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Daily Newswire
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
2026 Report Finds Executive-Level CISO Titles More Prevalent than Ever
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Consequently, chief information security officers (CISOs) are increasingly expected to serve not just as technical leaders, but as enterprise-wide strategists. Their rise to the executive ranks brings greater influence but also greater demands, including wider accountability, more cross-functional engagement, and intensified
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Zipari
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners recently placed Kerry Unflat as chief people officer of Zipari, a modern consumer experience solution. Alex Bossetta led the assignment. “In this moment of continued growth and expansion, it’s more important than ever that we ensure our employees have what they need to succeed, inside and outside the office,” said Mark Nathan,
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Memo Therapeutics
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 this is likely to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners recently partnered with Memo Therapeutics AG for the recruitment of George Badita as its new
Myers McRae Tapped to find Executive Director for Macon Water Authority
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been selected to find a new executive director for the Macon Water Authority (MWA), a comprehensive water, sewer and stormwater utility in Georgia. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, are leading the assignment along with Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president “The executive director is the chief
Saxton Bampfylde Appoints Head of Media Practice
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has expanded with the addition of Amanda Pitt as partner and head of its media practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda – her passion and professionalism offer great synergies across our team,” said Stephen Bampfylde is co-founder and chairman of Saxton Bampfylde. “She is a highly skilled professional in the media
DRi Seeks CEO for Atlas Service Corps
Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources Inc. (DRi) has been retained by Atlas Service Corps, also known as Atlas Corps, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Based in Washington, D.C., Atlas Corps is an international network of social sector leaders and organizations that promotes innovation, cooperation and solutions to address the world’s 21st-century challenges.
EFL Associates Seeking CFO for Ottawa University
Executive search firm EFL Associates has been selected to find a new chief financial officer for Ottawa University (OU), a private Baptist university based in Ottawa, KS. Steve Waldron, the recruitment firm’s managing director—legal practice and higher education practice, is leading the assignment along with Angela Lilje, practice and project manager, higher education practice. The incoming
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
