DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Industra Talent Partners Launched by Bespoke Partners for Private Equity-Backed Industrial Companies
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Industra Talent Partners to use AI and a best-in-class search methodology to recruit senior leaders for U.S. middle-market industrial companies backed by private equity. “Industrial companies are perfect candidates for private equity to produce outsized returns. But portfolio company leadership is the critical factor in executing on value creation plans,” said Eric
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
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 more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Wall Street’s Summer Deal Surge Redefines Talent Demands
According to The Wall Street Journal, the first week of August marked the highest-volume week for U.S. M&A in nearly four years. Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion purchase of Norfolk Southern led the spree, alongside deals from Alphabet, Global Payments, Charter Communications, and Constellation Energy. Bankers attribute the resurgence to a resilient economy, expectations of lower interest
WittKieffer Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Brandeis University
Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer has been enlisted to find a chief diversity officer/ vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion for Brandeis University. Leading the assignment are principal Charlene L. Aguilar and consultant Shelley Arakawa. “Brandeis seeks a leader who, in consultation with the entire campus community, can build upon current diversity and
Egon Zehnder Tapped by Intelsat to Find New CEO
Intelsat SA has announced that its CEO, Stephen Spengler, will retire from the position after the satellite network operator emerges from its financial restructuring process. The company has tapped executive recruiters Egon Zehnder to lead the search process for a new chief executive. “We are nearing the conclusion of our restructuring with enhanced financial strength and are
Bespoke Partners Adds Software and Tech Partner
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Tess Fischer as a partner. “Tess is a proven search leader with an outstanding track record and exceptional industry knowledge that will be a major benefit to our clients as they enhance their leadership teams,” said Kristie Nova, CEO of Bespoke Partners. “Her expertise
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Marketing & Business Development Leader
Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has expanded with the addition of Michael Buckingham as vice president of marketing and business development. “I am excited by the leadership Michael will bring to our story,” said William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO. “For over a decade, we have helped Christian organizations of all
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Record Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $263.8 million, an increase of 83.8 percent from the same period last year. Net revenue growth was driven by all regions in executive search, and by Heidrick Consulting, and On-Demand Talent. Net revenue increased 86.2 percent in the Americas (85.6 percent
Hiring Top Talent In Unprecedented Times
What are the key value-drivers for operating executives when both exit values and resignation rates are at all-time highs? In a record-breaking year, there are heightened variables to consider: Exit values are through the roof, and human capital is rising as talent is increasingly empowered to dictate how and where they work. CEOs, especially those
Preng & Associates Fills Top Posts for GoGreen Investments Corp.
Houston, TX-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Daniel J. Foley and Vikas Anand as the new chief technology officer and chief development officer, respectively, at GoGreen Investments Corp. Consultant Mark Ciolek led the assignment. Mr. Foley has more than 30 years clean-tech experience in financial, technical and regulatory challenges of bringing green
The 360 Group Recruits New Leader for Levi Strauss Foundation
The 360 Group, an executive search firm which serves mission-driven organizations, recently assisted in the placement of Fatima Angeles as executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation in San Francisco. “Fatima is a philanthropic leader who has deep experience developing and implementing grantmaking programs focused on worker health, environmental justice and youth development,” said Seth
SpenglerFox Integrates Ezekia CRM Software
Global executive search and human capital solutions provider SpenglerFox has entered into an agreement with Ezekia to adopt its CRM software platform across its office network. “As we prepare for significant business growth over the next few years, we needed a modern CRM system which will support us throughout this journey,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of
Quick Leonard Kieffer Recruits CFO for Cook County Health
Quick Leonard Kieffer has placed Pamela Cassara as chief financial officer of Cook County Health in Chicago. Adrienne White-Faines, Bill Foley, and Joe Johnston led the nationwide search, which included a large pool of candidates. Ms. Cassara comes to Cook County Health from Franciscan Alliance, where she served as chief financial officer. In this capacity, she helped standardize and consolidate financial functions for
Spencer Stuart Appoints General Counsel
Spencer Stuart has named Lucy Lopez as general counsel and chief legal officer. She will succeed Dave Rasmussen, who is retiring after 24 years with the firm. “Over his long career with Spencer Stuart, Dave Rasmussen has built an incredibly strong legal and tax team that has been critical to our success as a firm. We wish him the very best in his
m/Oppenheim Selected by Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to Find New President
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has been enlisted to find a new president for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Jackson, MS. Leading the assignment are principals Dennis Hanthorn, Lee Kappelman and Kevin Redick. “MSO seeks a business professional who will partner with veteran music director and conductor Crafton Beck, to deliver exceptional orchestral music
Robert Half International Posts 44 Percent Revenue Gain
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted third quarter revenues of $1.190 billion, a 44 percent increase from the same period a year ago, surpassing the consensus mark by four percent. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates five times over the last five quarters. Robert Half came out with quarterly earnings of $1.53 per share, beating
Korn Ferry to Acquire Lucas Group
Korn Ferry has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lucas Group. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close on November 1. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lucas Group gives Korn Ferry professional search and contracting expertise which is expected to enhance the firm’s search portfolio.
As Business Changes, CEOs Grow More Self-Aware
Self-reflection and personal development have jumped to be among the top priorities of CEOs as they become increasingly self-aware, according to a newly released report by Egon Zehnder. The key to prosperity, the leaders are realizing, is to improve the human side of their leadership. The report found that as heightened demands for workplace equality
Vetted Solutions Assists in the Recruitment of New CEO for CEDIA
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Daryl Friedman as global president and CEO of CEDIA, the global trade association for the home technology industry, in Indianapolis, IN. He will assume the role on Nov. 29. “We’ve found someone that I am confident will be the step-change in leadership that CEDIA needs
AGB Search Tapped by Maine Maritime Academy to Find New President
Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been enlisted to find the next president of the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). Leading the search are Nancy M. Targett, executive search consultant, and Concetta M. Stewart, principal, executive search consultant. The president will be expected to work collaboratively with stakeholders to imagine the
ManpowerGroup Posts 12 Percent Revenue Increase
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of 5.1 billion, a 12 percent increase from the same period last year. This misses the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.92 percent. This compares to year-ago revenues of $4.58 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. ManpowerGroup reported net earnings of $1.77 per diluted
The International Executive Search Federation Adds Find Great People to Network
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has added Find Great People, a talent acquisition and human resources consulting firm, to its international network. This expansion is in line with the expansion strategy of IESF to be represented worldwide as a growing international organization. “As a new member of our network, we welcome Find Great People,” said Victor Carulla
Remote Work and Its Lasting Impact on Business
The rapid adoption of remote work over the last year and a half has sparked fundamental changes for businesses far beyond where their workforce is located. With 40.7 million Americans expected to be fully remote in the next five years, it has also been a catalyst for a fundamental, tectonic shift creating drastic spillover effects
Hanold Associates Recruits Head of People & Culture for Patagonia
Patagonia, a high-performance outdoor apparel and accessories brand, has appointed Lisa Ramirez as head of people & culture. Lisa Butkus, Sandra Pena and Meg Magurany of Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive led the search. Hanold Associates was seeking an executive with an exemplary track record of at least 15 years of experience in organizational development, human resources, training and coaching,
ON Partners Assists Unison Software in Chief Technology Officer Search
Executive search firm ON Partners has assisted in the placement of Monica Nicolau as the new chief technology officer of Unison Software. Leading the assignment for ON Partners were consultants Matt Mooney and Sean Cantarella. Ms. Nicolau is an accomplished senior technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in building scalable enterprise software products across multiple
August Leadership Adds Diversity Search and Leadership Consulting Practice
Executive search firm August Leadership has expanded its scope by adding a diversity, equity & inclusion search and leadership consulting practice to its portfolio. “Our diversity, equity and inclusion search and consulting practice provides clients with a holistic approach to this space in addition to our direct support to boards, CEOs and CHROs with the overall
Jobless Claims Fall to New Pandemic-Era Low
The Labor Department reported that 290,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 6,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 3,000 from 293,000 to 296,000. The four-week moving average was 319,750, a decrease
The Rise of the Private Equity Chief Talent Officer
While drawing down on committed funds and having capital “at work” is most people’s core understanding of what the modern private equity firm does, having the right human capital in place to maximize return-on-assets and marshal the firm’s capital adequately is of equal critical importance. Against this backdrop, it is perhaps a logical development to
Achieving Better Balance in Business with Diversity
Recent political and social events have triggered a tipping point for wider representation from across society on companies’ boards and in their leadership teams. Now the times are truly changing, as companies come to see the shortcomings of hiring and appointing leaders and executives from the same socioeconomic background and ethnic origin, according to a
HireWerx Assists ISCO International in Recruitment of VP of Sales and Global Channel Development
Chicago-based HireWerx has assisted in the recruitment of Erik Leonard as vice president of sales and global channel development at ISCO International. “It is our pleasure to announce that Erik Leonard has joined ISCO to fulfill this role,” said Frank Scarpelli, managing partner and CEO of HireWerx. “He is responsible for the U.S. western region and global channel
Acertitude Appoints EMEA Leader of Global Consumer and Retail Practice
Executive search firm Acertitude has named Charlotte Cederwall as a partner and EMEA lead for the firm’s global consumer and retail practice. Her considerable influence in this space and in the private investment industry will both extend and strengthen the firm’s consumer and retail capabilities while evolving its private equity offering globally. “Charlotte is a wonderful addition to
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks New Leader for San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
New York City-based Phillips Oppenheim has been enlisted to find the next leader of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Sarah James and Becky Klein are leading the assignment. The official title of the role is the Helen and Charles Schwab director. “Our aspiration is to identify a leader with a commitment to artistic excellence
The Importance of Setting Proper Diversity Targets
Ask 100 business leaders if they’re comfortable achieving critical goals without a sound strategy in place and you’ll get 100 resounding answers “no.” Yet too often companies and their leaders fail to have proper targets in place when it comes to increasing diversity, according to a report by Prais+Barnette. “It’s an important initiative that, so far,
Jensen Partners Appoints Head of Asia
New York City-based Jensen Partners, a woman-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm for the alternative investment management industry, has named Sophie Norris as managing director, head of Asia. “Ms. Norris will bolster Jensen Partners’ capabilities and global footprint to meet the growing demand for alternatives talent in Asia,” the search firm said. “Sophie brings the experience and specialized knowledge
