DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
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.
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
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?
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Raines International Adds Search Veteran to Build Out Technology Practice
New York-based Raines International has named Rick Harris as managing director and leader of its product and technology officers practice. He will be based out of the firm’s Miami office. “The tech industry’s most innovative founders, CEOs and investors call Rick for a reason…he is the best at what he does. He is an energetic, collaborative builder who
Jobless Claims Rise Slightly as Omicron Arrives on U.S. Shores
The Labor Department reported that 222,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 28,000. The previous week’s level was revised down by 5,000 from 199,000 to 194,000. The four-week moving average was 238,750, a decrease of 12,250 from the previous week’s revised average. This is the lowest level for this average
Royer Thompson Expands Talent and Culture Advisory Practice
Talent management firm Royer Thompson has expanded with the addition of Sarah Crown, formerly of global talent management firm SHL, as director talent and cultural advisory and will lead the assessment practice across the firm. Ms. Crown brings global experience advising clients on leadership assessment and talent management solutions, said firm president Kim West. “Our clients
Herbert Mines Recruits First Chief People Officer for Orvis
Chief people officers continue to step up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate their way forward. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives will only continue to rise as the workplace transitions. For some organizations this is a new role: New York-based
AMN Healthcare CEO Named to Global Power 150 Women in Staffing Ranking
Susan Salka, president and CEO of AMN Healthcare, has been named to the 2021 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing ranking by Staffing Industry Analysts for the seventh consecutive year. “On behalf of AMN Healthcare and all of the women throughout our organization, it is an honor to receive this recognition,” said Ms. Salka.
Daversa Partners Names Managing Director
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Wendy Colvano, head of Europe, as managing director. “I consistently define Wendy as someone who is biased towards action—she is fearless, she is intentional and she sets the bar high,” said Paul Daversa, CEO. “As the international team continues to grow, Wendy’s ability
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks CEO for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in Washington, D.C. Senior director Crystal Stephens, director of research Patti Kish and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville are leading the assignment. “The next president and CEO of The Leadership Conference,
IRC Global Elects New Executive Board
IRC Global Executive Search Partners recently hosted its virtual global conference where participants exchanged ideas and experiences related to running their business in challenging times. The organization also elected a new executive board. The IRC executive board currently consists of the following members: Rania Abdalla, Tom Berray, Michael Kantel, Katerina Meimaroglou and Rohan Carr (IRC Australia),
Post-COVID Workforce Trends Driving the Labor Market
Experts agree that we’re experiencing unprecedented times in the global labor market. While a few of the buzziest phrases of this phase include the Great Resignation, the Great Realization and the Great Reshuffle, there are many more “Greats” where those came from, according to a new report from Business Talent Group (BTG). Each of these
Storbeck Search/Diversified Search Group Tapped to Lead President Hunt for the University of Colorado
Higher education-focused search firm Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has been chosen by the University of Colorado to lead in its hunt for a new president. Mark Kennedy announced in May that he was leaving after two years of leading the university. The board of regents engaged Storbeck Search after a competitive RFP process that attracted more
TurnkeyZRG Recruits CEO for SLAM Magazine
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted SLAM magazine in the recruitment of Les Green as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Green, who is a former Nike and Teespring marketing executive, will serve as SLAM’s second CEO and lead the company’s overall expansion. Leading the assignment was Rick Alessandri, managing director of the search firm’s media and sports tech practice.
BridgeStreet Partners Expands Search Staff in Houston
BridgeStreet Partners has expanded the addition of former Hexagon executive Steve King as its newest managing director in the firm’s Houston office. “Throughout his career, Steve has shown an ability to work effectively with other C-suite executives, communicate with key stakeholders and build highly effective teams,” said Scott Williams, co-founder and managing director. “He has a deep
Workday Acquires VNDLY in $510 Million Deal
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has acquired VNDLY, a contingent workforce management vendor, for $510 million in cash. With VNDLY, Workday will provide organizations with a unified workforce optimization solution that will help organizations manage all types of workers—salaried, hourly, contingent, and outsourced—and support a holistic talent strategy, including insight into costs,
5 Ways to Compete in Today’s Talent Market
The amount of private capital raised and the associated deal activity this year have helped create a candidate-driven talent market. According to a new report from JM Search, proven operators open to considering new roles have found themselves with multiple compelling options to consider simultaneously, while companies continue to compete in the ever-escalating war for talent. “How
ON Partners Recruits COO for Antheia
Executive search firm ON Partners has assisted in the placement of Zack McGahey as chief operating officer of Antheia, a synthetic biology company enabling next-generation plant-inspired medicines. Partner Suzanne Zebedee and consultant Clint Keller led the assignment. Mr. McGahey, former vice president of manufacturing and capex engineering at Zymergen, joins Antheia to operationally oversee its transition from
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to Find New Leader
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has called in Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The firm is looking for a leader to drive the organization’s transformation and develop its strategic plan over the next five years, and beyond. The CEO will be a transformational leader,
FaithSearch Partners Adds Pastoral Leaders to Search Team
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of two nationally-renowned pastoral leaders to its search team. David Walters and Mike Tucker join FaithSearch as search consultants focused on the firm’s non-profit and ministry-based searches. “Both Pastors Walters and Tucker significantly increase FaithSearch’s ability to support our church and parachurch clients during senior leadership transitions,” said
Panorama Leadership Announces New Leadership
Panorama Leadership, a global network of independent executive search firms, has announced its new leadership team for the 2021-2023 period. Roy Herold, managing partner of MPS, becomes chair with Aidan Kennedy of Saxton Bampfylde moving to chair emeritus. Carlos Altona of EXEC in Brazil becomes the new vice chair and is joined by Agamjeet Dang of Executive
Caldwell Acquires Applied Behavioral Academy
Toronto-based Caldwell has acquired Applied Behavioral Academy (ABA), a behavioral and cognitive psychometrics consultancy that leverages highly respected, results-driven tools to assess talent and to align people and business strategies. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Coincident with the acquisition, Caldwell expanded its alliance with The Predictive Index (PI), launching Caldwell Analytics as a PI
Fordham University Taps WittKieffer to Find New President
Fordham University is beginning an important search to find a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as its 33rd president. The school has called in Oak Brook, IL-based search firm WittKieffer to lead its search efforts. Spearheading the assignment are managing partner Robin Mamlet, senior partner Jean Dowdall, principal Ryan Crawford and associate Bree Liddell. The new
DRi Seeks VP of DE&I for Sustainability Non-Profit Ceres
Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources Inc. (DRi) has been enlisted to find a vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Ceres, a sustainability non-profit organization. Jennifer Dunlap, DRi’s president and chief executive officer, is spearheading the assignment. “Ceres is searching for an experienced professional to lead the organization’s DEI journey,” said the search firm. “The vice
Granger Reis Expands Search Staff
U.K.-based executive search firm Granger Reis has appointed Jamie Page as a new managing partner and Esmeé Vermolen as head of technology and innovation. “We’re re-writing the rule book as we enter an exciting next chapter in our growth,” said Richard Milsom, founder and CEO. “This evolution will allow us to champion authenticity by telling
Weekly Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since 1969
The Labor Department reported that 199,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 71,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since November 15, 1969 when it was 197,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 268,000 to 270,000. The four-week moving average was 252,250, a decrease
Pioneering Leadership Consultant, Egon Zehnder, Dies at 91
Egon Zehnder, 91, founder of the global executive search firm that bears his name, has died in Zurich after a brief illness. Born on April 12, 1930, Dr. Zehnder graduated from Harvard Business School in 1956. In 1964, at the age of 34, he founded his own firm in a townhouse above Zurich. Initially, the company was
Daversa Partners Launches Unit to Advance Black Leadership
Daversa Partners has launched Dreamscape, a business unit dedicated to advancing black representation on the boards and executive teams of companies and investing firms in technology. To lead the business, Daversa has named industry veteran Clinton Browning as its newest partner and head of Dreamscape. “In the 30 years since I have been working in executive
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People Officer for PE-Backed Hydrow
With the coronavirus crisis continuing to disrupt the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Executive recruiters across the business landscape report that searches for these C-suite executives
EFL Associates Recruits CFO for Ottawa University
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Craig Kispert as vice president and chief financial officer of Ottawa University (OU), a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, led the assignment along with Angela Lilje, practice and project manager, higher education practice. Mr. Kispert brings more
Healthcare Recruiting Talent Platform Secures $149 Million in Funding
Healthcare recruiting talent platform Trusted has secured $149 million in funding. This includes a $94 million Series C led by Greenspring Associates, which was recently acquired by StepStone Group, as well as a previously unannounced $55 million Series B led by early investors Craft Ventures and Felicis Ventures. It brings the company’s total funding to $175
CEO Appointments Reach Record Levels
Companies in the first half of 2021 appointed a record number of chief executive officers, making up for a significant slowdown in the second half of 2020, according to the ‘2021 Route to the Top’ report from Heidrick & Struggles. The global intelligence survey shows that compared to their predecessors, new chief executives are more likely to be women
DHR Global Recruits CEO for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
James Abruzzo, managing partner of the global non-profit practice for Chicago-based executive search firm DHR Global, has assisted in the placement of Tom Schmid as the new chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. The zoo’s board of directors voted to formally name Schmid to lead the zoo, The Wilds, Safari Golf Club
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Catalina Island Conservancy
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. And there is no let-up in sight. Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Charmian
