DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists BRUNT Workwear with Chief Financial and Operating Officer Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Stanton as chief financial and operating officer of BRUNT Workwear. The search was led by Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer. “As we head into our sixth year of business, the opportunity in front of us is bigger than ever,” said
DRI Appoints Leader of Machining & Fabrication Practice
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners Company, has named Tim Sullen as practice leader for the machining & fabrication practice area. He will lead efforts to expand and strengthen DRI’s partnerships within the machining and fabrication industries. “Tim has been an integral part of our team and consistently goes above and beyond for our clients,” said Josh
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 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,
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?
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
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
The Secret Ingredient for Transformational Leadership in a PE backed Environment
Private equity firms are under more pressure than ever to deliver returns in an increasingly crowded and high-stakes market. Amid this intensity, leadership quality has emerged as a critical lever for driving growth, mitigating risk, and maximizing value creation. In today’s competitive private equity landscape, where achieving a return on investment is challenging and the
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Business Officer for the Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted the Detroit Pistons in the recruitment of former Roc Nation executive Mike Zavodsky as its new chief business officer. The role is a new position for the professional basketball organization. Mr. Zavodsky begins work with the NBA team on Wednesday. He will report to Pistons vice chair Arn Tellem.
Focus Search Partners Creates Interim Executive Services Practice
Top experts in talent management and leadership recruitment agree that filling an interim leadership position can be a significant opportunity for an organization. Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, recently launched an interim executive services practice to leverage the firm’s 20-year history. The firm tapped C-suite talent veteran Monica Foster to lead the
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Russia
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has strengthened its global presence adding VIPJOBS LLC as a new member firm in Russia. The organization says that Russia is a market with significant talent and strong demand for leadership capabilities. “With IRC Russia, our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,”
Leading Through & Beyond COVID-19; Best Practices for an Unprecedented Time
Leaders may automatically default to the bottom line and focus on the financial damage that COVID-19 is causing—and for good reason. But many employees place greater emphasis and importance on the support they are receiving from leadership, according to a new report from Robinson Resource Group. “People need to know that even though their leader is
The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
The Christopher Group has placed Michelle Jones as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The search was completed by founder and CEO Tom Christopher, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “Partnering with TCG and Jeff specifically was absolutely fantastic,” said Ms. Jones. “COVID-19 hit during the process and
DHR International Adds Partner to Financial Officer Practice
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of Rob Tillman as managing partner of its global financial officer practice. He will also serve as a key leader in the firm’s private equity and advanced technology practices and will work closely with DHR’s advisory services team, Elevate Partners. Mr. Tillman has served with three of
Bespoke Partners Recruits Technology Officer for Clearlake Capital-backed Provation
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the placement of Linda Buan as chief technology officer of Clearlake Capital Group-backed Provation. Ms. Buan had been serving as the company’s vice president, product development and operations. “Innovation, quality and service have long been defining characteristics of Provation’s software solutions, and our chief technology officer
Westmont Search Selected to Lead Chief Nursing Officer Search 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
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has hired Amy Scissons as its new chief marketing and communications officer. She is based in New York and also serves as a member of the firm’s operating committee. “We are delighted to have Amy join our senior leadership team,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “Her
As COVID-19 Concerns Escalate, Unemployment Claims Continue
As businesses reopen and COVID-19 cases spike in more than half the U.S., the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.48 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the 14th week in a row that the figure has topped one million. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting 1.35 million
JM Search Forms Dedicated Cybersecurity Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has formed a dedicated cybersecurity practice to assist public and private equity-backed companies in identifying and recruiting high-performance leaders. Partners Kevin Kernan and Tom Figueroa will co-lead the firm’s center of excellence for cybersecurity leadership. The search firm brings a
Caldwell Assists CrossFirst Bank in CEO Search
Rich Perkey and Jeremy Zeman of Caldwell recently assisted CrossFirst Bankshares based in Leawood, KS in the placement of Mike Maddox as its new president and chief executive officer. His successor, George F. Jones, will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors through 2021 and will serve as vice chairman. “I am excited to welcome Mike
Business Agility Critical to Post-Pandemic Workforce, Economic Recovery
If there was ever a moment in recent history where human capital leaders were challenged to play a strategic part in their organization’s survival and growth, that defining moment is now. In just a few short months, the once-thriving global economy has been toppled by the pandemic. Helping organizations safely return to work sites will
JDG Associates Seeking CFO for NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has retained Darren DeGioia of JDG Associates to find its new chief financial officer/ chief administrative officer for its National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) division. NESDIS, based in Silver Spring, MD, is charged with providing secure and timely access to global environmental data and information
Boyden Adds Former Goodwill CEO and Psychologist as Senior Advisors
Boyden has added former Goodwill CEO Jim Gibbons and accomplished psychologist Christina Greathouse as senior advisors. “Jim and Christina are tremendous additions as senior advisors to Boyden’s CEO and board services practice – they will consult to our partners and clients globally,” said Craig Stevens, a Boyden board member, U.S. chairman and managing partner. “I have had the privilege of working with both
Pandemic’s Lingering Effect on Recruiters: Client Activity Down, Interim Hiring Up
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on every business sector, executive recruiting included, costing organizations billions of dollars in lost revenue. Goldman Sachs estimates that economic growth around the world will be zero in 2020 thanks to the virus. To many, even that seems grossly underestimated. But the coronavirus is causing far more than
KLR Executive Search Group Assists Harvard University Employees Credit Union in CEO Search
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has assisted Harvard University Employees Credit Union (HUECU) in the recruitment of Craig Leonard as its new president and CEO. Gene Foley, who has been with the credit union for four decades and led it for 25 years, is retiring in July. Partner Susan Pardus led the assignment for the recruitment
AMN Healthcare Launches Return-to-Work Services
AMN Healthcare, a provider of healthcare total talent services to facilities, has launched a customizable, technology-enabled and clinically based service for businesses and other organizations to protect the health and safety of employees as they return to work. As businesses welcome back employees and clients amid the coronavirus outbreak, AMN Healthcare said that it requires
Leading From the Front in a Pandemic
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the operative word has been “unprecedented.” That’s true on a human tragedy level as well as for businesses. It’s no wonder that many leaders have found themselves in the same position as their employees—uncertain, confused, anxious. A new report by Korn Ferry offered the firm’s best advice for
True Search Finds CEO for The Bouqs Company
Haddonfield, NJ-based executive recruitment firm True Search has placed the new chief executive officer of The Bouqs Company, a leading online floral retailer. Alejandro Bethlen brings over two decades of leadership and international experience in scaling global businesses for Fortune 100 companies including Amazon and Procter & Gamble to his new role. Mr. Bethlen will
WittKieffer Opens Office in Singapore
Executive search firm WittKieffer has expanded into the Asia-Pacific market with the opening of an office in Singapore. Headed by managing director Anissa Low, the Singapore office will allow WittKieffer to operate on a global scale, to source talent across continents and serve clients in healthcare, education, and life sciences. WittKieffer selected Singapore as the regional hub
Leadership Development Pays Off in Times of Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic is threatening both lives and livelihoods across the globe. Catastrophes happen and most of the time we have no control over them. “However, our response as leaders is something we do have a control over, and that’s what more often than not defines the outcome of any crisis,” according to a new
Sage Search Partners Fills Posts for Tulane and UCLA
Newton, MA-based Sage Search Partners, which specializes in higher education and non-profit institutions, has made two key placements that will help their clients address equity issues as well as the financial constraints of students, which is of particular concern during the current economic crisis as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. Marvin Smith will
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Leader of Leadership and Succession Practice
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded with the addition of Paul Ballman as leader of its leadership and succession practice in the EMEA region. He will work with clients to deliver assessments and solutions to complex challenges faced by leadership teams across the globe. “We are delighted to welcome Paul to our leadership team,”
Another 1.5 Million Americans File for Unemployment
Despite the U.S. adding a record amount of jobs last month, the Labor Department reported this morning that 1.5 million more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected the Labor Department to report 1.3 million initial claims. The latest numbers reflect the persistent strain on the economy caused
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Mesa Biotech
Executive search firm Slone Partners has recruited Ingo Chakravarty as the new president and CEO of Mesa Biotech. He assumes leadership of the company less than two months after it received emergency use authorization from the Federal Drug Administration to market its 30-minute point-of-care molecular SARS-CoV-2 test. Mr. Chakravarty succeeds Dr. Hong Cai, co-founder and CEO of Mesa Biotech since
Naughtin Group Expands Senior Management Team
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, Naughtin Group, a woman-owned national executive search firm based in Minneapolis, MN, expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of HR veteran Mike Carey as senior partner. In his role, he will lead client
Getting Succession Planning Right During a Pandemic
The last couple of months have been a wake-up call for many organizations. The potential effect of COVID-19 on executive health has made boards of trustees aware of the need to review their succession planning processes, according to a new report from DHR International’s Lisa Sprenkle Jones and Heather Smith. “A viable succession planning process
WittKieffer Assists UConn in Landing New Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities. It has become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities beyond that of most administrators. In
Momenta Partners Appoints Leader of Executive Search
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has expanded with the addition of Richard White as managing partner of executive search. With the addition of Mr. White, Momenta strengthens its offerings to private equity and expands its geographic presence. “We believe there is no more critical factor to digital industry transformation than catalytic leadership,” said Ken Forster, executive director of Momenta.
Secrets to High Growth C-Suite Hiring
With many people expecting business to boom after the COVID-19 pandemic clears, bringing on new employees could turn out to be a momentous and somewhat intimidating process. “Employees are your greatest asset. After all, they decide the direction of your company’s future and are the building blocks of company culture,” said Chris Murdock, co-founder and chief sourcing
