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Daily Newswire
A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
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
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
Bespoke Partners Recruits New Leader for Madison Dearborn Partners
Tremendous opportunity lies ahead in integrating a set of distinctive human capital solutions that will deliver exponential value to private equity firms and their portfolios. At the core of this drive are PE talent leaders and executive recruiters who are developing solutions to help clients navigate change and power value creation early in the hold
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for the St. Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Dwight Scott as the next Dana Brown president and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo. He succeeds Jeffrey P. Bonner, who will retire from that position at the end of the year after leading the organization for nearly two decades. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, led the assignment along
True Promotes Leaders to Support Continued Growth
Haddonfield, NJ-based True, a global executive talent management platform, has announced key leadership changes designed to support the firm’s rapidly growing business units. Josh Withers, a co-founder of the organization, moves into the newly created role of managing director, platform; Shawn Thorne, former co-lead of the product, data and technology practice, succeeds Mr. Withers as GM, Americas;
Jobless Claims Edge Down as Recovery Continues
The Labor Department reported that 326,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, an increase of 38,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 362,000 to 364,000. The four-week moving average was 344,000, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up
Riviera Partners Assists HubSpot with Chief Product Officer Search
Today’s chief product officer is responsible for all product-related matters, 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 product strategy based on goals set by
Spencer Stuart Helps the Museum of Contemporary Art Find New Leader
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Johanna Burton as executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles. She was selected after an extensive international search. “Johanna is an accomplished leader whose experience, management skills and passion prepare her for this important new role,” said Maria Seferian, chair of the museum’s
Hobson Leavy Recruits CEO for Financial Markets Authority
New Zealand executive search firm Hobson Leavy has placed Samantha Barrass as chief executive officer for the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), a regulatory government agency in New Zealand. Ms. Barrass will assume her new role in January, subject to COVID-19 concerns. The FMA’s current CEO, Rob Everett, steps down at the end of October. FMA general
Coulter Partners Appoints Marketing Leader
Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has expanded with the addition of Christelle Kerouedan as marketing director. “We are delighted to welcome Christelle to the team and are looking forward to working with her on the next phase of development of Coulter Partners,” said CEO Bianca Coulter. Her extensive experience as a life sciences communications specialist will
Calibre One Adds Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Veteran
Executive search firm Calibre One has named John Staines as partner based in Los Angeles. “John’s personal and professional desire for driving business results through a culture of belonging really resonated with our own culture at Calibre One,” said Tom Barnes, managing partner. “In fact, our Culture Quotient initiative plays directly into his impressive goal of helping employers
No Shot, No Job
The number of organizations requiring employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19 continues to increase. However, the big question is whether organizations will take the biggest step – firing unvaccinated employees outright, according to a new report from Korn Ferry. In August, one media company fired three unvaccinated employees for showing up at the office, while several other
Randall Partners Places CFO at the Place for Children with Autism
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Randall Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kristin Schultz as the new CFO at the Place for Children with Autism. The assignment was led by managing partner Craig Randall, president
Sterling Martin Associates Seeks CEO for Society of Surgical Oncology
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has been called in by the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Leading the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm are CEO and managing partner David S. Martin and vice
PFM Executive Search Places Marketing Officer at Pattison Food Group
PFM Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Peter Housley as the new chief marketing officer with Pattison Food Group in Vancouver, Canada. Partners Shaun Carpenter and Jennifer Madden led the assignment for the recruitment firm. Mr. Housley brings a wealth of experience spanning more than 30 years and multiple industries, including retail and restaurant. He joins
AIMS International Elects Leader of EMEA
Executive search consortium AIMS International has elected Dimitris Kleftakis from AIMS International Hellas as executive vice president EMEA. He takes over from Peter Barkhurst, managing partner AIMS International Germany and global VP of AIMS International, who has held the position since 2020. “It is with joy that I congratulate Dimitris on being chosen for his new role as the executive VP EMEA,” said
Key to Virtual Executive Recruiting
With more people working from home, it can be a challenge to maintain the right team dynamics, and the cultural glue that holds it all together must be industrial strength. So how do you ensure that you continue to hire the right people? In particular, how do you find the right fit with virtual leadership?
Daversa Partners Names VP of Marketing and Communications
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, named Nicole Daversa as vice president of marketing and communications after leading the firm through a three-year global rebrand and creative overhaul. “Even though Daversa Partners has been in business for 25-plus years, some of the most impactful additions to our team have happened over
Carrington & Carrington Tapped by Connecticut College to Lead Top HR Search
Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has been enlisted to find a vice president for human resources for Connecticut College. Reporting to the president, the VPHR is the chief human resources officer and serves as a member of the president’s cabinet. The individual must work collaboratively with staff and a wide range of colleagues to promote the college’s principles of
Caliber Associates Fills Senior Post for Sutro Biopharma
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed Werner Rubas as VP of preclinical development at Sutro Biopharma. The assignment was spearheaded by Steven Hochberg, the search firm’s founder and CEO, along with director of search Kate Rogers. “The collective expertise of our preclinical development team is a valued strength at Sutro as we focus on execution
The Tolan Group Recruits Top Sales Executive for Omega Healthcare
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently placed Marc Coker as senior vice president, sales for Omega Healthcare, a Boca Raton, FL-based provider of revenue cycle management and broad healthcare management services along with its newly acquired company himagine solutions. himagine was recently acquired by Omega Healthcare, a Goldman Sachs portfolio company and the worldwide leader of middle revenue cycle management services. Through this
Heidrick & Struggles and Eightfold AI Form Alliance
The demand for AI specialists focused on data and machine learning is growing exponentially internationally and the search for top talent is increasing, according to executive recruiters. To that end, executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles and Eightfold AI, a provider of AI-driven talent development platforms, have formed a partnership to develop a
Diversified Search Group Recruits Chief Digital and Information Office for Baptist Health
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has assisted Jacksonville, FL-based Baptist Health in the recruitment of Aaron Miri as its new chief digital and information officer. The search was led by Tony Leng, managing director in San Francisco, and Martha C. Hauser, a managing director and the healthcare services practice leader. “Aaron brings a wealth of experience in health care
Accelent Recruits Chief Product Officer for PebblePost
Executive search firm Accelent recently placed Rahul Lahiri as the new chief product officer for PebblePost, a leading digital to direct mail platform. Mr. Lahiri will head the product division as the company looks to build on the momentum and growth it has experienced in the last year. Leading the assignment were John Boehmer, managing director, Maura McShane,
August Leadership Opens Office in Seoul
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has opened an office in Seoul, South Korea. With 20 years of experience, partner Lukas Beech is leading the South Korean region teaming up with associate partner Janeen Kang. “It has been encouraging to see a healthy demand from Korean and ‘western’ companies for executive search services in the Korean market,” August Leadership said.
ECI Group Adds New Member Firm in India
ECI Group, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added Stellar Search in India as its newest member firm. “With Stellar Search, ECI will add to its portfolio one of India’s most prolific independent firms, allowing their global clients on-ground access to executive search services in this fast-growing economy,” ECI Group said in a statement. The chairman
Artico Search Launches to Help Companies Build, Scale and Protect
No one could argue that Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Matt Comyns, both of whom recently departed from Caldwell to co-found their own executive search firm, Artico Search, are anything less than ground-breaking search leaders. They are both among the very best in their respective specialties, recruiting some of the most sought after, and costliest, hires in
Jobless Claims Rise for the Third Straight Week
The Labor Department reported that 362,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This was an increase of 11,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 351,000. The four-week moving average was 340,000, an increase of 4,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 335,750. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CEO for Kansas State University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been called in by Kansas State University Olathe to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Managing partner Jennifer Muller is spearheading the assignment. The university is seeking a dynamic individual with exceptional leadership, strategic and interpersonal capabilities. The CEO reports directly to the provost and executive
Development Guild DDI Recruits Chief Development Officer for St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is Job 1. Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI has assisted
Horton International Expands in Austria with New Partnership
Horton International has formed a partnership with Vienna, Austria-based RMI Partners, a retained consultancy specializing in leadership services for a diverse range of sectors. “We are delighted to further strengthen our presence in the DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) region by welcoming RMI Partners, Austria, to the Horton International family,” said Maneesh Ajmani, chairman of
Boardgame to the Boardroom: Larry Hartmann Doubles Down on Growth
When Larry Hartmann, chief executive officer of ZRG, was a youngster, you could find him playing sports with the other kids in his neighborhood. He was an excellent team player by all accounts. But, as one old friend tells it, he also had another youthful passion: the board game Monopoly. And though the leader of
Tempting Talent Reveals Wide Gender Pay Gap Across U.S. Executive Search Sector
Tempting Talent’s USA Executive Search & Recruitment Compensation Report for 2021 reveals a gender pay gap of up to 41 percent across the U.S. executive search and recruitment industry. The aim of the report, said the consultancy, is to make the industry more transparent and help business owners by offering insights into issues like gender
