DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
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.
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
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?
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Hiring Interim CEOs for PE Portfolio Companies
Private equity firms are increasingly relying on interim CEOs to drive transformation within their portfolio companies. As interim leadership becomes a mainstream solution, the critical question evolves: how can firms deploy it to achieve transformative outcomes? In 2025’s challenging market environment, where value creation depends on operational excellence rather than financial engineering, interim CEOs have become
WittKieffer Seeking New President for St. John’s University
Executive search firm WittKieffer has been called in by St. John’s University in Queens, NY, to lead its search for a new president. Conrado Gempesaw, the first lay president in the history of St. John’s University, will be retiring in 2021. Dennis M. Barden, senior partner; Greg Duyck, leader of the firm’s advancement practice; and Sarah Miller,
The Moran Company Seeking CFO for Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find the next chief financial officer/associate director of administration for Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON). The organization conducts research and promotes education in the marine sciences and marine technology on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Senior search consultant Gretchen
Randstad US and Udemy Form Alliance
Randstad US and Udemy have partnered to offer free educational courses to American workers either already placed or currently looking for roles through Randstad’s job network. The alliance focuses on providing access to the skills needed to increase career mobility in primarily technical sectors. “We have partnered with Udemy to ensure that our talent has access to the fresh
CyberSN Expands in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions
Increasingly, organizations of all sizes are awakening to the perils posed by cyber attacks. For years, many groups tried to ignore the problem, dismissing cybersecurity as a concern only for the biggest, most high-profile entities, be they government or corporate. These days, more groups are coming to understand how ruinous such intrusions could be. This
What Companies are Looking for in a CEO During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered nearly every aspect of how companies view themselves, from their purpose to their workforce, as well as how they perform under pressure and in the face of uncertainty. With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, companies delayed leadership transitions, appointing CEOs with proven track records and deprioritizing diversity of experience
Ventura Partners to Lead Search for South Carolina Head Football Coach
Chad Chatlos of Ventura Partners has been selected by the University of South Carolina to help athletics director Ray Tanner and South Carolina president Bob Caslen find their next head football coach. The school fired Will Muschamp after the team’s third consecutive lopsided loss and a record of 28–30 under his leadership. The Gamecocks named offensive coordinator
TestGorilla Raises $1.2 Million as COVID-19 Fuels a Shift to Remote Hiring
Pre-employment testing software company TestGorilla has raised $1.2 million in pre-series A funding from CapitalT and a group of international angel investors. Founded by serial entrepreneur Wouter Durville and former Bain & Company partner Otto Verhage, TestGorilla is an online skills assessment platform that launched this summer. TestGorilla aims to make hiring more efficient and less biased by allowing organizations to use skills assessments at the
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.
