DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be the
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,
The Power of Peer Groups: Why Every Leader Needs One
Success can be isolating. As entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners, we are expected to have all the answers, make the tough calls, and push forward—even when the weight of leadership feels overwhelming. However, here is the truth: no one succeeds alone, according to a recent article from Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search
Jensen Partners Makes Two Senior Appointments
New York City-based Jensen Partners has made two senior appointments, naming Peter Sipsas as managing director and global head of private equity and credit, and Meredith Flynn as head of market intelligence. Mr. Sipsas and Ms. Flynn, who will both be based in New York, will expand the firm’s alternative investments recruiting platform to 17 and
Slayton Search Partners Adds Veteran Private Equity Recruiter
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Dan Dunn as executive vice president. He will be focused on driving value for industrial manufacturers, including private equity-backed mid-market portfolio companies and Fortune 500 organizations. “Dan’s impressive skill-set, deep background and positive attitude make him a perfect fit for this company,” said Richard Slayton,
Recruiting Sector is Weathering the Pandemic Storm
The impact of COVID-19 on staffing and recruitment companies has been profound but optimism and opportunity remains within the industry, according to a new survey of global staffing and recruitment professionals by Bullhorn. The Boston-based company provides cloud-based customer relationship management and operations solutions for the staffing industry. “We’re cautiously optimistic that we are observing
The Bowdoin Group Makes Strategic New Hires
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive recruitment firm, has expanded its core team with two new strategic hires, including the expansion of its research team and finance department in the last quarter. Tracie-Jo (TJ) Crowthers joins the firm as a consultant, bringing with her several years of experience leading client engagements and managing candidates through the recruitment
WittKieffer Recruits CHRO for Des Moines University
Executive search firm WittKieffer has placed Marc Wachtfogel as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Des Moines University in Iowa. He succeeds Becky Lade, who held the post since 2014. Consultants Melissa Fincher and Sarah Miller led the assignment for the search firm. “Marc brings a wealth of experience to his new role of providing
Lucas Group Names Chief People Officer
Atlanta, GA-headquartered executive search firm Lucas Group has appointed Heath Henson as its chief people officer. He brings to the firm a track record of driving positive business outcomes, cost savings and performance improvements through his deep expertise in human capital solutions and commitment to strategic partnership. “As a collaborative leader and consensus builder, Heath excels at advising key stakeholders
Eton Bridge Partners Names Head of People
Executive search and interim management firm Eton Bridge Partners has named former human resources executive Claire Vidal as head of people. “We are fortunate to have someone of Claire’s caliber join the business to drive our human capital agenda and help us to maintain our unique values-led culture as the business continues to grow,” said Ashton Ward, managing
Leading Teams Through Times of Crisis
Leading teams through times of crisis can be a catalyst to incredible results. Like athletes in the last few seconds of a nail-biting game, stress can be a positive force that leads to remarkable breakthroughs. “But often, teams freeze in a crisis and miss this opportunity,” Phil Harkins, chairman and co-founder of Prossimo Global Partners,
Merc Partners | Spencer Stuart Retained by Ireland Strategic Investment Fund to Find Next Leader
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), controlled and managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (MTMA), has called in John Glenny and Ruth Curran of Merc Partners | Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a new director. Reporting to the chief executive of the NTMA, the director role requires a high caliber candidate, capable of leading a complex
Solomon Page Expands Financial Services Division
Executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its financial services division with additions of Jacob Navon as global head of asset management and David Trevena as director of asset management. Reporting to founding partner and managing director Scott Page, the team will be based in the New York office and will help expand the financial services practice
ChampionScott Partners Assists CertifiedSafety in Recruitment of New Board Member
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, ChampionScott Partners, which specializes in senior-level appointments for technology and technology-enabled companies, recently assisted in
Ward Howell International Expands to Cleveland
Ward Howell International has expanded to Cleveland with the addition of Matt Clemens as managing partner to lead the new location. Mr. Clemens has more than 25 years of executive search, recruiting and operational experience. Specifically, he has conducted assignments for chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, division presidents, general managers and
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,
