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Daily Newswire
The Execution Gap in AI Is Becoming Private Equity’s Defining Divide
Multimodal’s latest report, The State of Agentic AI in Private Equity, highlights a critical inflection point. While AI adoption is widespread across the industry, very few firms have translated that activity into sustained operational impact. Nearly two-thirds of private equity firms are actively piloting AI, and roughly 40 percent report having formal strategies in place. Yet only
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits President and CEO of Cara Collective
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Karin Norington-Reaves as president and CEO of Cara Collective in Chicago. “This is a defining moment for Cara Collective,” said J. Todd Phillips, chair of Cara Collective’s board of directors. “Karin was selected from a national search conducted by a special committee of the Cara
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.
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
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?
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
ON Partners Appoints Three Partners
ON Partners has named Sean Cantarella, Nina McMaster and Alex Pelak as partners. They will support ON Partners’ growth in several sectors, including consumer, life sciences and healthcare, technology, industrial, fintech, gaming, insurance tech, aerospace and defense, and business services. “We’ve seen tremendous growth across the board over the past year, particularly in CEO, board and C-level searches,” said Tim
5 Hiring Insights from Executive Recruiters
We are currently in a taxing recruiting environment for employers. How should you react? This morning the Labor Department reported 10 million open jobs and a record ratio of openings to hires. “Add to this a blur of emotions felt as employees and leaders face return-to-work deadlines, childcare concerns, and the Delta variant, and we have
Four Key Tech Trends to Watch for in 2022
As we enter the new year, the practice of finding, attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent in technology has continued to be a challenge, and the trends that we started to see due to the necessity of a widespread virtual workforce has become a Pandora’s Box that will likely stay forever open. Recruiting top professionals
SPMB Assists Cervin Ventures in Recruitment of New Partner
Tremendous opportunity lies ahead in integrating a set of distinctive human capital solutions that will deliver exponential value to private equity firms and their portfolios. At the core of this drive are private equity talent leaders and executive recruiters who are developing solutions to help clients navigate change and power value creation early in the
ZRG Partners Assists Rigel Pharmaceuticals in Filling Board Position
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. ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently
Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
Employment rose by 199,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in manufacturing, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. The unemployment rate declined by 0.3 percentage
Private Equity Recruiting Takes Off in Hot Market for Talent
Private equity firms have been pulling strongly in a direction all their own, not only bucking the challenges impacting other businesses but clearly passing key inflection points for growth. According to Dominic Lévesque, president of Tatum: “We’re seeing huge reserves of dry powder on tap, and along with it, sky-high valuations. Small wonder, then, that
Dreamscape Finds New Directors for Brex, Robinhood, and AppLovin Corp.
Daversa Partners’ Dreamscape business unit has recently helped to place Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA, Dara Treseder of Peloton, and Alyssa Harvey Dawson of Gusto to fill key director roles for Brex, Robinhood and Applovin Corp., respectively. Dreamscape, which was launched in November, is dedicated to advancing black representation on the boards and executive teams
Crist|Kolder Associates Names President, Reshuffles Leadership Team
Crist|Kolder Associates has appointed Clem Johnson as president of the firm, and Scott Simmons and Josh Crist have been named co-managing partners. Mr. Johnson takes over from Tom Kolder, who is moving into a vice chairman role alongside chairman Peter Crist. “As Peter and I pass the day-to-day leadership to Clem, Scott and Josh, we have
Jobless Claims Remain at 52-Year Low
The Labor Department reported that 207,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 198,000 to 200,000. The four-week moving average was 204,500, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints New CEO
Russell Reynolds Associates has appointed Constantine Alexandrakis, currently head of the firm’s Americas region, as its new chief executive officer succeeding Clarke Murphy, who will remain with the firm, transitioning back to full-time client work. “Constantine is a demonstrated leader who has an inspiring vision,” said Mr. Murphy. “With his global orientation, collaborative leadership, inclusive mindset, and
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Greenphire
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Alan Matuszak as the new chief technology officer of Greenphire, a global provider of financial lifecycle management for clinical trials. Vice presidents Katelyn Quaresma and Ned Lanphier led the assignment. “We’re delighted to have Alan join our team,” said Jim Murphy, CEO of Greenphire. “Over
ChampionScott Partners Places COO for Frontpoint Security
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently helped to place Derek Carder as the new chief operating officer for Frontpoint Security, a leading provider of premium do-it-yourself home security and smart home technology in the U.S. Geoff Champion led the assignment along with Chris Messing. Mr. Carder will be responsible
Furst Group Assists Ayin Health Solutions in the Recruitment of New President
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted Providence, one of the largest health systems in the nation, in the recruitment of Ruth Krystopolski as president of Ayin Health Solutions, a population health company created to share expertise and solutions with other health systems. “We are officially setting the stage
Cornerstone International Group Names New Practice Leaders
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has named four new leadership appointments in its industrial practice. Walter Baker of Cornerstone Atlanta was recently named global industrial practice leader. Mr. Baker has over 25 years of experience in senior-level recruiting and assessments. He has been conducting senior-level recruiting and assessment assignments throughout the U.S.,
Demand for Cybersecurity Talent Sets Salaries Soaring
Cyber breaches at SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline have underscored the importance of putting the right chief information security officers (CISO) in place. That, in turn, has led to intense competition to recruit top cybersecurity leadership who have seen their market values and salaries soar, according to just-released compensation data from IANS Research and Artico Search.
Oregon State Selects Isaacson, Miller to Lead President Search
Oregon State University (OSU) has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for its next president. Partners David Bellshaw and Julie Filizetti are leading the assignment with senior associate Phuong Ta and associate Kathy Martinez. F. King Alexander, OSU’s previous president, resigned last March amid criticism over his handling of sexual misconduct charges during
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Claudia Bonilla Keller as chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, in California. Second Harvest board chair Dave Coffaro, speaking on behalf of the board of directors, said: “Claudia is the right leader to carry the organization into the future.” Mr.
Vetted Solutions Seeks New Leader for the Society for Public Health Education
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been selected by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. SOPHE’s next CEO will serve as a partner to the president and executive committee of the board of trustees, providing both the strategic mindset and managerial expertise needed to meet the
Contra Secures $30 Million in Funding
Contra, a professional network for independent workers founded by Ben Huffman and Gajust Kuizinas, has secured $30 million in Series B funding, led by NEA, with participation from Unusual Ventures and Cowboy Ventures, both of which invested in Contra’s $14.5 million Series A last year. The latest funding round gives the company just under $45 million in total funding,
The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clayton Homes Building Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Case McGee as chief people officer of Clayton Homes Building Group (CHGB), the largest builder of manufactured housing and modular homes in the U.S. The search was led by founder and CEO Tom Christopher and managing directors Nat Schiffer and Tobin
JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women Established by Judee von Seldeneck
Judee von Seldeneck, founder and chair of Diversified Search Group (DSG), has established the JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women, a multi-million-dollar partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin) designed to provide capital and to coach women-owned enterprises with strong growth potential in Greater Philadelphia. The fund will deploy capital in two primary
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for Together Women Rise
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been called in to help find the next chief executive officer for Together Women Rise in Greensville, SC. Senior search consultant Becky Hauk is leading the assignment. The search firm is seeking a CEO who has a commitment to achieving global
Waverly Partners Recruits CEO for the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has placed Mike Skelton, who has led the Greater Manchester Chamber in New Hampshire since 2014, as the new president and chief executive officer of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA). Mr. Skelton will join the organization in early February. Selected after a nationwide search, he succeeds
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firm in Italy, Australia and the U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has expanded its membership in Italy, Australia, and the U.S. with the addition of eight new member locations. These search organizations are looking to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to these recruitment firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our global
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2021
For the recruiting industry, 2021 was dominated by the pandemic and search sector consolidation. Mergers and acquisitions, in fact, made for some of our most highly read news stories. But it was also a year when so many world-class search assignments were handed out — and those mandates were answered with some of the best
Daversa Partners Assists The Pill Club with CFO Search
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has assisted in the recruitment of Christine Park as the new chief financial officer for The Pill Club. Ms. Park joins the company from Strava, a social fitness platform with over 70 million athletes globally, where she was CFO and oversaw the finance, accounting,
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Development Officer for Coherus BioSciences
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Theresa LaVallee as the chief development officer at Coherus BioSciences in Redwood City, CA. Dr. LaVallee will serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team and oversee all regulatory matters and product development functions, reporting to Denny Lanfear, president and CEO of Coherus. “Theresa is a terrific addition to
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Acquisitions of 2021
Acquisitions made huge news in the recruiting industry this year, and for good reason. Outside investors finally caught on to the sector’s expansion potential and long growth runway ahead. Top search leaders also found ways to maximize profit (cutting back on office space helped every search firm achieve a better bottom line in 2021). That
Heidrick & Struggles Enters Agreement to Acquire RosExpert in Russia and WE Partners in Ukraine and Kazakhstan
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has entered into agreements to acquire RosExpert in Russia and WE Partners in the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The transactions are expected to close in Q1 2022, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. These acquisitions form part of Heidrick & Struggles’ strategy to expand its global footprint and grow its local presence in
De Forest Search Places Head of Marketing for Confidence Drink
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search recently placed Cory Brunwasser as head of marketing at Confidence Drink. Maureen Christiansen led the assignment. “While Cory was not in the market for a new role, he could not pass up an opportunity to make his mark leading the marketing team in the functional beverage space,” De Forest Search







