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.
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
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?
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Shaping Leadership, One Search at a Time
The executive search sector draws professionals from a wide array of backgrounds, each with unique motivations for entering the field. For some, it’s the intellectual challenge and strategic nature of identifying transformative leadership that captivates them. Others are inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of organizations, ranging from nimble startups to global
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
Dine Brands Global Taps Spencer Stuart to Find CEO
Dine Brands Global Inc., parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP, has hired executive search firm Spencer Stuart to find a successor for CEO Steve Joyce, whose employment agreement with the company expires on Feb. 1, 2021. “I am proud of the growth that we have experienced during my tenure as CEO,” Mr. Joyce
LifeSci Partners Introduces LS Associates
LifeSci Partners, a life-sciences focused consultancy, has launched LS Associates, a global consulting service designed to provide companies with on demand C-suite leadership to flexibly and economically meet the strategic business needs of companies. LS Associates leverages the expertise and network of the larger LifeSci Partners platform to deliver targeted and talented executives with relevant
Disrupted Leadership: 5 Questions Boards Need to Ask in the Pandemic Environment
In the current pandemic and in a post-peak COVID-19 world, boards and senior management must reassess the strength of their teams to address the impact of this and future potential crises, be they biological, nuclear or other events, according to a new report by Odgers Berndtson. “Conversations I have had with leaders across a range
Korn Ferry Appoints Chief Diversity Officer
Korn Ferry has named Michael Hyter as the firm’s new chief diversity officer. He will report directly to CEO Gary Burnison and join the senior executive team. Mr. Hyter joined Korn Ferry in 2012 after the acquisition of Global Novations, a leading diversity and inclusion firm in which he served as president and managing partner.
HealthSearch Partners Assists Holy Cross Hospital in CEO Search
Dallas, TX-based HealthSearch Partners has recruited Mark Doyle as president and CEO of Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He starts in his new position today. The assignment was led by Ivan Bartolome, senior vice president, and Laura Conley, chief operating officer. “Mark is a trusted leader who has spearheaded financial turnarounds, growth initiatives and quality improvements
How Leaders Can Catch Up with the Latest Technologies
The world is constantly changing. To advance, you must learn the latest technologies. There’s no way around it. Of course, the depth of the knowledge required differs from person to person, depending on your job. In a recent report, Jorge Davalos, managing partner of executive search and leadership consulting firm Alder Koten, offered some key
Waverly Partners Seeks CEO for Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. Former president and CEO Craig Whitney passed away at the end of last year. Managing directors and principals Eric N. Peterson and Deborah M. Galbraith are spearheading the assignment for the search
SGA Talent Unveils New Recruiting Solutions Options
Amsterdam, NY-headquartered executive search firm SGA Talent has introduced two new recruitment research and recruiting solutions designed to bring increased agility, cost-efficiency and scalability for corporations needing talent quickly. The newly added ‘recruiting on-demand express’ and ‘research on-demand express’ solutions provide hiring managers, human resources professionals and talent acquisition leaders additional options beyond traditional recruiting
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 1.6 million initial claims. The latest numbers reflect the persistent strain on the economy caused
Miller Black Associates Recruits CHRO for ACA Compliance Group
New York City-based executive search Miller Black Associates has placed Carrie Yonenson as the new chief human resources officer (CHRO) of ACA Compliance Group (ACA). She will be based in ACA’s Silver Spring, MD office. Ms. Yonenson has over 14 years of experience in human resources and employment law. She joins the company from Atos
Grace Blue Partnership Launches Platform for Talent Displaced by COVID-19
London-based executive search firm Grace Blue Partnership has launched TRANSITION, a complimentary online platform providing a place for displaced talent to find practical and inspirational content, a network of industry peers and access potential job opportunities. The move comes as COVID-19 continues to create disruption globally within the advertising, media and marketing industries, among many others, resulting in large
Hiring Intentions to Spike by Year End
U.S. employers are expecting a significant decline in hiring intentions for the third quarter of 2020, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. Hiring plans in wholesale and retail trade and construction showed the steepest declines from the previous quarter reflecting the impact of safer-at-home / shelter-in-force orders across the country. In contrast,
