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Daily Newswire
How Executives Are Using AI to Gain a Competitive Edge
Private equity firms are increasingly evaluating chief executive candidates through a new lens: digital fluency and the ability to translate emerging technologies into enterprise value. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to implementation across industries, leadership teams are expected to move beyond curiosity and into disciplined execution. For incoming CEOs, demonstrating practical command of AI
Reinforcing Leadership at Historically Black Colleges
Presidential turnover has become an increasingly urgent issue across higher education, but the stakes are especially high at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As HBCUs navigate rising enrollment demand, heightened fundraising expectations, and growing public visibility, leadership continuity is emerging as a critical factor in long-term institutional strength. Yet many campuses continue to face
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.
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
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?
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
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
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
The AI Imperative: What HR Leaders Must Do to Drive Transformation
AI is reshaping organizations, industries, and functions, and human resources is no exception. HR leaders find themselves at the center of the AI capability gap; they must not only ensure that the workforce adopts AI across their organization but also upskill themselves and drive the AI enablement of the HR function, according to a new
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
