DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
TM² Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently retained by Fort Valley State University (FVSU) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu are leading the assignment. The CHRO oversees the strategic direction of the human resources department. The CHRO provides leadership and direction for
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
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
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
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
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.
Rethinking The Leadership Pipeline
In a recent LinkedIn post that gained wide attention across the executive search community, Shawn Cole laid out his forecast for the decade ahead: intense demand for talent, shrinking candidate slates, partner retirements, industry consolidation, and surging compensation. His message was clear – the model is shifting, and search firms that don’t evolve risk being left behind.Mr. Cole brings
Bob Reed, Options Group Co-Founder, Dies at 51
Bob Reed, a founding partner and president of New York-based Options Group, has died at the age of 51. “Today, we have lost someone who is irreplaceable to all of us,” said the executive search firm in a statement, adding that his “legacy will be remembered and celebrated.” Mr. Reed suffered from glioblastoma for the past 15
Why Smart CEOs are Hiring Executives During COVID-19
Over the past six months, The Bowdoin Group has completed several executive searches with venture- and private equity-backed companies. Although the majority of the firm’s clients and their investors expressed some degree of concern kicking off the assignments, according to the firm’s Sean Walker, “as we moved through each successful placement, it became clear that COVID-19 has not
CarterBaldwin Executive Search Taps President for Warner Pacific University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search recently placed Brian L. Johnson as the new president of Warner Pacific University (WPU), a private Christian university in Portland, OR. Leading the assignment was founding partner Price Harding. Dr. Johnson was previously vice president and campus administrator for Mercy College in New York City for two years. He succeeds Dr. Andrea
Westmont Search Recruits Chief Nursing Officer for Essentia Health
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 chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most
Comhar Partners Appoints Professional Services Practice Managing Director
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has named Marc Detampel a managing director in its Chicago office. He will join co-founder and managing director J. James O’Malley in supporting the firm’s professional services practice as well as other industry segments. “We are excited that Marc brings a career in serving top organizations across multiple industries in the
Permanent Job Losers Top 3.8 Million as President Tests Positive for COVID-19
Employment rose by 661,000 in September as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass economic
ON Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for Segra
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed a new chief people officer, Tanya Clark Robinson, for Segra, one of the largest fiber infrastructure network companies in the eastern U.S. Ms. Clark Robinson previously worked at Aetna, where she was vice president of human resources. This is a new position for the Charlotte, NC-based company. Leading
McCormack+Kristel Seeks Executive Director for the Attic Youth Center
LGBTQ focused search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by the Attic Youth Center in Philadelphia to lead its search for a new executive director. The executive director will provide strategic leadership to advance the agency’s vision, mission, goals and objectives. Reporting to a nine-member board of directors, comprised of prominent Philadelphia business and community leaders, this executive is responsible
Thrive Adds Ken Vancini as Industry Solutions Director
Recruiting software provider Thrive TRM has expanded with the addition of executive search veteran Ken Vancini as director of industry solutions. “As a subject matter expert, Ken will be an incredible asset to Thrive and our customers,” said J. Reed Flesher, Thrive co-founder and chief product officer. “He has a passion for technology and understands the
Diversified Search Adds Finance Veteran in New York
Diversified Search has expanded with the addition of Elizabeth Ewing as managing director. Ms. Ewing, who will serve in the firm’s financial officers, CEO and board of directors’ practices, will be based out of Diversified’s New York office. “Liz Ewing has everything you look for in a search executive: intelligence, strategic thinking and the ability to
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as Economic Uncertainty and Hiring Hesitancy Persist
The Labor Department reported this morning that 837,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected first-time claims to come in at 850,000, down slightly from the 860,000 claims reported for the previous week. The latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market. The Labor Department changed
Glocap Search Creates Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice, Names Practice Head
With research proving that companies with more ethnically and culturally diverse teams increase their productivity, reduce turnover and inch up profits, Glocap Search has, in response, created a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practice. The firm has hired HR industry veteran Elisa Leary as managing director and head of the new practice. “We are extremely
Spencer Stuart Seeks New CEO for the Boston Foundation
Spencer Stuart is currently leading the search for a new president and CEO for the Boston Foundation. Paul Grogan recently announced that he will be stepping down after nearly 20 years of transformative leadership with the organization. Mary Gorman, John Harpole, David Wick and Diane Carlyle are spearheading the assignment. “The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated and exacerbated
Leathwaite Adds Commercial and Digital Practice Leader
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite continues to expand with the recent addition of Kevin Parker, from Heidrick & Struggles, as partner in its New York and Dallas offices. He will lead the firm’s commercial and digital practice and is expected to strengthen its technology and operations expertise. “Mr. Parker has an impeccable track record as a
Cornerstone Resources Tapped by Border Federal Credit Union to Find CFO
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 CEOs and senior managers over the
As Women Gain Seats on Boards, Minorities Fall Back
This past year, boards around the world were facing a range of competing expectations for the new members they would add in order to meet their ever-growing remit. According to Heidrick & Struggles’ 2020 Board Monitor, modern boards are expected to possess significant expertise in areas as specialized and diverse as digital transformation, cybersecurity, corporate
Odgers Berndtson Secures New Leader for The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
Global search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed William A. LaPlante as the new president and CEO of The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, MA. The assignment was led by Clarke Havener, vice chairman, and Jon Barney, head of the firm’s aerospace, defense and national security practice. “Thanks to Clarke and Jon’s leadership of this search, we successfully recruited
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Seeks Next President for Western Illinois University
Greenwood /Asher & Associates, a Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm, has been selected to find the next president for Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. Betty Asher, partner and vice president, and Alex Matthews, senior executive search consultant, are spearheading the assignment. Western Illinois University’s previous president, Jack Thomas, stepped down in June 2019.
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer at Lumen Bio
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. And in the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Recently, life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners placed Mike Spigarelli as chief medical officer of Lumen Bioscience in Seattle,
Moloney Search Appoints Digital Assessment Business Leader
London-based executive recruiting firm Moloney Search has named veteran HR executive Ian Iceton as the new managing director to lead the launch of its digital assessment business The Cambridge Code. “Ian Iceton was one of the most impressive HR directors I had the privilege of working with and he was always interested in new digital
Armstrong Craven Moves to Employee-Owned Business Platform
Executive search firm Armstrong Craven, headquartered in Manchester, U.K., has become a majority employee-owned business. The firm will continue to be led by joint managing directors Rachel Davis and Peter Howarth. “We have long believed that the well-known benefits of employee ownership, when combined with our extremely dedicated team, will be a recipe for success,
Helbling & Associates Assists STO Building Group in CHRO Search
Wexford, PA-based Helbling & Associates has assisted in the placement of Claudia Healy as chief human resources officer (CHRO) at STO Building Group, a family of construction management companies headquartered in New York City. The search firm launched the assignment at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Through constant contact, innovative screening and presentation methods
Online Job Ads Seldom Reach Top Candidates
Some organizations in the employment marketplace advertise their job openings through online advertisements. There is a limit, however, to their effectiveness and the degree to which they can help you find the best candidates, according to a report by Stacy Pursell, CEO of The Pursell Group. “I’ve talked at length before about the fact that not all potential candidates
Myers McRae Seeks Provost for Middle Georgia State University
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been enlisted by Middle Georgia State University to lead in its search for a provost and vice president of academic affairs. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Kenny Daugherty, president, are leading the assignment along with senior vice president Jennifer Barfield. As the chief academic officer, the provost provides strategic
FaithSearch Partners Launches New Athletics Recruiting Division
Executive search firm FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has launched an athletics recruiting platform, which will be led by senior vice president Bryan Fowler. FSP’s athletics service line will guide faith-based executive searches for high school, college and professional associations, organizations, programs and teams seeking athletic directors, business leaders, chaplains, and the right leadership to guide their internal teams.
Bridging Social Distancing to Make Key Hires
Senior executives and business leaders are navigating through contingency plans, employee safety measures and remote work set-ups all while making key recruitments without face-to-face interviews. A new report from Catalyst Advisors’ Amy Bottoms and Borjana Fermaud says that this is all far from what we previously considered ideal. Yet, the current environment brings an important question to the
Isaacson, Miller Tapped by Texas A&M to Assist With President Search
The search for Texas A&M University’s next president recently shifted into high gear after chancellor John Sharp signed a recruiting contract with Isaacson, Miller. Current president Michael K. Young announced earlier this month he will be retiring at the end of May. Founder John Isaacson and David Bellshaw are leading the assignment with Lindsay Gold. Isaacson, Miller was one of
Solomon Page Fashion & Beauty Recruits CEO for mDesign Home Décor
Solomon Page Fashion & Beauty has placed seasoned retail executive Stacey Renfro as the new CEO of mDesign Home Décor, a multi-million-dollar marketplace seller and digitally native brand. “We are confident that Stacey’s leadership will be pivotal and essential to the tremendous growth we are projecting,” said Robert Immerman, founder and chief innovation officer at mDesign. “Stacey’s wealth of experience
Major, Lindsey & Africa Names Executive Director
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has appointed Carlos Pauling as executive director within the partner practice group. He will oversee the performance of partner recruiters in the firm’s East Coast offices, including New York, Boston and Washington, D.C. In addition, he will be responsible for developing a strategy to grow lateral recruiting at a time when law firms are
NPAworldwide Adds Seven New Member Firms in the U.S.
Seven new independent recruitment firms joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide in recent months. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these recruitment firms have the ability
Big Ten Conference Retains Hanold Associates to Find Chief People & Culture Officer
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has been enlisted to recruit a chief people and culture officer for the Big Ten Conference. The firm also recently placed the chief talent officer for Ford Motor Co. “Kevin Warren (commissioner of the Big Ten) is a true leader in that he is so authentic, humble and willing
