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Daily Newswire
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Christine Pendleton, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
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
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
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
PFM Executive Search Partners with ViRTUS
PFM Executive Search has formed a partnership with ViRTUS Inc., a leadership development and strategic planning firm. “At ViRTUS, their purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others,” PFM said. “They build respectful, empathetic and productive leaders, who are aware of their impact on the world. ViRTUS helps senior teams create strategies that
The Future of the Private Equity Workforce
Among the central paradoxes of COVID-19 is the disconnect between our day-to-day lived experience of the pandemic — in a word: “stagnation” — and the ways in which it forced the business world to actively adapt, change and evolve. In that sense, 2020 felt less like a moment of acceleration, as many commentators have suggested,
Extensive Labor Shortages Leading to Pressure on Wages
The Labor Department reported that 332,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 310,000 to 312,000. The four-week moving average was 335,750, a decrease of 4,250 from
Wharton School Taps Isaacson, Miller to Find Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Isaacson, Miller has been enlisted to find a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Keight Tucker Kennedy is leading the assignment, with Tiffany Weber and Kelly McLaughlin. “The inaugural chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer will use a data-informed approach to provide school-wide leadership
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Conga
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has placed Dayna Perry as the new chief people officer of Conga, a global leader in commercial operations transformation. Her appointment is effective immediately. She will be based out of Conga’s Broomfield, CO office. Alex Bossetta led the assignment. “As Conga continues to grow and evolve as a global organization,
The Bowdoin Group Adds Director of Marketing, Eight Other Hires
In its largest hiring spree in the more than 25-year history of the firm, The Bowdoin Group has added nine new hires, including a director of marketing, to its team. Lauren Kendall, the new director of marketing, joins the firm from T3 Advisors, where she was senior marketing director. The other additions include two senior consultants,
How to Define Your Professional Brand
When most people think of brands, they first think of well-known consumer packaged goods or durable goods, such as Pepsi or Ford. These are often synonymous with TV commercials and other mass media advertising with big budgets, which are aimed at consumers. They have defined identities comprised of a logo and tagline, and they have a
Recruiting Entrepreneur Makes Seven-Figure Investment in ZRG
ZRG, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, has elected Hamilton Bradshaw CEO James Caan to its board of directors. Mr. Caan has made a personal seven-figure investment in the company. “We are thrilled to add James Caan to our board of directors,” said CEO Larry Hartmann. “He brings a global
Hobbs & Towne Assists Cervest Recruit Chairperson
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the recruitment of Lila Tretikov as chairperson of Cervest’s board of directors. “Lila’s experience is incredibly unique,” said Iggy Bassi, founder and CEO of Cervest. “She brings to Cervest an important combination of climate and sustainability knowledge coupled with technology and AI expertise. She understands the strategic and
IQTalent Partners Launches Diversity-Focused SaaS Platform
Executive recruitment firm IQTalent Partners has unveiled Diversify by IQTalent Xchange to its existing talent exchange platform. Diversify by IQTX enables companies that are focused on recruiting and retaining underrepresented talent to generate an inclusive slate of qualified passive candidates for any open role. An original market concept, using responsible and advanced artifical intelligence combined with human
LPA Search Partners Recruits Digital Transformation Leader for American Chemical Society
LPA Search Partners recently placed Tim Jones as senior vice president of digital transformation for the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific membership organization. “We are so honored to have led the search that brought Tim to ACS and continue to match great talent to challenging, high-growth opportunities in service of our clients,” said Anna
Diversified Search Group Selected to Lead Search for Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has been selected to lead the search for the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. Leading the search are Victor Arias, managing partner of the firm’s Dallas office, and Jason León, managing partner of its Washington, D.C. office. “We are honored to have been selected to lead the search
Five Top Characteristics of Top Cannabis Executives
The cannabis industry has seen extraordinary growth of late due to increasing decriminalization and legalization across many states. In 2020, cannabis sales hit a record $17.5 billion, which was a 46 percent increase from 2019. Market analysts project that the cannabis industry could skyrocket to $100 billion in the U.S. by 2030. Cannabis is legal
WittKieffer Seeks Chief People Officer for the Institute of Aging
With the coronavirus crisis still posing a risk to people everywhere, human resources executives are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping their organizations navigate what continues to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. Along the way, the importance of people strategy is expanding, and that
JDG Associates Begins CFO Search for ACTE
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been enlisted by ACTE (the Association for Career and Technical Education) to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. ACTE, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, is the largest national association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. ACTE’s CFO manages the financial
QJumpers Launches New AI Candidate Search Software
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. QJumpers, a sourcing and recruitment software provider, has released its newest product, AI Talent Sourcing. The tool scours publicly available information and uses artificial intelligence to find, rank and engage
True Search Places President at PE-Backed CrossFit
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has placed former Nike executive Jason Dunlop as president of CrossFit, based in Boulder, CO. Todd Zangrillo, co-leader of the consumer practice, led the assignment along with partner Ben O’Reilly, principal Hannah James and senior associate James Rigano. “Jason is a perfect fit for the CrossFit president role,” said Mr. Zangrillo. “He brings a high growth
Steven John & Associates Recruits Deputy General Counsel and Global Head of Commercial Legal for Snap
Executive search firm Steven John & Associates has assisted Snap Inc. in the recruitment of Claudia Teran, a 21-year legal veteran of Fox Corp., as vice president, deputy general counsel and global head of commercial. Steve John, founder and principal, and Jason Snyder, managing director, led the assignment. Ms. Teran will report directly to general counsel Mike
Healthcare Trust of America Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New CEO
Healthcare Trust of America Inc. (HTA), based in Scottsdale, AZ, confirmed that Spencer Stuart has been retained to assist the organization’s board of directors in identifying the company’s next chief executive officer. Peter N. Foss, an independent director of the board, is serving as interim president and chief executive officer while the search process is ongoing. “The search
Fisher Leadership Acquires Centre for Leadership Advantage
Fisher Leadership has acquired the Centre for Leadership Advantage (CLA), a move that is expected to boost the firm’s advisory capability under its CogNative brand and strengthen its delivery of future of work executive solutions. Managing director, Michelle Loader, described the new merger with CLA as “disruption by design.” Joining the firm’s partners Liz Jones, Andrew Norton, David Baber, Kate Wheeler and Sharyn
DHI Group Invests $3 Million in The Muse
DHI Group, Inc., a provider of AI-powered technology-focused career marketplaces, has announced a $3 million investment in The Muse, a values-based career destination for the NextGen workforce to search for jobs and research companies and careers. The investment will be used to support the expansion of The Muse’s product development and sales efforts to meet
Leadership Skills for the Post Pandemic World
We’re all more than aware of how COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. All of us have experienced an impact on our professional and personal lives. As we edge closer to some kind of return to normality, it’s crucial that business leaders remember the skills they’ve developed and honed during the pandemic. According to
Storbeck Search Recruits SVP of Talent, Culture & HR for Ohio State University
Higher education-focused search firm Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has helped to place Jeff Risinger as senior vice president of talent, culture and human resources at Ohio State University. The assignment was led by Steve Leo and Vicki Henderson of Storbeck Search and Matt Vossler of Diversified Search Group. For the past several months, Paul Patton, senior advisor to the president, has
The Tolan Group Recruits CFO for Georgia Urology
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. The Tolan Group (TTG) recently placed Bridgett Chasko as the new CFO of Georgia Urology. Managing partner Kaye Johnson and senior search consultant Jennifer Chee led the search. “We selected The Tolan Group based on
Vetted Solutions Assists The American Dairy Science Association in Finding New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Jerry Bowman as the new executive director of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), a science-based organization working to advance a sustainable global dairy industry. He starts his new role on Sept.13. “I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Jerry aboard,” said Paul
PE-Backed Talent Group Appoints CEO
IT-focused recruiting firm Talent Group has appointed industry veteran Matthew J. Ripaldi as chief executive officer. The appointment comes on the heels of a recently completed rebrand to better reflect the company’s identity as a full suite recruitment services provider poised for continued growth. Michael Babb, managing partner of Osceola Capital, which invested in Talent Group in 2018,
The Christopher Group Assists in the Recruitment of Chief People Officer for ITS Logistics
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Hazboun as the new chief people officer of ITS Logistics, a premier third-party logistics company. Managing director Nat Schiffer and recruiting director Jim May led the assignment. “I frequently tell our team that every search is unique, and
Reffett Associates Places Senior Advisor to Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has helped to place Howard Meyer as the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) liaison and senior advisor to the Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability (AFWIC). The search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director; Thomas Young, director of operations; and Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office.
Work&Partners Recruits CFO for Toppan Merrill
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. New York-based Work&Partners recently placed Cindy Sattler as the new CFO of Toppan Merrill, a provider of financial printing and communication solutions. Founder and president Alan Work led the assignment. Ms. Sattler was formerly the
Unemployment Claims Falls to Lowest Level Since Start of Pandemic
The Labor Department reported that 310,000 Americans have filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000. Claims were expected to total 335,000 for the week ended Sept. 4, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones. The previous week’s level was
Korn Ferry Posts 70 Percent Fiscal Q1 Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2021 fiscal reported first quarter revenue of $585.4 million, an increase of 70 percent. This compares to year-ago revenues of $344.1 million. Fee revenue increased in all regions with the largest increase in North America where demand for the company’s products and services exceeded pre-pandemic levels in conjunction with the worldwide economic recovery. The
