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Daily Newswire
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Central New Mexico Community College to Find CIO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Central New Mexico Community College to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. This role is designed for an experienced CIO with strong business acumen, who is ready to lead at scale, shape enterprise direction, and leave
Heidrick & Struggles Names New Practice Heads
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has named Alexis Hennessy as global head of the sales & commercial officers practice as well as Fabrice Lebecq and Seth Steinberg as the new co-global heads of the supply chain officers & operations officers practice. Ms. Hennessy is a partner in Heidrick’s Los
Sheffield Haworth Acquires Tony O’Leary’s Executive Search Business
Global Leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired Tony O’Leary’s executive search business, O’Leary and Partners, as part of the firm’s continued investment in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of this acquisition, Mr. O’Leary recently joined Sheffield Haworth to lead and expand
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
Pearl Meyer Expands Leadership Advisory Practice Through Acquisition of Ampersand Leadership Group
Coalesce Capital, a PE firm focused on investing in human capital and technology-enabled business services companies, has announced that its portfolio company Pearl Meyer, an independent advisor to boards and senior management, has acquired Ampersand Leadership Group, a provider of leadership advisory and organization performance solutions to private equity firms, their portfolio companies, and leading
Nexus Search Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Azurity Pharmaceuticals
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, recently assisted in the recruitment of Vinicius Gomes de Lima as chief medical officer of Azurity Pharmaceuticals, an international specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in the U.S., backed by QHP Capital. The international search, spanning North America and Europe, focused on identifying a medical
NPAG Retained by Proteus Fund to Lead Search for New President and CEO
Executive search firm NPAG was recently selected by Proteus Fund and the Proteus Action League to lead in its hunt for a new president and CEO. The search is being led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. Proteus Fund is seeking a president and CEO who will lead the organization in this context with renewed clarity
Kestria Names New Consumer & Retail Global Practice Leader
Global search consortium Kestria has appointed Giorgio Veronelli as its new consumer & retail global practice leader. “His leadership will play a key role in strengthening Kestria’s global expertise, supporting practice group members as they navigate emerging challenges and driving the continued evolution of our consumer & retail practice,” the consortium said. “Giorgio’s appointment reflects both
CEOs and CHROs: Strategic Alignment or Differing Priorities?
Like the broader business landscape, the roles of the CEO and CHRO have evolved significantly in recent years. CEOs remain focused on driving competitiveness and performance, while CHROs are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, a recent report from Radar HH, IMD International Search
January Hiring Tops Expectations, But Sharp Revisions Reveal Weakest Growth in Years
Employment rose by 130,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate was at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while federal government and financial activities lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.4 million, changed little in January. However, the bullish
The Tolan Group Fills Board Position for Frontier Psychiatry
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Terry Boch to the board of directors of Frontier Psychiatry, a mission-driven behavioral health organization focused on expanding access to high-quality psychiatric care. “Terry’s extraordinary depth of experience in scaling tech-forward healthcare companies and her passion for innovation make her an invaluable addition to our board,” said Eric Arzubi, co-founder
Kaye/Bassman Integrates Ambulatory Surgery Center & Surgical Hospital Recruiting Practices
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International has announced the strategic integration of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) & surgical hospital recruiting practice with its hospital and nursing leadership practice, combining two specialized healthcare recruiting teams to better support healthcare organizations across the surgical and acute care continuum. As part of the integration, Drew Wyatt, managing partner within
DSG Global Announces Formal Launch of Fundraising & Advancement as Specialized Practice
DSG Global recently launched DSG fundraising & advancement, a dedicated practice that formalizes the firm’s 25 years of philanthropic fundraising search expertise. Headed by global managing partner and fundraising & advancement practice founder Gerard F. Cattie, DSG fundraising & advancement builds on the firm’s track record of more than 1,000 successful searches for philanthropic leaders worldwide. “With Giving
Why First-Time Chief People Officers Are Becoming Mission-Critical Business Leaders
Amid ongoing economic, social, geopolitical, and technological disruption, placing the right leaders in the right roles—and ensuring they lead in the right way—has become critical. Yet the greatest obstacle to achieving organizational ambitions remains a lack of leadership talent equipped to navigate unprecedented complexity and change. Chief people officers are uniquely placed to overcome this
Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by JVS for Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently selected by Jewish Vocational & Career Counseling Service (JVS) to lead in its search for a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). This executive will be responsible for overseeing the operational strategy of the organization with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and financial leadership in support of JVS’s mission
AGB Search Seeking President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by the University of Montana (UM) to lead in its search for a new president. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald are leading the assignment. The Board of Regents for the Montana University System and Montana commissioner of Higher Education
ZRG Continues LATAM Expansion
ZRG Partners has appointed Nestor Gonzalez-Monroy as senior vice president and head of Latin America within its interim solutions & project consulting business. “Investing in Latin America is not a one-off commitment but a strategic, long-term focus for us,” said Mark Viner, president of interim solutions & project consulting at ZRG. “Nestor’s appointment strengthens our ability
Why Most Boards Underperform and Why 2026 is the Year to Fix It
Even the most capable boards can struggle to translate individual expertise into collective performance. If you spend enough time in boardrooms of any flavor, whether public, private, PE-backed, family-owned, or non-profit, you eventually notice a strange phenomenon, explained a recent report from Rob Andrews, founder and CEO of Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin. “Everyone is
VC and PE Talent Partners Should Be Pursuing the Same Marketing Leader — Here’s Why
For much of the last decade, talent partners could draw a clean line between marketing leadership profiles in venture-backed and private-equity-backed companies. Venture portfolios hired for invention, narrative, and early demand discovery while private equity portfolios hired for discipline, efficiency, and EBITDA stewardship, according to a recent report from RevelOne’s John Levisay. “That distinction has eroded,”
Buffkin / Baker Assists Florida Atlantic University with Provost Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Ken Dawson-Scully, as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of Florida Atlantic University. “I am excited to welcome Ken back to Florida Atlantic,” said Florida Atlantic president Adam Hasner. “When I became president, I committed to conducting a national search for a
BroadView Talent Partners Leading CEO Search for Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners was recently selected by Freestore Foodbank to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn are leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO sets the strategic direction for a $100 million enterprise, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship, operational excellence,
Caldwell Grows Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Christoph Themel as a partner in the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice. He is based in London. “Christoph’s appointment reflects our continued investment in building a strong, globally integrated life sciences and healthcare practice,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His international experience and sector depth expand our
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said
Acertitude Fills Senior Finance Post for Sixth Street Growth
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Rebeca Sanchez Sarmiento as finance operating partner of Sixth Street Growth. The search was led by co-founder and managing partner, Rick DeRose, and senior partner, Scott Carberry. “Acertitude is proud to have partnered with Sixth Street in the appointment of Rebeca Sanchez Sarmiento as finance operating partner,” the firm said
Kincannon & Reed Recruits Executive Director for the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Mariam Parker as executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). She succeeds founding leader Alan Reed, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service. “Mariam brings a rare combination of strategic vision, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership,” said Lisa
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief People and Legal Officer
Korn Ferry has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Kuai as chief people and legal officer. He also currently serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and managing director – corporate responsibility & business affairs at the firm. Mr. Kuai oversees multiple global functions including legal, business affairs, compliance, privacy, and corporate responsibility.
How Law Firms Are Redefining Partner Recruitment in the Age of AI and Regulation
In a legal market defined by relentless competition and accelerating client demands, elite firms are placing an even higher premium on partners who can deliver immediate impact and sustained growth. As lateral movement intensifies across key global markets, the ability to identify, attract, and integrate top-tier talent has become a strategic advantage—one that can reshape
The Talent Studios Recruits CEO for 2WAY Media
The Talent Studios has placed Joe Ruffolo as chief executive officer at 2WAY Media, a category-defining interactive digital media platform building the future of live, participatory content. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen and Katlyn Maloney. “Joe is a rare leader who understands how to build modern media businesses while staying deeply connected to storytelling and audience trust,” said Mark
JM Search Places CEO at Whistle Express
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Byerly as the new CEO of Whistle Express in Charlotte, NC. Jim Ipema and Andrew Pressman led the assignment. As part of this transition, José Costa has stepped down as CEO and will continue
