DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
How to Improve Your HR Executive Search Process
Securing the right HR leader requires more than a traditional hiring process—it demands the same rigor, clarity, and strategic discipline used for any major business decision. Organizations that consistently make strong HR executive hires treat the search as an enterprise priority, aligning stakeholders early, sharpening evaluation criteria, and building a candidate experience that attracts top
Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has appointed vice chairman Aileen K. Alexander to chief executive officer, reporting to Judith M. von Seldeneck, founder and chair. Ms. Alexander’s accession comes following Dale E. Jones’ recent decision to step down after nine years as CEO. Under Mr. Jones’s
ZRG Partners Acquire Walter James
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has acquired London-based executive search firm Walter James. “Supply chain talent has never been more important to the global economy than what we are experiencing today, and we don’t see the issue changing for years,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Walter
DHR Global Reveals Best Ways to Attract and Retain Diverse Talent
Employees and customers are no longer asking organizations to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. They are demanding it and they’re ready to hold businesses accountable for it—which differentiates the need for DE&I programs from other business initiatives. For most business initiatives, the incentives are straightforward: higher profits, increased efficiency, quicker time to market, and so
ON Partners Recruits CEO for MemryX
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Keith Kressin as the new president and chief executive officer of MemryX Inc. Leading the assignment for ON Partners were consultants Bryan Buck, Matt Mooney, and Sean Cantarella. “Since MemryX’s founding, we’ve primarily focused on building what would be a transformative technology,” said Wei Lu, co-founder of MemryX. “We saw
WittKieffer Seeks VP Diversity and Inclusion for Syracuse University
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been enlisted by Syracuse University to find a vice president for diversity and inclusion. Leading the assignment are consultant Christine J. Pendleton, senior associate Sandra Chu and senior partner Robin Mamlet. “The vice president for diversity and inclusion will serve as a leader within the campus community to identify and propose solutions
Korn Ferry Seeks President for the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (collectively HRC), together the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, has retained the services of Korn Ferry to assist in the search for the organization’s next president. “After speaking with over a dozen highly-regarded search firms, we’re eager to
Mogul Partners with Namely
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul recently inked a deal with Namely, a New York-based HR technology platform for mid-sized companies. Mogul offers a talent acquisition platform, diversity recruiting services, inclusive networking events, educational events, and online social communities. Namely plans to use Mogul’s talent acquisition platform to attract, source and hire top, diverse talent. Mogul’s
Future Insights for Engagement, Retention and Communication
A new report from Tatum says that three questions have probably crossed the minds of most organizational leaders lately: Are there any readily available levers that could help drive better employee retention outcomes? How are return-to-work policies and plans being communicated to employees? What’s working — and what isn’t? Finally, for deeply fragmented workforces where
CarrSports Consulting Leading Athletic Director Search for Marshall University
Marshall University has begun a national search for an athletic director and has retained CarrSports Consulting to assist. President Jerome A. Gilbert, who is stepping down as president at the end of December, and incoming president Brad D. Smith have formed a nine-person search committee charged with advancing a slate of finalists for consideration. The two,
Steven John & Associates Tapped by Earthjustice to Lead General Counsel Search
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses and all levels of
Bryant Group Seeks Two Key Development Leaders for Western Michigan University
Irving, TX-based Bryant Group is conducting two key development searches for Western Michigan University (WMU) and its partner, the Western Michigan University Foundation. The first assignment is for a senior director of principal gifts. The other is for a senior director of gift planning. WMU wants an experienced, passionate, and highly successful fundraising professional for
AIMS International Establishes Operations in Vietnam
Executive search consortium AIMS International has further strengthened its presence in the APAC region with the recent establishment of AIMS Vietnam. Enrico Dalla Rosa and Pierangelo Favero, two of the AIMS Vietnam managing partners, have more than 30 years of experience in the human resources industry, especially executive search, assessment, and coaching. They have been working with numerous multinational enterprises from all over
Korn Ferry Launches AI-Enabled Talent Analytics Platform
Korn Ferry has expanded its digital footprint with the launch of Korn Ferry Intelligence Cloud, a new AI-enabled talent analytics platform. The HR technology combines data-driven insights with Korn Ferry’s consulting expertise and IP. Intelligence Cloud helps solve the challenges of acquiring, managing and mobilizing the right talent and skills. “Intelligence Cloud builds on Korn Ferry’s
DHR Global Recruits Athletic Director for Florida State University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Chicago-based DHR Global recently assisted Florida State University in the recruitment of Michael Alford as its next vice president and director of athletics. Mr. Alford has served as president and CEO of Seminole Boosters Inc. since 2020. He succeeds David Coburn, who is retiring. DHR’s
Isaacson, Miller Assists the American Board of Pediatrics with CEO Search
Isaacson, Miller has assisted the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) in the selection of Dr. Judy Schaechter as its new president and chief executive officer. Partner Ariannah Mirick led the assignment along with managing associate Micah Pierce. Dr. Schaechter begins her new role on Jan. 1. She succeeds Dr. David G. Nichols, who will retire Dec. 31. after more
NGS Global Americas Goes Carbon Neutral
An increasing number of businesses are claiming to be carbon neutral. They recognize that the achievement can play a key part of their sustainability and corporate and social responsibility (CSR) strategy while enabling them to contribute to the fight against global climate change. They also realize that individuals and corporate customers prefer to buy products
Jobless Claims Rise by 206,000 After Falling to 52-Year Low
The Labor Department reported that 206,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 4,000 from 184,000 to 188,000. The four-week moving average was 203,750, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week’s revised average. This is
Changing the Climate in the Boardroom
Fifty percent of all board members expressed concerns with the level of reporting they receive on climate change progress, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles and business school INSEAD that reveals how 301 board members in 43 countries, primarily in North America and Western Europe, view their boards’ action on climate change. The study, “Changing the
ZRG Recruits CHRO for NextEdge Networks
ZRG, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has assisted in the recruitment of LeighAnn Schell as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for NextEdge Networks in San Francisco. Managing director Kevin Anderson led the assignment. “NextEdge Networks is a part of the Platform Partners Portfolio, a firm I have done multiple
Setting Competitive Salaries for Chief Operating Officers
The name of the game in the recruiting world these days is engaging and retaining top talent. So, in an increasingly competitive market, how do you set a solid chief operating officer salary? In addition to being the CEO’s right arm, the COO is the go-to person when it comes to leading the day-to-day workings
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association
After an extensive executive search by leading search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) has selected Tommy Faucheux as its new president. Mr. Faucheux begins his new role on Jan. 10. “After an exhaustive national search which included candidates from throughout Louisiana and abroad, the LMOGA board voted to
Amrop Names Global Practice Leaders
Global recruiting organization Amrop has announced the appointment of new leaders for three global practices. Lucie Shaw (U.K.) will co-lead the consumer and retail practice, along with Maciej Bednarczyk (Poland); Benoit Lison (Belgium) will lead the professional services practice; and Cecile Hofer (Singapore) and Willem Ledeboer (Netherlands) will co-lead the financial services practice. Ms. Shaw is a partner at Amrop U.K., with a particular focus on the consumer-facing
Omicron Posing New Dilemma for C-Suite Leaders
The latest coronavirus headlines are creating chills for many, and with news of Omicron spreading across Africa and Europe, executives worldwide are bracing themselves for the possibility of a severe wave of sickness among their employees. A new Korn Ferry report concludes that the threat of Omicron has created so many immediate challenges that most leaders
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Apollo Therapeutics
Since the pandemic appeared nearly two years ago, numerous healthcare organizations and companies have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 it is just another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Sanjay Aggarwal as chief medical officer
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Places Chief Program Officer for Point Foundation
A national search spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has landed Margaux Cowden as the inaugural chief program officer for Point Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ students. “Dr. Cowden was selected from a diverse and talented group of non-profit and higher education leaders, representing the full diversity of
Raines International Launches Unconscious Bias Mitigation Program
Miami-based Raines International has launched Raines Engage, a new program featuring neuroscience-backed sessions on making equitable decisions in the hiring process. “The program’s content and delivery methodologies demonstrate how unconscious bias interferes with decision-making and include mitigation strategies to help senior talent and hiring leaders make better decisions in high-stakes situations,” the firm said. “With the most
Caldwell Expands Private Equity & Venture Capital and Technology Practices
Toronto-based Caldwell expanded its private equity and technology recruiting capabilities with the addition of Gordon Berridge as a partner in the private equity & venture capital and technology practices and based in the firm’s London office. “With a 12-year track record of successful executive search assignments for technology and software-focused executives across the U.K., Europe and North America, Gordon
Pacific University Selects R. William Funk & Associates to Find Next President
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been tapped by Pacific University inForest Grove, OR, to lead its search for a new president. “We are extremely pleased that Pacific will have the support of one of the most effective presidential recruiters in the country,” said presidential search
ON Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer for Glassdoor
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, and the role is growing in demand, according to executive recruiters who place them. The post typically includes product conception and development, production, innovation, and project and product management. In many IT/ telecommunications companies, the position includes release management and production. Chief product officers generally work on
The Christopher Group Places VP People Analytics at FINRA
Pam Noble and Jeff Wilbanks of The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, have placed Lisa Arnesen as the new vice president of people analytics and operations at FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), a financial services corporation dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. “FINRA has the drive to continue towards the growth and advancement of an
Randstad Acquires Hudson Benelux
Randstad N.V. has acquired Hudson Benelux, a specialist in human-resources consulting, for an undisclosed amount. “The addition of Hudson is a strong extension of our service offerings to clients and offers access to exciting new opportunities which further strengthens our market position,” said Jacques van den Broek, chairman and CEO of Randstad. The acquisition of
