DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
August Leadership Names Partner in Paris
August Leadership has appointed Art Avdeev as partner in Paris. He brings over 25 years of experience managing executive search and leadership development projects for clients across EMEA and beyond. Mr. Avdeev works with corporate and private equity clients on assignments in banking, insurance, consumer finance, and mobile banking, as well as FMCG, retail, agriculture, and
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
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.
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
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?
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
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
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
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
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
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
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Mark III Construction
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
Rudish Health Seeking Chief Investment Officer for MedStar Health
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health has been selected by MedStar Health to lead in its search for a treasurer and chief investment officer. Charlotte Beck, Asmita Shah, and Jessica Cousino are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CFO as a member of the senior executive team, this leader will hold a
The Millard Group Announces Promotion
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has appointed Haley Lomax as senior search consultant. She is co-leader the firm’s solution provider practice, which focuses on executive search and go-to-market team builds for high-growth solution and services providers (including MSP/MSSP, telecom, ISP, network
The University of Alabama System Taps ZRG for President Search
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Building a Culture of Collaboration Between HR and Talent Acquisition
Hiring the right people requires more than just filling open positions—it demands a strategic partnership across the organization. When HR aligns closely with department leaders, the result is a hiring process that not only meets immediate needs but also drives long-term success. By integrating insight from every corner of the company, HR can identify candidates
Russell Reynolds Associates Names First Chief Science Officer
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has appointed Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic as its first chief science officer. In this new global role, Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic will lead RRA’s research and development (R&D) and innovation initiatives, driving the firm’s data strategy and the development of proprietary insights to further enhance RRA’s advisory capabilities. “The integration of cutting-edge
Spencer Stuart Forms Long-Term Alliance with ONYX
Spencer Stuart has inked a new long-term strategic partnership with ONYX, an invitation-only membership network of recently retired and longer-tenured CEOs, two-thirds of whom have led Fortune 500 companies and who collectively sit on over 400 corporate boards. Spencer Stuart made a minority investment in ONYX and will become its exclusive partner for leadership, talent and human capital
Anthem Executive Seeking CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive was recently retained by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (BGCT) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the assignment. The non-profit seeks a transformational and decisive CEO to lead the organization through a critical period of change and renewal. Reporting directly
The Dark Side of Leadership
When the dark side of leadership emerges, organizational catastrophe is just a step away. Financial news proves this year after year, according to a recent report from Hogan Assessments. For instance, former CEO Adam Neumann contributed to devaluing the commercial real estate company WeWork by approximately $37 billion in mere months. “Now, we all know that
DHR Global Recruits Chief Marketing and Brand Officer for the Atlantic Coast Conference
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has recruited Marques E. Zak as the first chief marketing and brand officer of the Atlantic Coast Conference. This marks a significant step in the conference’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its brand and expand fan engagement. “Marques is a proven marketing innovator whose leadership has consistently brought brands closer to their audiences in
JDG Completes VP Searches for The MIL Corporation
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Yolanda Reid and Mike Marshall as vice presidents of cybersecurity at The MIL Corporation. With over 25 years of experience at the forefront of national security and emerging technology, Ms. Reid has led some of the most advanced cyber and intelligence programs supporting the U.S. government
Pacific International Partners with LSG Sky Chefs Americas
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has inked an exclusive 12-month retained search partner agreement with LSG Sky Chefs Americas (Sky Chefs), the market leader in airline catering and hospitality services across North and Latin America. Under the agreement, Pacific International will leverage its expertise to identify and attract senior talent that aligns with Sky Chefs’ culture
The Barton Partnership Appoints Vice President, North America
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has named Melissa Chester as vice president, North America. The firm said she will partner with leaders across the firm to accelerate growth in independent consulting while complementing The Barton Partnership’s established executive search capabilities in strategy & transformation. “Melissa’s extensive experience supporting private equity firms and their
Hunt Scanlon Media Taps ZRG to Recruit New Sales Chief
Hunt Scanlon Media, the long-time trade publisher and media concern serving the global executive search and human capital sectors, has retained ZRG to recruit the company’s new head of sales. ZRG is ranked as the seventh-largest search firm in the U.S. according to Hunt Scanlon. “Given ZRG’s outstanding media and entertainment search practice, we could not
