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Daily Newswire
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
Krauthamer & Associates has placed Chris Orlando as the new CEO of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) in Stockton, CA. “We are excited to welcome Chris Orlando as SJRRC’s next CEO,” said SJRRC chair Lisa Craig-Hensley. “Chris brings an exceptional blend of executive leadership, public policy experience, transportation expertise, and strategic vision. His collaborative focused approach
Talent Harbour Group Acquires Goldbeck Recruiting
Talent Harbour Group, a full-service Canadian talent management and executive search firm and part of the JL Davis Enterprises family office, has acquired Goldbeck Recruiting. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition strengthens Talent Harbour’s position as a leading national executive search and talent management platform delivering executive search, recruiting, leadership development, coaching,
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
The Culture Edge: Driving Enterprise Performance
As businesses navigate constant change, the influence of corporate culture on organizational success is unmistakable. Companies are increasingly aware that a vibrant, adaptable culture is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a critical driver of employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Recent findings reveal that 89 percent of highly engaged employees recognize their organization’s culture as a positive
Saenger Associates Fills Key Post for Gerber Childrenswear
After a nationwide search by executive search firm Saenger Associates, South Carolina-based baby products giant Gerber Childrenswear has a new head of distribution for the company’s massive worldwide distribution center in the Charleston area. Katherine Hayes took the lead on the search for the Los Angeles-based recruitment firm along with Gary L. Saenger. The assignment took just
SearchWide Global Retained by VisitPittsburgh for CEO Search
VisitPittsburgh, the tourism promotion agency for Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, has retained executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global to find its next president and chief executive officer. Craig Davis, who led the agency for seven years, stepped down at the end of last year to take the job as president and CEO of VisitDallas. Mike Gamble, president and
Bench International Opens Office in San Diego
Los Angeles-headquartered search firm Bench International has expanded with the opening of a new office in San Diego. This expansion is being co-led by Denise (DeeDee) DeMan, chairman and CEO, and Kim Mittemeyer, regional head, San Diego. Fueled by an increase in San Diego life science venture capital funding, Bench International is focused on making
The Intersect Group Names CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Atlanta-based executive search firm The Intersect Group has appointed Edwin Miller as CEO. His appointment rounds out a series of strategic moves recently made to further position the firm for growth.
Is the Workplace More Stressful Than Just Five Years Ago?
If you find yourself feeling nostalgic about a former job, there may be a good reason for it: A new Korn Ferry survey suggests that today’s workplace has become increasingly stressful compared to recent years past. Increased work demands, bad bosses and changes in leadership are creating an ever more stressful work environment for professionals. The report sought to determine
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Therapy Brands
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has placed Kimberly O’Loughlin as the new CEO of Therapy Brands in Birmingham, AL. She replaces Shegun Otulana effective immediately. “Therapy Brands has achieved incredible growth over a short time and it’s exciting to continue to build our talented executive team with a proven leader like Kimberly,” said Mr. Otulana.
Museum Search & Reference Finds Senior Curator for Vero Beach Museum of Art
Executive search firm Museum Search & Reference has placed the new senior curator for the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) in Florida. Senior search consultant Dan Keegan led the assignment. Anke Van Wagenberg joins the museum from the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD, outside of Washington, D.C., where she was chief curator. “Anke’s expertise and
Ballinger | Leafblad Assists Hennepin Healthcare with CEO Search
Executive search firm Ballinger | Leafblad has assisted Minneapolis, MN-based health system Hennepin Healthcare in the recruitment of Jennifer DeCubellis as its new CEO. She replaces Jon Pryor who resigned last year. The assignment was led by co-founder Marcia Ballinger and principal Bob Schoenbaum. “We had a strong pool of candidates from across the nation to choose
ZRG Partners Adds Recruiting Specialists Across Several Business Sectors
ZRG Partners has expanded with the addition of government, cyber and security industry specialist Pete Metzger as a senior advisor and managing director. Mr. Metzger’s executive search career extends over two decades, and has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to business and government leaders, said the search firm. He has a strong
Five Strategies to Attract Top Talent in Today’s Market
With the nation’s economy churning on all cylinders and the labor market stretched thin, many companies are having to work harder to attract and retain the best talent. As CEO for nationwide life sciences search firm Slone Partners, Leslie Loveless can attest to the challenges clients face in attracting the right people for the biggest
Acertitude Recruits Former GE CIO to Lead Global IT Strategy at DXC Technology
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Chris Drumgoole as executive vice president and chief information officer for Tysons, VA-based DXC Technology. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. The assignment was completed in just 88 days. “Chris Drumgoole is an extraordinary technology executive and the DXC ecosystem is
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Stilla Technologies
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners placed Khaled Bahi as the new CFO of Paris-based Stilla Technologies. Client partner Eskil Westh led the assignment. Mr. Bahi’s appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for the company, with the recent opening of a U.S. subsidiary headquartered in Beverly, MA, providing American customers with direct sales and
DRG Search Seeks CEO, CFO for Non-Profit Citizen Advocates
DRG Search, which finds executives for the non-profit sector, has been enlisted to find both the next chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Citizen Advocates in Malone, NY. The client organization provides mental health, substance abuse, housing and vocational services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ami Abramson, DRG’s chief strategy officer,
Jensen Partners Appoints Head of Europe
New York City-based Jensen Partners has expanded its global footprint with the addition of Peter Mayer as head of Europe. He will lead European efforts out of the firm’s London office and spearhead recruiting and assets under management growth advisory. “Peter is a veteran of the alternative investment industry, with a deep understanding of different strategies and asset
Navigating the Insular World of Academic Recruiting
Confusion abounds in the marketplace regarding academic executive recruiting vs. corporate search work. Every search is unique, and each finds its own path. It’s possible, however, to draw some generalizations about the differences and similarities in search work, says Shawn M. Hartman, vice president and chief operating officer of Washington, D.C.-based Academic Search. “If you
Herbert Mines Associates Assists CEC Entertainment in CEO Search
Retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed David McKillips as the new CEO of CEC Entertainment Inc., operators of Chuck E. Cheese. He replaces Tom Leverton, who recently resigned. “David is a proven executive with a lifetime of experience and success in the family entertainment industry, both domestically and around the world,” said
Spencer Stuart Tapped by the National Council on Aging to Find CEO
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has retained Spencer Stuart to lead a national search for its next president and CEO. Current president and CEO James Firman announced late last year his plans to retire from the organization after 25 years of service. He will continue to lead NCOA until a successor has been appointed. Consultants Jennifer Heenan
Human Resource Solutions Recruits CTO for Great Plains Communications
Golden, CO-based executive search firm Human Resource Solutions has placed Tony Thakur as chief technology officer for Great Plains Communications, Nebraska’s largest independent telecommunications company and a Grain Management portfolio company. The search was led by R. Woody Daroca. “It was important for me to understand and honor Tony’s respect and concern for his then current employer,” said
Kingsley Gate Partners Adds Former Telecomm Executive to Lima Office
Kingsley Gate Partners has continued its recent expansion with Jose Revilla joining as a partner in its Lima, Peru office. Mr. Revilla brings to Kingsley Gate Partners over 20 years of experience in executive roles in multiple countries in Latin America and the U.S. in the information technology and telecommunications industry. His strong leadership and
10 Leadership Qualities to Look for In Your Next Executive Search
Executive-level talent can have a huge impact on the success of an organization. These individuals affect the culture, performance and perception of every business. So it is that finding the right people to lead and represent your brand is the most significant decision any top leader, board or head of talent will make. Employers typically use
Waldron Recruits CEO for Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
Social sector focused executive search firm Waldron has placed Randall Kempner as the new chief executive officer of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation in Austin, TX. Principal Jeff Waldron is leading the assignment along with engagement manager Heather Mohler and administrative assistant Renée Sellers. Katherine Lorenz, granddaughter of the charity’s founders, has led the organization since 2011. She stepped
m/Oppenheim Associates Seeks Leader for Youth UpRising
Non-profit executive search firm m/Oppenheim Associates has been enlisted to find the next president and chief executive officer for Youth UpRising, a community group that provides education, employment and wellness programs for at-risk youngsters in Oakland, CA. Founder Mark Oppenheim and principal Kevin Redick are leading the assignment for the San Francisco-based search firm. Youth
The Loring Group Opens Doors
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: Veteran executive recruiter Steve Caliger has launched The Loring Group. Mr. Caliger has had a distinguished career as a sales leader and executive search consultant in the technology industry. He
AIMS International Opens Office in Estonia
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. Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded with the addition of a new office
Search Firm Leverages Life Sciences Platform to Recruit Pot Sector Talent
Legal marijuana is now a more than $10 billion business in the U.S. Investors poured billions into cannabis in North America last year, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. In addition, the overall North American market exceeded $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the marijuana
DHR International Assists Michigan State in Head Football Coach Search
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Mel Tucker as the head football coach for Michigan State University. Mr. Tucker is a 23-year coaching veteran with championship experience. He replaces Mark Dantonio who recently stepped down after 13 seasons with the Spartans. The school paid DHR $100,000 for its
Reffett Associates Places General Counsel for Northwest Seaport Alliance
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has placed the first-ever general counsel of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), one of the largest container gateways in North America. William Reffett, founder and managing partner, and Tom Young, director of operations, led the assignment for the search firm. The new general counsel, Dana Henderson, will be responsible for providing legal
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Worksoft
Jeff Hocking of ON Partners has placed former Data Intensity executive Tony Sumpster as the new CEO of Worksoft. Jerry Dolinsky will step down from his role as interim CEO and maintain his position as chairman of the board for Worksoft. “I am delighted to welcome Tony to Worksoft,” said Mr. Dolinsky. “He brings deep experience in technology,
Talengo Names Digital Business and Technology Practice Leader
Madrid-headquartered search firm Talengo has appointed Pedro Irujo as new director of the digital business and technology practice. “With its incorporation, the firm wants to reinforce a critical practice that is experiencing a strong demand and in which it accompanies its clients to successfully translate its digital transformation processes into a leadership key, both in consulting projects and in
The Recruiting Sector is Creating Durable Revenue Streams, with Higher Margins
Korn Ferry will begin reporting a “KF Digital” segment that consolidates its compensation databases, leadership development platforms and sales training modules into one reporting disclosure, according to a new report by investment firm Kerrisdale Capital. By the next fiscal year, KF Digital should generate $400 million in revenue as a stand-alone unit. Other search firms are following suit
College Sports Solutions and Buffkin / Baker Tapped to Find Commissioner for Big West Conference
The Big West Conference has begun its search for a new commissioner to replace Dennis Farrell, who recently announced his retirement after leading the conference for 27 years. Collegiate athletics consultants College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker are managing the search process, with Jeff Schemmel, president of CSS, acting as lead consultant, with assistance from Dan
