DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
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
Hunt Scanlon to Host Conferences in New York City and London on AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming talent strategy by enabling faster, more precise, and scalable decision-making across the hiring lifecycle. Rather than merely automating tasks, AI is enhancing how companies identify, evaluate, and retain top talent. It allows recruiters and talent leaders to shift their focus from manual processes to higher-level strategy and relationship building. Search
Jobless Claims Fall Below One Million for the First Time Since March
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 963,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. While not exactly good news, this is the first week since March where claims were reported below the one million mark for the week. Economists were expecting initial
JDG Associates Seeks General Counsel for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal corporation that insures private-sector defined benefit pension plans, has enlisted Rockville, MD-based JDG Associates to find its next general counsel. Leading the assignment is Darren DeGioia, the search firm’s president. The general counsel, who reports to the director of Washington, D.C.-based PBGC, serves as secretary to the
Principal Connections Seeks CIO for Maxol Group
Ireland-based executive search firm Principal Connections has been selected by Maxol Group to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Practice leader Darren McCabe is leading the assignment. Reporting to the group CEO, the CIO will lead the company’s IT infrastructure across its retail network, manufacturing facilities, fuel card operations, head offices and other
Stanton Chase Appoints New Private Equity Global Practice Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase named Mikael Stelander, managing partner of the firm’s Finnish office, as global practice leader for all private equity activities. “Mikael will bring a fully updated and in-depth experience from servicing clients and the PE environment over the past 10 years,” said Flemming Riber, vice chair of practice groups. “He has been an active
AIMS International Appoints Global Head of Talent Management
Executive search consortium AIMS International has named Maria Shishkova as its new global head of talent management. “AIMS International’s board of directors welcomes Maria in this challenging position and looks forward to working with her and taking the talent management practice to the next level,” said Bernardo Entschev, president of AIMS. “Growing sustainable leaders has become a key focus area
Ezekia and BoardEx Form Strategic Alliance
Innovative executive search software platform Ezekia and BoardEx, an advanced enterprise solution connecting users with an exclusive network of global business leaders and decision makers, have partnered to offer recruiting firms a solution that will enable them to access their BoardEx account via Ezekia. The integration will be operationally ready in the last quarter of this year. Established in 1999, BoardEx is
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Cultural Analytics Business
Historically, recruiting has been largely dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform
How Boosting Your Visibility on LinkedIn Pays Dividends
Too many business leaders make the mistake of dismissing the very idea of having a LinkedIn profile. After all, they say, they are not looking for a job. What’s the point? Here’s the point: Contrary to popular belief, looking for a job is not the top use for LinkedIn, according to a new report by
Acertitude Recruits CFO for OnSolve
Executive search firm Acertitude recently recruited Bruce Duner as the new chief financial officer of Veritas Capital-backed OnSolve, a global provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based mass notification and critical communication solutions for enterprise, mass market and government organizations. During the pandemic, OnSolve has played a critical role in helping businesses and government agencies with communication and crisis planning challenges,
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Assists St. John’s Board of Trade in CEO Search
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette (KBRS) has assisted the St. John’s Board of Trade in the recruitment of AnnMarie Boudreau as its new CEO. “AnnMarie’s experience providing counsel and strategic advice to diverse companies throughout the region will be an outstanding asset to our membership and our team,” said Andrew Wadden, board chair of
How One Executive Search Firm is Weathering the Global Pandemic Storm
Since being declared a pandemic in March, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the executive search sector. Industry leaders were forced to make swift changes. Budgets were scaled back. And plans were put on hold. Adopting a wartime mindset, search firms have quickly shifted the prime directive of their business to strengthening relationships with
Lindauer Expands Higher Education Leadership Practice
Boston-based Lindauer has expanded with the addition of higher education leader and former college president Carolyn J. Stefanco as senior vice president to significantly expand its higher education leadership practice. Ms. Stefanco, who stepped down as president of the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York on June 30, will focus on partnering with colleges
Buffkin / Baker Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for University of San Diego
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been called in by the University of San Diego (USD) in California to assist in its search for a chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and access. Leading the assignment are managing partner Martin M. Baker and principal Chelsie Whitelock. “The chief diversity officer for diversity, equity, inclusion and
Greenwich Harbor Partners Places Four Board Members for Teach for America
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, Greenwich Harbor Partners recently partnered with Teach for America to expand its board of advisors
Four Corners Group Adds Former Marketing Executive to Staff
Toronto-headquartered executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has expanded with the addition of Karen Hsiung as its newest partner. She brings over 25 years of fast-moving consumer goods experience and knowledge to the business. “Karen is uniquely positioned to build competitive advantage for companies in the retail and consumer goods sector through people,” Four Corners Group said.
Adapting to a New Normal
Boards and senior management must be more open to radical ideas while ensuring business sustainability as well as the health of their employees, according to a new report by InterSearch’s Clementina Mustapha. The world is facing challenging times and this will have a significant impact on how we go about our daily activities. InterSearch collected advice and guidance
Noetic Search Tapped by After School Matters for CFO Search
After School Matters (ASM), a non-profit that provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to Chicago high school teens, has retained Noetic Search to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. The CFO reports to the CEO and is responsible for promoting integrity and transparency in all matters relating to fiscal operations, human resources, information technology,
DRG Seeks Leaders for NYC-Based Non-Profits
DRG Search, which serves the non-profit sector, is conducting searches for executive directors for two New York City non-profits, an unnamed, new, family foundation and the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. Leading the foundation search is Dara Z. Klarfeld, CEO, and Amichaim Abramson, chief strategy officer. The alliance assignment is being spearheaded by
Charles Aris Appoints VP Human Capital and Organizational Development
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR and talent executives looking for a career change. Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris recently expanded with the addition of talent management veteran Danielle Bowman as vice president of human capital and organizational development. “I know I speak for the entire Charles Aris family
Kaye/Bassman Names Managing Partner
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. promoted Nasrin Akter to managing partner in its insurance and risk practice. The firm said she will be “leading the team with mentoring and developing the search consultants and project consultants under her.” Prior
Latest Jobs Data Shows Braking Recovery in Labor Market
Employment rose by 1.8 million in July as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 10.2 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
The Clark Partnership Assists OakNorth in Talent Acquisition Director Search
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of talent acquisition leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top-flight experts? Corporate leaders want talent acquisition leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to executive recruiters. CEOs, in particular, want their
Diversified Search Seeks Executive Director for ACLU of Colorado
Diversified Search has been enlisted by the ACLU of Colorado (ACLU-CO) to find its new executive director. The assignment is being spearheaded by J. Veronica Biggins, managing partner; Denielle Pemberton-Heard, managing director and general counsel; and Corina Benitz, vice president and senior associate. “The ACLU-CO seeks an experienced, strategic and visionary leader with a demonstrated commitment
De Forest Search Finds Top Sales Executives for Ja-Ru Toys and Rehrig Pacific Company
Manhattan Beach, CA-based De Forest Search has placed Steve Sandler as executive vice president of sales at Ja-Ru Toys and Marc Scott as vice president of environmental sales at Rehrig Pacific Co. “Marc has been a joy to work with,” the search firm said. “His larger than life and engaging personality makes you want to be his friend.
Boyden Expands Presence on West Coast
Boyden has expanded with the addition of Liesl Forve, who will serve as a partner and attend to clients throughout California. Boyden has seen strong growth in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast. The firm has doubled the number of partners there in the last six months. “Liesl is a major asset for Boyden and our clients, bringing geographic
Layoffs Remain Elevated as Pandemic Persists Across U.S.
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.2 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 20th week in a row that the figure has risen to well over one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for 1.42 million.
Hanold Associates Recruits Chief People and Culture Officer for Major League Baseball
Chicago-based Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has placed Michele Meyer-Shipp as chief people and culture officer for Major League Baseball. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led the assignment along with partner Keri Gavin. “Michele is an exceptional leader and an inspirational person,” said Mr. Hanold. “She will have an incredibly positive impact on
AlbertHall&Associates Seeks Executive Director for Second Stage Theater
Not-for-profit-focused executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates has been selected to find the next executive director for Second Stage Theater, one of New York’s leading non-profit theaters. Leading the assignment are managing partner Thomas Hall and principal Christine O’Connor. “Second Stage’s next executive director will be an individual who shares this deep commitment to celebrating the work of 21st
Hudson Global Posts Seven Percent Revenue Loss; Americas Down 44 Percent
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted second quarter of $24.6 million, down seven percent from a year ago. This surpassed the Zacks consensus estimate by 6.84 percent. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific was up 14 percent, while the Americas and Europe were down 44 percent and 27 percent, respectively. The Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm posted a
Agilium Worldwide Adds New Member Firm in Nigeria
Global executive search consortium Agilium Worldwide has added Michael Stevens Consulting in Lagos, Nigeria, as a member of the international network. Led by Francis Kudayah, Michael Stevens Consulting is an international multi-disciplinary company and has extensive activities in executive search and selection as well as other human capital consulting services. It provides expert advice in the fields of multi-disciplinary management,
Why the True Cost of a Poor Hire Can be Steep
A bad hire can be the most expensive mistake a business could make. A bad hire at the senior level, in particular, can wreak havoc on a business’ reputation, among other hard-to-fix problems. “What can be costlier than a faulty product or poor budgeting is the price of repeatedly hiring underqualified, short-term employees,” says the
