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Daily Newswire
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Chairperson and Country Head, India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has appointed Monica Agrawal as chairperson and country head, India. She is responsible for leading Sheffield Haworth’s India business, deepening client partnerships, and driving strategic growth in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. “We are delighted to welcome Monica to Sheffield Haworth,” said Alex Cormack, CEO of Sheffield Haworth. “India is a
How Executives Are Using AI to Gain a Competitive Edge
Private equity firms are increasingly evaluating chief executive candidates through a new lens: digital fluency and the ability to translate emerging technologies into enterprise value. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation across industries, leadership teams are expected to move beyond curiosity and into disciplined execution. For incoming CEOs, demonstrating practical command of AI
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
Uncovering Hidden Leadership Potential Before Your Competitors Do
As someone who’s been on both sides of the table as a CEO and a former executive recruiter Joe Riggione, founder and co-CEO of True, knows that finding the right leaders is crucial, whether your company is in rapid growth or simply needs to execute on a solid plan. “But exceptional leaders often don’t fit
AMN Healthcare Names Leader for the Leadership and Search Solutions Division
AMN Healthcare, a provider of healthcare total talent services to facilities, announced today that it has appointed Bernard Godley as lead physician executive for the leadership and search solutions division. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Godley join AMN Leadership Solutions,” said Kelly Rakowski, group president and chief operating officer, strategic talent solutions for AMN
Managing C-Level Succession Virtually
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings, interviews, workshops — even general assemblies — are being managed online via conference calls or video technologies. Globally, business leaders are navigating an unprecedented crisis. Hour-by-hour, they have been changing the way their organizations operate to cope with uncertainty, risk, restrictions and lock downs, according to a
SearchWide Global Seeks New Leader for Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in West Virginia has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next executive director. Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president at SearchWide, is leading the assignment. The executive director will be responsible for overall management, promotion and operation of the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium, including strategy, service,
The Bowdoin Group Appoints Senior Finance Leader
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of Terri Ryan as vice president of finance. She brings a strong finance background to The Bowdoin Group and experience in building and managing companies in high growth environments with increasing levels of complexity. Ms. Ryan has over 25 years of experience
Virtual Recruitment: How to Hire From a Distance
Have you hired someone without ever meeting face-to-face? With COVID-19, businesses can’t recruit the same way they once did — but that doesn’t mean they can’t find the best candidates for the job now. In fact, Comhar Partners recently concluded an executive search that was conducted completely virtually using Zoom, the video conferencing tool, and
West Virginia State University Picks AGB Search to Find President
Higher education recruitment firm AGB Search has been enlisted to find the next president for West Virginia State University (WVSU). Anthony Jenkins, who held the job for four years, recently moved on to the president’s role at Coppin State University in Baltimore. R. Charles Byers, former provost at WVSU, is serving as interim president. AGB Search
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firms in Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S.
Thirteen independent recruitment firms joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide during recent months. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these recruitment firms have the ability
More American Workers Displaced in Record Numbers
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed for unemployment benefits in historic numbers within the last seven days, with the Labor Department reporting this morning another surge of 2.4 million claims. More than 38 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past nine weeks, representing the biggest loss in U.S. history.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Digital Officer for Pizza Hut Digital Ventures
Marc Gasperino, leader of the digital practice at ON Partners, recently placed Paul Morris as chief digital officer of Pizza Hut Digital Ventures, an in-house start-up of Pizza Hut looking to build the next generation pizza ordering and delivery platform. Mr. Morris brings extensive global expertise in digital transformation having led business strategy with a clear focus on the customer
Mlegal Group Expands in Washington, D.C.
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses and all levels of
Leveraging Your Network and Discovering What Matters Most in Your Career
For many, these days of self-quarantine and work-from-home have allowed more time for self-reflection and consideration of how best to advance one’s career. Two of the pillars of getting to the place one wants to be professionally are networking and understanding what matters most to you in your work. RevelOne, a specialized marketing recruiting and
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Saniona
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. And in the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Recently, life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Rudolf Baumgartner as chief medical officer and head of
Alexander Hughes Expands in London
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has expanded with the addition of Joanne Macris as a new managing partner in its London office. “Alexander Hughes’ U.K. and Ireland office is a crucial part of the Alexander Hughes group with regards to the customized services we offer to our clients in executive search, specialized skills and talent to deal
As Lockdowns are Lifted, Can the Workforce Return Safely?
Beginning this week, many parts of the world, including many states in the U.S. and entire countries such as Italy, are lifting the strictest elements of shelter-in-place orders. Now, instead of asking: “How do we get people to work off-site?” many business leaders are asking: “How do we get people back?” But those leaders are
The Onstott Group Recruits CFO for Aware
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at a range of companies. The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, recently placed David Barcelo as the new treasurer
ZRG Expands in Latin America and Mexico
ZRG Partners has expanded its global footprint into Latin America and Mexico with the additions of Manny Corsino and Hugo Lara. Mr. Corsino, an executive search professional with 15 years of experience, will serve as managing director in ZRG’s Miami office. Beyond providing his expertise to the firm’s technology, private equity and consumer practices, he will manage ZRG’s
How to Lead Through a Crisis
While business leaders have years of experience managing and leading teams, the recent Odgers Berndtson Leadership Confidence Index revealed that 85 percent of senior leaders lack confidence in their leadership’s ability to manage disruption effectively. The index, in conjunction with Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, is not only timely but has exposed a real weakness for organizations
Des Moines University Picks WittKieffer for CHRO Search
Executive search firm WittKieffer is spearheading the search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Des Moines University in Iowa. Consultants Melissa Fincher and Sarah Miller are leading the assignment for the search firm. Des Moines University wants a dynamic, creative and engaging leader to play an integral role in a time of significant
Decoupled Search Opens Office in London
Las Vegas-headquartered executive search firm Decoupled Search has expanded with the addition of a new office in London. The firm now has capabilities to fill non-board level leadership positions in North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and India. “The decision to establish a physical presence in Western Europe is a natural extension of our strategy to maintain cost leadership in the retained executive search industry,”
USOPC Taps Turnkey Search for Multiple Searches
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been enlisted to help the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) in Colorado Springs, CO to lead its search for both a new vice president of communications and vice president of finance. “My mindset these days is to be thankful. Be grateful,” said Len Perna,
BrainWorks Assists The Jobe’s Company in CEO Search
New Providence, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks recently assisted in the placement of Chris Armstrong as the new CEO of lawn and garden manufacturer The Jobe’s Company. CEO Andy Miller led the assignment. “Chris brings the perfect blend of operations experience in addition to a strong growth background,” Mr. Miller said. “His pedigree in management consulting and
Heidrick & Struggles Seeking Provost for Georgia Tech
Jackie Zavitz and Ellen Landers of Heidrick & Struggles have been retained by the Georgia Institute of Technology to lead in the school’s search for a new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Georgia Tech recently said the search is moving forward with some accommodation for the logistical challenges imposed by the ongoing
Surge in Jobless Claims Continues
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed for unemployment benefits in historic numbers within the last seven days, with the Labor Department reporting this morning another surge of 2.98 million claims. More than 36.5 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past two months, representing the biggest loss in U.S. history.
Caliber Associates Recruits VP of Immunobiology for Sutro Biopharma
The competitive landscape of the life sciences industry is transforming recruiting. Growing pressure to rapidly advance scientific discovery and expand market share in the face of COVID-19 is making the competition to attract top talent more fierce than ever before, according to recruiters that specialize in the sector. Recently, executive recruitment firm Caliber Associates placed
Cejka Search Expands Leadership Team
Cejka Search has expanded with the addition of John Elffers as vice president of executive search services. In this role, he will be responsible for initiating and growing client and industry relationships, and support the firm in expanding reach and creating new opportunities. “We are extremely happy to welcome John to our team,” said Paul
Best Practices for Virtual Job Interviewing
As the world increasingly turns to remote work options, virtual interviews are quickly becoming more of the norm. “While qualifying prospective candidates and effectively demonstrating your organization’s culture in a virtual world is complicated, there are many ways to ensure that you are able to get comfortable with and overcome these challenges,” says a new
August Leadership Expands Footprint in Asia, Europe
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership, which changed its name from Ward Howell USA earlier this year, is growing its global presence by adding new partners in Asia and Europe. “We are witnessing a very high interest from top performing partners to join our firm to re-position themselves within the industry,” said Asad Haider, founder and
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Banking Officer for Pacific Mercantile Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Sean Foley as the chief banking officer of Pacific Mercantile Bancorp, the holding company of Pacific Mercantile Bank, a wholly owned banking subsidiary. The assignment was led by president Brandon Biegenzahn and vice president Michelle Davis. Mr. Foley brings 25 years of experience leading commercial lending teams. Earlier in his career, he served as
10 Tips for Networking with Executive Recruiters During COVID-19
As invaluable as executive search firms are for companies, they can also make a tremendous difference in the careers of professionals who are in the market for a new job. During COVID-19, what can be more important for an aspiring job changer than tapping into the right recruiter’s network for forethought as well as networking
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits Provost for College of Charleston
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has placed Suzanne Austin as the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs for the College of Charleston. R. William Funk, president of the Dallas-based recruitment firm, led the assignment. “Suzanne Austin is an incredible addition to the College of
Caldwell Strengthens Insurance Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell announced a major enhancement to its recruiting capabilities in the insurance sector with the return of Peter Reed as managing partner of the firm’s insurance practice, and a member of the firm’s Stamford, Conn. and New York offices. “Peter has more than 25 years of experience leading board and C-suite searches across the insurance
