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Daily Newswire
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
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.
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,
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?
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
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
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
August Leadership Expands in Dubai
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Shazeaa Ingar as a partner, based in Dubai. “Shazeaa is an experienced organizational psychologist and leadership advisor with a strong track record supporting boards, CEOs, and senior executives across global markets,” August Leadership said in a LinkedIn post. “She brings deep expertise in executive assessment, board effectiveness, and
EY Signals A Tech-Led M&A Surge
The most recent EY-Parthenon 2025 M&A analysis shows a market operating at full acceleration. U.S. deal value for transactions of $100 million or more hit $2.09 trillion through October – up 45 percent year-over-year – with deal volume rising just over 10 percent to 1,409 transactions. EY notes that “from January to October, a major deal was
Praeva Partners Opens to Serve Privately-Owned Businesses
A new specialist investment backed executive search firm Praeva Partners recently launched in the U.K. Spearheaded by former Drax chief executive Mark Sherman, Praeva Partners aims to work alongside rapid-growth privately owned businesses in the U.K. and Europe to strengthen their senior leadership teams. Praeva Partners operates across the U.K. and Europe and is based
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New CEO for Bayview Hunters Point Foundation
BroadView Talent Partners was recently tapped by Bayview Hunters Point Foundation (BVHPF) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tracy McMillan, Steven Hatchett, Marshawna Williams, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. This executive is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial leadership of the organization, ensuring that our organization is strong and
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Welcoming Home
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been selected by non-profit Welcoming Home to find is next executive director. This individual will lead Welcoming Home into its next dynamic phase of growth, working closely with the board of directors, part-time staff, and dedicated volunteers. They will be responsible for strategy, fundraising, program management, communications, and organizational operations, ensuring
Caldwell Expands Financial Services and Real Estate Practices
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Ben Sturnham as a partner in the firm’s financial services and real estate practices. Based in London, he advises clients on board and C-suite recruitment across the full breadth of the real estate, financial services, and real estate finance sectors in the U.K., Europe, and the Middle East. “Ben is
The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer: What Leaders Need to Understand
Boards and CEOs are quickly realizing that AI isn’t just another tool—it’s becoming a foundational operating layer. That acceleration is forcing companies to rethink who sets priorities, manages risk, and turns experimentation into measurable value. Out of that pressure, a dedicated C-suite leader for enterprise AI strategy is starting to take shape. Not long ago,
Lindauer Acquires Pearl Street Collective
Lindauer has acquired Boston-based Pearl Street Collective. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition forms an executive search partnership that will build on both firms’ strong commitment to the non-profit sector and create new possibilities for organizations in search of the mission-driven talent essential to their success. “Pearl Street understands that executive search
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for Charge Infrastructure
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has placed Nat Krishnamurti as the new CFO of Charge Infrastructure, backed by Arena Investors, LP. Jarrod Gray and Allison Trippetti led the assignment. With over two decades of senior financial leadership experience across industrial, technology, and life-sciences sectors, Mr. Krishnamurti brings deep expertise in corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, and
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for To Be Like Me
Peña Search is currently seeking a new executive director for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira are leading the assignment. With high demand for its core program(s) for school-aged children and ample opportunities to engage with corporations desiring to utilize more inclusive business practices, the next executive
The Unseen Drivers of Leadership Misalignment
Boards often treat executive recruiting like a precision fix: identify the capability gap, import the proven performer, and expect momentum to follow. But leadership isn’t installed into a vacuum—it lands inside a living system with habits, loyalties, and unwritten rules that shape what’s possible. When that system isn’t ready for the kind of authority, pace,
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by Holyoke Community College for Provost Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Holyoke Community College (HCC) to lead in its search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Levy Brown are leading the assignment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, compassionate, and innovative leader to advance equitable student success and academic excellence at Massachusetts’
Bryant Group Fills Senior Finance Role for HonorHealth Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Christine Sullivan as senior vice president of finance for HonorHealth Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “We are thrilled to welcome Christine to HonorHealth Foundation as our new senior vice president of finance,” said Jared Langkilde, president and CEO, HonorHealth Foundation. “Christine
hyrUP Acquires Evolve Partners
hyrUP, an executive search and recruiting firm specializing in accounting, finance, technology, and operations, has acquired boutique search firm Evolve Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our mission has always been to combine speed, precision, and partnership in how we help companies hire,” said Andrew Feldman, co-founder and co-CEO of hyrUP. “Evolve Partners shares
LHH Opens New Search Practice in the U.S.
LHH, a global provider of interconnected talent solutions and a division of the Adecco Group, has launched its new retained executive search practice in the U.S. Aram Lulla is the newly appointed executive search leader, U.S., at LHH. “Leadership mobility is accelerating at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Nicole Gable, LHH U.S. country
How to Mitigate Rising Time-To-Hire Before You Lose Top Talent
Data indicates that time-to-hire is rising across industries. On the surface, this looks like a shift back to “normal” — returning to pre-pandemic levels from a period when the labor market was unusually volatile. However, a higher time-to-hire metric is detrimental for employers, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Longer hiring cycles make it
Why “Reason for Departure” Matters on Short Tenures
A brief note explaining why you left a short role can flip a quick exit from a red flag into a credible, context-rich career move. In today’s job market, where economic shifts and unexpected challenges have led to an uptick in shorter tenures, candidates are frequently faced with the challenge of explaining rapid role changes,
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits COO for Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Hollis R. Towns as the first chief operating officer of Deep South Today. Founder Sam Pettway, director Cynthia Moreland, and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. His appointment is the result of a national search conducted over the last six months by BoardWalk Consulting. “Hollis Towns is bringing precisely
Flatiron Search Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer at TRUEWERK
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed Emily Sly as chief marketing officer of Stride Consumer Partners-backed TRUEWERK in Denver, CO. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Stride and TRUEWERK for several years now, helping to assemble an incredibly talented leadership team, and we’re excited to welcome,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As TRUEWERK continues to
Leathwaite Appoints Non-Executive Director
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed (John) Duncan Edwards to its board as non-executive director. “Duncan’s appointment to the board comes at an important and exciting time for our company,” said Andrew Wallace, chair and co-founder. “His proven leadership as a CEO through periods of significant growth, together with our ongoing ambitions to expand across North America, make his
KPMG Finds Success in M&A Remains Stacked Against Acquirers. Here’s Why.
New research from KPMG found that 57.2 percent of acquirers ultimately destroyed shareholder value, despite many appearing promising before closing. “Although many deals looked promising in the months leading up to closing – generating an average 13.2 percent in total shareholder return above the relevant S&P sector index – TSR dropped an average of 7.4 percent in the
Experience vs Resilience: The Age of Disruption is Changing How Firms Approach Leadership
Executive hiring used to follow a simple rule: find someone who’s already delivered the next stage of growth. That worked when markets moved in straight lines. Now they don’t—and leaders are judged less by replaying old playbooks and more by how quickly they adapt when conditions change. The way firms have hired executive leadership has
The Moran Company Seeking New Leader for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by The Arc of New Mexico to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott is leading the assignment. The executive director is the key management leader of The Arc of New Mexico, responsible for
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for Låkril Technologies
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has recruited Justin Brown as the new CEO of Låkril Technologies in Chicago. “Justin’s leadership will accelerate the company’s mission to replace petroleum-based feedstock with sustainable, agricultural alternatives, enabling seamless drop-in solutions for the global chemical industry,” Låkril Technologies said. “Combined
JM Search Expands Technology Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has appointed Christy Mihos as partner in the CFO center of excellence within the firm’s technology practice. He joins Felix Korostin in leading the fast expanding practice. “With more than 40 percent year-over-year growth in 2025, the technology CFO center of excellence continues to expand its capabilities to deliver transformative financial
Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change
As we look ahead to 2026, global business leaders are navigating a shared set of challenges: employee engagement is declining, burnout is rising, and the pace of change—driven by economic uncertainty, AI advancements, and evolving work models—continues to accelerate. DHR Global’s second annual Workforce Trends Report recently surveyed global leaders to understand how these forces
AI Talent: The Full Spectrum
In private equity, the game is to solve, acquire, optimize, professionalize, and ultimately exit. But when it comes to AI, that word — “solve” — belongs in quotes because AI isn’t a problem you fix, according to a recent report from Chris Benz, partner at Corsica Partners. “It’s a capability you continuously evolve,” the report
ON Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for CytomX Therapeutics
Partner Suzanne Zebedee of ON Partners recently placed Rachael Lester as senior vice president and chief business officer of NASDAQ-traded CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. in South San Francisco, CA. “Rachael brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and business development across the biopharmaceutical industry and joins CytomX at a time when our platform and pipeline are well positioned to deliver
The Forum Group Expands
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Jesse Bernesby as director of financial services. In this newly created leadership role, Mr. Bernesby will focus on building a high-performing vertical across compliance, risk, product, and quantitative functions, critical areas in today’s regulatory and data-driven world. “Jesse began his recruiting career at The Forum Group in
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for the University of Virginia
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller is currently seeking the 10th president for the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen are leading the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to
The Real Cost of a Wrong Executive Hire — and How to Steer Clear of It
Few decisions shape a company’s trajectory more than choosing the right leader at the top. Every organization knows the pain of a hire that didn’t work out, however, when that hire sits at the executive table, the cost isn’t just financial — it’s strategic, cultural, and reputational, according to a recent report from Avant Executive Search
