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Daily Newswire
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
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.
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
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?
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
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
EY Signals A Tech-Led M&A Surge
The most recent EY-Parthenon 2025 M&A analysis shows a market operating at full acceleration. U.S. deal value for transactions of $100 million or more hit $2.09 trillion through October – up 45 percent year-over-year – with deal volume rising just over 10 percent to 1,409 transactions. EY notes that “from January to October, a major deal was
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeking CFO for Rail Safety and Standards Board
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), an independent British non-profit company which supports its members to deliver a better, safer railway through its research, standards, and analysis, has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its search for a chief financial officer. RSSB’s new CFO, who will be based in London, will report to the
KEES Recruits Executive Director for The Acorn Theater
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm, KEES, has recruited Beth Kaskel as the new executive director of The Acorn Theater (The Acorn) in Three Oaks, MI. Sandra Thompson, who has held The Acorn’s executive director role for the last five years announced in November that she would be shifting from administration, fundraising and general management to focus specifically on artistic
AMS Expands into Russia
Global provider of talent outsourcing and advisory services, AMS, has continued its global expansion opening a dedicated Russian entity. This latest move follows an increase in demand for talent solutions in the country across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical, life sciences and fast-moving consumer goods. “Located in Moscow and with a dedicated team with the knowledge, experience
For Cannabis Companies, Aligning C-Suite Leadership is Job One
Cannabis companies face unique challenges as they move through various business stages. Many founders began as growers without extensive business experience and as they move through the business lifecycle into a second-stage start-up, they might realize they need to scale their leadership team, bringing on people who complement their own strengths and weaknesses for a
Hanold Associates Taps CHRO for Millennium Trust Company
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive has placed Karyn DeFalco as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Millennium Trust Company (MTC), a leading fintech company providing retirement and investment solutions. Partners Sandra Peña, Sonia Nagra and Adam Watson led the assignment. Ms. DeFalco’s appointment follows John Samaan’s decision to step down as CHRO to pursue another
Frederickson Partners Recruits Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Leader for Western Digital
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently placed Lise Edwards as senior director of equity, inclusion and diversity at data-centric solutions company Western Digital. “We’re very excited to have Lise join Western Digital in this important role,” said Lori Sundberg, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Western Digital. “She brings years of experience in
accelHRate Partners with the National Association of Corporate Directors
The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), the authority on boardroom practices representing more than 21,000 board members, has enlisted search firm accelHRate to help grow its board director search practice. NACD Board Search will leverage the membership (including NACD certified directors), partners, and ecosystem of NACD to expertly match qualified candidates to available board
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firms
As we emerge from a global pandemic, 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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide recently added The
Settling Into a New Normal and What That Means for Jobs Recovery
The Labor Department reported that 412,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expected 360,000 new jobless claims. The previous week’s level was revised down by 1,000 from 376,000 to 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 395,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised average. This is
4 Lessons on Leading Through a Crisis
Having worked through a global pandemic that affected every business, some leaders are emerging from this crucible more agile, energized and better prepared to guide their organizations through recovery and beyond. In a recent report, ChampionScott Partners showcased four such leaders and the opportunities they saw in adversity to make their companies stronger, more resilient
Furst Group Places Chief Growth Officer for Paradigm
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has placed Tom Mafale in the newly created role of chief growth officer at Paradigm, an industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex healthcare challenges. Paradigm created the chief growth officer position to focus on delivering new and existing products and services to a wider range of
The Bedford Consulting Group Recruits CEO for AceAge
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider Bedford Consulting Group has helped to place John Simmons, former general manager of Abbot Diagnostics, as the new chief executive officer of AceAge Inc. “John is a proven leader with a track record of delivering outstanding results in senior roles with an extensive background in medical devices,” stated
ClearPath Solutions Introduces Franchise Match Division
ClearPath Solutions, an Irvine, CA-based executive search firm focused on the restaurant and retail industry, has launched ClearPath Franchise Match. “A firm dedicated to serving the franchise industry, ClearPath Franchise Match connects high-growth brands with well-capitalized, proven and operationally savvy franchisees,” the search firm said. ClearPath Solutions partners with founders, brands, family offices and private
Penn State Hires Spencer Stuart to Assist in Search for Next President
As part of a phased approach, the board of trustees of Pennsylvania State University has gathered an array of critical characteristics that the university community wants in the successor to president Eric J. Barron, who is retiring next year. The school has called in Spencer Stuart to assist in the search for a new leader.
Diversified Search Group Names Vice Chair and Leader of Global Corporate Practice Group
Diversified Search Group has appointed Aileen K. Alexander to the newly created position as vice chair and leader of the firm’s global corporate practice group. “Aileen Alexander is an innovator,” said founder and chair Judith M. von Seldeneck. “Her exceptional experience and industry insights will contribute significantly not only to our rapidly growing firm, but also
Caldwell Recruits Senior Partner for Apollo Global Management
Caldwell recently assisted Apollo Global Management in the recruitment of Craig Farr as a senior partner to lead capital solutions activities for the firm. Paul Heller, managing partner of Caldwell’s global financial services practice, led the assignment along with consultant Cristina Toohey. In this newly created position, Mr. Farr will spearhead Apollo’s centralized origination, structuring and distribution platform, reporting
Rosin Executive Search Assists TMX Group in the Recruitment of New CFO
Rosin Executive Search recently assisted TMX Group in Toronto in the recruitment of financial services industry David Arnold as its new CFO. “We are excited to add a dynamic and experienced financial professional with an impressive track record of execution to TMX Group’s senior leadership team, as we work to advance our global growth strategy
Signium Names Co-Leaders of Global Technology Practice
Executive search consortium Signium appointed Stéphanie Engels and Alexander de Freitas as new co-leaders of the global technology practice. Based in Zurich, Ms. Engels has developed new business models and coached intrapreneurs as well as partner start-ups. As a partner at Signium, she is experienced in defining new business models with different types of partners (big companies, SMEs and start-ups)
U.S. Employers Report Strongest Hiring Outlook In 21 Years
Employers in 32 percent of U.S. businesses surveyed expect an increase in payrolls during the next three months, while three percent expect to trim payrolls and 63 percent anticipate no change, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. “Employers are ready to bring their workers back as restrictions lift and America gets ready to work,”
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity Officer for Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the placement of Michael Moxley as vice president/chief diversity, inclusion and health equity officer for Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) in Charleston, SC. RSFH, a joint venture between Bon Secours Mercy Health and the Medical Society of South Carolina, is a four-hospital integrated health system with over 671-licensed beds and
JM Search Recruits CMO for TrueLearn
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, recently assisted in
Academic Search Assists North Park University in the Recruitment of Provost
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has helped to place Michael S. Carr as the new provost and chief academic officer for North Park University, a Christian university in Chicago. Andrea Warren Hamos and Mahauganee D. Shaw led the assignment. Dr. Carr will join the president’s cabinet, beginning July 1. He succeeds Craig Johnson, who held the role
Raines International Opens Offices in Miami and Philadelphia
New York-based Raines International has opened new offices in Miami and Philadelphia. According to the search firm, the opening of the Miami office supports Raines’ strategic client development and growth plan, balancing current market demands and the opportunity to pursue accelerated growth in new sectors. “I am thrilled to be personally opening our newest office in Miami,” said CEO
3 Ways Your Company Can Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As various social movements have heightened the focus on diversity issues worldwide, more and more organizations are creating senior diversity leadership roles as one way to help effect sustainable change, according to Spencer Stuart. The firm recently hosted a virtual roundtable to gather some of these diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) leaders to discuss best
Anthem Executive Recruits President for Lamar University
Following a national search, Lamar University (LU) has named Jaime R. Taylor, who serves as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Marshall University, as the school’s next president. Leading the assignment were Anthem Executive’s Scott Watson, Michael Ballew and Florene Stawowy, supported by Mike JR Wheless and John Rudley. Current president Kenneth Evans announced
Human Resource Solutions Assists Hunter Communications in CFO Search
Golden, CO-based executive search firm Human Resource Solutions has assisted in the placement of Sam Pauley as chief financial officer for Hunter Communications, a portfolio company of Grain Management LLC. The search was led by R. Woody Daroca. “Sam brings both financial and operational telecommunications experience, which will help us align our business goals and strategies with operations as
Diversified Search Group Names Managing Directors in Chicago and Washington D.C.
Diversified Search Group has added three managing directors – Steve Edwards, Robin Goolsbee and David Kuguru – to its burgeoning non-profit, corporate and life sciences practices. Following an accelerated demand for new leadership in the wake of the pandemic, the search firm says it has seen a 30 percent surge in business and market growth
Frazer Jones Appoints Head of U.K.
Executive search firm Frazer Jones, part of The SR Group, has appointed Nick Croucher as partner and head of Frazer Jones U.K. “Nick has been an integral part of the Frazer Jones management team since he joined in 2014,” said David Buckley, CEO of The SR Group. “He was, and continues to be, instrumental in growing our capability
3 Predictions for 2021 That Every CHRO Must Know
The last year has been, by many accounts, one of the most disruptive periods for HR teams – and many human resource professionals up and down the line are still finding their bearings as 2021 unfolds. But the best people teams are those that choose to make the best out of a messy situation. A new
St. Bonaventure Selects CarrSports to Find New Athletic Director
CarrSports Consulting has been called in to help St. Bonaventure University (SBU) find a new athletic director. Last month, the university chose not to renew the contract of Tim Kenney, who held the role since 2015. Barb Questa, who has been the senior member of SBU’s athletics administration team for 30 years, was named interim
Pender & Howe Executive Search Recruits CEO for CAAIN
Toronto-based Pender & Howe Executive Search recently placed Kerry Wright as the new chief executive officer for CAAIN, the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network in Edmonton, Alberta. The non-profit organization supports the creation of technological solutions for challenges facing Canada’s agri-food sector. The search was spearheaded by managing principals Glenn Lesko and Travis Hann. Canada is
