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Daily Newswire
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
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 Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
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?
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
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
Consider This Before Joining the Great Resignation
If you’re thinking about joining the Great Resignation and quitting your job, you’re in good company. Resignations are at a 20-year high, and depending on what study you’re reading, one-third to one-half of all U.S. workers are considering leaving their jobs right now. This record number of resignations is fueled by a range of factors,
AGB Search Seeks New President for Princeton Theological Seminary
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, was recently called in by Princeton Theological Seminary to lead its search for a new president. Consultants Loren Anderson and Shannon McCambridge are spearheading the assignment. The seminary is deeply committed to its Presbyterian identity and heritage. Credentials as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian
Mattson and Company Recruits CFO and General Counsel for Perrigo Company
New York City-based executive search firm Mattson and Company has assisted in the recruitment of Eduardo Bezerra as CFO and Kyle Hanson as general counsel and corporate secretary of Perrigo Company, a global provider of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and other healthcare products. “The appointments of Kyle and Eduardo are a key part of the next phase
Caldwell Opens Offices in Annapolis and Tysons Corner
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the opening of new locations in Annapolis, MD and Tysons Corner, VA, in the Washington, D.C. area. In conjunction, the firm added Byron Marchant as a partner and Tiffany Faucette as an associate. The moves expand the firm’s capabilities and add focus on the sports and entertainment industry, federal and state public
Vaco Appoints Co-Leaders of Los Angeles Office
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has appointed Joslyn Osborn and Stephen P. Smith as co-managing partners of its Los Angeles office. Ms. Osborn will lead direct hire services and Mr. Smith will lead consulting services, joining Frances Moreno, co-founder and senior managing partner, who leads the company’s strategic initiatives and will continue to deliver client service. “Promoting Joslyn and Steve is a
New State Capital Partners Completes ESOP Recapitalization with Employees of Klein Hersh
New State Capital Partners has partnered with the employees of Klein Hersh to complete a recapitalization through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The firm’s senior executives will remain in their leadership roles. New State will retain a stake in the company in the form of structured equity and warrants. “Our 48 employees have grown
SRI Assists Tripadvisor with CEO Search
London-based executive recruiting firm SRI has assisted in the recruitment of Matt Goldberg as the new chief executive officer of Tripadvisor. He succeeds founder and long-time CEO Stephen Kaufer. “We are excited to announce the appointment of Matt Goldberg to the role of CEO,” said Greg Maffei, chairman of the board at Tripadvisor. “Matt has proven leadership and experience in strategy
DHR Global Tapped by the Museum of Arts and Science to Find New Leader
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has been retained by the Museum of Arts and Science (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, FL to lead its search for a new executive director. The assignment is being led by James Abruzzo, managing partner, global non-profit practice and principal Michele Baird Counter of DHR. “The board of trustees is pleased to be working
HCAP Partners Secures Investment in FleetNurse
HCAP Partners, a private equity firm and nationally recognized impact investor, has made an investment in FleetNurse, a provider of on-demand healthcare staffing solutions. HCAP Partners’ investment will support the company’s team buildout and fund further enhancements to the company’s technology offerings. In addition, the firm announced that Nicolas Lopez, principal at HCAP, will join FleetNurse’s board of directors.
The Bowdoin Group Names Three New Partners
The Bowdoin Group, an executive search firm specializing in C-level search and strategic recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), announced that Paul Manning, Josh Gottlieb, and Lindsey Potvin were promoted to partners. The promotions occur during a critical time for the firm as it expands its executive search and client solutions services across health and technology markets.
Rewriting the Script for Investor Relations Recruitment
Not long ago, veteran executive recruiter Smooch Repovich Rosenburg came to her latest client, a global technology company, with a group of candidates for a pivotal investor relations officer role that had now come down to three finalists. One prospect had not yet served as an IRO, but was ready to make the transition; another







