DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
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
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
Private Equity Turns To Leadership Diligence To Gain A Sharper Edge
ghSMART’s latest report, Leadership Diligence in PE: 4 Tips to Spot Strengths and Risks Before You Buy, opens with a stark reminder: “Leadership is often the single biggest swing factor in the success of an investment.” Yet as Dina Wang, a ghSMART partner and co-leader of its private equity practice explains, that recognition alone isn’t enough. “The
Raines International Launches Security Officers Practice
New York-based Raines International has launched a new security officers practice, co-developed with The Lake Forest Group, a strategic security services firm specializing in all aspects of security, safety, and compliance. The practice will be led by Patrick Gray, managing director at Raines. His background in the executive search industry and as an intelligence officer, with a concentration on
PFM Executive Search Finds CEO for BC Care Providers Association and EngAge BC
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Terry Lake as the new CEO of BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and EngAge BC. He will succeed acting CEO Mike Klassen, who will support Mr. Lake with the transition and continue on in a senior management capacity. Partner Allison Rzen and consultant Matthew Bell led the assignment. “Following a rigorous search,
Volatile Job Market Persists as Americans Continue to File for Unemployment
The Labor Department reported this morning that 884,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for a total of 850,000. The latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market. The Labor Department changed its methodology from one that used seasonal adjustments to account
Kittleman & Associates Assists Columbia Land Conservancy in President Search
Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates has placed Troy Weldy as the new president of Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC). He will succeed Peter Paden, who is retiring after 14 years leading the organization. “We are delighted that Troy will be joining us,” said Mark A. Levy, chair of CLC’s board of trustees. “With his extensive background in conservation
Young Mayden Seeks General Counsel for the American Bar Association
Legal executive recruitment firm Young Mayden has been enlisted to find a senior associate executive director/ general counsel for the American Bar Association (ABA). Principal Barbara Mendel Mayden is leading the assignment. The new hire, who will report directly to ABA executive director Jack Rives, will be expected to provide leadership in two distinct areas:
Bespoke Partners Continues Expansion
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has strengthened its search staff with the addition of Brian Waivada as a partner. He will be based in the firm’s New York City office. “Brian is an experienced search leader and client manager, and we are excited to bring his knowledge and expertise to the Bespoke team,”
Alexander Hughes Appoints Managing Partner
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-Charles Nantier as manager partner of Managers by Alexander Hughes, which is dedicated to supporting companies and organizations in their recruitment of experienced executives, managers, experts, for succession-plan programs and the discovery of high potential profiles. “I’m delighted to welcome Jean-Charles Nantier as new managing partner of Managers by Alexander
Refocusing Leadership and Communication During the Ongoing Coronavirus Crisis
While the scientific community had hoped the heat and humidity of the summer months might limit the spread and severity of the coronavirus, we are seeing that community spread continues to be a problem in many states and dense urban landscapes. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said recently
AGB Search Enters Final Stretch of 2020 With Wide Range of Assignments Underway
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization – not to mention a pandemic. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has become a
Heidrick & Struggles Retained by InfuSystem Holdings to Find New CFO
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by InfuSystem Holdings to lead a national search for its next chief financial officer. Past CFO Gregory Schulte and InfuSystem have agreed to a mutual separation. InfuSystem said that Mr. Schulte’s departure is not the result of any disagreement with the company
Sainty, Hird & Partners Names HR Practice Leader
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm Sainty, Hird & Partners has appointed JP Hibbert to lead its new human resources practice. Mr. Hibbert has 15 years’ experience in search and recruitment as a specialist in placing senior HR professionals into financial services. He has assisted a wide range of clients from small firms and start-ups looking for
ZRG Partners Appoints Global Supply Chain & Operations Practice Leader
ZRG Partners has expanded with the addition of Simon Revere to its London office as managing director and leader of the firm’s global supply chain and operations practice. “Knowing that Simon has collaborated with many of ZRG’s search experts in the past, I’m certain he will be a worthy addition to our team,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO
Employers Adapting to New Work Models as Hiring Plans Remain Unsteady
Employers in the U.S report improved hiring plans for the fourth quarter following the 10 year low reported in Q3, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey” released today by ManpowerGroup. Overall hiring intentions improved in 37 of 43 countries since last quarter, though 41 declined year-over-year. Within the U.S., 20 percent expect to add to
Good Karma Brands Selects Christopher Group for Head of HR Search
Good Karma Brands has selected The Christopher Group to lead its search for a head of human resources. The assignment is being spearheaded by managing director Nathaniel Schiffer, recruiting director Jeff Wilbanks and senior operations manager Matthew Duda. “The Christopher Group’s recruiting services division is proud to partner with Good Karma Brands, ESPN’s best-in-class local operator,” said Mr. Schiffer. “Being from Cleveland
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Dean for Auburn University at Montgomery
Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected by Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in Alabama to lead the search for a dean for its college of sciences. Consultant Alan Medders is heading the assignment. The dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college and reports directly to AUM’s provost and senior vice
Macrae Names Chief Operating Officer
Global legal executive search firm Macrae, formerly known as Mlegal, has appointed Laurie Caplane as chief operating officer. She will be based in New York. “Laurie, whom I’ve known and greatly respected in a professional capacity for many years, is a natural fit to take on this vital role as Macrae continues to execute on an ambitious growth
EMA Partners International Opens Bangkok Office
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of a new office in Bangkok, Thailand. The Thai office is led by managing partner Santi Campanella. Mr. Campanella and his team have extensive experience in executive search, leadership and organizational assessment across several industries, such as
Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.4 Percent
Employment rose by 1.4 million in August as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. That’s down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April, but still far above the 3.5 percent rate in February before the coronavirus pandemic led to mass
Academic Search Assists California Lutheran University in President Search
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has placed Lori E. Varlotta as the first woman president of California Lutheran University. Last fall, Chris Kimball, who held the job for 12 years, announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the academic year. Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Stuart Dorsey, senior consultant; and Jennifer Kooken, associate consultant, led
Jorgensen Consulting Recruits CEO for Chamber of Commerce
Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting has helped place Jerald Mitchell as the first black president and CEO of the Greater Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Mitchell was previously vice president for economic development for the Atlanta BeltLine, a development corporation for a $4.5 billion redevelopment project in Atlanta, one of the largest in the country. “Jerald has
DHR International Opens Miami Office
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has opened a new office in Miami with the addition of Lizette Ibarra as managing partner. She becomes a member of the industrial, consumer and retail practice groups and will help strengthen the firm’s presence in Latin America. “Lizette brings a deep understanding of the geography, executives and needs of the Latin
AltoPartners Adds Colombian Search Firm to Network
AltoPartners, the international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has expanded its global footprint with the addition of Colombian search firm Executive Connection. Founded in 2011, Executive Connection is a professional services firm with offices in both Bogota and Cali. The founding partners have experience working in global organizations and are able to
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment In Big Numbers
The Labor Department reported this morning that 881,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week. This exceeds analyst expectations and marks the lowest weekly total since the pandemic began. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for a total of 950,000. Nevertheless, the latest figures portend an unstable and volatile job market The
Korn Ferry Posts 29 Percent Revenue Drop; Recruiting Revenues Dive 36 Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted fiscal first quarter revenues of $344.1 million, a 29 percent decline. The results missed Wall Street expectations. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $357.4 million. For the quarter, professional search was down 36 percent (35 percent at constant currency) and RPO was down 23 percent (22 percent at constant currency), both
Higher Talent Executive Search Recruits CEO for American Society of Landscape Architects
Washington, D.C.-based Higher Talent Executive Search has placed Torey Carter-Conneen as the new chief executive officer for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Mr. Carter-Conneen had been chief operating officer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). “On behalf of the executive committee of the American Society of Landscape Architects, we are thrilled to
Odgers Berndtson Opens Office in Bogotá, Colombia
Odgers Berndtson has opened a new office Bogotá, Colombia to help meet a growing demand from organizations in the Andean region for executive search expertise. In conjunction, Odgers Berndtson will also launch its interim executive arm, Odgers Interim, in Colombia. Odgers Berndtson Colombia will be led by managing partner Roberto Hall, a veteran of the Colombian executive
Recruiting Firm Vetted Opens Doors
Recruitment industry veteran Tim Walsh has launched Vetted, a boutique recruitment and outplacement firm focused on supporting Greater Boston’s innovation ecosystem. “We want to help companies navigate this new world of talent acquisition, where remote hiring and the renewed importance of diversity hiring have come to the forefront,” said Mr. Walsh. “With all that’s happened
Seven Steps to Successful Family Office Hiring
With all of the unique challenges that running a family office pose, it is imperative that families attract and retain the right executives for key leadership roles in the organization. Doing so enables them to achieve their long-term goals and objectives and to support family sustainability. Without a proven process, however, many such searches fail, says
Creating a Company Culture to Boosts Creativity
High pressure work environments are the norm in many professions, especially in today’s times, as organizations push their employees to perform and produce. Although this strategy might be an effective short-term approach, it usually leads to a negative work culture and burnout among employees, according to a new report by Christopher Rios of Blue Rock Search.
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for National Catholic Educational Association
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has retained Asheville, NC-based RH Perry & Associates to lead its search for a new president and CEO. Managing partner Matthew Kilcoyne and senior consultant Sue Dewine are leading the assignment. The president/CEO reports to the board of directors and is responsible for fulfillment of NCEA’s mission to enhance the vitality and
Reilly Partners Recruits Two Board Members for Cresco Labs
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Chicago-based executive search firm Reilly Partners placed Carol Vallone and Michele Roberts as new members of







