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Daily Newswire
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for Belmont University
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Michele Miller as associate vice president for advancement services at Belmont University. Executive search director Colleen Rogers Aivazian conducted a nationwide search. “I am thrilled to welcome Michele Miller to Belmont University as our new associate vice president for advancement services,” said
DSG Global Expands Corporate Practice
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Dustin Laws as managing director for its corporate practice. In this role, he will focus on recruiting financial, operational, and legal leadership for organizations across the business, professional, and commercial services sectors, supporting clients as they strengthen executive teams and position their organizations for long-term growth. Mr. Laws
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
AIMS International Establishes Operations in Vietnam
Executive search consortium AIMS International has further strengthened its presence in the APAC region with the recent establishment of AIMS Vietnam. Enrico Dalla Rosa and Pierangelo Favero, two of the AIMS Vietnam managing partners, have more than 30 years of experience in the human resources industry, especially executive search, assessment, and coaching. They have been working with numerous multinational enterprises from all over
Korn Ferry Launches AI-Enabled Talent Analytics Platform
Korn Ferry has expanded its digital footprint with the launch of Korn Ferry Intelligence Cloud, a new AI-enabled talent analytics platform. The HR technology combines data-driven insights with Korn Ferry’s consulting expertise and IP. Intelligence Cloud helps solve the challenges of acquiring, managing and mobilizing the right talent and skills. “Intelligence Cloud builds on Korn Ferry’s
DHR Global Recruits Athletic Director for Florida State University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Chicago-based DHR Global recently assisted Florida State University in the recruitment of Michael Alford as its next vice president and director of athletics. Mr. Alford has served as president and CEO of Seminole Boosters Inc. since 2020. He succeeds David Coburn, who is retiring. DHR’s
Isaacson, Miller Assists the American Board of Pediatrics with CEO Search
Isaacson, Miller has assisted the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) in the selection of Dr. Judy Schaechter as its new president and chief executive officer. Partner Ariannah Mirick led the assignment along with managing associate Micah Pierce. Dr. Schaechter begins her new role on Jan. 1. She succeeds Dr. David G. Nichols, who will retire Dec. 31. after more
NGS Global Americas Goes Carbon Neutral
An increasing number of businesses are claiming to be carbon neutral. They recognize that the achievement can play a key part of their sustainability and corporate and social responsibility (CSR) strategy while enabling them to contribute to the fight against global climate change. They also realize that individuals and corporate customers prefer to buy products
Jobless Claims Rise by 206,000 After Falling to 52-Year Low
The Labor Department reported that 206,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 4,000 from 184,000 to 188,000. The four-week moving average was 203,750, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week’s revised average. This is
Changing the Climate in the Boardroom
Fifty percent of all board members expressed concerns with the level of reporting they receive on climate change progress, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles and business school INSEAD that reveals how 301 board members in 43 countries, primarily in North America and Western Europe, view their boards’ action on climate change. The study, “Changing the
ZRG Recruits CHRO for NextEdge Networks
ZRG, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has assisted in the recruitment of LeighAnn Schell as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for NextEdge Networks in San Francisco. Managing director Kevin Anderson led the assignment. “NextEdge Networks is a part of the Platform Partners Portfolio, a firm I have done multiple
Setting Competitive Salaries for Chief Operating Officers
The name of the game in the recruiting world these days is engaging and retaining top talent. So, in an increasingly competitive market, how do you set a solid chief operating officer salary? In addition to being the CEO’s right arm, the COO is the go-to person when it comes to leading the day-to-day workings
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association
After an extensive executive search by leading search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) has selected Tommy Faucheux as its new president. Mr. Faucheux begins his new role on Jan. 10. “After an exhaustive national search which included candidates from throughout Louisiana and abroad, the LMOGA board voted to
Amrop Names Global Practice Leaders
Global recruiting organization Amrop has announced the appointment of new leaders for three global practices. Lucie Shaw (U.K.) will co-lead the consumer and retail practice, along with Maciej Bednarczyk (Poland); Benoit Lison (Belgium) will lead the professional services practice; and Cecile Hofer (Singapore) and Willem Ledeboer (Netherlands) will co-lead the financial services practice. Ms. Shaw is a partner at Amrop U.K., with a particular focus on the consumer-facing
Omicron Posing New Dilemma for C-Suite Leaders
The latest coronavirus headlines are creating chills for many, and with news of Omicron spreading across Africa and Europe, executives worldwide are bracing themselves for the possibility of a severe wave of sickness among their employees. A new Korn Ferry report concludes that the threat of Omicron has created so many immediate challenges that most leaders
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Apollo Therapeutics
Since the pandemic appeared nearly two years ago, numerous healthcare organizations and companies have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 it is just another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Sanjay Aggarwal as chief medical officer
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Places Chief Program Officer for Point Foundation
A national search spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has landed Margaux Cowden as the inaugural chief program officer for Point Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ students. “Dr. Cowden was selected from a diverse and talented group of non-profit and higher education leaders, representing the full diversity of
Raines International Launches Unconscious Bias Mitigation Program
Miami-based Raines International has launched Raines Engage, a new program featuring neuroscience-backed sessions on making equitable decisions in the hiring process. “The program’s content and delivery methodologies demonstrate how unconscious bias interferes with decision-making and include mitigation strategies to help senior talent and hiring leaders make better decisions in high-stakes situations,” the firm said. “With the most
Caldwell Expands Private Equity & Venture Capital and Technology Practices
Toronto-based Caldwell expanded its private equity and technology recruiting capabilities with the addition of Gordon Berridge as a partner in the private equity & venture capital and technology practices and based in the firm’s London office. “With a 12-year track record of successful executive search assignments for technology and software-focused executives across the U.K., Europe and North America, Gordon
Pacific University Selects R. William Funk & Associates to Find Next President
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been tapped by Pacific University inForest Grove, OR, to lead its search for a new president. “We are extremely pleased that Pacific will have the support of one of the most effective presidential recruiters in the country,” said presidential search
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Glassdoor
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
The Christopher Group Places VP People Analytics at FINRA
Pam Noble and Jeff Wilbanks of The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, have placed Lisa Arnesen as the new vice president of people analytics and operations at FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), a financial services corporation dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. “FINRA has the drive to continue towards the growth and advancement of an
Randstad Acquires Hudson Benelux
Randstad N.V. has acquired Hudson Benelux, a specialist in human-resources consulting, for an undisclosed amount. “The addition of Hudson is a strong extension of our service offerings to clients and offers access to exciting new opportunities which further strengthens our market position,” said Jacques van den Broek, chairman and CEO of Randstad. The acquisition of
August Leadership Adds Global Human Resource Officer
Executive search firm August Leadership has added veteran chief human resources officer (CHRO) Micheline Carter as advisory partner. “Micheline Carter is a global human resource officer with experience across organization and leadership development, succession planning, organization effectiveness and total rewards,” said the search firm. “She has served as a key partner to CEOs, leadership teams and board
Culture is Key to Success and Failure in Private Equity Deals
The importance of culture and its impact on private equity strategy and returns has been a growing development over the past few years. As PE investment returns have lagged behind those of the stock market in the U.S., firms are feeling pressure to improve and deliver stronger results. “This fact combined with some high-profile private
AGB Search Recruits President for Maine Maritime Academy
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has placed Jerald S. “Jerry” Paul as the new president of the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Castine, ME. Mr. Paul, the current president of Capitol Access, a government affairs consulting company, will take office this spring. Nancy M. Targett, executive search consultant, and Concetta
Caldwell Recruits CEO for Intelligent Wellhead Systems
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of William Standifird as CEO of Intelligent Wellhead Systems Inc. in Calgary. Kenneth Baillie and Les Gombik led the assignment. “William is a strong addition to the executive team, and his leadership skills will help the IWS management team accelerate growth of our innovative approach to helping operators deliver safe and efficient
Search Solution Elite Creates Team Focused on Recruiting HR and Total Rewards Talent
Search Solution Elite has created a new project team to accommodate the recent surge in human resources and total rewards focused searches throughout the Southeast. Over the last month alone, Search Solution Elite has been entrusted with filling three senior-level roles for an Atlanta-based company that is one of the largest privately held organizations in the world.
SpenglerFox Expands in Morocco
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has added Patrick Soumet, founder of Digit Consulting in Morocco, to its global alliance. “In our continues effort to bring custom-made solutions to the doorsteps of our clients, and to serve them on a global scale and across multiple continents, we are thrilled to announce our new alliance partner,
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Leading CEO Search for Easterseals
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been selected by Easterseals to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Alison Ranney, managing partner and CEO practice co-lead is heading the assignment along with Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate; Tiara D. Muse, VP and senior search associate; and Alison Salisbury, senior search associate.
JM Search Recruits CEO for Perfect Union
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in the recruitment of Denyelle Bruno as chief executive officer of Perfect Union, California’s largest wholly owned cannabis company. Former CEO David Spradlin will continue to serve as president. The search was led by recruiters Abbee Phillips and MaryJeanne Scott. “Denyelle is exactly the
DHR Global Expands with New Office in Montreal
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global has opened a new office in Montreal. Spearheading the expansion are Jonathan Plourde and John Gradek, who join the firm as DHR’s first Montreal-based partners. The new location helps to strengthen DHR’s global footprint and supports the firm’s expansion plans across Canada. With over 10 years’ experience in the executive
Jobless Claims Come in at Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Labor Department reported that 184,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 43,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This is the lowest level for initial claims since September 6, 1969 when it was 182,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 5,000 from 222,000 to 227,000. The four-week
Cornerstone International Group Announces Leadership Changes
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has announced changes in its leadership team. Edwin Yeo of Cornerstone Singapore is appointed chair of the Asia-Pacific region, Diego Cubas of Cornerstone Lima is appointed chair of the Latin America region (LATAM), and Allan Rae, of Cornerstone Melbourne, will chair the member development committee. “These appointments significantly strengthen our global network,” said Larry Shoemaker,







