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Daily Newswire
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Carlos Ruiz as chief commercial officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in Grand Rapids, MI. The search was led by Barry Bratton and Christine Santiago. In his new position, Mr. Ruiz will help elevate the guest experience and support the airport’s strategic goals. “We
Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
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
How Courage Shapes the Leaders of Tomorrow
What defines a great leader? Qualities like experience, intelligence, charisma, and authenticity often top the list—and with good reason, as each plays a meaningful role. But in a climate of constant change, executive search consultants say that one trait stands out: courage. It enables tough decisions, supports calculated risks, and drives the willingness to challenge legacy
Lindauer Tapped to Find Alumni Relations Director for Seoul Foreign School
Boston-based Lindauer is spearheading the search for a new director of alumni relations for the Seoul Foreign School (SFS) in South Korea, one of the leading international schools in Asia. Heading the assignment is vice president Carmel Napolitano. “The Seoul Foreign School is seeking an adventurous and energetic alumni relations and development professional to join
Odgers Berndtson Opens Salt Lake City Office
Odgers Berndtson has continued its rapid expansion in the U.S. by opening an office in Salt Lake City, UT. The location will be led by Evan McClure, a partner in the firm’s life science practice, who joined Odgers Berndtson last year and leads search engagements for CxO, vice president and board positions across the life
Executive Recruiters Roll Up Their Sleeves as COVID-19 Crisis Unfolds
In mid-March, just as the full impact of the coronavirus crisis was starting to take shape for search firms and other businesses across the nation, Kenneth Vancini, founder of Innova International, an advisory firm for the executive recruitment industry, had a flash of inspiration. Mr. Vancini had been on the telephone with chief executive officers
Herbert Mines Assists Sprouts Farmers Market in Chief Marketing Officer Search
Following a nationwide search, New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Gil Phipps as the new senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Sprouts Farmers Market in Phoenix, AZ. President Brenda Malloy led the search along with managing director Alison Weil and vice president Caitlin Kenefick. “We’re extremely pleased
Kingsley Gate Partners Opens New Office in Madrid
Kingsley Gate Partners is continuing its recent expansion with the opening of a new office in Madrid. Spain. Rocío Rufilanchas and Alberto Terron have joined the firm as vice presidents in the new office. “Despite the difficult times Spain and the rest of the world are currently going through, the expansion in Madrid demonstrates Kingsley Gate Partners’ commitment to growth and to
Another Tough Week for Workers as Pandemic Crisis Sends Millions More into Unemployment
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 a new surge of 4.4 million claims. Over 26 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past five weeks. Economists were predicting 4.5 million jobless claims
Naval Postgraduate School Taps Reffett Associates to Find New Provost
Reffett Associates has been selected by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to assist with the search for its next provost. The assignment is being led by William Reffett, managing partner and founder, with assistance from Marshall Reffett, managing director. “We are pleased to have been selected by the provost search committee to work with the
ManpowerGroup Revenue Declines Eight Percent Citing COVID-19 Impact
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted first quarter revenues of $4.6 billion, a decrease of eight percent from the same period a year ago. The company said it is focused on managing costs and is withholding guidance given the uncertainty when governments will ease stay-at-home restrictions. The Milwaukee-based recruiting company recorded net earnings of $1.7 million for the quarter,
Leveraging Existing Response Plans to Tackle COVID-19
While the world continues to face the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate, academic and government leaders are examining the long-range questions of “What’s next?” and “How do we respond?” If your organization has yet to have a pandemic response and recovery plan in place, it may be time to take what is in place
Library of Congress Taps JDG Associates to Begin Search for Register of Copyrights
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been engaged to conduct the search for a Register of Copyrights for the Library of Congress. Leading the assignment is Darren DeGioia, president of the search firm. The incoming leader will be responsible for administering the provisions of copyright and related laws set out in Title 17 of the U.S. Code.
LifeSci Search Opens Office in San Francisco; Expands Health Technology and AI Expertise
New York City-based life sciences-focused executive search firm LifeSci Search has opened a new office in San Francisco. The location will be led by managing partner Elena Liapounova. “Having a presence in San Francisco gives us an opportunity to provide a more personalized approach to clients on the West Coast,” said Andrew Cronin, president and co-founder
Companies Planning Big Comeback Post-Pandemic Crisis
As the global, interconnected business community confronts unprecedented challenges manifested by the COVID-19 pandemic, the interdependence of the world’s economies has never been more obvious or so uniformly tested. “In the face of our collective battle to endure and overcome, there will rise up great strength of resolve, new innovations, and a shared effort to
Frederickson Partners Finds Director of Employee Engagement for The Nature Conservancy
Frederickson Partners, a global HR executive search firm, has placed Alia Ayer as director of employee engagement at The Nature Conservancy. Beth Ann Namey, a partner for executive search, led the assignment for the firm. Ms. Ayer, who will be based in the San Francisco Bay area, was previously principal and head of data strategy at Stop
Ridgeway Partners Strengthens Asset / Wealth Management Team
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Michael Fitzgerald as a partner in its Boston office. He specializes in asset management and has a strong track record of recruiting senior leadership positions in distribution, marketing, product, investments as well as building new business lines. “We are truly excited to have Mike join Ridgeway Partners,” said Charles Preusse,
Solomon Page to Donate Quarterly Profit to COVID-19 First Responders Fund
Executive search firm Solomon Page has announced a charitable initiative to support COVID-19 frontline workers. In conjunction with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement of the First Responders Fund, the recruitment provider will donate five percent of its quarterly margin to the New York City-based fund. With its corporate headquarters based in the global epicenter of the
Academic Search Seeks New President for California Lutheran University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been enlisted to find the next president for California Lutheran University. Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant; Stuart Dorsey, senior consultant; and Jennifer Kooken, associate consultant, are leading the assignment. Last fall, Chris Kimball, who has held the job for 12 years, announced that he would be stepping down at
SearchPath Global Appoints President as Coronavirus Crisis Continues
Executive recruitment organizations have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Recruiting and interim executive franchise system SearchPath Global has named executive search veteran Jonathan Bartos as its new president. In his new role, Mr. Bartos will support existing franchises and grow franchise
Isaacson, Miller Seeks New Leader for the Mystic Seaport Museum
Museums are increasingly turning to specialist recruiters to help fill critical senior-level leadership roles. As these positions grow more sophisticated and complex, the hunt for top-flight talent to fill these roles becomes all the more important. With that, search fees across the space are rising substantially, according to recruiters. And that is something to think
Christopher Group Seeks CHRO for American Hotel and Lodging Association
The Christopher Group (TCG) has been retained by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) to lead the organization’s chief human resources officer search. Founder and CEO Thomas Christopher, recruiting manager Kristen Pace, and senior operations manager Matthew Duda are leading the assignment. “The Christopher Group is pleased and honored to launch our second chief human resources officer search for
Novare Executive Search Recruits CEO for Live Nation Sweden
Stockholm-headquartered Novare Executive Search has placed Mattias Behrer as the chief executive officer of Live Nation Sweden, the largest organizer of concerts, tours and events in Sweden. He starts his new position on August 10. It is very gratifying to welcome Mattias to the team,” said John Reid, president of Live Nation Europe concerts. “With his broad background
Pandemic Crisis Sends Another 5.2 Million Americans Into Unemployment
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis again filed for unemployment benefits in historic numbers within the last seven days, with the Labor Department reporting Thursday a new surge of 5.245 million claims. Over 22 million people have now filed for unemployment benefits over the past month. Economists were predicting five million jobless claims for the
PFM Executive Search Finds President for B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed Stephanie Jones as president of the B.C. Marine Terminal Operators Association (BCMTOA). Partner Shaun Carpenter and consultant Matthew Bell led the assignment. Ms. Jones will work on behalf of the BCMTOA board of directors and members as the voice of marine terminals operating at British Columbia Ports and Canada’s
P. Jason King Associates Appoints EVP, Preparing for Industry Rebound
Travel and hospitality unemployment fell by 459,000 in March. This employment decline nearly offset gains over the previous two years. While many companies within these sectors are not hiring as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, one search firm that focuses on these industries sees an opportunity. Skyland, NC-headquartered executive search firm P. Jason King Associates recently
CEO Confidence Falls to Lowest Levels Since 2008 Great Recession
Amid the fallout from COVID-19, confidence among U.S. CEOs has declined sharply. The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence decreased from 43 in the fourth quarter of 2019 to 36 in the first quarter of 2020. In addition, a follow-up survey from late March to early April showed a further decline to 34. (A reading of
Acertitude Places CIO for Enlivant
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Justin Sheppard as chief information officer for Enlivant, one of the nation’s largest senior living owners and operators with a presence in 27 states across the U.S. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose spearheaded the assignment. As CIO, Mr. Sheppard has strategic oversight for all aspects of technology and is responsible
Naughtin Group Expands Senior Leadership Team
Naughtin Group, a woman-owned national executive search firm based in Minneapolis, MN, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of Heidi Dodd as partner. While some firms continue to focus solely on hiring revenue generators to drive the top line, CEO Terri Naughtin saw the importance of making a strategic investment in operations
On the Talent Front Line: COVID-19 and the Consumer Industry
Herbert Mines Associates is a veteran search firm serving retail and consumer clients, and that expertise is giving them a unique vantage point in seeing the impact that COVID-19 is having across a wide range of industries, including: grocery; home, apparel and other retail; restaurants, hotels and other hospitality; digital pureplay; fitness and other consumer
Bridge Partners Seeks CFO for Accion Opportunity Fund
New York City-based Bridge Partners has been enlisted to find an EVP and chief financial officer for Accion Opportunity Fund in the San Francisco Bay area. The non-profit organization spearheads the development of a national microlending strategy to meet the credit needs of small businesses. Bridge Partners’ founders Tory Clarke and Larry Griffin are leading
Bedford Consulting Group Extends Talent Offerings
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider Bedford Consulting Group has added Val Cambre of Teal & Co. as the firm’s newest partner. Ms. Cambre will lead the design of competitive strategies on talent identification, talent development and establishing a talent culture for optimizing education processes within the academy movement. “Val has a deep knowledge and expertise
Turnkey Search Seeking CFO for the Pittsburgh Penguins
CFOs continue to be in high demand, especially with a global pandemic at hand. Finding these essential C-suite leaders is helping to keep many of the nation’s top recruitment operations active during these challenging days. Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been enlisted to help the Pittsburgh Penguins find a new CFO.
SkyWater Search Partners Names HR Practice Leader
Minneapolis, MN-headquartered executive search firm SkyWater Search Partners has added Andrea Anderson to lead its newly expanded human resources placement practice area. With 16 years of experience in human resources and recruiting leadership roles, “Ms. Anderson is uniquely qualified to join and lead SkyWater’s rapidly expanding HR practice area,” the firm said. “The HR practice at SkyWater has
