DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
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.
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,
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?
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
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
The Conference Board Highlights a Strategic Slowdown in Hiring
The Conference Board’s August Human Capital report makes clear that CHROs are taking a more cautious, measured approach to workforce strategy. As Diana Scott, leader of The Conference Board US Human Capital Center, explained: “CHROs are taking a more thoughtful, steady approach as economic and policy uncertainty lingers. This slowdown in hiring isn’t about losing confidence—it’s
ManpowerGroup Posts 41 Percent Revenue Increase
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5.3 billion, an increase of 41 percent from the same period a year ago. This surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.99 percent. Revenue in the U.S. was $629 million, representing 22 percent increase compared to the prior year. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the
4 New Rules for CEO Succession Planning
CEO succession has always been one of most critical and high stakes responsibilities of a board. According to a new report by Cathy Anterasian and Robert Stark of Spencer Stuart, a failed process can result in an unaligned board, a lack of ready talent and, ultimately, a value-destroying CEO transition. Layering onto an already challenging
Alioth Offers Two-Year Hiring Guarantee
Executive search firm Alioth has launched a two-year guarantee for any new executive placed using the company’s retained executive search service anchored by its organizational diagnostic platform, Exploration, which is included at no additional cost. “The use of Alioth’s Exploration platform in executive search provides an experience for hiring organizations and their candidates like no
TurnkeyZRG Assists Philadelphia Wings in Recruitment of Team President
Sports organizations are increasingly turning to search firms to fill their top vacancies. TurnkeyZRG recently assisted the Philadelphia Wings in the recruitment of Mark Zamarin as the professional box lacrosse organization’s new team president. Mr. Zamarin recently spent five years with the Philadelphia Soul, a now defunct professional arena football team, where he served as chief operating
The Loring Group Recruits Top Finance Executive for Kendo Brands
San Francisco-headquartered executive search firm The Loring Group recently placed Lauren Festante as global vice president of finance for Kendo Brands. The search was led by partner Rich Kampmann. Kendo Holdings is a San Francisco-based beauty brand developer and wholesaler owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group. Kendo has become the
Wray Executive Search Appoints Partner
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has named Kevin M. Stockslager as partner. He will now be responsible for growing Wray’s executive search operations across North America, continuing to build a dedicated recruitment team and driving the implementation of technology to enhance client
Changing the Fabric of Corporate Boards
The events of last summer may have been a tipping point for the large array of factors that brought to the forefront already existing needs for change in boardroom composition. A new report by the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD), in collaboration with Deloitte, concludes that that while stakeholders and shareholders increase demands for gender,
Staying Ahead of the Great Talent Migration
The American workforce is changing rapidly thanks to job mobility, a still-tight labor market, and technological advances. According a new report by Accur Recruiting Services, this metamorphosis has been in the works for years and the COVID-19 pandemic simply accelerated the shift toward location-independent work and remote work. “But the changes are not just logistical; they
Vetted Solutions Recruits New Leader for American Composites Manufacturers Association
After an extensive search, Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has placed Cindy Squires as the new CEO of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). “As the industry works to increase adoption of composites across all market segments, now is an ideal time to welcome new leadership,” said Kevin Barnett, acting CEO of ACMA. “ACMA is
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Dean of Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Rowena Ortiz-Walters as the new dean of the Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University. She is the first Latina to lead the business school. Dr. Ortiz-Walters comes to St. Mary’s from SUNY Plattsburgh, a public liberal arts college that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System,
Eton Bridge Acquired by Elysian Capital
Elysian Capital has acquired executive search, consulting, and interim management provider Eton Bridge Partners, the first investment of the Elysian Capital Fund which closed last September at £325million. Edward Brett, partner at Elysian Capital, said: “Eton Bridge have built a distinctive talent solutions business. We have been very impressed with their culture and the strength and
AboveBoard Closes $3 Million in Funding
AboveBoard, an inclusive platform for executive placement that is increasing representation of black, Latinx and female professionals on boards and at the C-suite/VP level, has raised a $3 million seed round to fuel its continued business momentum. The company is fulfilling its commitment to diversity in all aspects of its business by raising 91 percent of the outside
Caldwell Recruits CHRO for Santander Holdings
Jeremy Zeman and Krisha Otto of Caldwell recently placed Rosilyn Houston as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Santander Holdings USA. “I am very pleased to welcome Rosilyn to Santander, and I am confident that the wealth of experience she has in HR strategy and branding, culture development and recruiting, developing and retaining talent in the financial
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeking CFO for Catalina Island Conservancy
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been enlisted by the Catalina Island Conservancy to help find the organization’s next chief financial officer. The non-profit helps to protect and restore the natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California, and to make them available for public recreation, education, and enjoyment. The Catalina Island
WittKieffer Assists Colorado State University with Recruitment of VP for Diversity and Inclusion
WittKieffer has placed Kauline Cipriani as vice president for diversity and inclusion for Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, CO. Leading the assignment were Charlene Aguilar, consultant; Christine Pendleton, senior associate; and Bree Liddell, associate. “We are just thrilled to welcome Kauline to the leadership team of Colorado State University,” said Joyce McConnell, president of CSU.
Boyden Creates Global Leadership Consulting Center of Excellence
Boyden has named Katia Pina as senior director of its newly launched Global Leadership Consulting Center of Excellence. “Building on her international consulting and academic experience, Katia takes on this global role with a vision to strengthen and promote Boyden’s leadership consulting services across the firm,” said the search firm. “Leadership consulting is a strategic priority at Boyden,
Are Today’s HR Leaders Ready for Tomorrow’s Challenges?
The future of work will be different from the past. But the extent to which the future of work relies on HR leaders has also never been clearer, according to a new report by Russell Reynolds Associates’ Anna Penfold, Harsonal Sachar and Alix Stuart. The pandemic has accelerated a move to a distributed workforce, redefining the
JM Search Assists LiiV in the Recruitment of New CFO
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, especially private equity-backed outfits. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune
Dore Partnership Tapped by CalPERS to Find CIO
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) has selected Dore Partnership to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. CEO Marcie Frost expects to start the search process at the end of July or early August, conduct interviews in late summer and fall, with final selection of a CIO in fall or early
Development Guild DDI Seeks Executive Director for Fuller Craft Museum
Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI was recently selected to find an executive director for the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA. The non-profit, which focuses solely on collecting contemporary craft, is New England’s only craft museum. Senior vice president and principal Tracy Marshall is leading the assignment. “Fuller Craft Museum seeks an executive director to
Daversa Partners Appoints CPO and CFO
Executive search firm Daversa Partners, which serves the technology sector, has named Amy Dolan as its chief people officer and Maggie Libatique as chief financial officer. “I speak on behalf of the entire leadership team when I say we are thrilled to have Amy and Maggie on board and are excited to witness the growth and
Here’s How Senior Executives are Navigating to Their Next Position
If you are a talented senior executive it is likely that throughout your career, opportunities found you. This especially is common earlier in your career when you are lower in the corporate pyramid. At that career stage, there are numerous opportunities to help develop your skills and experiences. Key mentors want you on their teams and
Recovery Continues as Jobless Claims Continue to Fall
The Labor Department reported that 360,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. That reading matched the consensus forecast among economists, according to Bloomberg. The previous week’s level was revised up by 13,000 from 373,000 to 386,000. The 4-week moving
AGB Search Assists Morris Brown College in the Recruitment of a New Provost
As the pandemic begins to subside in the U.S. and organizations collectively begin to get back on their feet, colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will allow high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization –
Buffkin / Baker Taps Chief Information and Technology Officer for CarePayment
Buffkin / Baker has placed Satish Kumar as the new chief information and technology officer for healthcare finance company CarePayment. The search was led by partner Jen Bradley and principal Ryan Baggett. Mr. Kumar joins CarePayment from Medalogix, a predictive analytics company in the home health space, where he served as senior vice president and chief technology
Spencer Stuart Appoints U.K. Managing Partner
Spencer Stuart has appointed Shami Iqbal as U.K. managing partner. He succeeds Simon Fenton, who has served a three-year term as managing partner following his return to the U.K. after seven years based in Hong Kong from where he led the firm’s Asia-Pacific business. “I am incredibly grateful to Simon for his enormous contribution to the
New Workforce Models Bring New Challenges in the Next Normal
The pandemic has changed almost everything about how we live — and the changes are sure to keep coming. Today, we’re slowly reclaiming some of our older traditions, but we can’t be certain about what comes next. According to a new report from Tatum, we may never completely return to what was considered “normal” before the
The Rise of AI and How it is Serving Executive Search
Technology is transforming the way business is now conducted, according to a new report by The Taplow Group. Artificial intelligence, in particular, seems to be the focus in many business sectors. “AI is allowing a machine to replicate cognitive abilities found in human beings to make tasks easier, effective, and efficient,” says The Taplow Group. “We agree
University of North Carolina Wilmington Taps Academic Search to Find Chief Diversity Officer
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been enlisted to find a chief diversity officer for the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Leading the assignment are senior consultants Shirley Robinson Pippins and Carlos Medina. “Recognizing the unique history of the university and the City of Wilmington, as it relates to race, equity and social justice, the
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by Taylor Morrison to Lead CFO Search
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. Russell Reynolds Associates was recently called in by Taylor Morrison to lead in its search for a new
Diversified Search Group Adds Veteran Recruitment Leader as a Managing Director
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has expanded with the addition of veteran talent strategist and career coach Amy Shea as a managing director in the non-profit practice. “I am honored to have worked with Amy as a client, and an employee at Koya Partners, in her capacity as a career coach for over a decade serving non-profit
