DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
The Execution Gap in AI Is Becoming Private Equity’s Defining Divide
Multimodal’s latest report, The State of Agentic AI in Private Equity, highlights a critical inflection point. While AI adoption is widespread across the industry, very few firms have translated that activity into sustained operational impact. Nearly two-thirds of private equity firms are actively piloting AI, and roughly 40 percent report having formal strategies in place. Yet only
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits President and CEO of Cara Collective
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Karin Norington-Reaves as president and CEO of Cara Collective in Chicago. “This is a defining moment for Cara Collective,” said J. Todd Phillips, chair of Cara Collective’s board of directors. “Karin was selected from a national search conducted by a special committee of the Cara
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
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
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
The Unseen Drivers of Leadership Misalignment
Boards often treat executive recruiting like a precision fix: identify the capability gap, import the proven performer, and expect momentum to follow. But leadership isn’t installed into a vacuum—it lands inside a living system with habits, loyalties, and unwritten rules that shape what’s possible. When that system isn’t ready for the kind of authority, pace,
Signium Elects New Board
Executive search consortium Signium today will announce the election of its new board of directors: Annelize van Rensburg, director of executive search in Johannesburg, South Africa will be elected chair, and Piotr Pilecki, managing partner in Wroclaw, Poland will be elected as vice chair. Signium also will add Felipa Xara-Brasil, senior partner in Lisbon, Portugal; Aleksander Montalbetti,
Executive Recruiters Get Back to Business
Executive recruiters spent the better part of last year resetting expectations – the result of an unprecedented, and completely unexpected, interruption to their business due to COVID-19. But according to search professionals across the spectrum, that disruption has now receded, and business is returning to levels not seen since the waning days of 2019 and
Koller Search Partners Assists the LA Times in Recruiting Executive Editor
Koller Search Partners has placed Kevin Merida as executive editor of the Los Angeles Times, which continues its revival under the ownership of biotech entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele. Leading the assignment for the search firm was Karen Danziger. The newspaper’s previous top editor, Norman Pearlstine, stepped down from the role in December
Parker Executive Search Assists LSU Recruit First African-American President
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has assisted Louisiana State University (LSU) in the selection of William Tate as the school’s first African-American president. He will replace Tom Galligan, who has served as LSU president since January 2020. “This is a very pivotal time at our university, from economic, environmental, social challenges, but we are doing great things at
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeking CEO for Saint Louis Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been called in by the Saint Louis Zoo to find its next president and CEO. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, is leading the assignment along with her associate, Krista Haley. The Saint Louis Zoo seeks the next president & CEO to lead the zoo at a time of financial and
IIC Partners Introduces the International Mentorship Program
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has launched a new service for executives available by invitation only: the International Mentorship Program. “I am so excited to launch this program with my fellow IIC Partners colleagues,” said Ewa Olszewski, senior partner at Michaël Berglund AB in Sweden, and initiator of the program. “All over the world, we see leaders
Unemployment Numbers Fall Short of Expectations
In an unexpectedly weak employment report, employment rose by just 266,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Economists had predicted job gains of nearly a million during the month. The setback is all the more surprising because today’s
AGB Search Recruits SVP of University Operations for Fairleigh Dickinson University
As the pandemic begins to subside in the U.S. and organizations collectively begin to get back on their feet, colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will allow high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization –
Furst Group Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Children’s Minnesota
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
KEES Assists United Way of Will County with CEO Search
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has assisted in the recruitment of Kamala Martinez as the new president and CEO of the United Way of Will County, in Illinois. Mike Hennessy, after 31 years leading the non-profit, recently retired. The assignment is being led by Heather Eddy, the search firm’s president and CEO.
Acertitude Names Managing Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, executive search firm Acertitude appointed Nate DaPore as managing partner. “During the past few years, Nate has played a meaningful role in the success and growth of Acertitude — of particular note, standing up and leading a high-performing healthcare and life sciences
6 Critical Factors for Selecting the Right Executive Search Firm
If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that leadership matters. Whether you are bolstering your C-suite to support continued success and growth or seeking executives to help redefine your strategy in the face of change, you need an executive search firm that can connect you with leading-edge talent. A new report from The Bowdoin Group and
Jobless Claims Plunge as Nation Enters Post-Pandemic Recovery Stage
The Labor Department reported that 498,000 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 37,000 from 553,000 to 590,000. With the revisions, this is the lowest level of claims since the
Korn Ferry Seeks CHRO for University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has initiated a national search to replace retiring chief human resources officer Alesia Jones. Korn Ferry is conducting the assignment. The CHRO reports to senior vice president for administration and financial affairs Brian Burnett. “This search is incredibly important to ensure UAB continues to support our most precious
N2Growth Names Leader of Executive Search Operations in Southeast Asia
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Steve Manning as managing partner and leader of executive search operations in Southeast Asia. “Steve is a great addition to our team and will help us tremendously moving forward,” said Mike Myatt, founder and chairman of N2Growth. “He’s not only a proven player but a great human
Odgers Berndtson Launches Proprietary Intelligence Platform OBDynamics
Odgers Berndtson today launches a proprietary intelligence platform, OBDynamics, which uses big-data and machine learning to deliver data-informed talent intelligence and recruitment services rapidly and accurately. Built on a continually updated data lake of 1.1 billion personal and corporate records, all of which are gathered in accordance with the most stringent international privacy regulations, OBDynamics’ AI-powered
Hanold Associates Places Head of Executive Recruiting at American Airlines
Partners Sonia Nagra and Ashley Schiele of Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search recently assisted American Airlines in the recruitment of Maria-Clara Vasconcellos as head of executive recruiting. “Maria Clara is a vibrant and passionate talent acquisition leader who possesses a fantastic ability to attract best-in-class talent,” said Ms. Nagra. “She will be instrumental in creating an exceptional candidate
Carrington & Carrington Retained by Amherst College to Recruit CHRO
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The latest: Chicago-based Carrington & Carrington has been enlisted by Amherst College in Massachusetts to find a new chief human resources officer. “Human resources at Amherst is at the end of a period of dramatic transformation in which
DHR International Appoints Leaders for Global Consumer Practice
Chicago-based executive search firm DHR International has named Marcey Rubin Stamas and Kristi LeBlanc as managing partners of its global consumer practice group. “Marcey and Kristi are highly collaborative leaders committed to the success of our global consumer practice clients,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR. “Their proven track record of successful placements across consumer product, consumer service and hospitality companies globally make them
Penrhyn International Adds New Member Firm in China
Even in the face of 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. Global executive search consortium Penrhyn
Pitfalls to Avoid in Virtual Executive Onboarding
As we look back on working through a global pandemic, we are all taking stock of how various elements of business life have changed in dramatic ways, Todd Fryling of Summit Leadership Partners opined in a new report. “Last year, hiring, particularly at top leadership levels, fundamentally shut down, and most thought it was going to be
Academic Search Assists Council of Independent Colleges Recruit New President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, D.C., in the recruitment of Marjorie Hass as its new president. Richard Ekman, who led the organization for 20 years, announced last fall that he would be retiring in July. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo led the assignment along with president and
Odgers Berndtson Canada Names Chief Marketing Officer
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Lori Dyne as chief marketing officer. “Lori’s previous experience supporting the growth of executive search, interim executive and leadership advisory businesses, coupled with her keen understanding of how to leverage digital to deepen the client relationship, will play an important role in the ongoing growth of our business,” said Carl Lovas, chairman
Academic Career & Executive Search Taps Founding Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Tasha Alston as the inaugural chief diversity and inclusion officer for the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford in Bradford, PA. Jennifer Muller, managing partner and senior consultant, led the assignment for the search firm. “The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford required a committed, dynamic leader with a proven history of providing students
The Dahill Group Expands into Clean Energy and Minerals Extraction Industries
Denver, CO-based executive search firm The Dahill Group has expanded its recruiting services and expertise into the clean energy and minerals extraction industries, complementing its core oil and gas business. “As the energy industry transitions to a lower carbon future, we are expanding to meet the broader needs of our clients and the natural resources industry
Creating a Formidable, Tech-Driven Search Firm
Two years ago, when Caldwell and IQTalent Partners first started working together, it was nothing particularly out of the ordinary. Toronto-based Caldwell was looking for research support when one of the firm’s partners recommended the technology-driven talent acquisition solutions firm in Nashville, TN. So it was that Caldwell enlisted IQTalent Partners to help augment its
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Prince’s Trust
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Jessica Greer Morris as the new chief executive officer of Prince’s Trust. She will help launch the U.K.-based youth charity organization in the U.S., serving as its first CEO. The search was completed by McDermott + Bull managing director Sue Waterbury and executive recruiter Allison Cox. Ms. Morris will guide the organization through a
Anthem Executive Conducting President Search for Lamar University
Anthem Executive has been retained by the Texas State University System (TSUS) to lead the president search for Lamar University (LU) in Beaumont. Leading the assignment are Scott Watson, Michael Ballew and Florene Stawowy, supported by Mike JR Wheless and John Rudley. Current president Kenneth Evans announced in January that he would be stepping down,
Boyden Assists Planned Parenthood Toronto in the Recruitment of New CEO
Following a comprehensive search, Boyden has placed Mohini Datta-Ray as the new executive director of Planned Parenthood Toronto. Partner Pamela Colquhoun led the assignment. “Mohini’s past work has seen her lead HIV community development, prevention education, youth-focused sex education and healthy relationship projects with a number of communities impacted by racism and poverty in Toronto and Ontario,” said
IMSA Search Expands into Portugal with ARGO Partners
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners continues its growth and expansion push, affiliating with ARGO Partners in Portugal. This addition of the ARGO team will further strengthen IMSA Search’s presence in the SEMEA region. “We are very excited about this collaboration,” said Monika Ciesielska, president of IMSA Search Global Partners. “The IMSA Portugal team is well-positioned to
Hiring Post Pandemic and the Growing Need for Search Firms
In the blink of an eye, the technology industry has flipped from a candidate-driven market to one that is client-driven, with the majority of companies cautiously assessing their needs to hire and grow, according to a recent report by StevenDouglas. “Many organizations are having to adjust to significantly decreased revenues, and thus, make tough decisions.







