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Daily Newswire
What the Top 25 Percent of Search Firms Do Differently — And Why It’s Not About Sourcing
The performance gap between the highest-grossing executive search and recruiting firms and their peers is not primarily explained by market access, brand reputation, or the size of their candidate networks. According to new operational research from Recruiterflow — drawing on data from over 2,100 retained, contingent, and executive search firms — it comes down to
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CFO for Cleary University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Cleary University to lead in its search for a new CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Cleary recently rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave, and the plan presents an exciting opportunity for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for the University of Virginia
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently seeking the 10th president for the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen are leading the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to
Slone Partners Names Chief Talent Officer
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has expanded with the addition of Alicia Montgomery as chief talent officer. “Alicia Montgomery is a true superstar in the recruiting world,” said Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners. “She has a passion for providing an exceptional client experience and for developing effective training and onboarding programs to help advance internal talent.
ON Partners Fills Board Position for ArrowStream
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. ON Partners has placed Helen Davis as a new member of the board of directors
Gallagher Assists Subway Supply Chain Cooperative in Finding CEO
Gallagher’s Executive Search and Leadership Advisers (ESLA) has placed Kirsten Michulka as the new president and chief executive officer of Independent Purchasing Cooperative Inc. (IPC), a Subway franchisee-owned supply chain cooperative serving restaurants in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Ms. Michulka replaced Jan Risi who retired after leading the organization for over 25 years.
Daversa Partners Names First President
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Laura Kinder as its first president. “Laura’s promotion comes at a time of expansive global growth for the company and the clients we serve,” said Paul Daversa, founder and chief executive officer. “She has acted as a key member on our oversight committee
The Ins and Outs of Building a Diverse Workforce
Many organizations now realize how critical diversity is to high performance – and various data points suggest that companies are more successful when they adopt more inclusive hiring strategies. According to recruiters, DE&I should be made a priority and an integrated part of every company’s strategic, talent, and leadership goals. Part of building strong, diverse hiring
SPMB Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Ethos
SPMB, an executive search firm that helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Sheila Vashee as chief marketing officer for Ethos, the largest term life insurance provider in the U.S. Partner Dean Nacey led the assignment. Ms. Vashee joins Ethos from early stage investing firm Basis Set Ventures. Prior to
BridgeStreet Partners Recruits CFO for Communities Foundation of Texas
BridgeStreet Partners has recruited Jim Berry as the new chief financial officer of the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. CFT manages more than 1,000 component funds and has distributed over $2 billion in charitable grants. Mr. Berry is an enterprise CFO with expertise in multiple industries such
CFR Global Executive Search Adds New Partner in Canada
CFR Global Executive Search has added executive search firm PIXCELL in Montreal as its newest partner. This strategic partnership will allow PIXCELL to draw on CFR’s international executive network and enhance its service offering. “As the shortage of skilled labor persists, there is a growing need for executive recruitment in Canada,” said CFR. “It has thus become crucial
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.8 Percent
Employment rose by 678,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate edged up to 3.8 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, healthcare, and construction. The number of unemployed persons edged down to 6.3 million. In February
Starfish Partners Launches Investment Platform for Recruiting Firms
Starfish Partners has been launched as an ownership/investment platform for the executive search market. The platform, according to its founder, was formed to allow owners to scale and monetize their business value; it will also allow independent search firm owners to participate and share in the equity of an entire family of companies, not just
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Russell Reynolds Associates recently placed Samantha Roberts as the new chief executive officer of England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). She assumed the post in February from recently retired Gillian Leng. “I would like to welcome Dr. Samantha Roberts as the new CEO of NICE,” said Lord Kamall, minister for innovation. “Dr. Roberts
JDG Associates Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association
Chief diversity, equity and inclusion officers have emerged as key leaders during this enormous period of transition for workers and the workplace. With a global workforce shifting in complexity, there is a growing need for diversity experts who can shape the vision, culture and very face of organizations. At issue: Too few women and people
Felix Global Launches Talent and Organizational Performance Practice
Leadership development, recruiting, and outplacement firm Felix Global has launched a talent and organizational performance practice. Veteran consultant Marc Detampel, who joined the firm last year, will head the practice. The new practice works with C-suite leaders to provide several services to improve their organizations, including cultural alignment, organizational design, enterprise talent strategy, and human resources strategy.
Diversified Search Group Acquires Alta Associates
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Alta Associates, a Flemington, NJ-based search firm founded by Joyce Brocaglia specializing in cybersecurity, IT risk management, and data privacy. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., facilitated the introduction and transaction between both organizations. “This is a strategic acquisition that will
Carrington & Carrington Seeks COO for Cook County Health
Cook County Health (CCH) is partnering with Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search to find its next chief operating officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), a nationally accredited, state-certified local health department for 2.5 million residents, 125 municipalities, 30 townships, and more than 700 schools. The incoming executive will design, implement, and
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Presidents for Two Oklahoma Universities
Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected to find presidents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents—East Central University (ECU) and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). Both assignments, which call for similar duties and qualifications, are being spearheaded by consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders. For the ECU search, Higher
BarkerGilmore Adds Former PepsiCo General Counsel as Senior Advisor
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has added former PepsiCo general counsel David Yawman to its consulting division as a senior advisor. The firm noted that Yawman’s depth of experience adds another dimension for clients seeking to bring out the best in their people and take their organization to
Jobless Claims Fall; Recovery Continues to Face Obstacles
The Labor Department reported that 215,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 18,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 232,000 to 233,000. The four-week moving average was 230,500, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up
Retaining Your Employees During the Great Resignation
It’s not unusual for Sara Garlick Lundberg, a partner in the non-profit practice of DHR Global, to be approached by non-profit leadership contemplating change. But the rate at which this is happening has skyrocketed, thanks to the Great Resignation, or the Great Re-evaluation as others call it. For some, continued uncertainty and talk of a hot
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits CEO for Easterseals
After a rigorous national search, Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kendra E. Davenport as president and chief executive officer of Easterseals. Alison Ranney, managing partner and CEO practice co-lead, led the assignment along with Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate; Tiara D. Muse, VP and senior search associate; and Alison
How to Prepare a Company’s Steering Committee for its Mission
The mission of a company’s steering committee is to project the business into the future, to focus on achieving objectives and to ensure its long-term sustainability and growth. As given, this statement applies to any company in any sector, with any (or most) possible realities, and by extension for any steering committee. But how to move from
ZRG Partners Names EMEA Leader
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently expanded with the addition of Natalie Sleiman as managing director in Dubai and will serve as its EMEA lead, further expanding the firm’s data-driven platform and global presence in the region. She joins the firm’s professional and technology services practice. “Through her track
NPAworldwide Expands U.S. Capacity
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added seven new member locations across the U.S. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are invested as owners. Our continued membership growth allows independent recruitment firms to more effectively serve their clients and candidates by adding
Heidrick & Struggles Reports 61 Percent Revenue Rise; Names Diversity Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global revenues of $1 billion, compared to $621.6 million in 2020, an increase of 61.4 percent. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $72.6 million and diluted earnings per share was $3.58. This compares to a net
Daversa Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Beam Dental
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The post typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
Myers McRae Assists Winthrop University in the Recruitment of 12th President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Edward Serna as the 12th president of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Leading the search for the firm was Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, along with Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president. Dr. Serna was chosen from a diverse applicant pool which
Excel Sports Management to Acquire U.K.-Based Nolan Partners
Excel Sports Management, an industry-leading sports agency, has agreed to acquire sports and entertainment executive search firm Nolan Partners. London-based Nolan Partners will continue to be led by chief executive officer Paul Nolan and president Chad Biagini while operating as a new vertical within Excel’s properties division. Primarily focused on senior executive and board level
Blder Launches to Tackle Surge for Executive Talent
Galen Beyea, a former recruiter for Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has launched Blder, a niche boutique executive talent solutions firm in San Francisco. The firm’s mission is to accelerate “unicorn companies during crucial moments of high growth.” Its core services include executive search, diversity and inclusion, talent intelligence sourcing, executive compensation, and succession planning. “With
New Report Shows Diversity Gaps in AI/Data Leadership, Compensation
Data, analytics, and AI responsibilities are led by those in roles that include chief data and analytics officer, chief data scientist, and head of machine learning or AI. But what backgrounds do these executives come from, how much are they paid, and how diverse are the roles they are being drawn to? It’s all found in
Herbert Mines Recruits President and COO for Sprouts
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Nick Konat as the new president and chief operating officer of Sprouts Farmers Market in Phoenix, AZ. Firm president Brenda Malloy and managing director Christine Augustine led the search. “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Nick to the Sprouts executive leadership team,” said
ON Partners Recruits President for Centricity
Tara Flickinger and Tindall Hein of ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Ted Satish Moorthy as president of Florida-based Centricity. “Throughout his career, Ted has remained focused on operational efficiencies, product marketing strategies, achieving high-level ROI, and multi-million-dollar revenue increases,” said John A. Strong, chairman and chief executive officer, Bankers Financial Corp., the corporate parent of Centricity.







