DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
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 Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
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?
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Wilson Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has named Spiro Papanicolaou as chief marketing officer. Reporting directly to CEO Jean-Francois Vezina, Mr. Papanicolaou will lead Wilson’s global marketing and revenue operations, with accountability for go-to-market strategy, demand generation, brand, and commercial performance across the business. “As we continue shaping the future of Wilson, marketing leadership will be critical to how
The New Finance Reality: Managing Capital Regimes, Not Just Cycles
Energy CFOs are navigating a changing financial landscape in which access to capital is becoming as important as movements in commodity markets. As public markets, private capital, infrastructure investors, project finance, and incentive-driven structures increasingly operate under different expectations, finance leaders are being asked to manage a far more fragmented environment. According to The Energists,
SPMB Recruits Chief AI and Data Officer for Ford Motor Company
SPMB Executive Search has placed Mano Mannoochahr as chief AI and data officer of Ford Motor Company. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Few leaders bring Mano’s combination of modern AI expertise, experience operating at enormous enterprise scale, and deep industrial grounding,” Mr. Doonan said. “That made him uniquely suited to help Ford translate the potential
Isaacson, Miller Assists Folger Shakespeare Library with CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Wendy Lin as the new CFO of Folger Shakespeare Library. Dan Rodas led the search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. Her arrival coincides with the start of strategic planning at the nearly 100-year-old organization, and she will guide financial analysis and operational execution under the leadership of Folger director Farah Karim-Cooper. Ms. Lin
Coulter Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
Myers McRae Retained by the University of Montana Western for Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by the University of Montana Western (UMW) to lead in its search for a new chancellor. The school seeks a confident and perceptive individual to serve in the executive leadership role of chancellor. With the abilities to balance and prioritize, the chancellor will
SearchWide Global Recruits Executive Director for Cody Yellowstone
Following a nationwide search, executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Michael Wambolt as the new executive director of the Park County Travel Council (Cody Yellowstone). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Wambolt to Cody,” said John Parsons, chairman of the board of directors of PCTC. “He is a travel
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Chairperson and Country Head, India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has appointed Monica Agrawal as chairperson and country head, India. She is responsible for leading Sheffield Haworth’s India business, deepening client partnerships, and driving strategic growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. “We are delighted to welcome Monica to Sheffield Haworth,” said Alex Cormack, CEO of Sheffield Haworth. “India is a
How Executives Are Using AI to Gain a Competitive Edge
Private equity firms are increasingly evaluating chief executive candidates through a new lens: digital fluency and the ability to translate emerging technologies into enterprise value. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation across industries, leadership teams are expected to move beyond curiosity and into disciplined execution. For incoming CEOs, demonstrating practical command of AI
Reinforcing Leadership at Historically Black Colleges
Presidential turnover has become an increasingly urgent issue across higher education, but the stakes are especially high at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As HBCUs navigate rising enrollment demand, heightened fundraising expectations, and growing public visibility, leadership continuity is emerging as a critical factor in long-term institutional strength. Yet many campuses continue to face
Industra Talent Partners Launched by Bespoke Partners for Private Equity-Backed Industrial Companies
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has launched Industra Talent Partners to use AI and a best-in-class search methodology to recruit senior leaders for U.S. middle-market industrial companies backed by private equity. “Industrial companies are perfect candidates for private equity to produce outsized returns. But portfolio company leadership is the critical factor in executing on value creation plans,” said Eric
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We
Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
Artico Search Recruits Chief Sales Officer for Versapay
Artico Search has assisted in the recruitment of Emily Roccheggiani as chief sales officer of Versapay in San Francisco. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “Emily has spent her career inside some of the most important growth stories in modern fintech,” said Carey Kolaja, CEO of Versapay. “She knows what it takes to
Cornerstone International Group Fills Senior Position for Dawn Foods
Cornerstone International Group has recently placed Kristi Kangas as senior vice president of North America manufacturing operations for Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and distribution. Samuel Dergel led the search. “Kristi is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record of driving operational excellence in complex, multi-site environments,” said John Schmitz, chief operating officer,
Kelly Names Chief Growth Officer
Global specialty talent solutions provider Kelly has appointed Patrick McCall as chief growth officer. He is joining the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Kelly CEO Chris Layden, and responsible for accelerating Kelly’s organic growth and delivering industry-leading capabilities to clients and candidates. “Pat is a growth-obsessed leader who will help bring to bear the full strength of
Leathwaite Appoints Non-Executive Chairman
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed Rabih Ramadi as non-executive chairman. “Rabih’s appointment to the board is an absolute pleasure,” said Andrew Wallace, chair and co-founder. “As we continue to expand our footprint in North America and digitize the business for the future, Rabih’s experience and insights in these areas will be invaluable to our journey.”
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists BRUNT Workwear with Chief Financial and Operating Officer Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. The search was led by Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said
DRI Appoints Leader of Machining & Fabrication Practice
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners Company, has named Tim Sullen as practice leader for the machining & fabrication practice area. He will lead efforts to expand and strengthen DRI’s partnerships within the machining and fabrication industries. “Tim has been an integral part of our team and consistently goes above and beyond for our clients,” said Josh
Alexander Hughes Names Head of Global Legal Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Anthony Dodeman as head of its global legal practice to strengthen expertise across key legal domains. “This strategic move reinforces our commitment to supporting clients with access to legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of today’s complex legal landscape,” Alexander Hughes said. “Our legal practice spans a broad spectrum of expertise,
EY’s CEO Outlook Puts Talent At The Center Of Growth
EY-Parthenon’s 2026 CEO Outlook Survey of 1,200 global CEOs reveals a striking divergence. While confidence in the global economy has softened, nearly nine in 10 U.S. CEOs remain optimistic about their own companies’ prospects. The implication is clear: leaders believe growth, this year at least, will be self-generated rather than market-driven. That confidence rests on transformation. Ninety-seven percent of CEOs report they
Academic Search Tapped by the University of Saint Mary to Find 10th President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS, to lead a national search for its 10th president. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason are leading the assignment. The university is seeking a dynamic, mission-focused, and visionary leader who will build upon the achievements of the past
The Christopher Group Tapped by Anisa International for HR Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Anisa International to lead its human resources leader search. Managing partner, Pam Noble, and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, are leading the assignment. “Anisa International is a values-driven organization with a strong legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and thoughtful leadership,” said Ms. Noble. “This search
Stevenson Search Partners Establishes Advisory Board
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has established an advisory board and appointed Amelia Tyagi as its inaugural member. The creation of the advisory board marks a strategic milestone as the firm enters its next phase of growth, designed to bring diverse perspectives, high-impact networks,
Sanford Rose Associates’ Dimensional Search Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Sanford Rose Associates’ (SRA) Dimensional Search has named Jeff Wittenberg as its chief operating officer. “Jeff Wittenberg has been among the top five percent of producers in the recruiting industry for decades,” said Jon Bartos, chief executive officer of Dimensional Search. “He built the largest construction recruiting practice in the field and remains a trusted thought leader
CFO Appointments Hit Seven-Year High as Expanding Mandate Reshapes the Role
The chief financial officer position has evolved into one of the most strategically consequential positions in the modern enterprise. No longer confined to stewardship of the balance sheet, today’s CFO sits at the intersection of capital allocation, enterprise risk, digital transformation, and long-term value creation. Boards increasingly view the position as a linchpin of stability
GHP Search Assists The Bushwick Starr with Filling Three Board Positions
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has assisted The Bushwick Starr in identifying Katharine English, head of innovation programs, global cloud solutions at Google, Eric Mendez, director at Genesis Credit Partners, and Sunny Park, former general counsel at Saks, as new members of its board of directors. Ms. English is a digital business leader specializing in AI,
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Central New Mexico Community College to Find CIO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Central New Mexico Community College to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. This role is designed for an experienced CIO with strong business acumen, who is ready to lead at scale, shape enterprise direction, and leave
Heidrick & Struggles Names New Practice Heads
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has named Alexis Hennessy as global head of the sales & commercial officers practice as well as Fabrice Lebecq and Seth Steinberg as the new co-global heads of the supply chain officers & operations officers practice. Ms. Hennessy is a partner in Heidrick’s Los
Sheffield Haworth Acquires Tony O’Leary’s Executive Search Business
Global Leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired Tony O’Leary’s executive search business, O’Leary and Partners, as part of the firm’s continued investment in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of this acquisition, Mr. O’Leary recently joined Sheffield Haworth to lead and expand
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
Pearl Meyer Expands Leadership Advisory Practice Through Acquisition of Ampersand Leadership Group
Coalesce Capital, a PE firm focused on investing in human capital and technology-enabled business services companies, has announced that its portfolio company Pearl Meyer, an independent advisor to boards and senior management, has acquired Ampersand Leadership Group, a provider of leadership advisory and organization performance solutions to private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and leading
