DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Why Executive Hiring Is Shifting to Skills-First Leadership
For decades, executive hiring was guided by a familiar formula. Boards and CEOs focused largely on job titles, employer pedigrees, and years in senior roles when evaluating candidates. A polished résumé was commonly treated as a dependable signal of future performance. Today, that assumption is increasingly questioned, according to a new report from the International Executive Search
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by JVS for Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently selected by Jewish Vocational & Career Counseling Service (JVS) to lead in its search for a chief financial and operating officer (CFOO). This executive will be responsible for overseeing the operational strategy of the organization with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and financial leadership in support of JVS’s mission
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.
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
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?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Build or Buy? Executive Insights into Strategic Talent Planning
As organizations strive to maintain competitive advantage and agility, how they source and develop talent has become a critical differentiator. In today’s dynamic business environment, the debate between “buying” versus “building” talent remains central to strategic workforce planning, according to a recent report from global executive search provider SpenglerFox’s Malgorzata Kosior. “For executives, particularly those leading within
Acertitude Opens Second Office in California
Executive search firm Acertitude has recently expanded with the opening of a new office in Irvine, CA. This is the firm’s second office in California. Already fully operational, the Irvine team offers the same suite of executive search and leadership consulting services to existing and new clients along the Pacific coast. “We’re excited about Acertitude’s continued growth into
The Management Recruitment Group Acquires PPA Global Search
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, U.K.-based real estate and construction recruitment firm, The Management Recruitment Group (MRG), made its first international acquisition with expansion into the Asian market by purchasing PPA Global Search. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed
Why Executive Search is an Ideal First Career Choice for a New Generation
Too often, executive recruitment is a field that individuals fall into after starting their career in another sector. Their expertise, insights into leadership and knowledge of how systems in business or a particular industry work can be extremely valuable in working with search clients and in identifying and attracting top drawer candidates. Unlike many other
Herbert Mines Associates Finds New Board Members for Party City
Retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed John Frascotti and Jim Conroy as new members of the board of directors at Party City Holdco. “We are pleased to welcome John and Jim to our board and believe their backgrounds are a great addition to the broad experience of our existing board of
KEES Retained by Active Transportation Alliance to Find New Leader
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
StevenDouglas Opens New Office in Bethesda
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of a new office in Bethesda, MD. This brings the firm’s total number of U.S. locations to 18. Elana Burr will be running the office with a focus on expanding the firm’s capabilities in providing IT staffing and search services locally. Shawn Redwine will be
IMSA Search Adds New Member Firm in Brazil
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Boutique Executive Search as its newest member in Brazil. The firm, which serves a wide array of industries, was founded in 2014 by Felippe Lara. “I feel the partners at Boutique share the same values and points of view on executive search issues as IMSA,” said Mr. Lara. “We
7 Sourcing Stage Recruiting Inefficiencies to Rethink
The sourcing stage is the most important part of the executive search lifecycle. This is where you gather the initial pool of candidates, which you will whittle down to find superstars and rare gems for your client. “Starting with a strong pool is critical to a positive result,” said J. Reed Flesher, founder and president
Collegiate Sports Associates Finds AD for Ole Miss
Todd Turner of Collegiate Sports Associates has helped the University of Mississippi in the appointment of internal candidate Keith Carter as the school’s new athletic director. Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce said the search firm, which provided a deep and diverse pool of candidates, “developed a criterion for us based on the input that we received
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits Chief Investment Officer for Washington State Investment Board
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles recently assisted in the recruitment of Allyson Tucker as the new chief investment officer of the $135 billion Washington State Investment Board (WSIB). Gary Bruebaker is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years in the investment business. Lyndon Taylor, partner in charge
Protis Global Adds Focus on Women to Board Practice
Executive recruitment and talent advisory firm Protis Global is expanding its board practice to include a vertical focused on the placement of women board members, for new and existing clients. Samantha Ford, senior vice president of cannabis business development, will lead the initiative, while continuing to centralize her efforts around the cannabis industry. The firm said that Ms. Ford, who
The Miles Group/TMG Expands with Former McKinsey CEO Coach
Seasoned CEO and executive coach Endre Holen has joined executive recruitment firm The Miles Group/TMG as managing director. He has served as a top advisor to influential, industry-changing CEOs for more than 25 years. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Endre coming on – he brings tremendous experience working with top talent and a passion for
Wages Increase Seen in Most Recent Quarter
Wages for U.S. workers grew 3.2 percent over the last year, increasing the average wage level by 90 cents to $28.71 an hour, according to the latest ADP “Workforce Vitality Report. The report tracks the same set of workers over time, which provides a more insightful picture of wage growth than overall wage growth. The wage growth of 3.2 percent corresponds
Comhar Partners Seeks President for Embrace Living Communities
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Comhar Partners has been selected to find a president for Embrace Living Communities, a non-profit which owns and operates housing communities for seniors and people with special housing needs in Illinois, Missouri and Florida. Managing director James O’Malley along with Bernard and Nick Layton are leading the assignment for the search
Foster & Associates Completes Search for Wind Point Partners
No client sector demands such top-end service from its search partners as private equity. Portfolio companies represent some of the most innovative, well-funded and high-growth concerns in all of business. As a result, much of the talent that private equity firms seek are highly-charged change agents — a professional breed that is growing more difficult to
Coulter Partners Opens New Office in Brussels, Expands Search Staff
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has expanded with the opening of a new office in Brussels and six recent appointments. Penny Sadler joins the firm’s medtech expertise as client partner in Brussels, while Nanna Soni is appointed director in London to the R&D center of expertise. The Paris office expands with the additions of Nicolas
WinterWyman Acquired by the Planet Group
The Planet Group, a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners and provider of outsourced human capital and consulting solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire Waltham, MA-based executive search firm WinterWyman. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Michael Stomberg, CEO of Planet, said the acquisition aligns with Planet’s strategic initiative to provide a full
Two Recruitment Leaders Discuss the Anatomy of a Merger
Consolidation continues to make news in the executive recruitment sector. One firm that has been making big waves this year has been Rochelle, NJ-based ZRG Partners. In the wake of the completion of its recapitalization with RFE Investment Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm with a long history of investing in growth companies, ZRG this
Wilbanks Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for PGIM Investments
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Recently, Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm Wilbanks Partners, LLC, placed Ray Ahn as CMO of PGIM Investments, a global manufacturer
Higher Education Leadership Seeks President for Southeastern Oklahoma State University
The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search to find a new president for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Sean Burrage recently stepped down. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders are leading the assignment. “We are seeking someone who understands the diverse and dynamic academic environment and connects
Gallagher MSA Search Finds New CEO for Currus Inc.
Following a national search, Gallagher MSA Search has recruited Robert F. Tinsley as the new CEO of Currus Inc. succeeding Pete Stern, who is retiring after 29 years. The assignment was led by managing director and senior advisor Kathy Hall as well as senior recruiter Patricia McCollum. The search attracted candidates from across the country. A
Caldwell Posts 11 Percent Q4 Revenue Gain, Up 7.9 Percent Full Year
It’s been a good year for Caldwell. The Toronto-based executive search firm has just posted fourth quarter revenues of $21 million (all dollar figures Canadian), an 11 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $18.7 million. Full year revenues rose by 7.9 percent, from $66.5 last year to $72.1 million. Fourth quarter net
7 Predictions on How Recruiting Will be Different by 2025
If you’re in the recruiting industry today, your job might be unrecognizable in five years — even if you retain the same job title. That’s because the role of recruiters and how your job is done is swiftly evolving. “Recruiter” is one of the most in-demand jobs as businesses brace for a future where talent is
Waverly Partners Seeks CEO for Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected to find the next president and chief executive officer for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, an economic development corporation in Illinois. Managing directors and principals Eric N. Peterson and Deborah M. Galbraith are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. “The president and CEO position of the
Diversified Search Recruits CFO for Morilee by Madeline Gardner
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. Recently, Philadelphia-based Diversified Search placed Richard Watts as the new CFO of Morilee by Madeline Gardner. The assignment was led by
Epic Business Strategies Opens Office in Milwaukee
Executive search firms large and small continue to expand to new areas in an effort to better serve their clients. Recently, executive recruiters Epic Business Strategies expanded with the opening of its second office in Milwaukee, WI. Headquartered in Naples, FL, Epic Business Strategies said that it decided to add the second location to better
EMA Partners Expands to Lisbon and Kiev
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has expanded its presence in the EMEA region with the additions of new offices in Lisbon and Kiev. The office in Lisbon is led by managing partner Rui Guedes de Quinhones, while the Kiev office is led by managing partner Uliana Morokhovska. Mr. Guedes de Quinhones
Hanold Associates Completes Chief People Officer Search for the NFL
Following a record-breaking year of recruiting top HR leadership into some of the best well-known brands across industry, Chicago-based Hanold Associates has recruited Dasha Smith as chief people officer of the National Football League in one of the most high profile human resource C-suite assignments of 2019. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, led
Buffkin / Baker Seeks Chief Revenue Officers for C-4 Analytics and SkuVault
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been enlisted to find chief revenue officers for C-4 Analytics, an automotive digital marketing services firm based in Boston, and SkuVault, a warehouse management technology platform headquartered in Louisville, KY. The C-4 Analytics search is being led by partner Raj Das, global head of the search firm’s digital practice. Mark
COORS Leadership Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Catholic Medical Center
Over the past year, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find chief medical officers. Recently, COORS Leadership placed Trina D. Abla as the new chief medical officer of Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Dr. Abla most recently was chief quality officer and associate CMO at Penn State Health St. Joseph in
Headstart Hiring Platform Secures $7 Million in Funding
Investors are pouring money into recruiting solutions businesses, especially those with an AI component. Just recently, Headstart, a platform that leverages data science to help companies reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, raised $7 million in funding led by AI-focused Silicon Valley venture capital firm FoundersX, with participation from Founders Factory. Launched in 2017, Headstart
