DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
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.
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
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?
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Egon Zehnder Examines the Great AI Divide Reshaping Private Equity Leadership
Private equity firms are moving quickly to determine where AI can create the greatest advantage across portfolio operations and investment strategy. As adoption accelerates, firms are rethinking what kind of AI leadership they need and where those roles should sit. That shift is beginning to reshape talent strategies across the PE market. Over the past
DHR Global Acquires Life Sciences-Focused Discovery Search Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has acquired Discovery Search Partners, a retained executive search firm focused on the life sciences industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bill O’Callaghan of Discovery Search Partners will join DHR as managing partner and Don Evans will join as partner, while Brian Evans will help build out the life sciences vertical
The Lancer Group Recruits CHRO for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group recently assisted in the recruitment of Karen Fascenda as chief human resources officer of NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. Chairman and CEO Bill Angrick highlighted Ms. Fascenda’s strong track record of aligning talent strategies with business growth. Ms. Fascenda, in turn, described Liquidity Services as a proven market leader with significant
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Sales Officer for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
SearchWide Global has placed Cahal Mowery as chief sales officer of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “Cahal brings the experience, leadership and energy we need to continue Nashville’s success as a leading meetings, group and events destination,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO. “His work in
Riviera Partners Expands in APAC Region
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded it the APAC region with the addition of Gaurav Dev Burman as a partner based in Bengaluru. In this role, Gaurav will advise boards, CEOs and investors on technology leadership searches across India and the APAC region. “Gaurav
The Evolving CFO: Seven Traits Defining High-Impact Finance Leaders
The chief financial officer has emerged as one of the most pivotal figures in the C-suite, tasked with steering organizations through volatility, digital transformation, and heightened investor scrutiny. No longer confined to stewardship and reporting, today’s finance leaders are expected to influence enterprise strategy, guide capital allocation, and help chart the company’s long-term trajectory. As
5 Tips for Launching a Second Career
The pandemic has left many people recalibrating their career choices. Americans quit 4.5 million jobs in March—a record. Some are burned out; others want more purposeful work. Whatever their reasons may be, many employees are looking at transitioning into a second career, experts say. “There might be some initial hiccups but finding a new line of
AboveBoard Raises $6 Million in Funding
AboveBoard, an inclusive platform for executive placement that is increasing representation of black, Latinx and female professionals on boards and at the C-suite/VP level, has raised $6 million in seed funding, bringing its funding to date to $9 million. AboveBoard received the $6 million in funds from its sister company, True. “In partnership with AboveBoard,
Frederickson Partners Seeks Chief People and Inclusion Officer for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
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
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Seeks Provost for Louisiana State University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been enlisted to find the next executive vice president and provost for Louisiana State University’s (LSU) flagship campus in Baton Rouge. Betty Asher, co-founder, and Julie Holley, senior executive search consultant, are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. “Louisiana State University is seeking an exceptionally
Leathwaite Names Co-Leader of Global HR Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has recently expanded with the addition of Chris Smith. Based in London, he will co-lead Leathwaite’s global HR practice, while also steering and accelerating the firm’s strategy of ongoing diversification outside its core markets of financial & professional services. “We are delighted to welcome Chris to Leathwaite,” said Tom Pemberton, co-head
True Search Recruits CEO for Match Group
Executive recruiting firm True Search has assisted in the recruitment of Bernard Kim as the new chief executive officer of Match Group, a provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Shar Dubey will be stepping down from the company’s top post at the end of the month. Todd Zangrillo, Agata de Reyes, and Ish Elhelbawey
Isaacson, Miller Places CHRO for Michigan State University
Following a national search, Isaacson, Miller has placed Christina K. Brogdon as the first vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer for Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Ms. Brogdon will start her new role on June 1, replacing Richard Fanning, who has been leading the university’s human resources organization on
Kincannon & Reed Recruits New Leader for Center for Food Integrity
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has assisted in the recruitment of Mickie French as the new executive director of the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). She takes over for Terry Fleck, who announced his retirement late last year. Principals Paul Izenstark, Jon Leafstedt, and Jared Spader led the assignment. “Bringing a wealth of knowledge with her to the role,
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief People Officer for CMSPI
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to place Beth Ward as chief people officer for CMSPI, an independent global payments consultancy based in Manchester, U.K. The assignment was led by partner Jennifer Sobocinski and consultant Ted Wieber. Ms. Ward, who is certified as a senior professional in human resources, is CMSPI’s first CPO and will lead
Hudson Global Posts 50.7 Percent Revenue Gain
Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) has posted first quarter revenues of $51.9 million, an increase of 50.7 percent from the same period a year ago. Americas revenue of $14.6 million increased 220 percent, Asia-Pacific revenue of $31.1 million rose by 30 percent, and Europe revenue jumped 40 percent to $6.2 million. Net income increased
Mining Executive Talent for the Web3 Ecosystem
Joe Suliman, managing director and head of Daversa Partners’ Boston office, is bullish on cryptocurrency and NextGen companies in general. Supply is high, executives want to hear about opportunities with these businesses, and demand is through the roof. In 2021 alone, Mr. Suliman points out, the latest evolution of internet technology, known as Web3, reaped $33
How the Chief People Officer is Reinventing HR
The human resource function has changed dramatically over the past 25 or so years. This change is reflected in the creation of new titles for the head of that area. Chief human resources officer, chief people officer, chief human capital officer, and others have replaced longstanding titles such as human resources director, lead, or manager
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Design and Merchandising Officer for Fabletics
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to a recent search firm report. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail, and the unpredictable pace of
Odgers Berndtson Adds Partner to Launch New U.S. Media & Entertainment Practice
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Jonathan Davies as a partner to launch a new U.S. media and entertainment practice for the firm, based in Los Angeles. “Jonathan is an incredible addition to our team and a great example of our commitment to continuing to expand our media and digital expertise,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “We are
Jobless Claims Rise Slightly
The Labor Department reported that 203,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 200,000 to 202,000. The four-week moving average was 192,750, an increase of 4,250 from the previous week’s revised average. The
Women and First Time Director Appointments at Fortune 500 Reach Record Levels
Fortune 500 boards appointed a record share of women and first-time directors in 2021, according to the 2022 Board Monitor report from Heidrick & Struggles. The study, which analyzed Fortune 500 board appointments including representation by gender, race/ethnicity, and experience, found that global events like the pandemic, climate change, increased calls for racial and social justice, and now
The Christopher Group Seeks Head of People and Culture for Untamed Brands
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by Untamed Brands to lead its search for a head of people and culture. Nat Schiffer, managing director, is leading the search along with recruiting manager Logan Sweet. “We are truly honored to have been chosen to lead this head of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Malta
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Alex Hernandez as general counsel of Malta Inc., a Cambridge, MA-based innovator of grid-scale, long-duration energy storage. The assignment was led by John Gilmore, co-founder and managing partner, and Stephen Bell, senior director. “Alex is a great addition to
ZRG Partners Recruits Dean of School of Nursing for University of Alabama
Following a national search, ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has placed Maria Rodriguez Shirey as the next dean of the school of nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She succeeds Doreen Harper, holder of the Fay B. Ireland Endowed Deanship in the school of nursing,
Vantage Leadership Consulting Names New Marketing Leader
Vantage Leadership Consulting has appointed Sara Nelson as director of marketing. “As our firm has grown, so have the needs of our clients,” said managing partner Keith Goudy. “We are excited to have Sara on the team as she helps guide our firm into new markets, optimize client experience, and enhance our branding.” Ms. Nelson
The Web3 / Crypto Ecosystem Continues to Explode, Keeping Search Firms Busy
When hiring any Web3 executive, you need someone who’s going to drive innovation, scalability, and lead the organization through a hyper growth period. Hiring world-class talent for the fastest growing technology companies is only going to become more competitive, so understanding what skills are needed and where to look for the best talent is more
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies
Tim Conti and Alex Pelak of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Mark Davidson as the new CEO of Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies in Ithaca, NY. He succeeds Rick Brown, the company’s co-founder, who served as interim CEO since September of last year. “Mark is known for his versatility to transform businesses into highly successful operations – having spent nearly 20
Grace Blue Partnership Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Dentsu
London-based executive search firm Grace Blue Partnership has placed Christina Lee as chief technology officer at Dentsu Asia Pacific, an integrated marketing solutions and agency services company. Ms. Lee will be responsible for providing overarching technology strategy, industry-leading capabilities, and solutions to enable business growth and drive day to day operations through transformational business and technology initiatives.
Management Consultants for the Arts Selected by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Find New Leader
Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Management Consultants for the Arts has been called in by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) to lead its search for a new executive director. The assignment is being spearheaded by David Mallette, Jason Palmquist, and Shruti Adhar. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre wants a collaborative and engaged organizational leader to build on its strong financial
Amrop Rosin Launches Digital Transformation Practice
Toronto-based executive search and advisory firm Amrop Rosin has appointed Naveen Kumar and Sanjiv Purba as co-leaders of its new digital transformation practice. “Digital transformation is on the mind of every business leader,” said Jeff Rosin, founder. “We are launching a focused practice bolstered by two world leaders to meet this need and connect clients with the talent they need to
Exploring 5 Myths of CEO Succession
There is no more important pathway to successful leadership development than succession planning. Although the stakes are immeasurably high, succession planning is still an undervalued corporate agenda item, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates. Top performing organizations understand that succession planning is a key pillar of corporate performance that transcends short-term emergency
Hanold Associates Places Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Red Hat
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Shuchi Sharma as chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Red Hat, a provider of enterprise open-source software solutions. Ms. Sharma previously served as global vice president, diversity, and inclusion at SAR, a software development company. Val Lopez, Sandra Peña and Ivy Arlia led the assignment for
Cejka Search Tapped by Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics to Find New CFO
Cejka Search was recently selected to help recruit a new chief financial officer for Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics. Todd Wozniak, vice president, search consultant, is leading the assignment. The healthcare organization wants its CFO to be a strategic advisor who will provide the expertise needed to support the executive committee in making operational decisions that
RPA Assists Shippensburg University in the Recruitment of 18th President
Williamsport, PA-based higher education executive search firm RPA Inc. has assisted in the recruitment of Charles E. Patterson as the 18th president of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. He succeeds Laurie Carter who departed last summer to become president of Lawrence University in Wisconsin. “As interim president of Shippensburg University and former president of Mansfield University, Dr. Patterson has
Egon Zehnder Names Co-Leader of Global Consumer Practice
Egon Zehnder recently named Sarah Van Dyck as co-leader of its global consumer practice. Based in San Francisco, she advises both industry leaders and emerging disruptors on leadership development, executive search, and board advisory services. Ms. Van Dyck has 25 years of experience as a marketing executive with consumer and technology companies. Prior to joining Egon Zehnder,
How Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fuels a Powerful Employment Brand
Employers are amid a labor shortage the likes of which we’ve never imagined. Today, unemployment is being reported at 3.6 percent, the lowest it’s been since its climb to 14.7 percent during the first days of the pandemic. While this number might sound good, this statistic is wildly misleading, says Rob Andrews of Allen Austin in a
