continue to grow, according to a new report from ZRG Partners’ Lisa Hooker and Rahul Kapur. AI
Jorgenson Consulting Assists Quad Cities Chamber with CEO Search
The economic strength of the non-profit sector has increased in recent years, and it is now the third largest employer in the U.S. This has certainly kept search firms busy. Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of LaDrina Wilson as the new CEO of Quad Cities Chamber in Davenport, IA. She succeeds Paul Rumler, who stepped
Artico Search Appoints Partner
Artico Search recently expanded with the addition of cybersecurity specialist John Wilson as a partner. “Mercedes and I have known John for years,” said Matt Comyns, co-founder of Artico. “We are thrilled he joined Artico as he will deepen our go-to-market expertise and network globally. John will leverage his incredible experience as a chief revenue officer
How Employers Can Adapt to Remain Competitive in Today’s Labor Market
Worker confidence is at an all-time high, with a majority of job seekers believing it’s easier to find a job this year than the previous year and one-third feeling comfortable quitting a job without having another lined up, according to the 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report from Employ Inc., the parent company of Jobvite, JazzHR, and NXTThing RPO.
JDG Associates Selected by the Government Accountability Office to Find Chief Data Officer
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to lead the search for its first chief data officer. This incoming executive will be expected to design and implement enterprise-wide data management, governance, and compliance strategies and frameworks to manage GAO’s data assets, said the search firm. The individual will
Daversa Partners Expands Into Miami
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, is expanding into Miami, “the country’s next hyper growth tech hub,” said the firm. Partner Nicolette Hartman will be leading the new location. She will be joined by three additional team members: Jodie Salzberg, Caroline Didelot, and Olivia Witmer. “This has been one of
TalentoHCM Acquires De Forest Search
TalentoHCM has acquired De Forest Search, a Los Angeles-based executive search firm known for its 28-year history with Fortune 500 companies in consumer products, media and entertainment, alongside deep functional experience in sales, marketing, creative, product, ecommerce, human resources, finance and supply chain. Together, the combined organizations offer a broader human capital services menu and
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Luis Padilla as the new president and chief executive officer of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. He will succeed Dennis Pate after his retirement in late 2022. Dr. Padilla’s first day at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will be Nov. 14. “Our challenge
Riviera Partners Adds Partner in European Office
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Pete Alexander as a partner in the firm’s European office, in London. Mr. Alexander joins Riviera Partners after 11 years with The Up Group, a digitally focused search, advisory, and networking firm where
Keys to Diversifying Your Workplace
It is by now widely known that diversity and inclusion are good for business—especially for high-powered companies. When considering high-quality candidates for new C-suite positions, what are some policies, procedures, or practices that business leaders can implement to diversify their hires? To answer this question, Carl Kutsmode, SVP of talent consulting and executive search at TalentRISE,
