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Daily Newswire
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
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
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
Why Job Offers Miss the Mark — and How to Bridge the Gap
You’ve worked through a complex hiring process, committed significant time, and identified the right candidate. The interviews were successful, and the team reached internal alignment. But when the offer is extended, the response is a polite “no, thank you.” If you’ve experienced it, you understand how frustrating that moment can be. After weeks of effort,
DRiWaterstone Assists MOST Policy Initiative with Executive Director Search
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Allison R. Davis as the new executive director of MOST Policy Initiative. “We are excited to welcome Allison as our next executive director,” said board president Katie Steen-James on behalf of the MOST executive committee. “Her experience at the intersection of research and policy is uniquely suited
JDG Associates Seeking Chief Investment Officer for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which manages the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), to lead in its search for a chief investment officer. The CIO provides executive leadership in the development and implementation of investment policy for the TSP including reviewing investment performance and appropriateness of
Cowen Partners Executive Search Launches Steward, Family-Office Practice
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has launched Steward, an advisory practice dedicated to serving family offices and private enterprises across generations. Jacob Gamble, principal at Cowen Partners Executive Search, leads the practice and specializes in identifying senior executives for family offices. “Family offices operate on a generational horizon, which demands leadership that can balance operational excellence with
Private Equity Turns To Leadership Diligence To Gain A Sharper Edge
ghSMART’s latest report, Leadership Diligence in PE: 4 Tips to Spot Strengths and Risks Before You Buy, opens with a stark reminder: “Leadership is often the single biggest swing factor in the success of an investment.” Yet as Dina Wang, a ghSMART partner and co-leader of its private equity practice explains, that recognition alone isn’t enough. “The
Boyden Recruits CEO for Sonic Healthcare Limited
Boyden has assisted in the recruitment of Jim Newcombe as managing director and CEO of Sonic Healthcare Limited. Current CEO Colin Goldschmidt recently announced his retirement. “We are delighted that Dr. Jim Newcombe will succeed Dr. Colin Goldschmidt in leading Sonic Healthcare, preserving its unique medical leadership culture while embracing the transformational changes in healthcare which Sonic
ExecSearches Seeking New CEO for Lighthouse Vision Loss Center
ExecSearches is currently seeking a new CEO for Lighthouse Vision Loss Center in Sarasota, FL. F. Jay Hall, managing director, is leading the executive recruitment process. The CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization’s mission alignment, financial sustainability, and community impact. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will oversee all aspects
Furst Group Assists CommonSpirit Health with CFO Search
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Browning as system senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of CommonSpirit Health in Chicago. He will succeed Daniel Morissette, who is retiring after nearly a decade of distinguished service. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael
IIC Partners Announces New Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has announced new appointments to its board of directors. The appointments were confirmed during IIC Partners’ annual general meeting in Bangkok on October 21, 2025. The candidates were recommended by the 2025 nominating committee, composed of Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner (Vienna), Jeff Harris (Columbus), and Jyoti Bowen Nath (Mumbai). The new appointments are
Why Targeting Passive Candidates Is a Game-Changer & Creating a Big Impact
As competition for specialized talent intensifies, organizations are rethinking how they identify and engage top performers. Companies increasingly recognize that the strongest candidates often aren’t scanning job boards—they’re succeeding in their current roles. To secure these high-value professionals, employers are adopting more strategic, relationship-driven approaches to talent acquisition. In today’s global talent market, forward-thinking companies
Caldwell Posts 19 Percent Full-Year Revenue Increase
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $31.6 million (Canadian). Full-year revenue was up 19.4 percent to $104.1 million (Canadian). “Fiscal 2025 marked a strong return to growth for Caldwell and IQTalent,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “After two years of volatility and suppressed hiring demand, we saw a resilient rebound in both revenue and profitability, capped
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
