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Daily Newswire
Global Talent Drain: A Growing Challenge for Senior Leadership
Leadership markets around the world are entering a period of heightened imbalance as demand for experienced executives continues to outpace supply. Organizations are facing increasing difficulty securing the expertise needed to drive strategy, manage transformation, and sustain growth in a rapidly evolving business environment. This growing gap is forcing companies to rethink how they approach
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking HR Leader for the University of Central Missouri
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained to recruit the next associate vice president of human resources at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the CFO and serving as a member of the president’s strategic leadership team, the AVP of HR will play a vital role in
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.
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
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?
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
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Why Interim CHROs Are Becoming Essential in a Rapidly Changing Workforce
When the role of a chief human resources officer or chief people officer is done well, it can be one of the broadest roles in an organization, according to a recent report from Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company. “Not only are these executives critical human capital strategists charged with overseeing an organization’s end-to-end talent
The Lapham Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for One Concern
Top-drawer chief revenue officers are commonly found at start-ups and smaller businesses and tend to the bottom line while the rest of the C-level team expands key partnerships, seeks growth opportunities or sources funding. That is changing. Larger businesses now view the CRO post as an essential, long-term role. In one recent search, The Lapham Group placed Sean
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Dare to Care Food Bank in the Recruitment of New CEO
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Vincent James as the new CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville, KY. He will replace the retiring Brian Riendeau, who has led Dare to Care since 2009. John Sparrow, senior director, and Paula Nicholas, senior research associate, led the assignment. “Vincent is a thoughtful
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Seeks CEO for M.J. Murdock charitable Trust
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, WA. The assignment is being led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and consultant Ted Wieber. In partnership with the board of trustees, the non-profit’s CEO is the primary steward of the foundation’s legacy and future, said
The Elliot Group Appoints Chief Brand Officer
New York headquartered executive search firm The Elliot Group has expanded with the addition of Sarah Lockyer as its chief brand officer. She started in her new role yesterday. In her position, Ms. Lockyer will oversee The Elliot Group’s brand strategy and continued growth, and will lead The Elliot Leadership Institute as president, a non-profit focused on
RSR Partners Expands Board and CEO Services Practice
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners recently added Eric Douglas Keene to the firm’s board and CEO services practice as a managing director in Chicago. “Eric is a terrific addition to our board and CEO services practice,” said Brett Stephens, CEO of RSR Partners. “He has successfully operated at the intersection of the boardroom and C-suite and has the experience and capabilities for building high performing
David Barrett Partners Assists Yale University in Chief Investment Officer Search
According to recruiters specializing in the finance function, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and the quest for these top leaders is expected to soar in the aftermath of the pandemic with all the changes it has wrought on businesses of every size in every sector. But recruiters say these roles
N2Growth Appoints CEO
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has named Kelli Vukelic as its new chief executive officer. She becomes the first female CEO of the firm. “Kelli embodies all of the characteristics we were looking for in our next CEO, and we are confident that our clients, employees and shareholders will benefit from her
Job Seeking Hesitancy Persists According to Recent Data
Employment rose by 235,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. In August, notable job gains occurred in professional and business services, transportation and warehousing, private education, manufacturing, and other services. Employment
Calibre One Names Partner
Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Victoria Lakers as a partner based in San Diego. Ms. Lakers is a dual specialist in C-suite placements for innovative mission-driven consumer businesses and investor-backed B2B software companies. “Victoria’s rigorous search process is complemented by her broad experience in private equity and as a successful entrepreneur. She leverages this perspective to truly understand
Miramar Global Opens Office in Zurich
U.K.-based Miramar Global Executive Search, which specializes in technology, science, engineering, automotive and natural resources, has opened a new office in Zurich, Switzerland. Hana Skreta, who joined Miramar Global after six years with a boutique executive search firm, will lead the new location. She is responsible for client engagement, delivery, and growth initiatives within the
Corporate Culture and Performance: What CEOs Need to Know
Every company, organization and team has a unique culture, characterized by a specific set of behaviors, and performance expectations. While a few norms are defined and documented, many in fact are “tribal rules” established and reinforced through informal channels, according to a new report by Blue Rock Search. “Leadership has a responsibility to proactively establish,
Shelli Herman and Associates Assists President Search for Laguna College of Art + Design
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Steven J. Brittan as the 14th president of the Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD). “Steve is an intentional leader with a commitment to positioning education for social good and leveraging the full potential of creative intelligence,” said Terry Jones, chair of the LCAD
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for Guidance Center of Lea County in New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the Guidance Center of Lea County (GCLC) in Hobbs, NM. The organization is a community mental health center serving southeastern New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott is leading the assignment.
Jobless Claims Continue to Improve as Recovery Moves Forward
The Labor Department reported that 353,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. This nearly estimates from economists surveyed by Dow Jones, which was 355,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 348,000 to
Major Executive Search Assists WiTricity in CMO Search
Major Executive Search has placed Amy Barzdukas as chief marketing officer at WiTricity located in Watertown, MA. Partner Patty Meagher Clare and managing director John Rivoir along with founder and CEO Sue Major conducted the assignment. “As more automakers incorporate WiTricity wireless charging into their electric vehicle (EV) roadmaps, with some of those EVs being deployed
Bespoke Partners Appoints Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners named Katelyn Quaresma as partner. “Katelyn has established herself as an exceptional leader throughout her time at Bespoke,” said CEO Kristie Nova. “Not only has she been an outstanding team player and a
Mitigating Unconscious Bias and Driving Diversity for Innovation in a Changed World
The issue of unconscious bias in leadership recruitment is certainly not new. Even in a pre-COVID world, understanding and mitigating unconscious bias has been a longstanding expectation in the recruitment process. In the healthcare industry, this impetus has historically stemmed from a natural sensitivity to increasingly diverse patient populations, as well as increasingly known disparities
McDermott + Bull Places CTO at loanDepot
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently placed Bill Wied as chief technology officer at loanDepot. The assignment was completed by McDermott + Bull co-founder
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits VP of HR for Zamma Corporation
Joseph McElmeel, chairman and CEO of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, has announced that his firm helped place Michelle Irving as vice president of human resources for Zamma Corporation. Executive recruiter led the assignment Richard Mohrman. With extensive experience in human resources, Ms. Irving most recently held the position of regional human resources business partner
Egon Zehnder Recruits Chief Talent Officer for Netflix
Netflix has named PepsiCo’s Sergio Ezama as its next chief talent officer. Egon Zehnder assisted in the search assignment. Mr. Ezama replaces Jessica Neal, who left the streaming company in April after four years heading human resources. “Sergio has a truly global perspective that will be critical as we continue to build teams around the world,
JM Search Recruits CEO for The Parent Company
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in placing former Clorox Company executive Troy Datcher as the new chief executive officer of California-based cannabis firm The Parent Company. This represents the first time a black CEO will lead a major public U.S. cannabis organization. Current CEO Steve
De Sailly Consulting Recruits Dean of UNSW Law & Justice
Australian executive search firm De Sailly Consulting has placed Andrew Lynch as the new dean of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law & Justice in Sydney. He has been acting dean since last July when George Williams was appointed deputy vice-chancellor (planning and assurance) at UNSW. Dr. Lynch was head of school and
H.I.G. Capital Acquires Oxford Global Resources
H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm with $45 billion of equity capital under management, has acquired Oxford Global Resources, a provider of specialty staffing and consulting services in the U.S. and Europe, from ASGN Incorporated. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Rob McGuckin and the
Anthem Executive Recruits CFO for Wayne State University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has placed David Massaron, budget director for the State of Michigan, as chief business officer and CFO/senior vice president for finance and business operations and treasurer for Wayne State University in Detroit. Mr. Massaron will assume his new role upon the completion of the fiscal year 2022 budget for the state. Leading
Daversa Partners Adds Two More Partners
Executive search firm Daversa Partners, which serves the technology sector, has appointed Alex Lebow and Paige Kuderka as the firm’s newest partners. “It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Alex and Paige grow over the years, both professionally and personally,” said CEO Paul Daversa. “Their combined dedication to the firm has been apparent from day one
The Delta Variant: Crushing Our Mindset
The health damage is distressingly easy to spot: Nearly 630,000 new cases a day worldwide on average, and more than 9,500 daily deaths since COVID’s Delta variant arrived. According to a new report from Korn Ferry, the toll on organizations is also relatively easy to quantify: ships unable to unload cargo because of a global
Kincannon & Reed Recruits COO for MyLand
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has assisted in the placement of Sascha Welz as the new chief operating officer of MyLand, a soil health company. “Sascha is a trusted leader who consistently delivers results,” said Dane Hague, co-founder and president of MyLand. “He embodies our mission, culture and passion for impact. Sascha is a team builder.”
CIO Partners Seeks Chief Information Officer for PRGX Global
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, headhunting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find. Recently, CIO Partners Inc. was selected by PRGX Global Inc. as its exclusive partner to lead the search for a chief information officer, located in
Caldwell Recruits CFO for GoFundMe
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, has assisted in the placement of Jeneen Minter as the new CFO of GoFundMe, the largest global fundraising platform. “Jeneen’s experience and successful
Competition for Talent Remains White Hot
The Labor Department reported that 348,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expected to see weekly new claims fall to 365,000. It’s the fourth straight week the figure has declined. The previous
Diversified Search Group Assists University of New Hampshire Foundation with CFO Search
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has assisted in the placement of Marcel Vernon as the new chief financial officer for the University of New Hampshire Foundation. Matt Vossler led the assignment. “Marcel Vernon has decades of financial and leadership experience in the private sector and government,” said James W. Dean Jr., president of the University of New Hampshire. “Thank
