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Daily Newswire
Cornerstone International Group Fills Senior Position for Dawn Foods
Cornerstone International Group has recently placed Kristi Kangas as senior vice president of North America manufacturing operations for Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and distribution. Samuel Dergel led the search. “Kristi is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record of driving operational excellence in complex, multi-site environments,” said John Schmitz, chief operating officer,
Kelly Names Chief Growth Officer
Global specialty talent solutions provider Kelly has appointed Patrick McCall as chief growth officer. He is joining the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Kelly CEO Chris Layden, and responsible for accelerating Kelly’s organic growth and delivering industry-leading capabilities to clients and candidates. “Pat is a growth-obsessed leader who will help bring to bear the full strength of
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
Executive Hiring Tightens Across Healthcare IT and Life Sciences
In the evolving landscape of healthcare IT and life sciences, executive hiring is undergoing a transformation marked by elevated expectations and tighter scrutiny from private equity investors and growth-focused organizations. With an increased demand for leaders who not only bring a track record of successful exits but also embody a “player-coach mentality,” companies are seeking
Furst Group Recruits Chief People Officer for BJC HealthCare
With the coronavirus crisis upon us, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. As a recent article in The Economist put it, “They must keep employees healthy; maintain their morale;
Development Guild DDI Recruits Chief Development Officer for Greenpeace
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has placed Tricia Hart as chief development officer for the environmental group Greenpeace. Managing director Sherry Ettleson led the assignment. Ms. Hart most recently served as national director of marketing and engagement at Amnesty International USA, where she expanded direct mail and digital giving programs
ZRG Partners Appoints Retail Practice Global Leader
ZRG Partners has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Brian Meany as managing partner and global head of its retail practice. He will be based in the firm’s New York City office. Mr. Meany has spent the past 25 years as managing director for Herbert Mines Associates, where he executed C-suite searches across the retail, fashion, wholesale
Unemployment Claims Surge as COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis Deepens
Americans displaced by the coronavirus crisis filed unemployment claims in historic numbers, with the Labor Department reporting Thursday a surge to 3.28 million, an increase of 3,001,000 from the previous week’s revised level. Consensus expectations were for 1.64 million claims. The previous record was 695,000 claims filed the week ended October 2, 1982. Initial jobless claims
Parker Executive Search Finds Next President for the University of Wyoming
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has assisted the University of Wyoming in the recruitment Edward Seidel as the school’s 28th president. The board of trustees announced last year that it would not be renewing the contract of Laurie Nichols, who was hired in 2016. Laura Wilder, the search firm’s president, led the assignment along with vice president
Heidrick & Struggles Announces 45 Promotions
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has promoted 23 partners and 22 principals in its search and consulting businesses globally. “Our newly promoted consultants have proven their ability to deliver exceptional client service, drive strong business growth
Isaacson, Miller Assists University of Maryland and Xavier University to Find New Leaders
Isaacson, Miller recently assisted in the placement of Darryll J. Pines as the 34th president of the University of Maryland. Meanwhile the search firm was also called in by Xavier University to find its next president. John Muckle, Gale Merseth and Vijay Saraswat led the search for Maryland while Jackie Mildner, Leslie McCarthy, and Jenna Sattar
New Heritage Capital Invests in DeWinter Group
Today, the private equity sector is the chief growth driver for executive search firms. PE firms are rapidly expanding their portfolio companies and along that pathway they need top talent more than ever before. In short, private equity firms are hungry for top level C-suite talent as their portfolio companies go through an explosive gritty
Lansdowne Executive Search Seeking Leader for Housing Alliance
Dublin, Ireland-based Lansdowne Executive Search has been enlisted to find the executive director for the Housing Alliance, a collaboration of six of Ireland’s largest approved housing bodies (AHBs). Partner Sean McDonagh is leading the assignment. Reporting to the Housing Alliance chair, the executive director will be expected to take a hands-on role in establishing the
Mastering the Online Interview has Just Taken on New Importance
Online interviews could be the new normal — not just because of the coronavirus crisis but because companies are realizing meaningful cost savings. That is leading to more broad acceptance of the practice. Carol Hartman of Hartman Group Consulting offers ways to master your next online interview. “Conducting interviews as a hiring manager or candidate from your
Diversified Search Recruits President and CEO for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Following an extensive nationwide search, Diversified Search has placed Jim Gerlach as the new president and chief executive officer of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) in Reading, PA. He replaces Randy Peers who resigned last July to pursue other interests. “Jim’s history of public service, high integrity and ability to work with a wide variety of constituencies
MitchelLake Expands in the U.S.
Sydney-headquartered executive search firm MitchelLake Group has expanded in the U.S. with the addition of Quang Pham as a senior associate. Based in Los Angeles, Mr. Pham will be responsible for helping the U.S. team to drive search execution and business growth over the next 12 months and beyond. “The U.S. executive search division has been
11 Key Strategies for Seeking a New Job During a Pandemic
In these unprecedented times, people are stressed, confused, worried, perplexed and in various stages of emotional overload while the daily influx of troubling news continues. If you are unemployed and looking for full-time employment, you are having the challenge of your business life right now. A new report by Russ Riendeau, senior partner and chief
UCLA Taps WittKieffer for Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jeff Compher, Zach Smith and Kim Brettschneider of executive search firm WittKieffer are currently assisting the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in a national search for a new director of intercollegiate athletics. “UCLA seeks an experienced, creative, inspiring and entrepreneurial leader with unwavering integrity, a strong work ethic and a commitment to transparency and collaboration with the broadest range of campus stakeholders
Frederickson Partners Strengthens HR Recruiting Staff
Frederickson Partners, an executive search firm that recruits high impact human resources and people leaders for innovative, high-growth and transformational companies, has added recruiting veteran Katie Traines as an HR and people executive search partner to be based in Chicago. “We are beyond excited for Katie to join the Frederickson team,” said Brian Brinkley, chief growth officer of Frederickson Partners. “Katie
Women in Canada Lagging Male Counterparts in the C-Suite
In many respects the past few years have represented a tipping point for women – and the men who support them. The abrupt fall of high-profile individuals from the worlds of business, entertainment, politics and media, coupled with the rise of broad-based movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, seems to signal a profound shift in societal
Klein Hersh International Recruits CEO for Locana
Executive recruitment firm Klein Hersh International has placed James Burns as the new chief executive officer for San Diego, CA-based Locana Inc., a leading RNA-targeting gene therapy company. Dr. Burns had been serving as CEO for biotechnology company Casebia Therapeutics, where he led the team in discovering and developing new CRISPR/Cas9-based breakthrough therapeutics to treat
R. William Funk & Associates Called in by Central Washington University
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has been selected by Central Washington University’s board of trustees to lead in its search for a new president. James L. Gaudino, who has served in that role since 2009, announced in late February that he will step down from his post
AI Hiring Platform Mya Systems Raises $18.75 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an artificial intelligence component. Just recently, Mya Systems, a conversational AI platform for hiring teams, announced that it has secured $18.75 million in Series C funding. The funding was led by Notion Capital with participation from earlier investors, Emergence Capital and Foundation Capital as well
Raines International Opens Office in Chicago
New York-based Raines International has opened a new office in Chicago. Bryan Burg, who joined Raines as senior vice president in 2019 to expand the firm’s industrial practice, will oversee the new office. CEO Dan Smith said the firm is committed to expanding business both in the industrials sector as well as in the Midwest. “We have done
3 Qualities Private Equity Firms Seek When Picking Portfolio CEOs
Private equity firms conduct rigorous due diligence in assessing acquisition targets. Those with the best track records place high trust in their ability to size up a prospect’s financials, operations and market position. But many mid-sized PE firms are less successful in choosing the CEOs who run their portfolio companies. One study of PE firms,
The Onstott Group Recruits CEO for the Jumby Bay Island Company
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has placed Wayne Kafcsak as the new CEO of the Jumby Bay Island Company (JBIC), a privately-owned, 300 acre island retreat located 2.5 miles off the Northeastern coast of Antigua in the Caribbean. Managing director Pat Campbell led the assignment. “With a keen sense of adventure and love of
Sterling Martin Recruits CEO for American Pharmacists Association
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has placed Scott J. Knoer as the new executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). He succeeds Thomas Menighan, who recently announced his retirement. He will take over on July 1. The assignment
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for CENTOGENE
With the integration of technology into all facets of everyday life, the life sciences and healthcare industry is hardly alone in facing technology-related issues. These take on increased importance when they impact health, disease diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, human longevity. Having the right leaders in place to sort through these complex challenges, say recruiters serving
Sheffield Haworth Partners with IT Specialist Nasstar
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has partnered with recruitment IT specialist Nasstar. Through the alliance, Nasstar will provide global support for Sheffield Haworth’s 11 international offices and is also working with the firm to enhance existing systems in order to support its growth ambitions. Nasstar will deliver 24/7 global support to the firm as
Caldwell Recruits CFO for the American Cancer Society
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 various companies, especially private equity-backed and healthcare outfits. Just recently, Rich Perkey and Gina Barge of Toronto-headquartered Caldwell recruited former Geller &
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by HanesBrands for CEO Search
HanesBrands has started a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO with the assistance of Russell Reynolds Associates. Gerald W. Evans Jr. has notified the company’s board of directors of his decision to retire at the end of the current fiscal year, which ends Jan. 2, 2021. “After more than three and a half decades
Bay Street Advisors Names Diversity Pioneer as Head of Asset Management Practice
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has named Patricia Muller as partner and head of the firm’s asset management practice. Ms. Muller is a well-known pioneer in diversity efforts across the industry. She will lead diversity strategy and planning efforts at Bay Street and serve on the firm’s executive committee. Ms. Muller brings more than
DHR International Adds Managing Partner to Focus on Corporate Affairs
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has expanded with the addition of John Hesse as managing partner focusing in corporate affairs. DHR said that the practice will “focus on identifying skilled communications professionals who anticipate challenges and employ smart, strategic plans to advance the mission of clients by communicating with, engaging, influencing and managing external audiences.” Mr. Hesse is
Is the Person You Know the Best Person for the Job?
We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve got the perfect person for this job.” You’re probably thinking, “Great. That makes my life easier.” But what if the recommender is biased? What if there’s a much better candidate out there? What if the person being referred is the best candidate? A new report by Paul Manning of The Bowdoin Group
Spencer Stuart Recruits President for Bryant University
After an extensive national search, Spencer Stuart has placed Ross Gittell, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, as the eighth president of 157-year-old Bryant University in Rhode Island. He will succeed Ronald K. Machtley, who has held the job since 1996. Dr. Gittell’s tenure at Bryant begins in July. “We are thrilled to find a leader like
