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Daily Newswire
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
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.
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
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?
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Powering Growth Through Precision Dealmaking
In an era defined by rapid consolidation and strategic reinvention, precision dealmaking has emerged as the driving force behind growth in the executive search industry. As firms navigate shifting market dynamics, many are turning to mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships to expand capabilities, unlock liquidity, and gain competitive advantage. The most forward-thinking leaders are
Hedge Funds Fall Short in Diversity Efforts
It goes without saying that diversity, equity, and inclusion have moved to the forefront of hiring and recruiting among all sectors. Leaders across every industry have advocated to support this public movement including an increased focus in financial services, the sector with arguably the most significant inequality represented. Despite this, financial services companies, and particularly
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,
