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Daily Newswire
Lancer Group Recruits CFO for LifeSpeak
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Matt Smolko as the new CFO of digital wellbeing platform LifeSpeak. “LifeSpeak is entering an exciting new chapter as organizations demand wellbeing solutions that are reliable, flexible, hyper-personalized, and proven to make a difference,” said Jason Campana, CEO of LifeSpeak. “Our newly expanded leadership team strengthens our ability to
JM Search Assists Eden Brothers with Recruitment of New CEO
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Hollenstein as CEO of Kian Capital Partners-backed Eden Brothers. JM Search’s consumer practice team members Liza Stokes, partner, and Avery (Loeffler) Jacob, vice president, led the assignment. “Mike brings over 20 years of merchandising
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.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
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?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
DHR Global Appoints First Woman, Nonfamily Member as CEO
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first nonfamily CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward
Pedersen & Partners Names Country Manager for Thailand
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed Nisit Krutkaew as the country manager for Thailand. “We are over the moon with having Nisit join our leadership team in ASEAN,” said Gary Williams, CEO of Pedersen & Partners. “Nisit will add a tremendous amount of value to clients with his depth and breadth of executive search experience working
Korn Ferry Posts 12 Percent Revenue Loss
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted fiscal second quarter revenues of $435.4 million, a 12 percent decrease from the same period a year ago. The decrease across executive search, consulting, and RPO & professional search, was primarily due to a decline in demand for Korn Ferry’s products and services due to the impact of COVID-19. The decline
Kelly Acquires Greenwood/Asher & Associates
Troy, Michigan-based Kelly, a publicly-held, global leader in workforce management solutions offering staffing services to top companies, has acquired Greenwood/Asher & Associates, an executive search firm specializing in finding leaders across the academic and higher education sector. The search firm, based in Miramar Beach, Florida, will continue to operate under its own brand. “Across the education landscape,
Odgers Berndtson Seeks CEO for Earthshot Prize Organization
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has been chosen to find a chief executive officer to develop and lead an organization that will deliver the newly established Earthshot Prizes. Launched globally from the U.K. by Prince William, the £50 million award program will celebrate those who are addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. “The Earthshot Prize
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Christian Community Credit Union
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted Christian Community Credit Union in the recruitment of Aaron Caid as chief marketing officer of this mission-driven credit union. “We are excited to have Aaron Caid join the Christian Community Credit Union family,” said Blair Korschun, CEO of the financial institution. “Aaron is a man of faith with vast experience in
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Morocco
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has expanded its global footprint with the addition of Moroccan search firm Seeliger y Conde Morocco. Headed by Javier Canals, a multilingual search consultant and executive advisor, the firm is based in Casablanca and covers the North Africa region. “We have a significant track-record of
Executive Recruiters Weigh in On a Biden Presidency
The election of Joseph R. Biden Jr. to the Presidency promises significant change in Washington, D.C. for the next four years. Many questions remain about whether the incoming administration will be able to achieve its agenda, for better or worse, depending on one’s outlook – and the results of two Senate races still to be
Hanold Associates Assists The New York Times Co. in CHRO Search
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted The New York Times Co. in the recruitment of Jacqueline M. Welch as executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO). She will report directly to president and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien and sit on the company’s executive committee as well as lead its talent and inclusion
Egon Zehnder Forms Partnership with Out Leadership
Despite the well-documented benefits of diversity, many companies are still struggling to meaningfully change the makeup of their workforce. Egon Zehnder, the fourth largest search firm globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, and Out Leadership, a global platform for CEOs and multinational companies to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, recently formed an alliance aimed at promoting LGBTQ+
Herbert Mines Associates Helps rue21 Secure New CEO
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
Boyden Names Global Head of Leadership Consulting
Boyden recently appointed João Guedes Vaz as global head of leadership consulting. “Leadership consulting is a strategic priority at Boyden and I am delighted that João has accepted such an important role,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden. “His drive, commitment and talent will enable us to harness the exceptional understanding we have of our
As COVID-19 Lockdowns Mount, More Americans Expected to File for Unemployment
The Labor Department reported this morning that 742,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continue to rise. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 710,000. This was the fifth straight week that claims fell below 800,000. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming
Exploring the World of Remote Candidates
The ‘new normal’ is still evolving as the nation continues to adjust to COVID-19. One area of change is how businesses continue to be productive and remain safe. With over 40 percent of employees working from home since COVID-19 arrived, organizations have had to adjust quickly to managing remote workforces, says a new report from
Reffett Associates Seeking IT Leader for the Seattle Mariners
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been retained to find the new vice president of information technology for Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners. Marshall Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Seattle office, is leading the search along with Tom Young, director of operations. This is a new position for the organization and is part of a growing trend
PFM Executive Search Places Chief Scientific Officer for Genome BC
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Federica Di Palma as the new chief scientific officer and vice president, sectors for Genome BC, a non-profit research organization. Partners Allison Rzen and Shaun Carpenter led the assignment. Dr. Di Palma brings over 20 years of international experience in science, technology and innovation with an emphasis on understanding complex
Vaco Opens New Office in Vancouver
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has continued its expansion in Canada with the opening of a new office in Vancouver. The firm has named Nirad Chaudhari as managing partner. “We’ve enjoyed exciting and rapid expansion in the Canadian market in recent years, and a great opportunity for continued growth exists in the Vancouver area,” said Tom Turpin,
How to Hire 5,000 People in a Day
The job statistics have been dire. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of organizations laid off millions of American workers. More than 21 million Americans are currently claiming some form of unemployment insurance. And while the unemployment rate stands at 6.9 percent, it stood as high as 14.7 percent this past spring. A recent report
New State Capital Partners Takes Equity Stake in Klein Hersh
New State Capital Partners, based in Larchmont, NY, has taken an equity investment stake in Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh International, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries. New State was advised on the transaction by Morgan Lewis (legal), Duff & Phelps (financial), L.E.K. Consulting (industry), and Citizens Bank (M&A advisory).
Kincannon & Reed Recruits President for the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
After a four month search, executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Kailee Tkacz Buller as the new president of the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO) in Washington, D.C. ISEO is a trade association representing the refiners of edible fats and oils in the U.S. Managing directors Paul Miller and Michael Cooper led the
ZRG Expands Technology Practice into Austin and Dallas
ZRG Partners has expanded its technology practice into Texas with the addition of managing directors Lisa Hooker in Austin and Tyler Gordon and Kevin Anderson in Dallas. Together, the three have a collective 60 years of experience and assignments spanning a number of sectors within the tech space. They have delivered board and leadership projects for
Principal Connections Tapped by Clann Credo to Find New CEO
Ireland-based executive search firm Principal Connections has been selected by Clann Credo to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Practice leader Darren McCabe is heading the assignment. Reporting to the chairperson and the voluntary board of directors, the CEO will determine and formulate strategies and policies and provide the overall direction for Clann Credo
8 Key Traits to Look for When Hiring a Turnaround CEO
From a leadership and hiring standpoint, transforming businesses and driving change is no easy task. To accomplish the kind of sweeping, transformative change organizations often require, a ‘turnaround’ CEO is often required. In a new report from executive search firm ON Partners, partner Baillie Parker says that the ideal turnaround CEO candidate possesses a unique set of
LSU Taps Parker Executive Search to Find President
The Louisiana State University presidential search committee voted unanimously on Friday to hire Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search to assist in its hunt for a new president. F. King Alexander left the school after a little more than six years at the helm to run Oregon State University. Thomas Galligan Jr., dean of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center,
BoardWalk Consulting Tapped to Find President for Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next president for the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), a non-profit that promotes energy efficiency as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development and energy security. Mandy Mahoney, who has led SEEA for 10 years, recently announced that she depart next spring to pursue public office.
Heller Search Associates Expands Recruiting Team
Boston-headquartered executive recruiting firm Heller Search Associates has expanded with the addition of Charley Betzig as managing director. The firm said that it has experienced a strong uptick in search activity since June and has hired Mr. Betzig to help service its growing client roster. “Most companies have made the pivots necessary to survive in
Resolute Administrative Services Acquires Search Partners Recruiting
Acquisitions and consolidations continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Resolute Administrative Services, a Denver-based provider of back-office support, and workforce and consulting services for recruiting firms, recently acquired Search Partners Recruiting, a Dallas-based search firm that specializes in finding internal talent for the recruiting
Reducing Unconscious Bias in the Hiring Process
Longtime disparities based on culture, linguistics, income, place of residence, mental health and other factors have been found to limit care access and impede health equities. They also inflict financial waste on health systems, insurers, employers and patients. As health systems and providers become increasingly accountable for improving population health outcomes, patient populations are becoming
Academic Search Seeks President for Saint Elizabeth University
Academic Search, an education-focused executive recruitment firm, has been selected to find the next president for Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) in Morristown, NJ. Leading the assignment are: Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Maya Ranchod Kirkhope, VP for consulting services and senior consultant; Jennifer Kooken, consultant; and Kate L. Cusimano, associate consultant. The university’s current
Quick Leonard Kieffer Tapped by St. Luke’s Health System for Inaugural Chief Nursing Executive Search
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the top nursing executive has traditionally been the most
Beecher Reagan Names Digital & Analytics Practice Leader
Beecher Reagan, a global search and leadership firm specializing exclusively in senior professional services and private equity leadership, has appointed Matthew Greenberg as principal and leader of its digital and analytics practice. “During these uncertain times, we continue to invest in our firm,” said Clark Beecher, managing partner. “We would like to welcome Matthew Greenberg. Greenberg will lead
Ichor Leadership Search Recruits CEO for Sport New Zealand
New Zealand-based executive recruiting firm Ichor Leadership Search has placed Raelene Castle as the new CEO of Sport New Zealand. She replaces Peter Miskimmin, who steps down in December after 11 years in the role. “Raelene brings tremendous breadth and depth of experience as a CEO in sports administration and is a proven people and organizational leader,” said
