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Daily Newswire
Herbert Mines Associates Fills Operations Post for Guitar Center
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Kinna Thomas as SVP, merchandising operations & musician’s friend of Guitar Center, the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments. “Kinna is a results-oriented leader with extensive retail management experience in manufacturing, planning, replenishment, and buying,” the company said. “She’s excited to join the
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CEO for Gainesville Regional Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Mehrlich as the new CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport. His appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search to replace outgoing CEO Allan J. Penksa, who has retired after 18 years in the role. Mr. Mehrlich is a results-driven aviation executive with more than 15
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.
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
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?
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Wilson Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has named Spiro Papanicolaou as chief marketing officer. Reporting directly to CEO Jean-Francois Vezina, Mr. Papanicolaou will lead Wilson’s global marketing and revenue operations, with accountability for go-to-market strategy, demand generation, brand, and commercial performance across the business. “As we continue shaping the future of Wilson, marketing leadership will be critical to how
The New Finance Reality: Managing Capital Regimes, Not Just Cycles
Energy CFOs are navigating a changing financial landscape in which access to capital is becoming as important as movements in commodity markets. As public markets, private capital, infrastructure investors, project finance, and incentive-driven structures increasingly operate under different expectations, finance leaders are being asked to manage a far more fragmented environment. According to The Energists,
SPMB Recruits Chief AI and Data Officer for Ford Motor Company
SPMB Executive Search has placed Mano Mannoochahr as chief AI and data officer of Ford Motor Company. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Few leaders bring Mano’s combination of modern AI expertise, experience operating at enormous enterprise scale, and deep industrial grounding,” Mr. Doonan said. “That made him uniquely suited to help Ford translate the potential
Isaacson, Miller Assists Folger Shakespeare Library with CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Wendy Lin as the new CFO of Folger Shakespeare Library. Dan Rodas led the search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. Her arrival coincides with the start of strategic planning at the nearly 100-year-old organization, and she will guide financial analysis and operational execution under the leadership of Folger director Farah Karim-Cooper. Ms. Lin
Coulter Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for the University of Virginia
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently seeking the 10th president for the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen are leading the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to
Renovata & Company Recruits CEO for Vivino
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Olivier Grémillon as chief executive officer of wine locator app Vivino. “Olivier has led demonstrable growth at Booking.com and Airbnb,” said Thomas Jepsen, partner at Renovata & Company. “At Booking.com, he led a business with more than $20 billion in gross merchandise value.” “He understands
Why We Make Bad Hires
Finding good people is one of the toughest challenges for business owners and managers. Turnover has an immediate and often devastating impact on the bottom line, according to StevenDouglas’ Donald Zinn. If you have a sales force of five people, for example, each represents 20 percent of your potential annual revenue, he says. If one
Kincannon & Reed Appoints Director of Data and Analytics
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has expanded with the addition of John Grisolano as director of data and analytics. “Our database of executives is critical for our ability to place leaders who feed the world and keep it healthy,” said David Turner, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Having someone like John leading our data strategy is key
The Most Common Recruiting Mistakes at the Executive Level
Whether you’re a seasoned executive at a Fortune 500 company adding to your management team or a first-time founder and chief executive officer making a critical leadership hire for your start-up, Natalie Ryan of SPMB says common mistakes can derail the recruiting process. “As a client partner at SPMB, I have visibility into the most frequent recruiting mistakes and
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Delaware Electric Cooperative
After a national search, CarterBaldwin Executive Search recently placed Greg Starheim as the new president and chief executive officer of the Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC), a Greenwood, DE-based not-for-profit utility. Chris Guiney, partner and energy and infrastructure practice leader, led the assignment for the search firm. Mr. Starheim, who most recently served as senior vice president
Heidrick & Struggles Seeks CEO for American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris recently announced he will step down from his position in May of 2022. The organization has called in Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for his replacement. The search firm is seeking a visionary leader who will set the course for the next era of Jewish advocacy. “Now, after
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Assists Clemson University with CHRO Search
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Ale Kennedy as the new associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer of Clemson University. “The university engaged a recruiting firm and conducted a rigorous national search to select our human resources leader,” said Max Allen, vice
Versique Creates Finance and Accounting Division
Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting has added Paige Batcha as vice president of finance and accounting consulting to lead a newly created division within the firm. In her role, Ms. Batcha will collaborate with Versique’s current consulting and executive search teams to grow clients and consultants within the finance and accounting contract consulting practice area. “This is a
Jobless Claims Still Remain High as Recovery Looms
The Labor Department reported that 400,000 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. The median estimate from economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for a decline to 385,000 claims. The previous week’s level was revised up by 5,000 from 419,000
Hiring Strong Leaders in Today’s Climate
Before the pandemic, “it was almost unthinkable to hire someone without interviewing or meeting them in person,” said Cecilia Besa Montes, managing partner with EMA partners. “It is a fact that this new reality is solving various issues related to distance and travel times, but it still represents significant challenges for companies in their hiring
Queensland Investment Corp. Taps Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
According to recruiters specializing in the investment banking space, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and that demand is expected to soar in coming years. But recruiters say these roles can be generally difficult to develop and ultimately recruit for clients, given their multi-disciplinary and evolving nature. In fact, impact investing roles are
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of Diversity
Odgers Berndtson has named Ryna Young as partner and head of diversity. “We are proud to be a leader in our industry as we appoint Ryna Young as head of diversity,” said Carl Lovas, chair and chief executive officer of Odgers Berndtson Canada. “We are deeply committed to creating an equitable client and colleague experience. Welcoming Ryna to
HARTZ Search Taps President for Acclaim Physician Group
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the placement of Bryan Becker as the new president for Acclaim Physician Group, a partner of JPS Health Network. CEO Mike Hartz and partner Carol Maxwell led the assignment. Acclaim is a multi-specialty, 480-provider medical group that partners with JPS Health Network to provide healthcare, education and research to Tarrant
Why Connecting Private Equity with Executive Search Matters More Now than Ever
There have rarely been two industries more compatible than private equity and executive search. According to Mike Myatt of N2Growth, PE firms are adept at identifying and monetizing synergies that fall within their investment guidelines, but they are curiously less skilled at taking advantage of enhanced value creation opportunities amplified through professional services relationships. “I
Attracting Top Talent in a Competitive Marketplace
If you are looking to fill an open position, you know how tough that can be these days. Just when you think you have found the perfect candidate, they will tell you that they have accepted another offer. According to Executive Staffing Solutions, there are key traits that are most desired in a manager or
Caldwell Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Armis
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, has placed Jean English as the new chief marketing officer of Armis, a unified asset visibility and security platform provider. “Jean is an exceptional modern marketing leader with an impressive record of delivering results,” said Yevgeny Dibrov, co-founder and CEO of Armis. “She has
Spencer Stuart Assists National Auto Auction Association in Recruitment of CEO
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Tricia Heon as the first woman chief executive officer of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA). She replaces Frank Hackett, who is retiring from the position after 17 years. “This marks a milestone for NAAA and for the growing number of women who have chosen to build careers
ECA Partners Appoints CEO
Private family office Nobel Investments has named Ken Kanara president and CEO of its portfolio company ECA Partners, a data-driven executive search firm. “Ken has been instrumental in growing the firm over the past five years,” said Atta Tarki, founder of ECA Partners and managing partner of Nobel Investments. “He helped to formalize and scale
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 78.6 Revenue Increase
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) posted second quarter revenues of $260.0 million, up 78.6 percent from the 2020 second quarter. Net revenue growth was driven by all regions in executive search, Heidrick Consulting and on-demand talent. “We are proud of our accomplishments and the breadth of our rebound as evidenced by
The Boston Federal Reserve Taps Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners to Find VP of DE&I
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners has been called in by the Boston Federal Reserve to find a vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leading the assignment are Maureen Alphonse-Charles, senior vice president of talent, diversity and equity, and Nadine Coleman, vice president and senior search associate. Reporting to the senior vice president and general counsel, leader
Preng & Associates Assists Helix Energy Solutions with Board Search
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Houston, TX-based executive search firm Preng & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of T. Mitch
Search Solution Elite Assists the San Jose Sharks in Recruiting New General Counsel
Search Solution Elite recently placed Cassie McBride as executive vice president and general counsel of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks. The search was led by Jeremy Gnozzo, the founder and president of Search Solution Elite, and partner Aaron Curley. Ms. McBride will oversee all legal matters pertaining to the team and Silicon Valley
CareerBuilder Appoints New CEO
Job marketplace CareerBuilder has named technology industry veteran Susan Arthur as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. The organization’s former leader, Irina Novoselsky, will continue on as an advisor after guiding CareerBuilder through a multi-year transformation, repositioning the business for accelerated growth. “Sue’s experience building and leading teams coupled with her strategic, client-centered approach make her the ideal executive
Frederickson Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Cupertino Electric
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has placed Estrella Parker as chief people officer at Cupertino Electric Inc. (CEI), a 67-year-old electrical engineering and construction company based in San Jose, CA. “Estrella brings to CEI the best of both worlds: a track-record of impressive business results and the ability to connect with employees in a way that drives performance
Hobbs & Towne Recruits CFO for May Mobility
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has recruited Ryan Green as the chief financial officer for private equity-backed May Mobility, a leader in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and shuttle operations. Partner Chris Clements led the assignment. “With experience at the intersection of automotive, technology and growth-stage companies, Ryan is an exceptional CFO for May Mobility,” said company CEO Edwin
The Hawkins Company Recruits Chief Race & Equity Officer for the City of San Diego
After an extensive national executive search, The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the placement of Kim Desmond as the inaugural chief race and equity officer of the City of San Diego, CA. Currently the chief equity officer for the City and County of Denver, she is slated to begin in her position
StevenDouglas Opens New Offices in Nashville and Orange County
Executive search firm StevenDouglas has opened new offices in Nashville, TN, and Orange County, CA. Establishing new locations in these markets is a direct response to existing clients’ having thrived in the post-pandemic rebound, and high demand for talent in these regions, according to the search firm. “We are very excited to add Chris Oldham to the healthcare
Second Line Advisors Names Executive Director
New York City-headquartered executive search firm Second Line Advisors has appointed Kate Mullen as executive director. In her role, she will expand the firm’s industry coverage to technology, fintech, healthcare, biotech, life sciences, consumer goods and industrials. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have Kate join us. Her background as an attorney, corporate executive and retained search
University of South Carolina Selects R. William Funk & Associates to Lead Search for New President
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been called in by the University of South Carolina (USC) to lead its search for a new president. The firm is seeking the university’s 30th president. Currently, Harris Pastides is serving as interim president. He has agreed to serve in
Caliber Associates Recruits CHRO for INOVIO Pharmaceuticals
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates recently placed former Allergan executive, Asli Gevgilili, as the new chief human resource officer (CHRO) of INOVIO Pharmaceuticals. Steve Hochberg, CEO and founder of Caliber Associates, led the assignment. “We believe Asli’s depth of expertise and experience will provide important focus to INOVIO’s growth strategy,” Mr. Hochberg said. Ms. Gevgilili brings
Work&Partners Seeking Chief Product Officer for Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has been enlisted to recruit a chief product officer for Toppan Merrill, a provider of financial printing and communication solutions. The individual will be a member of the company’s executive leadership team and will report to the president. “The CPO is accountable for creating an end-to-end product experience and defining the product strategy,” said







