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Daily Newswire
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
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 Moran Company Names CEO
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has announced that Mike English joins Bill Moran as a partner of the firm and has been named the company’s CEO. Mr. Moran will continue his role as president of the company he established more than 30 years ago. Since then, The
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?
DSG Global Appoints Managing Director
DSG Global has expanded with the addition of Arpan Narayan as managing director. “We are pleased to welcome Arpan to DSG Global at a time when leveraging technology and AI depends on leadership that can execute the agenda,” said Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “People sit at the center of the most consequential decisions, and
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus to
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Leading Executive Director Search for Seismic Foundation
DRiWaterstone Human Capital is currently leading in the search for an executive director for Seismic Foundation. This executive will fully own Seismic’s North American strategy and execution. The mission for this executive is to build out the Seismic Foundation operations as part of the AI governance ecosystem by delivering high-impact campaigns that shift the needle
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Marathon Petroleum Corp.
Crist|Kolder Associates has helped to recruit Maria A. Khoury as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NYSE-traded Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC). She will succeed John J. Quaid, who will remain with the company for a period of transition. “Maria’s deep financial operations expertise and broad industry experience from 25 years as a global finance business
EQU Advisory Leading Search Assignment for California State University, Chico
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently tapped by California State University, Chico (Chico State) to lead in its search for a new dean of the College of Business. Reporting to the provost and vice president of academic affairs, the dean of the College of Business serves as the lead academic and administrative officer for the
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Frankfurt
Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Frankfurt and appointed of Florian Kittler as global sector head—hospitality, travel & leisure. “The expansion reflects increasing demand from hospitality, travel, and lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach with deep sector expertise, as the industry navigates international growth, digital transformation, and evolving client
What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Why Speed is Critical in Executive Recruiting
Executive leadership vacancies rarely arrive at a convenient moment—and in a business climate defined by rapid change, shrinking decision windows, and relentless performance demands, the cost of an empty seat compounds quickly. What was once viewed as a manageable transition period can now undermine momentum across strategy, operations, and culture, especially when teams are already
Kingsley Gate Recruits Chief People Officer for The Vitamin Shoppe
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has helped to recruit Kate Vukelich as executive vice president and chief people officer of The Vitamin Shoppe. “It was a true pleasure to work with Sharon M. Leite, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe to place Kate Vukelich as the company’s new chief people officer. “Kate will be an amazing addition to a
Boston Children’s Museum Taps DSG | Koya To Lead CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been selected by Boston Children’s Museum (BCM) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Elizabeth Lombard and Angie Sessoms are leading the assignment. The next leader will build upon more than a century of impact, innovation, and joyful learning. This leadership transition comes at a moment of organizational strength. BCM
Wray Executive Search Appoints Managing Partners
Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has announced a planned leadership transition designed to support long-term continuity and growth. Current partners Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley have been named managing partners, while longtime CEO and managing partner Bob Gershberg will remain involved
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
Academic Search Retained by Henry Ford College to Find Next President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been tapped by Henry Ford College (HFC) to lead in its search for a new president. Russ Kavalhuna left the school last year to become the president of Western Michigan University. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins are leading the assignment. Candidates will have a career that reflects the following
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Executive Director for the Carter Burden Network
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search was recently retained by the Carter Burden Network (CBN) to lead in its search for a new executive director. The firm seeks a collaborative, experienced and innovative executive director to advance the organization as it tackles the increasing needs of a growing client population. The executive director will drive
IMSA Search Global Partners Adds New Member Firm in Canada
IMSA Search Global Partners has added Pivotal Integrated HR Solutions as IMSA Canada and CEO Neil Kouba as IMSA Canada managing partner. “Neil and his team are an excellent addition to our worldwide organization,” said Thierry Goder, president of IMSA Search Global Partners. “They are like-minded, successful executive search professionals who will strengthen our presence in
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2025
In 2025, the recruiting and executive search industry entered a pivotal transformation driven by the rapid integration of AI and data intelligence. As firms navigated uneven hiring demand and ongoing consolidation, recruiters increasingly turned to AI-powered platforms, advanced analytics, and leadership science to deliver sharper insight, faster outcomes, and measurable value for clients. Investor activity
Isaacson, Miller Retained by the Brooklyn Academy of Music for President Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently called by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) to lead in its search for a new president. Partners Ben Tobin and Sarah James are leading this search with managing associate Tiffany Weber and managing search coordinator Siobhan Hanley. In the world’s most competitive philanthropic market, the president will inspire board partners and team to help build
DSG Global Expands Nonprofit Practice
DSG Global has appointed Nicole Kamaleson as managing director for DSG | Nonprofit, a global practice dedicated to mission-driven organizations worldwide. “Nicole is widely respected for her global perspective, deep sector expertise, and ability to identify leaders who can be nimble in the face of complex challenges, and create lasting change,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global.
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for OfficeRnD
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has placed Matt Keenan as the new CEO of OfficeRnD. He succeeds co-founder Miro Miroslavov, who after 10 years of leading the company will step into the role of executive chairman. Jenny Gray and Dakota Horn led the assignment. “Appreciation to Blue Star Innovation Partners for trusting Bespoke’s CEO, Board, and P&L Practice
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Portugal
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Thrive Partners in Portugal as its newest member firm. “In Thrive Partners, we’ve found a partner that allows us to strengthen our portfolio by adding the important Portuguese market,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria’s global alliance director. “From our very first interaction, we’ve felt a mutual
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
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Dean as the new CFO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. In this executive leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the association, including fiscal management of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the ESA Foundation, and serving as treasurer of the
Pacific International Adds Former President of Danfoss Power Solutions to Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has appointed Eric Alström to its advisory board. “With the continued expansion of Pacific International’s advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Eric Alström brings world-class insight from the industrial technology, electrification, hydraulics, and climate
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
The Leadership Multiplier: How One Great Hire Drives Faster Value Creation
Just recently, The Lancer Group was on a call with the CEO of a PE-backed SaaS company. He was reflecting on a placement that The Lancer Group made several years ago. “The hire was a great success, but what stood out wasn’t just the executive’s individual performance,” the firm said. “It was the kind of talent
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for Vertero Therapeutics
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Jeffrey S. Kasten as chief business officer of Vertero Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company breaking barriers in neurodegenerative disease treatment. “Jeffrey Kasten brings a deep and diversified business development and strategic management skill set to Vertero as the company expands its portfolio of therapies designed to help physicians better
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Tapped by WJCT Public Media to Lead CEO Search
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been retained by WJCT Public Media to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The president and CEO of WJCT Public Media serves as the organization’s chief executive, responsible for ensuring the effective operation, sustainability, and growth of the organization. This leader guides the strategic vision, champions innovation, and represents WJCT
What Talent Acquisition Will Really Demand in 2026
Talent acquisition looks nothing like it did a couple of years ago. A new Korn Ferry report says AI is the headline—84 percent of talent leaders plan to use it next year—but it’s only one piece of the 2026 puzzle. The bigger challenge is connecting AI, skills, leadership pipelines, and workplace policies into a strategy
Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Western States Water
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has Tanya Toot as the new CFO of Western States Water, a Strength Capital Partners portfolio company. Tom Dunn, Jarrod Gray, Justin Kai Ossola, Benjamin Wolf, Mallory Allen, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “We’re grateful for the trust from the Strength Capital and Western States Water teams,
Harris Search Associates Completes Search for Stony Brook University
Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive, diverse candidate pool from across the country, Harris Search Associates has placed Melissa Finucane as the inaugural William and Jane Knapp Endowed Infinity chair at Stony Brook University. “Developing and implementing climate change adaptation and response plans must combine sound climate and climate impacts data with social
