DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Taurean Names VP in Value Creation Practice
Taurean recently appointed Abby Spare as vice president in the firm’s value creation practice. “This marks an important milestone for Taurean, fueling our mission to build distinct, enduring investment firms,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Abby’s reputation for delivering an exceptional experience to clients and candidates is well-known, and her deep network across the
AI Moves from Hype to Workflow in Executive Search as Innova Launches Hands-On Summit
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution within executive search, reshaping how firms approach everything from business development to candidate delivery. As expectations rise around speed, insight, and precision, search firms are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional workflows and identify where technology can meaningfully enhance performance rather than simply add complexity. Unlike
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
The Dark Side of Leadership
When the dark side of leadership emerges, organizational catastrophe is just a step away. Financial news proves this year after year, according to a recent report from Hogan Assessments. For instance, former CEO Adam Neumann contributed to devaluing the commercial real estate company WeWork by approximately $37 billion in mere months. “Now, we all know that
KEES Recruits CEO for NeighborHealth Center
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES recently recruited Daniel Lipparelli as chief executive officer of NeighborHealth Center in Raleigh, NC. This follows a comprehensive, national search that attracted many diverse candidates both regionally and nationally. The search committee ultimately selected Mr. Lipparelli from a strong group of top finalists. “Daniel is the perfect blend of servant leader, entrepreneurial non-profit executive, and engaging ambassador that will ensure NeighborHealth Center flourishes in
Wray Executive Search Opens New Office in Miami
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has opened a new office in Miami. Rebecca Patt, who brings 18 years of executive search experience with Wray as senior vice president, will lead the Miami office. “Rebecca has and continues to be a major
TalentRISE Names Leader of Executive Search
TalentRISE, a Chicago-based firm specializing in executive search and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), has appointed Pete Petrella as executive search practice leader. “Pete been instrumental in TalentRISE’s growth and success,” said Carl Kutsmode, senior vice president of talent consulting and executive search. “In his new role, he will be responsible for scaling our executive search
How COVID-19 Has Reset the Talent Game in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Healthcare and life science organizations have been turning to executive search firms more than ever to acquire world-class leadership. The most pressing challenge has been finding high impact, innovative leaders. Three months into 2022, the economic picture is improving. But what is going to light the match to overcome the economic impact felt from the
University of California Taps DHR Global to Find CISO
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has been enlisted to find a chief information security officer (CISO) for the University of California (UC) Office of the President in Oakland. Leading the assignment are Kathryn Ullrich, managing partner in the search firm’s Silicon Valley office, and Ed Flowers, managing partner, chief human resources and diversity practices, in Atlanta.
Caldwell Recruits President for General Bank of Canada
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive landscape, regulatory challenges, and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency. This requires strategic leaders with a multidimensional skillset. Like all financial institutions, banks continue to turn to executive recruitment firms to find new leaders. Drew Railton and Les Gombik of Toronto-based Caldwell recently placed Eric Dillon as
Talent.com Raises $120 Million in Funding
Online job platforms have been popular areas for venture funding. Montreal-based job search platform Talent.com recently secured $120 million in a series B funding round led by Inovia Capital and with the participation of existing investor Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), and new investors Investissement Québec, Climb Ventures, BDC Capital, Fondaction, and HarbourVest Partners. This
Kincannon & Reed Expands Senior Search Staff
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has expanded with the addition of Lloyd Le Page as managing director. “Lloyd’s extensive background across the value chain paired with his demonstrated business and market development skills – both domestic and international – will provide our clients with an unmatched level of insight and strategy,” said David Turner, president of the
Defining the New Technology Leaders
Technology is changing almost every aspect of our personal and business lives. Smartphones have more processing power than the supercomputers of only a generation ago. Digital storage capacity and transmission bandwidth have grown exponentially, and cloud has helped lower costs and increase access to technology platforms. Data has become the strategic asset of the era
10 Charismatic Leadership Characteristics
Charismatic leaders tend to have a sense of style, flair, and confidence. They possess a quality which is hard to pin down, but which attracts followers and inspires people to action. Transformational leaders are often highly charismatic because they are capable of initiating and maintaining a significant level of change in the organization. In a
Reffett Associates Seeks CEO for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been enlisted to help find a new chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington (GSWW). Leading the assignment are Tom Young, director of operations, and Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office. “As the Girl Scouts of Western Washington look to grow back to pre-COVID participation rates they believe that
Anthem Executive Recruits Chief Development Officer for Prostate Cancer Foundation
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 1. Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive recently placed Kevin
ZRG Partners Names Head of Law Firm Strategy
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has expanded with the addition of Sharon Mahn as managing director and head of law firm strategy. She will be based in the firm’s New York office. “Throughout her career, Sharon has displayed a passion for helping law firms and legal talent to
Fewer Americans File for Unemployment Last Week as Recovery Moves Forward
The Labor Department reported that 214,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 227,000 to 229,000. The four-week moving average was 223,000, a decrease of 8,750 from the previous week’s revised average. The
WilsonHCG Acquires Claro Analytics
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has acquired Claro Analytics as it continues to grow its talent intelligence capabilities. Claro Analytics, which was established in 2014 by Michael Beygelman, is a talent intelligence technology platform with unique capabilities to provide real-time talent market insights to help organizations make more evidence-based, strategic decisions about talent.
SPMB Completes Search for NewView Capital
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in placing Chetan Chaudhary as a partner with Burlingame, CA-based venture capital firm NewView Capital (NVC). Suzanne Heske, who heads SPMB’s investment practice, led the assignment. Mr. Chaudhary is a seasoned executive, with more than 20 years of experience driving
DHR Global Recruits Chief People Officer for Builders FirstSource
Chris Knipp of Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has recruited Amy Bass Messersmith as chief people officer of Builders FirstSource in Dallas. She will be overseeing all aspects of human resources, including the implementation of strategies to develop and promote best practices in organizational and leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and talent acquisition, development, and management. “We are
Daversa Partners Recruits VP of Engineering for Dapper Labs
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Dzmitry Markovich as vice president of engineering for Dapper Labs in Vancouver, British Columbia. Managing director Lindsay Angelillo led the assignment. “Dapper Labs is by far one of the most disruptive and transformative Web3 companies of our generation,” said Ms.
The Christopher Group Selected by Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters to Find Chief People Officer
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, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key
The Challenge of Recruiting Cybersecurity Talent
In recent years, cybersecurity recruiting has probably changed more than any other area of technology recruiting. It plays a key role in the success of every company and industry. Moreover, cybersecurity is critical to protecting the information of hundreds of millions of people all over the globe. “Recruiting cybersecurity executives can be extremely challenging,” said
Artico Search Recruits Chief Content Officer for Outside Interactive
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, co-founder of Artico Search, has placed Amy DuBois Barnett as the first-ever chief content officer of Outside Interactive Inc., a creator of active and healthy lifestyle content, events, and experiences. “Outside has experienced enormous growth over the past year,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “Amy’s results-driven outlook and impressive media expertise are exactly what
Calibre One Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm Calibre One has named Jose Martinez as partner. Based in Chicago, he will combine his knowledge of manufacturing and advanced technology to assist companies that are embracing “the fourth industrial revolution” and building high performing digital teams, according to Calibre One. “We’re very pleased to welcome Jose and his forward-thinking expertise to our firm,”
Vaco Appoints Leader of Denver Office
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has named Bret Hamilton managing partner of its Denver office, with an eye to fueling its growth and expanding its technology offerings in the Colorado market. “Bret’s professional background includes the ideal balance of results-oriented leadership and motivational energy, both important attributes for a people-focused leader,” said Jim Dimovski, senior vice president and executive partner of
The Changing Requirements of Financial Leaders
Over the past year, Christian Schmidt and his colleagues have had dozens of discussions with CFOs to understand how they have been navigating the pandemic era and are adapting as leaders to this challenging and often unpredictable environment. What became apparent during these conversations is that the pandemic created or accelerated some key trends that
Spencer Stuart Appoints CFO
Spencer Stuart has recruited Christine Laurens, former chief financial officer for global management consulting firm Kearney, as its new CFO. She succeeds Valerie Harper, who becomes the firm’s head of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. “We are delighted to welcome Christine Laurens to Spencer Stuart as our chief financial officer and member
TurningPoint Executive Search Recruits COO for Kia America
TurningPoint Executive Search recently recruited Steven Center as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Kia America. Senior partner Raquel Gallant led the assignment. “Steven is a proven innovator with an impressive track record within the automotive industry,” said Ms. Gallant. “I knew he was the whole package when I got to know him and learned
HARTZ Search Seeks Chief Medical Officer for JPS Health Network
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently enlisted by the JPS Health Network to lead its search for a new chief medical officer. The role involves developing strategies to align with the mission, vision, and values of the organization. The individual is charged with both operational and clinical oversight responsibilities and works closely with the academic faculty and
MalinHughes Appoints President of Human Capital Solutions Practice
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for human resources executives looking for a career change. For CHROs, chief talent officers and other C-suite HR executives, the cross-over skills required in the search business are nearly identical. Chicago-based executive search firm MalinHughes recently expanded its leadership team with the addition of former HR executive
5 Actions Business Leaders Can Take as War In Ukraine Deepens
Fighting around the world has been a fact of life for centuries. Today, when cultures clash, and armies move in, the geopolitical implications for global businesses can become decidedly complicated. Customers, supply chains, jobs, and employees are all in the firing line. Now, a crisis is unfolding in real time. Over the past 30 years, war has
Does Your No. 2 Leader Have What it Takes for the Top Job?
When clients lack internal bench strength and succession planning does not deliver, they retain executive search firms to recruit the organization’s next leader. Whether it is a chief executive officer, executive director, or president role, organizations tend to be favorably disposed toward sitting CEOs, those who are current No. 1 leaders. “While this may be
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Nooma Bio
Partner Suzanne Zebedee of ON Partners recently placed Kevin Corcoran as the new chief executive officer of Santa Cruz, CA-based Nooma Bio Inc., an innovator in the use of dual-nanopore technology to detect genome-wide structural and epigenetic variation. “After almost two years as Nooma’s CEO, I am delighted to welcome Kevin to the team,” said company co-founder
