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Daily Newswire
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Pacific International Executive Search Expands Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has appointed Beth Albright to its advisory board. “Beth Albright is an exceptional addition to our advisory board,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Her deep governance expertise, her track record of guiding organizations through IPOs, M&A integrations, and large-scale transformations, and her recognized leadership in human capital management
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.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer: What Leaders Need to Understand
Boards and CEOs are quickly realizing that AI isn’t just another tool—it’s becoming a foundational operating layer. That acceleration is forcing companies to rethink who sets priorities, manages risk, and turns experimentation into measurable value. Out of that pressure, a dedicated C-suite leader for enterprise AI strategy is starting to take shape. Not long ago,
Odgers Berndtson Recruits New Leader for the Virginia Port Authority
Undertaking a worldwide search, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed Stephen Edwards as chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA). He succeeds John F. Reinhart who led the organization for the last seven years. Vice chairman and partner Tim McNamara spearheaded the assignment. “Thanks to Tim McNamara’s leadership and deep knowledge of the transportation
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group Assists Corazón Healdsburg with CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has placed attorney and human rights activist Glaydon de Freitas as the first permanent CEO of Corazón Healdsburg, a non-profit organization working to strengthen the Northern Sonoma County community. Managing partner Kevin Chase led the assignment along with senior associate Catie DiFelice. Mr. de Freitas is trilingual, speaking Portuguese, Spanish and
Ballinger | Leafblad Recruits Executive Director for Can Do Canines
Executive search firm Ballinger | Leafblad has placed Jeff Johnson as the new executive director of Can Do Canines, the largest provider of assistance dogs for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Marcia Ballinger, co-founder and principal, and Holly Kelsey-Henry, vice president, led the assignment for the search firm. Mr. Johnson, who joins Can Do Canines from
Amrop Adds New Member Firm in São Paulo
Global recruiting organization Amrop has added São Paulo, Brazil-based Inniti as its newest member firm. Founded in 2014, Inniti (now Amrop Inniti) serves clients in the domains of executive search, corporate governance, organizational development, leadership development and coaching. The firm’s industry coverage includes consumer, industrial, life sciences, financial services, technology, professional services, education and real estate. “Joining Amrop is a major step
Leaders Take Stock of Covid-19
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70 percent of global companies are shifting more than 81 percent of their operations online, with the financial services industry in the lead, followed by professional services and technology, according to a new report by Kingsley Gate Partners. The search firm found that organizations are now grappling
AGB Search Fills Provost Post for Kent State University
Following a national search, Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search has assisted in the recruitment of Melody Tankersley as the new provost for Kent State University in Ohio. Melissa K. Trotta and Ellen Meyer led the assignment. An experienced leader, Dr. Tankersley has served Kent State in positions of increasing responsibility since 1993. In 2019, she was named interim senior
BarkerGilmore Releases General Counsel Study
Succession to a general counsel role is a critical accomplishment for many legal professionals. However, little research exists to understand the path to position attainment from those that have achieved the role of general counsel. A new research report by legal-focused executive search firm BarkerGilmore aims to contribute to this conversation by delving into the
Reffett Associates Fills Top Post for the Air Force Research Laboratory
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) with the placement of Melanie Lazarus as dean of the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine in it’s 711 Human Performance Wing. The assignment was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from Marshall Reffett, managing
The Loring Group Fills Top Finance Post for Kendo Brands
San Francisco, CA-headquartered executive search firm The Loring Group recruited Frederic Lartiguevieille as senior vice president of finance at Kendo Brands. Partner Rich Kampmann led the assignment. “We learned many valuable lessons during this search that was impacted by COVID-19 that will benefit Kendo Brands and others we work with going forward during the pandemic,” Mr. Kampmann
Russell Reynolds Associates, With Student Input, Seeks President for Marist College
Russell Reynolds Associates has launched the search for the next leader of Marist College, which included a virtual session with students to learn how they believe the school should move forward under the new president. David Yellen resigned from the role in mid-2019 after serving for three years. His predecessor, Dennis J. Murray, who had been
Korn Ferry Seeking CEO for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.
The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. (CFC) , a member-owned non-profit cooperative that provides financial products and services to America’s rural electric cooperative network, has retained Korn Ferry to find a successor to CEO Sheldon Petersen, who will retire in 2021. Korn Ferry also led the search that placed Mr. Petersen as CEO in
Vetted Solutions Assists CFA Society New York in CEO Search
Washington, D.C. based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has assisted in the placement of Sameer Jagetia as the new chief executive officer of CFA Society New York (CFANY), a financial services forum and provider of professional education and career development to Wall Street. The group’s previous CEO, Daniel Dagen, stepped down at the end of March. Peter
Randstad North America Appoints CHRO
Randstad North America has named Bob Lopes as its new chief human resources officer. He is based out of the company’s Tampa, FL, office. “We are very fortunate to have Bob bring his expertise to the Randstad North America leadership team,” said Karen Fichuk, CEO of Randstad North America and Randstad N.V. executive board member. “His depth of experience across
Finding a Job During a Pandemic
When it comes to hiring and career changes, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated an already arduous decision-making process. There are now added complexities around interview logistics, safety and cleanliness within the workplace, and adapting to a growing remote workforce. In a recent report, executive search firm 3P Partners, highlighted three key areas that are affecting candidates’
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits Chief Legal Officer to Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Ling Zeng as chief legal officer and secretary at Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Lexington, MA. The search was conducted by Ron Ciardiell and Nancy Reiner, both managing directors in MLA’s in-house counsel recruiting group in Boston. “It was exciting to partner with Dicerna on this highly competitive international search for its chief legal officer and secretary,” said Mr. Ciardiello. “Ling
Preng & Associates Assists ProPetro Holding Corp. in CFO Search
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant: Rewriting corporate budgets seemingly daily; bargaining with banks over broken loan covenants; answering constant calls from investors and board directors; and, in extreme cases, figuring out how to make payroll. All while working with no colleagues around. Houston, TX-based executive
Beloit Snappers Tap Marquee Search in Hunt for New President
Gateway Management Group and the Beloit Snappers have tapped the services of Portland, OR-based Marquee Search to lead a nationwide search to select a company president to oversee all operations at the brand-new, multi-purpose stadium being built in downtown Beloit, WI. The president of Gateway Management will lead the Beloit baseball team as well as
The Onstott Group Expands Search Team
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has expanded with the addition of Christine Venditti as managing director. Ms. Venditti over 20 years of executive recruiting experience scaling private equity and VC funded and public technology companies including CFO, CEO and CMO roles. Her background includes in house experience on Apple’s internal search team
Jobless Claims Fall as Election and Pandemic Second Wave Add to the Misery
The Labor Department reported this morning that 751,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the lowest total since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 778,000. The latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market. The total reflected a decline of 40,000
Academic Career & Executive Search Finds Dean for Texas A&M University
West Hartford, Conn.-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Debra Feakes as the new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas A&M University – San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. “Co-chairs Vijay Golla and Bill Bush sought to find a dean who could proactively take the lead in solidifying and implementing the
Furst Group Recruits CFO for Baystate Health
Following a national search, Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, assisted Baystate Health in Springfield, MA, in the hiring of Raymond McCarthy as treasurer and chief financial officer. Mr. McCarthy has served as interim CFO since March. “Ray has worked tirelessly and skillfully to keep our health system financially stable during the pandemic and the
Harvey Nash Acquires Latitude 36, Expands to U.S. Market
Recruitment firm Harvey Nash has acquired technology focused executive search firm Latitude 36 as part of its strategic expansion in the U.S. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “I am extremely excited about Latitude 36 joining the Harvey Nash Group family,” said Jason Allen, CEO of Harvey Nash technology recruitment division Northern Europe, Australia and
Handshake Receives $80 Million in Funding
Handshake, a jobs platform for college students and recent graduates, has received an $80 million financing round led by GGV Capital with participation from EQT Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital and True Ventures, along with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Emerson Collective and Imaginable Futures. “Since its founding, Handshake has been laser focused on delivering on its
Bain & Company and Hunt Scanlon Launch Talent Intelligence Partnership
Bain & Company, the leading global advisor to the private equity industry, and Hunt Scanlon Media, the leading talent intelligence provider to the human capital and private equity sectors, have entered into a partnership to gather data to better understand current PE portfolio company executive talent issues and their link to investment performance. “With more detailed insight
B.E. Smith Seeks CFO for Ohio-Based Fairfield Medical Center
Healthcare-focused B.E. Smith has been enlisted to find a new chief financial officer for Fairfield Medical Center, an independent, not-for-profit, community-based health system in Lancaster, OH. Senior executive consultant. The previous CFO, Sky Gettys, announced early this year that he would be retiring after nearly 20 years with the organization. As a key member of
Bishop & Company Assists the Hawaii Tourism Authority with CEO Search
Honolulu-based executive search firm Bishop & Company has assisted the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in the recruitment of John De Fries as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. He is the first Native Hawaiian appointed as HTA’s president and CEO. Past leader Chris Tatum recently retired. The assignment was spearheaded by Erinn N. Tomlinson,
ZRG Appoints Digital, Data, Analytics, and AI Practice Leader
ZRG has expanded with the addition of Lisa Peacock-Edwards as managing director and leader of its digital, data, analytics and AI practice. “Lisa’s track record of success spans countries and continents,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “As a member of the ZRG team and leader of the digital, data, analytics and AI practice, I’m confident in
Cornerstone International Group Names Managing Partner for Middle Eastern Region
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has unveiled a new executive search and leader advisory team in the Middle East with the addition of Stelios Pigadiotis as managing partner and founder of Cornerstone Dubai. “We are delighted to welcome Stelios to Cornerstone International Group,” said Simon Wan, chairman. “Stelios is
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Steep Q3 Declines; Records $48 Million Restructuring Charge
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted $143.5 million third quarter revenues, down from $182.2 million during the same period a year ago. The reduction in net revenue was primarily due to the impact of the pandemic on its global business. Executive search net revenue was $129.2 million compared to $166.5 million in
The Christopher Group Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at HarperCollins Publishers
Thomas Christopher, Pam Noble and Matthew Duda of The Christopher Group (TCG) have placed Gisselda Nunez as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at HarperCollins Publishers. “It was an honor and a privilege to work directly with the HarperCollins leadership team as they continue to build an inclusive and diverse workplace,” said Ms. Noble, the search firm’s chief human resources
Buffkin / Baker Assists the Blues Foundation with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in recruiting Patricia Wilson Aden as the new president and CEO of the Blues Foundation, which is dedicated to honoring, preserving and promoting the musical form known as the blues. She succeeds Barbara Newman who recently retired. Nat Sutton and Tom Truitt, partners from Buffkin / Baker, executed the search. “On







