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Daily Newswire
Artico Recruits Partner for Radical Ventures
Artico Search has assisted in the placement of Richard Kotite as a partner with Radical Ventures. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “Excited to share that I’ve joined Radical Ventures as a partner in London,” Mr. Kotite said in a LinkedIn post. “Europe has world-class entrepreneurial talent in AI, and I’m
Z3Talent Retained by FreshLo to Lead CEO Search
Denver, CO-based executive search firm Z3Talent was recently retained to lead the search for the founding chief executive officer of FreshLo, a non-profit grocery enterprise expanding in Montbello and other Denver neighborhoods. Steve Ziegler and Paula Stolebarger are leading the assignment. This is a build-from-scratch leadership mandate with meaningful operating complexity and community impact. “This is
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.
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
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
How to Embrace AI Before It’s Too Late
While artificial intelligence is exciting, its rapid growth is also raising concerns. Recently, the CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, warned that “AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs – and spike unemployment to 10-20 percent in the next one to five years.” Likewise, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufmann recently cautioned the company’s employees and freelancers: “AI is
Ballinger | Leafblad Recruits Executive Director for Can Do Canines
Executive search firm Ballinger | Leafblad has placed Jeff Johnson as the new executive director of Can Do Canines, the largest provider of assistance dogs for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Marcia Ballinger, co-founder and principal, and Holly Kelsey-Henry, vice president, led the assignment for the search firm. Mr. Johnson, who joins Can Do Canines from
Amrop Adds New Member Firm in São Paulo
Global recruiting organization Amrop has added São Paulo, Brazil-based Inniti as its newest member firm. Founded in 2014, Inniti (now Amrop Inniti) serves clients in the domains of executive search, corporate governance, organizational development, leadership development and coaching. The firm’s industry coverage includes consumer, industrial, life sciences, financial services, technology, professional services, education and real estate. “Joining Amrop is a major step
Leaders Take Stock of Covid-19
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70 percent of global companies are shifting more than 81 percent of their operations online, with the financial services industry in the lead, followed by professional services and technology, according to a new report by Kingsley Gate Partners. The search firm found that organizations are now grappling
AGB Search Fills Provost Post for Kent State University
Following a national search, Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search has assisted in the recruitment of Melody Tankersley as the new provost for Kent State University in Ohio. Melissa K. Trotta and Ellen Meyer led the assignment. An experienced leader, Dr. Tankersley has served Kent State in positions of increasing responsibility since 1993. In 2019, she was named interim senior
BarkerGilmore Releases General Counsel Study
Succession to a general counsel role is a critical accomplishment for many legal professionals. However, little research exists to understand the path to position attainment from those that have achieved the role of general counsel. A new research report by legal-focused executive search firm BarkerGilmore aims to contribute to this conversation by delving into the
Reffett Associates Fills Top Post for the Air Force Research Laboratory
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with the placement of Melanie Lazarus as dean of the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine in it’s 711 Human Performance Wing. The assignment was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from Marshall Reffett, managing
The Loring Group Fills Top Finance Post for Kendo Brands
San Francisco, CA-headquartered executive search firm The Loring Group recruited Frederic Lartiguevieille as senior vice president of finance at Kendo Brands. Partner Rich Kampmann led the assignment. “We learned many valuable lessons during this search that was impacted by COVID-19 that will benefit Kendo Brands and others we work with going forward during the pandemic,” Mr. Kampmann
Russell Reynolds Associates, With Student Input, Seeks President for Marist College
Russell Reynolds Associates has launched the search for the next leader of Marist College, which included a virtual session with students to learn how they believe the school should move forward under the new president. David Yellen resigned from the role in mid-2019 after serving for three years. His predecessor, Dennis J. Murray, who had been
Korn Ferry Seeking CEO for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.
The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. (CFC) , a member-owned non-profit cooperative that provides financial products and services to America’s rural electric cooperative network, has retained Korn Ferry to find a successor to CEO Sheldon Petersen, who will retire in 2021. Korn Ferry also led the search that placed Mr. Petersen as CEO in
Vetted Solutions Assists CFA Society New York in CEO Search
Washington, D.C. based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has assisted in the placement of Sameer Jagetia as the new chief executive officer of CFA Society New York (CFANY), a financial services forum and provider of professional education and career development to Wall Street. The group’s previous CEO, Daniel Dagen, stepped down at the end of March. Peter
Randstad North America Appoints CHRO
Randstad North America has named Bob Lopes as its new chief human resources officer. He is based out of the company’s Tampa, FL, office. “We are very fortunate to have Bob bring his expertise to the Randstad North America leadership team,” said Karen Fichuk, CEO of Randstad North America and Randstad N.V. executive board member. “His depth of experience across
Finding a Job During a Pandemic
When it comes to hiring and career changes, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated an already arduous decision-making process. There are now added complexities around interview logistics, safety and cleanliness within the workplace, and adapting to a growing remote workforce. In a recent report, executive search firm 3P Partners, highlighted three key areas that are affecting candidates’
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits Chief Legal Officer to Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Ling Zeng as chief legal officer and secretary at Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Lexington, MA. The search was conducted by Ron Ciardiell and Nancy Reiner, both managing directors in MLA’s in-house counsel recruiting group in Boston. “It was exciting to partner with Dicerna on this highly competitive international search for its chief legal officer and secretary,” said Mr. Ciardiello. “Ling
Preng & Associates Assists ProPetro Holding Corp. in CFO Search
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant: Rewriting corporate budgets seemingly daily; bargaining with banks over broken loan covenants; answering constant calls from investors and board directors; and, in extreme cases, figuring out how to make payroll. All while working with no colleagues around. Houston, TX-based executive
Beloit Snappers Tap Marquee Search in Hunt for New President
Gateway Management Group and the Beloit Snappers have tapped the services of Portland, OR-based Marquee Search to lead a nationwide search to select a company president to oversee all operations at the brand-new, multi-purpose stadium being built in downtown Beloit, WI. The president of Gateway Management will lead the Beloit baseball team as well as
The Onstott Group Expands Search Team
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has expanded with the addition of Christine Venditti as managing director. Ms. Venditti over 20 years of executive recruiting experience scaling private equity and VC funded and public technology companies including CFO, CEO and CMO roles. Her background includes in house experience on Apple’s internal search team
Jobless Claims Fall as Election and Pandemic Second Wave Add to the Misery
The Labor Department reported this morning that 751,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the lowest total since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 778,000. The latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market. The total reflected a decline of 40,000
Academic Career & Executive Search Finds Dean for Texas A&M University
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Debra Feakes as the new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas A&M University – San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. “Co-chairs Vijay Golla and Bill Bush sought to find a dean who could proactively take the lead in solidifying and implementing the
Furst Group Recruits CFO for Baystate Health
Following a national search, Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, assisted Baystate Health in Springfield, MA, in the hiring of Raymond McCarthy as treasurer and chief financial officer. Mr. McCarthy has served as interim CFO since March. “Ray has worked tirelessly and skillfully to keep our health system financially stable during the pandemic and the
Harvey Nash Acquires Latitude 36, Expands to U.S. Market
Recruitment firm Harvey Nash has acquired technology focused executive search firm Latitude 36 as part of its strategic expansion in the U.S. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “I am extremely excited about Latitude 36 joining the Harvey Nash Group family,” said Jason Allen, CEO of Harvey Nash technology recruitment division Northern Europe, Australia and
Handshake Receives $80 Million in Funding
Handshake, a jobs platform for college students and recent graduates, has received an $80 million financing round led by GGV Capital with participation from EQT Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital and True Ventures, along with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Emerson Collective and Imaginable Futures. “Since its founding, Handshake has been laser focused on delivering on its
Bain & Company and Hunt Scanlon Launch Talent Intelligence Partnership
Bain & Company, the leading global advisor to the private equity industry, and Hunt Scanlon Media, the leading talent intelligence provider to the human capital and private equity sectors, have entered into a partnership to gather data to better understand current PE portfolio company executive talent issues and their link to investment performance. “With more detailed insight
B.E. Smith Seeks CFO for Ohio-Based Fairfield Medical Center
Healthcare-focused B.E. Smith has been enlisted to find a new chief financial officer for Fairfield Medical Center, an independent, not-for-profit, community-based health system in Lancaster, OH. Senior executive consultant. The previous CFO, Sky Gettys, announced early this year that he would be retiring after nearly 20 years with the organization. As a key member of
Bishop & Company Assists the Hawaii Tourism Authority with CEO Search
Honolulu-based executive search firm Bishop & Company has assisted the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in the recruitment of John De Fries as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. He is the first Native Hawaiian appointed as HTA’s president and CEO. Past leader Chris Tatum recently retired. The assignment was spearheaded by Erinn N. Tomlinson,
ZRG Appoints Digital, Data, Analytics, and AI Practice Leader
ZRG has expanded with the addition of Lisa Peacock-Edwards as managing director and leader of its digital, data, analytics and AI practice. “Lisa’s track record of success spans countries and continents,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “As a member of the ZRG team and leader of the digital, data, analytics and AI practice, I’m confident in
Cornerstone International Group Names Managing Partner for Middle Eastern Region
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has unveiled a new executive search and leader advisory team in the Middle East with the addition of Stelios Pigadiotis as managing partner and founder of Cornerstone Dubai. “We are delighted to welcome Stelios to Cornerstone International Group,” said Simon Wan, chairman. “Stelios is
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Steep Q3 Declines; Records $48 Million Restructuring Charge
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted $143.5 million third quarter revenues, down from $182.2 million during the same period a year ago. The reduction in net revenue was primarily due to the impact of the pandemic on its global business. Executive search net revenue was $129.2 million compared to $166.5 million in
The Christopher Group Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at HarperCollins Publishers
Thomas Christopher, Pam Noble and Matthew Duda of The Christopher Group (TCG) have placed Gisselda Nunez as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at HarperCollins Publishers. “It was an honor and a privilege to work directly with the HarperCollins leadership team as they continue to build an inclusive and diverse workplace,” said Ms. Noble, the search firm’s chief human resources
Buffkin / Baker Assists the Blues Foundation with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in recruiting Patricia Wilson Aden as the new president and CEO of the Blues Foundation, which is dedicated to honoring, preserving and promoting the musical form known as the blues. She succeeds Barbara Newman who recently retired. Nat Sutton and Tom Truitt, partners from Buffkin / Baker, executed the search. “On
McDermott + Bull Names Chief Operating Officer
Top leadership appointments have been gaining traction at executive search firms over the past year. Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently appointed Angela Anderson to chief operating officer, where she will continue to build and scale the firm’s infrastructure and support its expansion. “Angela has worked side by side with me for most of her 11 years
AltoPartners Spain and WFS Talent Form Partnership with Johan Cruyff Institute
AltoPartners Spain, an international consultancy firm specializing in executive search, and WFS Talent, which provides human resources solutions for the sports industry, have formalized an agreement with the Johan Cruyff Institute to strengthen the institute’s career services offerings. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the Johan Cruyff Institute provides online and on-campus study programs in sport management,
