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Daily Newswire
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
The Importance of Maintaining a High Bar of Quality in Retained Executive Search for the Life Sciences Industry
Rapid scientific advancement has made the demand for exceptional leadership in life sciences more urgent than ever. In the life sciences industry, where breakthroughs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare innovation can quite literally change lives, finding the right leadership is critical, according to a recent report from Stephen Provost, managing director and co-founder at Prestige
EQU Advisors Leading Advancement Search for Aria University
Executive search firm EQU Advisors has been retained by Aria University to lead in its search for a vice president of advancement. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the VP plays an integral role in the Aria University’s operations, working closely with the university’s senior leadership team and the president on all fundraising matters. The
CarterBaldwin Assists Christianity Today with CEO Search
With the help of the firm CarterBaldwin Executive Search, the Christianity Today (CT) board of directors chose Nicole Massie Martin as its next president and CEO. After an extensive five-month search that included a global pool of 130 candidates, the search committee unanimously recommended Dr. Martin to the full board. She replace the previous president
Odgers Appoints Leader of Real Estate Practice
Odgers has named partner Peter Lawrence to lead its real estate practice. He will spearhead the practice’s work across investment, development, asset management and advisory disciplines, supporting clients from listed firms to family estates. “Peter’s proven leadership and industry understanding make him the right person to lead our real estate ambitions,” said Kester Scrope, CEO of Odgers.
Contingency vs Traditional Recruiting: Proven Strategies for Competitive Hiring
Executive search is a specialized recruitment process focused on identifying and securing candidates for senior leadership and C-suite positions that require specific skills, experience, and cultural alignment. Unlike traditional recruiting methods, executive search firms proactively target passive candidates – successful executives who aren’t actively seeking new roles, according to a recent report from Denver, CO-based TriSearch.
Delayed September Report Shows U.S. Added 119,000 Jobs
After a delay due to the government shutdown, employment rose by 119,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare, food services and drinking places, and social assistance. Job losses occurred in transportation and warehousing and
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Horizon Family Brands
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew Springate as chief marketing officer of Horizon Family Brands, part of the Platinum Equity portfolio. Bert Hensley, Ken Wilcox, Stacy Fitzgerald, Justin Kai Ossola, Dana Pontious, Heidi Simons, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “Andrew is a strong fit
Potrero Group Recruits President for the Resources Legacy Fund
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has recruited Phil Ginsburg as the next president of Resources Legacy Fund (RLF). Mr. Ginsburg will lead RLF and its partner organizations, Fund for a Better Future and Shared Ascent Fund. The search was co-led by Cleveland Justis, founder and CEO, and Daniel Student, managing director
Egon Zehnder Opens New Office in Minneapolis
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has opened a new office Minneapolis, Minnesota, which will serve both Minneapolis and Saint Paul as well as the broader Midwest. Megan Trice, a member of the firm’s consumer practice, will lead the Minneapolis office. “As part of our U.S. strategy, Egon Zehnder is investing in partnerships with local communities to attract, develop
Non-Profit CEO Demand Rises: Vetted Solutions Leading Search for NSPE’s Next Chief Executive
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. As a result, search firms are staying busy, as
AI’s Growing Threat to Entry-Level Finance Hiring
AI is reshaping finance hiring and recruiters say that it’s hitting entry-level talent first. Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s rewriting the rules of who gets hired in finance, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. Microsoft’s Bill Gates predicts
Wilton & Bain Partners with Grant Thornton UK to Drive Expansion
Wilton & Bain has been named as a strategic search partner to Grant Thornton UK in its bold plan to expand its partnership and accelerate firm growth. As part of its announcement, Grant Thornton confirmed plans to recruit 160 new partners over the next two years. “It’s a genuine privilege for the team and me to
Myers McRae Leading Provost Search for Broward College
Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting are currently leading in the search for a new provost and senior vice president for Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The school seeks an experienced and innovative academic leader to join them in their transformation to take the institution to new heights under the recently appointed
FMG Leading Appoints Head of Human Capital Due Diligence and Value Creation Leadership Practices
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of seasoned healthcare consultant and executive leader Wayland Lum as managing director. The move broadens FMG Leading’s ability to serve its expanding base of investors and private equity-backed clients dedicated to improving the quality and affordability of the U.S. healthcare system. Mr. Lum will further
True Forms Strategic Investment Partnership with Integrum Holdings
Global talent provider True has formed an alliance with a new strategic investment partnership with Integrum Holdings LP, a private investment firm focused on partnering with tech-enabled professional services companies. Integrum’s investment will power True’s next phase of growth. The actual amount of the investment was not disclosed. “Integrum is an ideal growth partner for True,” said Scott A.
Delta Top Talent Joins Forces with The ExeQfind Group and The QualiFind Group
Delta Top Talent, a Mexico City-based retained executive search firm has merged with The ExeQfind Group and The QualiFind Group, two established search and recruitment firms with extensive coverage throughout the Americas and with network partners in Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The partnership combines Delta Top Talent’s deep expertise and local
HARTZ Search Retained by Geisinger to Find New CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has been tapped by Geisinger in Danville, PA, to lead in its search for chief information officer. The CIO will serve as an integral member of the executive leadership team and will be on-site. They will provide vision and leadership for information technology (IT) in support of the system’s mission and strategic
Buffkin / Baker Retained by Oklahoma State University to Lead CISO Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Oklahoma State University to lead in its search for a chief information security officer (CISO). Martin M. Baker and Chelsie Whitelock are leading the assignment. The CISO provides strategic leadership for the university’s comprehensive information security and cybersecurity programs. This position is responsible for protecting the institution’s
ExactSearch.AI Expands Board of Advisors
AI-enhanced executive search firm ExactSearch.AI has added Doug Charles to its board of advisors. A long-tenured leader in executive search and leadership advisory, he will help the firm sharpen its differentiation, scale with quality and ensure the product and process match what clients value most: speed, stronger slates and lasting outcomes, ExactSearch.AI explained. “Doug is the kind
The Leadership Growth Paradox: Why Leaders Leave
Across global markets, leadership careers are unfolding against a backdrop of unprecedented mobility and accelerating turnover. What once looked like steady, predictable progression has given way to a fluid environment where ambition outpaces the structures meant to contain it. The landscape of leadership tenure has fundamentally shifted across all major economies, according to a recent
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeking Chief Brand and Experience Officer for the Houston Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by the Houston Zoo to lead in its search for a chief brand and experience officer (CBEO). This leader will help maximize earned revenue, increase brand awareness, and improve the guest experience to support the Zoo’s mission. As a prominent global leader in zoo-based conservation, the Zoo has
Solomon Page Assists Presbyterian Health Plan with President Search
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has recruited Heather Thiltgen as the new of president of Presbyterian Health Plan at Presbyterian Healthcare Services. The national search was led by Marc Gouran, the managing director and global practice leader at Solomon Page Healthcare. She will replace Tony Hernandez as president of Presbyterian’s insurance division. “This search reinforces our deep
Acertitude Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for The Vomela Companies
Acertitude has placed John Biscanti as the new chief revenue officer of The Vomela Companies. The search was led by co-founder and managing partner, Kevin O’Neill with support from Lauren Boone, and Katie Martin. In his role, Mr. Biscanti is responsible for driving revenue growth by aligning the company’s sales, marketing, and pricing strategies. Before joining Vomela, he
Bay Street Advisors Expands Hedge Fund Practice
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has expanded with the addition of Dominique Lawrence as a director in the hedge fund practice. “Dominique joins us from Jackson Lucas, where he specialized in senior leadership placements across hedge funds and alternative investment firms,” Bay Street Advisors said in a LinkedIn post. “His expertise in aligning investment talent, business
BCG Sees Strategic Acceleration Defining The Next Chapter Of M&A
BCG’s latest M&A report – The Brave New World of Dealmaking in the Global Market – finds that despite upheaval in the market, dealmakers are proving more strategic, and more versatile, than ever. “After navigating significant turbulence earlier this year, the market has shown its resilience, driven by strategic adaptability among experienced dealmakers,” noted BCG. The firm’s M&A
Your Resume vs. The Robot
Your resume is no longer for a human, it’s for a machine which is an applicant tracking system. It has one job: to screen you out, according to a new report from ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. A report by StandOut CV shows that, on average, 75 percent of resumes submitted to large companies are rejected by an applicant
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Hampshire College Recruit 9th President
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has placed Jennifer Chrisler as the 9th president of Hampshire College. The search was led by Jim Johnsen and Lauren McCaghren. “Jennifer Chrisler’s exemplary leadership has already proven essential for the college, with a combination of vision and resilience that makes her a perfect fit for us as an
Nexus Search Partners Adds New Partner
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has expanded with the addition of Alison Summerville as partner, financial services. “Alison’s ability to navigate complexity, build consensus, and anchor business success in purpose-driven leadership makes her an incredible addition to our team,” said Thaddeus Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus
The Structure of an Organization’s Culture: Building a Foundation for Performance
Building a strong, values-driven culture begins with understanding the underlying structures that shape how people think, behave, and interact within an organization. By identifying the core beliefs, unwritten norms, and systems that influence daily actions, leaders can intentionally align employee behavior with the company’s purpose and values. This alignment fosters clarity in expectations, accountability in
Funk Associates Appoints President
Funk Associates has made a leadership transition with the appointment of Willie Funk as president of the firm. Bill Funk will continue as the firm’s chief executive officer. In this role, he will continue to guide the strategic direction of the firm and will continue his engagement with clients and continue his consultancy on senior leadership
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CFO for Zippy Shell
Krauthamer & Associates has helped to recruit Michael Duffy as chief financial officer of Zippy Shell, Inc. He will succeed Mark Linville, who is retiring. “As we enter the next chapter of growth and prepare the company for REIT election, Mike brings a unique perspective, strong operational and REIT financial expertise, M&A, and a strategic mindset
