DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Creating Predictable Recruitment Firm Revenue in an Unpredictable Industry
In a market where deal flow can shift quickly and client priorities change just as fast, many boutique recruitment firms find themselves operating without a clear line of sight on future income. What separates firms that consistently grow from those that stall isn’t just performance—it’s the ability to build structure around uncertainty and turn activity
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.
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
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?
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
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Heidrick & Struggles Reports Strong Q3 Results, Moves Forward with $1.3 Billion Go-Private Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $322.8 million, a 15.9 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the company’s lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick
N2Growth Adds Former HR Executive as Partner
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR 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. Recently, N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, named former HR executive Jos van der
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as Workers Call in Sick
The Labor Department reported that 238,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 260,000 to 261,000. The four-week moving average was 255,000, an increase of 7,750 from the previous week’s revised average. The
Crescent Cove Advisors Takes Equity Stake in Kingsley Gate Partners
Kingsley Gate Partners has secured an investment from Crescent Cove Advisors, a multi-asset investment firm focused on technology investments. The equity partnership is expected to fuel the search firm’s growth through global expansion and accelerate a push into talent acquisition AI-enabled software. Umesh Ramakrishnan, one of Kingsley Gate Partners’ co-founders, has been named CEO. “First,
Academic Search Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for University of Nebraska at Omaha
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities. It has become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities beyond that of most administrators. In
Assembly Group Announces Promotions
Austin, TX-based executive search firm Assembly Group has promoted Mariza Garza Warshawsky to partner, Pilar Caldwell to vice president, Audsley Carr to director, and Heather Sullivan to director of operations. “2021 was a record year for Assembly, and each of you showcased incredible talent and dedication to our company’s core values. We look forward to another incredible year ahead,” the search firm said.
Arts Consulting Group Seeks Artistic Director for Charlotte Ballet
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been enlisted to find the next artistic director for the Charlotte Ballet in North Carolina. Vice president Geoff Chang is leading the assignment. Last summer, Hope Muir stepped down from the ballet’s artistic director role to accept the same position with the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto. Christopher
FaithSearch Partners Appoints Leader of Higher Education Practice
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Andy Westmoreland as senior vice president and leader of its higher education service line. “Andy Westmoreland has dedicated his professional life to Christian academic institutions and I’m excited to have him lead our higher education practice,” said Ed Fry, president and chief executive officer of FaithSearch Partners.
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Executive Director for American L.G.B.T.Q.+ Museum
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners recently assisted in the placement of Ben Garcia as the first executive director of the American L.G.B.T.Q.+ Museum. The search was led by Melissa Madzel, Stephen Milbauer and Jason Mannino. “After five years of working to get to this point, after our groundbreaking with the New York Historical Society last fall, the board is delighted to welcome Ben
Accelent Recruits CMO for SoftWorks AI
Executive search firm Accelent has placed former Kasisto executive Stephen Epstein as the new chief marketing officer of SoftWorks AI. Leading the assignment were John Boehmer, managing director; Maura McShane, partner; and Jerzy Jung, associate. “We are excited to announce that Stephen Epstein has joined the company as our first ever chief marketing officer,” SoftWorks AI said. “As a member of the executive team
CarrSports Recruits Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at Furman University
CarrSports Consulting has placed Drew Ingraham as the new senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Furman University in Greenville, SC. Mr. Ingraham previously served as associate athletics director for marketing, communications, and creative services at Texas Tech University. “Drew brings a wealth of knowledge, experience with several collegiate athletics programs, and a vital
HireQuest to Acquire Northbound Executive Search
HireQuest Inc., a NASDAQ-traded national franchisor of on-demand, temporary and commercial staffing services, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Northbound Executive Search in New York City. Founded in 2010, Northbound provides executive placement and short-term consultant services primarily to blue chip clients in the financial services industry. The firm generated over $15 million
The Eliot Group Opens Office in Sydney
Eliot Partnership, a global insurance sector executive search firm, has opened an office in Sydney, Australia, its sixth location, which will be led by Graeme Young. “We all wish Graeme the best of luck in Australia and in all of his efforts within Ricarda’s Asia-Pacific team,” said Andrew Eliot, founder and managing partner of Eliot
5 Strategies for Winning High Impact Leaders in a Tight Talent Market
Companies of all types are dealing with talent shortfalls across the spectrum. But private equity firms, in particular, are navigating a perfect storm of landing high impact talent in arguably the tightest labor market seen in decades. Hiring key leaders has never been more critical for many high growth portfolio companies, yet a spike in
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Sentera
ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Brian Wenngatz as the new CEO of Sentera, a global provider of digital insights to agriculture products manufacturers and distributors, and enterprise food companies. ON Partners consultants Jeff Hocking and Tindall Hein led the assignment. “After an exhaustive search process, the board, the team and I couldn’t be happier to welcome Brian as CEO
Development Resources Seeks CEO for HealthWorks of Northern Virginia
Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources inc. (DRi) has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for HealthWorks for Northern Virgina, a non-profit community health center. Nancy K. Racette, co-founder and chief operating officer, is leading the assignment for the search firm. HealthWorks seeks an engaging CEO possessing unquestioned integrity to lead the overall operations of the
Robert Half Posts 15 Percent Revenue Gain
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted full-year revenues of $6.46 billion, up 15 percent from $5.11 billion the prior year. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.77 billion, a decrease of 36 percent. For the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, net income was $599 million, or $5.36 per share, on revenues of $6.461 billion. For the year ended Dec.
EMA Partners Opens Office in San Francisco
Coming out of a global pandemic, executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from just about every corner of the globe. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. EMA Partners
Measuring Culture to Manage Culture
As the ramifications of COVID-19 continue, broad and lasting changes to the workplace have advanced a more integrated approach to talent management built around culture. Organizations that used to synchronize their talent to corporate vision, core values and strategic objectives are now aligning people around purpose. And for good reason: Building sustainable cultures in the
Daversa Partners Assists Shippo in the Recruitment of Chief Business Officer
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Andreas Lieber as chief business officer of Shippo in San Francisco. Daniel Marr led the search for Daversa Partners. “Building long-term, strategic partnerships with the platforms that enable today’s E-commerce ecosystem is paramount to achieving our vision for the future
McDermott + Bull Recruits CFO for Community West Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Richard Pimentel as chief financial officer at Community West Bank. He will serve in this capacity for both the bank and the holding company, and he will oversee both accounting and finance, as well as investor relations. He succeeds Susan Thompson, who recently transitioned to SVP, interim SEC reporting manager. The search
Work&Partners Retained by Toppan Merrill to Recruit Chief Technology Officer
New York-based Work&Partners has been called in by Toppan Merrill to lead the search for a chief technology officer. Founder and president Alan Work is leading the assignment. The chief technology officer is the top leadership role reporting directly to the Toppan Merrill president and is the recognized technology expert who will be expected to provide thought
DHR Global Names Head of Leadership Consulting Services in APAC Region
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has appointed Tim Wiseman as a managing partner in its leadership consulting practice. He is based in Hong Kong and heads the firm’s leadership consulting services in the APAC region. “Tim is a skilled facilitator and coach who drives impact with his clients,” said Christine Greybe, president of DHR Leadership Consulting.
Challenges, Opportunities and Leadership Implications of the Great Resignation
The Great Resignation has become the moniker for two phenomena – increased numbers of employees quitting their jobs voluntarily (usually to take on another job elsewhere), and a sense of a looming wave of attrition driven by COVID-era induced burnout and disengagement within the workforce, according to a new report from Russell Reynolds Associates’ Thomas
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for La-Z-Boy Incorporated
Globalization, digital disruption, financial markets, low-cost country sourcing, customer service pressures and, above all, COVID-19 have transformed supply chain from a tactical function into a strategic one, say recruiters. As speed to market, fulfillment rates and a global footprint become competitive advantages, companies need supply chain leaders with the right mix of business and financial
The Bachrach Group Launches SourceLab Search
New York City-based The Bachrach Group’s digital division has separated from its parent company to form a standalone company, SourceLab Search. Key leaders of the new entity are senior vice presidents James Schindler and Max Siegman, who were originally brought together at The Bachrach Group. Mr. Schindler had been national managing director of sales and
The Christopher Group Recruits Director of Global Talent Acquisition for STERIS
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Matt London as the new director of global talent acquisition at STERIS. The search was led by managing director Pam Noble and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “We were honored to be selected to fill this strategic role at STERIS,” said Ms. Noble. “Mr. London will
Worker Shortage Weighing on Economic Recovery
The Labor Department reported that 260,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 30,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 4,000 from 286,000 to 290,000. The four-week moving average was 247,000, an increase of 15,000 from the previous week’s revised average. The
True Search Recruits CEO for Imperfect Foods
Executive recruiting firm True Search has assisted in the recruitment of Dan Park as the new chief executive officer of Imperfect Foods, a sustainability-minded online grocer. Todd Zangrillo and Kristin Godfrey, co-leaders of the firm’s consumer practice, led the assignment along with senior associate James Rigano. “Dan is a perfect fit for the Imperfect Foods CEO role,” said Mr. Zangrillo.
Bespoke Partners Appoints CFO
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has appointed Prakash Patel as chief financial officer. “We are delighted to welcome Prakash, with his extensive track record in driving strategic initiatives and growth for a wide range of organizations,” said Kristie Nova, CEO of Bespoke Partners. “He brings us a rare combination of finance acumen and business
R. William Funk & Associates Assists University of South Carolina in the Recruitment of President
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has assisted the University of South Carolina in the hiring of Michael Amiridis as its 30th president. Former president Bob Caslen recently retired. R. William Funk led the recruiting effort, personally interacting with the candidate pool, and reporting directly to the search committee
SRI Tapped by Rugby Canada to Lead CEO Search
London-based executive recruiting firm SRI has been chosen to find the next chief executive officer for Rugby Canada, the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. Managing partner David James is leading the assignment. SRI was selected for its track record of complex global sport CEO appointments involving multiple stakeholders and
