DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
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.
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
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?
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Wilson Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has named Spiro Papanicolaou as chief marketing officer. Reporting directly to CEO Jean-Francois Vezina, Mr. Papanicolaou will lead Wilson’s global marketing and revenue operations, with accountability for go-to-market strategy, demand generation, brand, and commercial performance across the business. “As we continue shaping the future of Wilson, marketing leadership will be critical to how
The New Finance Reality: Managing Capital Regimes, Not Just Cycles
Energy CFOs are navigating a changing financial landscape in which access to capital is becoming as important as movements in commodity markets. As public markets, private capital, infrastructure investors, project finance, and incentive-driven structures increasingly operate under different expectations, finance leaders are being asked to manage a far more fragmented environment. According to The Energists,
SPMB Recruits Chief AI and Data Officer for Ford Motor Company
SPMB Executive Search has placed Mano Mannoochahr as chief AI and data officer of Ford Motor Company. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Few leaders bring Mano’s combination of modern AI expertise, experience operating at enormous enterprise scale, and deep industrial grounding,” Mr. Doonan said. “That made him uniquely suited to help Ford translate the potential
Isaacson, Miller Assists Folger Shakespeare Library with CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Wendy Lin as the new CFO of Folger Shakespeare Library. Dan Rodas led the search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. Her arrival coincides with the start of strategic planning at the nearly 100-year-old organization, and she will guide financial analysis and operational execution under the leadership of Folger director Farah Karim-Cooper. Ms. Lin
Coulter Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
TurnkeyZRG Assists University of Wisconsin Recruit Head Soccer Coach
TurnkeyZRG recently placed Neil Jones as head soccer coach for University of Wisconsin. Mr. Jones previously led the Loyola University Chicago men’s soccer program for nine years. “We are thrilled to welcome Neil Jones as our next men’s soccer head coach,” said Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin’s director of athletics. “He has a proven track record of
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Board Members for Retro Report
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. Recently, Greenwich Harbor Partners placed Todd Larsen, president of the global Nexis Solutions division of LexisNexis;
CannabizTeam Predicts 100,000 New Pot Jobs in 2022
Cannabis sector salaries are up across the board with increased demand for top-flight leaders driving double-digit increases in compensation for experienced managers and C-suite executives, according to a new report by CannabizTeam, a cannabis-focused executive search firm. Salaries, the study says, continue to increase above cost-of-living index due to competition and a shortage of employees with specialized cannabis
Will the Great Resignation Cause a Pay Gap?
For years, numerous companies have been trying to close the gap in pay for women and men who perform the same job. The effort has taken years for many organizations, along with threats of lawsuits and public pressure to bring women to parity, according to a new report from Korn Ferry. But just when many
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Solar One
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Levin as the new chief executive officer of Solar One. CEO Deb Taft led the search along with assistant vice president Terri Rutter. “Stephen’s passion for the environment, leadership experience and deep commitment to working to improve communities make him an excellent choice to lead Solar One,” said Sara
Storbeck Search/Diversified Search Group Tapped to Lead Hunt for President of Hampton University
Higher education-focused search firm Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has been enlisted to find the next president of Hampton University in Hampton, VA. The assignment is being led by Shelly Weiss Storbeck, global education practice lead and managing director; Jeffrey Alston, senior associate; and Lisa Solinsky, senior associate. The expected start date for this position
SeekOut Secures $115 Million in Funding
SeekOut has announced a $115 million series C funding round led by Tiger Global Management. The round values the Seattle-based company – an artificial intelligence-powered talent search engine – at more than $1.2 billion. “The Great Resignation remains top of mind for both employees and employers as we enter 2022,” said Matthew Merker, research manager, talent acquisition
Mogul Inks Diversity Talent Deal with Avery Dennison
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul recently inked a deal with Avery Dennison Corp., a manufacturer of labeling products and functional materials. Using Mogul’s talent acquisition platform, Avery Dennison will source and hire diverse talent, with access to more than 430 million diverse candidate profiles. Avery Dennison was recognized in 2020 by Forbes as one of
Talent Retention & Recruitment Strategies for Turbulent Times
The upheaval that began on March 11, 2020, resulted in dramatic ripple effects in all industries – including, of course, those that ensure a safe, secure and abundant food system. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, implementation of safety equipment and protocols, and stay-at-home orders upended standard operating procedures and forced on-the-spot decision making, according to
Egon Zehnder Retained by Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health
The board of trustees of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health has tapped Egon Zehnder to lead a national search to find the next chief executive officer of Jefferson. The search comes after Stephen K. Klasko announced his retirement last year. “Egon Zehnder is the world’s largest privately held leadership advisory firm,” Jefferson said in a statement. “The
Slone Partners Recruits CFO for InterVenn Biosciences
Recently, life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners placed Brian Hogan as chief financial officer of InterVenn Biosciences. “Brian Hogan is an extremely smart and innovative financial executive with a track record of success throughout his career in the life sciences,” said Tara Kochis-Stach, president of Slone Partners. “He brings energy, passion and vision to the InterVenn leadership team
The McCormick Group Opens New Office in Houston
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
SmartRecruiters Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
SmartRecruiters has named Mark Jewett as chief marketing officer. He brings more than 20 years of experience in technology, products, strategy, marketing and operations. He will oversee all aspects of global marketing including product marketing, demand generation and branding. “Mark has a strong track record of creating and executing strategies to take products to the next level,” said Jerome
The Lasting Power of Agile Transformation
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, agility went from business buzzword to absolute necessity, with leaders forced to trust their instincts in order to help their businesses survive and keep employees safe in the face of myriad challenges. But now that things are becoming more normal, you’re faced with yet another impossible task: striking
JM Search Assists VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Recruit New CTO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in the recruitment of Gary A. Gibson as the new chief technology officer for VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Corp. He succeeds Tim Huckaby who resigned in December. Partners Bill Borkovitz and Bill Hogenauer led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Seeks President for Lincoln University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been enlisted to find the next president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University. Spearheading the assignment is Marion Frenche, practice leader for diversity, equity and inclusion, and senior executive search consultant. “This position is an opportunity
Gladstone Group Names Leader of Strategic Growth Consulting Unit
Gladstone Group, a Conshohocken, PA-based executive search firm and M&A advisory for RIAs, asset managers, broker/dealers, fintech companies and institutions, has appointed Derek Bruton as senior managing director. He will lead Gladstone’s strategic growth consulting division and support the executive search and M&A advisory businesses as well. Mr. Bruton will work with RIAs, broker/dealers and other wealth
Jobless Claims Jump 230,000 as Omicron Surges
The Labor Department reported that 230,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 23,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 207,000. The four-week moving average was 210,750, an increase of 6,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 204,500. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the
CEO Succession in Healthcare
The stakes of a chief executive officer transition are always high, but the risks of succession are increasing as healthcare systems grow in size and complexity and operate in increasingly dynamic conditions. Based on current trends, a new Spencer Stuart report says that it is expected that more than 80 percent of hospital CEOs will
3 Insights for Leaders on the Importance of a Personal Connection in 2022
As one of the world’s largest consumer-focused private equity firms, L Catterton has helped guide their portfolio companies on how to adopt effective skills to manage both the significant shift in consumer habits as a result of COVID-19, and the ways in which leadership can drive internal connectivity with employees. In a recent discussion, Jeff Weiser, operating
The Christopher Group Places Head of HR at Nordson
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top-flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Buffkin / Baker Seeks General Counsel for University of Missouri System
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been chosen to recruit the next general counsel for the University of Missouri (MU) in Columbia. Leading the assignment is Martin M. Baker, managing partner. Last month general counsel Steve Owens announced his plans to step down in March. Board curator chair Darryl Chatman appointed a search committee, which
Society Launches Board Practice Focused on Placing LGBTQ+ Professionals
Global search firm Society has launched a board practice focused of placing LGBTQ+ directors on the boards of private and publicly traded companies. “This effort is directed to meet the immediate needs to diversify corporate boards and give an inclusive voice to the underrepresented LGBTQ+ community,” the search firm said. “By building a database of self-identified
Advancing Black Leadership at the Board and Executive Level
Black executives have largely not been afforded the same opportunities in tech start-ups and venture capital, according to Daversa Partners. To answer the call, the search firm has established Dreamscape to address the issue by focusing on industry-wide equity and transformation. By working in partnership with CEOs, founders and investors who are committed to making
Savage Partners Appoints COO
Savage Partners, a boutique executive search firm serving the technology sector, has named Kenneth Vancini as its new chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Ken to Savage Partners,” said Todd Savage, managing director and co-founder of the firm. “His extensive industry experience and expertise will help us continue to serve our clients with
Odgers Berndtson Tapped to Fill Posts for 2032 Olympic Games
Odgers Berndtson has been appointed to find five independent directors, including the president, to serve on the organizing committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said a “rigorous recruitment process will ensure an unparalleled line-up of board directors working in the best interests of Queenslanders and all Australians.”
Seattle University Picks Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners to Recruit CHRO
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been enlisted by Seattle University to find its next vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Managing director Beth Schaefer and search associate Holly Bogo are leading the assignment. “Seattle University seeks an innovative, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as its next vice president for human
Eton Bridge Partners Names Managing Partner
Executive search, consulting, and interim management provider Eton Bridge Partners has expanded with the addition of Steve Deverill as managing partner. “As I move to non-executive director, I am extremely proud of what we have collectively achieved since establishing the business in 2010,” said Ashton Ward. “We have always been focused on our reputation, delivering results for
The Importance of Leadership Teams in Portfolio Companies
The global private equity market boomed across fundraising, acquisitions and exits in 2021, buoyed by cheap financing, vast monetary and fiscal stimulus, and the resulting increases in share and private capital market prices. In total, $1.17 trillion of deals were recorded between January and September 2021 – more than in any year since 2015, according
Hanold Associates Seeks Head of People for Autograph
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive is seeking a head of people for Autograph, a leading platform for NFTs co-founded by NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Jason Hanold, Mayank Parikh and Eleanor Tetreault are leading the assignment. “Autograph is rapidly growing, bringing a unique and innovative platform to a revolutionary new market that is quickly
Cejka Search Seeks New Leader for Lake Regional Health System
Cejka Search was recently selected to help recruit a new CEO for Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MI. The assignment is being led by Mark Madden, the recruitment firm’s executive vice president and managing principal. Reporting to Lake Regional Health System’s board of directors, the CEO will lead the health system in strategic, operational, and
