DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Chief Experience Officer for the Saint Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Kirby Meyer as chief experience officer (CXO) at the Saint Louis Zoo. This is a brand-new executive leadership on the Zoo’s executive team focused on shaping a unified, strategic approach to all external engagement functions. In this role, Ms. Meyer will oversee the Zoo’s creative services, events, guest experience, marketing,
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Why Interim CHROs Are Becoming Essential in a Rapidly Changing Workforce
When the role of a chief human resources officer or chief people officer is done well, it can be one of the broadest roles in an organization, according to a recent report from Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company. “Not only are these executives critical human capital strategists charged with overseeing an organization’s end-to-end talent
Leveling Gender Inequity Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic created seismic shifts in corporate America and workplace environments. The transition from working in the office to working remotely from home has dramatically blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making many employees feel like they’re always on, according to a new report from Executives Unlimited. Zoom fatigue is a real problem, and
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits President for Union of Concerned Scientists
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has placed Johanna Chao Kreilick as president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in Cambridge, MA. Most recently, Ms. Kreilick managed the Open Society Foundations’ strategy unit responsible for planning, research and assessment for the foundations’ 50 global programs, national foundations and advocacy offices. She will officially join UCS on May
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Americas
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Jaimee Eddington as Americas regional leader. “We are excited to have Jaimee take up the Americas leadership role as we continue to bring our clients an integrated suite of executive search, consulting and on-demand talent solutions to help them navigate the many complex talent
Talent War Group Opens Doors
Mike Sarraille and George Randle have launched Talent War Group, an executive search and leadership consulting firm that will combine top talent processes and insights with executive placement, talent advisory and leadership development services. The authors of ‘The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent,’ the firm’s founders said the new
Shift Underway in Private Equity Talent Acquisition Strategies
The past decade has been widely viewed as a golden era for private equity. As global markets recovered from the shock of the last financial crisis, PE firms did not simply sit back and reap the rewards of improving market conditions, according to a report by Spencer Stuart. In fact, they did quite the opposite.
WittKieffer Teams Up with the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
WittKieffer and NALHE (National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives) have reached an agreement to partner on mutually beneficial activities through 2021 and beyond. Initially, the two organizations will work together to create content (including written articles, webinars and conference presentations) for the exclusive benefit of NALHE members. “Our partnership with WittKieffer will open up many doors for
Buffkin / Baker Assists Oklahoma State University in President Search
Martin M. Baker of Buffkin / Baker has assisted Oklahoma State University (OSU) in the recruitment of Kayse Shrum as the university’s 19th president. With her hiring Dr. Shrum will become the first woman to lead a public research institution in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum, currently president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS)
Frederickson Partners Recruits Head of People for ThoughtSpot
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners recently recruited Pam Holmberg as head of people for ThoughtSpot, a leader in search and AI-driven analytics. “Throughout the course of the pandemic, our customers have relied on us more than ever to help them embrace the disruption and change transforming every industry,” said Sudheesh Nair, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “Our
CannabizTeam Elects New Advisory Board Members
CannabizTeam, a cannabis-focused executive search firm, has elected Jeff Dayton, Lori Ferrara and Annalie Killian as new members to its advisory board. Members of the CannabizTeam advisory board are experienced cannabis industry leaders with a diverse range of skills and experience. The advisory board will work closely with CannabizTeam’s senior leadership team to provide industry
Five Leadership Attributes Essential for 2021 and Beyond
Leadership capabilities for digital and non-digital businesses are converging. As a result, there is considerable commonality around some core capabilities that organizations are seeking in their executives and managers, according to a new report by NGS Global. “The economy is reaching a threshold where the many businesses that are growing rapidly are likely to have
TSI Group Implements Teamscope
Mississauga, ON-headquartered executive search firm TSI Group Inc. has become the first Canadian search firm to adopt Teamscope, a data and talent analytics platform. TSI Group chose Teamscope to enhance its executive search methodology with data-analytics and decision science. “The move is part of a larger strategy to deliver more value to their clients reinforcing
SearchWide Global Retained by Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky
The non-profit Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky in Montana have retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next president and CEO. Search firm vice president Nicole Newman is leading the assignment. “We are actually mid-way through the search process at this point, finishing up first round of interviews this week with in-person
PFM Executive Search Recruits Chief Information Officer for Smythe LLP
PFM Executive Search has placed Michelle Harrison as the inaugural chief information officer for Smythe LLP, a full-service accounting firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As CIO, Ms. Harrison will oversee the firm’s technology and innovation strategy. Smythe said it views technological innovation as a critical element in becoming the leading professional service firm in the marketplace
Odgers Berndtson Appoints IT Services and Telecommunications Practice Leader in U.K.
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Tim Sleep as leader of its IT services and telecommunications practices in the U.K. Never before have the IT services and telecommunications sectors been in so great a demand as it is now, according to Odgers Berndtson. “Both sectors already have large common traits,” the search firm said. “The economic and disruptive
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since Onset of Pandemic
The Labor Department reported this morning that 576,000 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 previous week’s level was revised up by 25,000 from 744,000 to 769,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 700,000 filings. Since last February,
The Lapham Group Recruits CEO for IFG Companies
After a national search, executive search firm The Lapham Group has placed Behram Dinshaw as chief executive officer of IFG Companies, a multiline property and casualty insurer. Mr. Dinshaw was most recently executive vice president and president of Global Small Commercial and Middle Market Business Centers at Travelers Insurance Co. Craig Lapham, managing partner and
Lindauer Retained by the United States Marshals Museum
Lindauer has been called in by the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, AR, to lead its search for a foundation president and chief development officer. The assignment is being spearheaded by Libby Roberts, senior vice president, and senior consultant Megan Abbett. “The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional who thrives when faced
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Global Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Practice Leader
Russell Reynolds Associates has named Jackie Arends as a consultant and global leader for the firm’s aviation, aerospace and defense practice. Based in Washington, D.C., she works closely with C-suite leaders and board directors at the intersection of politics, government and industry. “In addition to her deep executive search experience, Jackie’s impressive background includes serving as
Bullhorn Names Senior Leadership Appointments
Bullhorn, a provider of software to recruiting firms, has added David Whitley to its senior leadership team as chief technology officer, reporting to Matt Fischer, who has taken on the role of president and chief operating officer. “I am looking forward to working with David as I take on the COO role,” said Mr. Fischer. “David takes
5 Tips for Evaluating, Interviewing & Onboarding in a Virtual World
It has been just over one year since COVID-19 changed how we do business, transplanting us from board rooms to Zoom rooms. While much of the world begins returning to some semblance of pre-pandemic life, the workplace as we knew it may be changed forever. Many employees are choosing to continue working from home while
LPA Search Partners Assists Syniti with Chief Marketing Officer Search
Anna McCormick, co-CEO of LPA Search Partners, recently assisted Syniti, an enterprise data management company, in the recruitment of Kate Reed as its new chief marketing officer. “Kate has a strong reputation for transformational marketing initiatives that stand out and grow demand,” said Kevin Campbell, CEO of Syniti. “Her appointment could not have come at a
Career Platform Glints Receives $22.5 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses. Singapore-based career platform Glints has secured $22.5 million in Series C funding led by Japanese human resources management firm PERSOL Holdings. The funding round is joined by returning investors Monk’s Hill Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, Fresco Capital, Mindworks Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and other top investors including Binny Bansal
Arts Consulting Group Seeking New Leader for Bennington Museum
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the Bennington Museum in Vermont. Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, is spearheading the assignment. The Bennington Museum’s executive director must be a broad-thinking, goal- and people-oriented executive who values community engagement and leads with a clear sense of purpose and direction,
Harvey Nash Elects New Chairman
Recruitment firm Harvey Nash Group recently elected Gary Browning as its new chairman. Mr. Browning, who has been a non-executive director for the group for over two years, will be taking over from Mike Branigan who will continue in his role on the board as partner in DBAY Advisors, owners of Harvey Nash Group. “Having chaired Harvey Nash
Randstad US Launches Technology Tools to Safely Return Employees to the Workplace
With more than two-thirds of American workers reporting that they “do not feel completely safe” in their workplace—25 percent say they will look for a new job if their employer fails to implement new long-term protocols—employers are under increasing pressure to ensure the return to the workplace is managed safely. “Workers are keenly attuned to the steps employers
Why Organizations Use Executive Search Firms
For many organizations, finding quality talent can be tough—and finding quality executive talent can be even tougher. While you may have confidence that your company can recruit your next C-suite leader without help from a dedicated search firm, the potential ramifications behind making a poor hire can be disastrous, according to a recent report by TalentRise. “That’s
Russell Reynolds Associates Leads Chief Technology Officer Search for The Rockefeller Foundation
Russell Reynolds Associates has been called in by The Rockefeller Foundation to lead its search for a new chief technology officer. The search firm is seeking candidates with a professional record of accomplishment that reflects significant strategic partnership with and contribution to the business, including demonstrated leadership in large, complex, multi-divisional global settings. Reporting to
Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
After a national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has helped to place Daniel Mynatt as the next provost and vice president of academic affairs for Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC. Kenny Daugherty, president of the search firm, led the assignment. Dr. Mynatt currently serves as vice provost for institutional effectiveness for the University
Collegiate Sports Associates Recruits Athletic Director for the University of Georgia
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) recently placed Josh Brooks as the J. Reid Parker director of athletics at the University of Georgia (UGA). The hire follows the retirement of Greg McGarity, who held the position for 10 years. “From visionary and strategist to contract negotiator, fundraiser and champion for student-athletes—the modern-day athletic director must effectively wear many hats,” said
Global Pandemic Endows Universities With Big Challenges in the Hunt for New Leaders in 2021
Leadership roles in today’s colleges and universities have become increasingly demanding and complex. Senior academic leaders must balance the needs of numerous constituents—needs that require a cross-section of skills far beyond the traditional set of scholarly and research accomplishments. Interviews with a host of recruiters for the sector reveal the special challenges of their work.
Key to Executive Success: Optimizing Integration and Early Engagement
In career transitions, there are clear “milestones that matter,” and none is more important or complex than an executive’s integration into a new company or tackling of a demanding new assignment, according to Crenshaw Associates. “The path to success requires executives to navigate unfamiliar corporate cultures and work with new colleagues,” said the firm’s executive chairman,







