DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
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
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.
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
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?
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
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
4 Talent Trends Redefining Leadership Strategy in 2026
As organizations enter 2026, leadership teams are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape where disruption is constant and competitive advantage is increasingly talent-driven. The most successful companies will be those that align their people strategy with the new realities of speed, technology, and rising expectations for how leaders show up. Against that backdrop, four themes are
Eastward Partners Appoints Head of Private Equity Practice
New York-based Eastward Partners has named Brett Vecchio as principal and head of the firm’s private equity practice. After having helped launch Eastward Partners in 2015, Mr. Vecchio took a brief stint outside the firm to help scale a rapidly growing private equity-backed consulting company. ‘‘We are ecstatic to have Brett rejoin the firm at this juncture
Jensen Partners Makes Diversity Pledge to Alternative Asset Management Sector
New York City-based Jensen Partners, a woman-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm for the alternative investment management industry, says that all of the firm’s future human capital searches will begin with a candidate pool comprised of at least 51 percent of candidates emanating from underrepresented backgrounds. It is the second diversity initiative the firm has launched
Fighting the Great Resignation with Cash
As the Great Resignation has extended worldwide, compensation experts have reminded organizations that there are numerous ways to attract and retain employees besides paying them higher wages. But there’s overwhelming evidence that the go-to move for most companies continues to be paying more, according to the latest findings from Korn Ferry, which found a record
Hobbs & Towne Recruits CFO for Solid Power
Clean tech and sustainability recruiting powerhouse Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Paprzycki as the new chief financial officer of Solid Power, a developer of all-solid-state battery cells for electric vehicles. Senior partner Dan Cremins and partner Ryan Houder led the assignment. “At this pivotal moment in Solid Power’s history, we are elevating and enhancing our team
Griffith Group Seeks CEO for U SPORTS
U SPORTS, a national brand for university sport in Canada, has retained Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Sam Walton, principal, are spearheading the assignment. Reporting to U SPORTS board of directors, the new CEO will have accountability and responsibility for
Hudson Global Acquires Karani
Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc. has acquired Karani, a Chicago-headquartered recruiting services provider that serves mainly U.S.-based customers from its operations in India and the Philippines. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very excited to welcome the Karani team to Hudson RPO and believe this accretive combination will generate considerable value for our clients, team
A New Twist on Recruiting Diverse Teams Across the Technology Ecosystem
Innovative technology and high powered, highly functioning engineering teams are the backbone of the tech ecosystem. To have a world-class chief technology officer or vice president of engineering that attracts talent and can build a team quickly and with diversity in mind is the ultimate goal. If you can be one of the great companies
Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.6 Percent
Employment rose by 531,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. Job growth was widespread, with notable job gains in leisure and hospitality, in professional and business services, in manufacturing, and
Reffett Associates Fills Senior Post for Good Food Holdings
After a global search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has helped to place Elizabeth Strydom as vice president of private label and purchasing at Good Food Holdings. It took a team effort to find a qualified candidate for this unique role. Sam Mayberry, principal and lead on the search, was supported by William Reffett, managing partner, and Marshall Reffett, managing director at Reffett Associates. “The search
CIO Partners Seeking Top IT Leader for Builders FirstSource
Recruiting within the IT function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite professionals are among the toughest to find. CIO Partners was recently selected by Builders FirstSource as their exclusive partner to lead their search for the role of vice president of IT operations, located in Dallas. Reporting to the CIO, the vice president is responsible for the 24×7
Vaco Acquires Bay State Search
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has acquired Bay State Search, a Boston-based national talent acquisition and outsourcing firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal gives Vaco a foothold into the Boston market and complements its Northeast growth, following the launch of its technology and staffing divisions in the tri-state area last year. Bay
Linking Culture to Value, Growth and Performance
In the wake of COVID-19, broad and lasting changes to the workplace have advanced a more integrated approach to talent management built around culture. Organizations that once synchronized their talent to corporate vision, core values and strategic objectives are now aligning people around purpose. And for good reason: Building sustainable cultures in the long run
LCap Group Invests in Rowan Executive Search
Strategic investor LCap Group has acquired a stake in U.K.-based Rowan Executive Search. “Rowan is a strong brand and a superb business which speaks to a clear segment of the marketplace,” said Graham Roadnight, CEO of LCap. “It has great synergies with the other companies in the LCap Group, and significantly broadens our scale in
Mogul Recruits General Counsel for Fetch Rewards
Recruitment platform and executive search firm Mogul has placed Rachel Olchowka as general counsel at Fetch Rewards, a consumer-loyalty and retail-rewards app. Fetch Rewards, based in Madison, WI, engaged Mogul’s executive search services to attract, source and hire Ms. Olchowka. The general counsel role is the first for Fetch Rewards and will provide guidance, enhance capabilities and
Odgers Berndtson Expands Technology Practice
Odgers Berndtson has expanded with the addition of Craig Brechner as a partner in the firm’s technology practice based in California. “We are thrilled that Craig has joined the firm,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “His leadership roles at leading technology companies along with his start-up experience and his deep expertise in M&A activities is a
Jobless Claims Reach Pandemic Low, But New Problems Emerge
The Labor Department reported that 269,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits, a decrease of 14,000. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 281,000 to 283,000. The four-week moving average was 284,750, a decrease
Companies Continuing to Increase Board Diversity
S&P 500 boards appointed 456 new independent directors in the 2021 proxy year, the most since 2004. Of that number, 72 percent were women or men from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, up from 59 percent last year, according to a new study compiled by Spencer Stuart. The 2021 U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index found that companies
ChampionScott Partners Assists Apptopia Recruit New Sales Leader
ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently assisted in the placement of Arun S. Gupta as senior vice president of sales at Apptopia, a provider of competitive intelligence to brands and financial institutions by generating insights across mobile apps and connected devices. Geoff Champion led the search along with
Carrington & Carrington Retained by Feeding America to Recruit Chief Marketing & Digital Experience Officer
Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has been enlisted to find a chief marketing and digital experience (CMXO) officer for the food bank network Feeding America. Marian Carrington, principal and co-owner, is leading the assignment. The CMXO directs the development and execution of strategies focused on significantly increasing public awareness of the issue of hunger, step-changing public engagement in Feeding
Top Gun Ventures Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for iDonate
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, Plano, TX-based
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Italy
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has added GCH Consulting & Allen Parker Executive Search as its newest member firm in Italy. “We are very pleased to have a firm of the caliber of Allen Parker, part of GCH Consulting, join our alliance and look forward a strong and long-term partnership,” said Rohan Carr, president of IRC. “Italy
Widening Gap Develops in Hybrid Work Arrangements
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered corporate business structures and changed company culture forever. As we were all thrust into a remote working environment, we learned how to adapt our working styles and means of communication to remain productive. Shutdown orders leveled the playing field across many levels of employment, leaving many employees working from home.
De Forest Search Recruits Marketing Leader for National Marine Manufacturers Association
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search recently placed Kevin Williams as vice president of North American marketing at National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We have been so happy with the team, the process and the quality candidates from De Forest Search,” said Kate Plush, vice president of HR at National Marine Manufacturers Association. “They are so conscientious about keeping us up
CarterBaldwin Tapped by Southside Electric Cooperative to Find New CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for Southside Electric Cooperative. Current president and CEO Jeff Edwards has announced his retirement, effective July 2022, closing a 37-year career at electric cooperatives. Partner Chris Guiney and consultant Elizabeth Rushing are leading the assignment. The new CEO will assume leadership of a foundationally
SmartRecruiters Appoints Chief People Officer
SmartRecruiters has named Lisa Sterling as chief people officer. “Hiring success is business success, with our commitment to helping people find the jobs they love and making hiring easier, Lisa will be paramount in leading the effort to ensure that SmartRecruiters continues to change lives all over the world,” said Jerome Ternynck, founder and CEO of
Norman Broadbent Group Names Managing Director
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, has appointed Sean Buchan as its new group managing director, reporting to CEO Kevin Davidson. The firm said Mr. Buchan will be responsible for operational leadership, driving performance and profitability improvements across the business, as well as continuing to generate revenues. He will also lead the Norman Broadbent’s sustainable growth agenda.
What’s Different About Hiring Leaders Today
Historically, priorities for hiring senior leadership were strongly focused on an individual’s technical (hard) skills, as well as focusing on candidates with direct industry and functional experience. This formula proved to be successful for many executive hires, but certainly not all. “Under these requirements, we saw too many losses, and sponsors and search firms were
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Rachael Vegas as chief merchandising officer for BJ’s Wholesale Club. She will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s merchandising and assortment planning and allocation functions, and will report to Paul Cichocki, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “We
University of Toledo Taps Collegiate Sports Associates to Find Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), which specializes in athletic director and head coach hirings, has been called in by the University of Toledo to find its next athletic director. Retiring AD Mike O’Brien will serve in his post until his last day April 30, 2022. During
ShiftMed Raises $45 Million in Funding
More recruiting technology firms have announced funding rounds this past week, including ShiftMed, one of the largest workforce management platforms in healthcare with over 60,000 credentialed healthcare professionals, has raised $45 million led by investors, Panoramic Ventures and Heathworx (the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst Holdings, LLC). Existing investors Blue Heron Capital, Motley Fool
The International Executive Search Federation Names President
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has appointed Gertjan van de Groep of IESF The Netherlands (Van de Groep & Olsthoorn Executive Search) as its new president. He takes over from Victor Carulla from IESF Spain (Headway Executive Search) who is stepping down after completing three years as president. Mr. van de Groep has been a partner of IESF since
