DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Creating Predictable Recruitment Firm Revenue in an Unpredictable Industry
In a market where deal flow can shift quickly and client priorities change just as fast, many boutique recruitment firms find themselves operating without a clear line of sight on future income. What separates firms that consistently grow from those that stall isn’t just performance—it’s the ability to build structure around uncertainty and turn activity
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
The CHRO’s Role in Private Equity: Driving Value at Speed and Scale
In every industry, the CHRO serves as the guardian of culture, the designer of talent strategy, and a key advisor to the CEO. It is demanding work—transformational, complex, and deeply human. In a private equity-backed portfolio company, those responsibilities remain, but the tempo shifts dramatically: there is no long runway. With a defined investment plan
Crafting a Job Spec That Draws Top Talent
A search firm and client can spend 15 minutes or 15 hours drafting a position specification, but it can emerge as a useless document either way. According to William Lepiesza of The Alexander Group, a well-crafted specification, or “spec” for short, is the foundation upon which a successful search is built. “Without the right approach
Uber Picks Hanold Associates for Head of Talent Acquisition Search
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 been chosen to lead Uber’s search for a head of talent acquisition in its Advance Technology Groups unit. Ashley Schiele and Mayank Parikh are spearheading the assignment. The position is based in Pittsburgh, PA. The head of talent acquisition
Diversified Search Finds CEO for Eastern Connecticut Health Network
Philadelphia-based Diversified Search placed Deborah Weymouth as president and CEO of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN). The assignment was conducted by James A. Langston, managing director and financial officers practice leader, and managing director Ken Hirshman. “I am pleased to welcome Deborah to ECHN and I am confident that she will be an outstanding addition to ECHN’s
Aspen Leadership Group Seeks Leader for League of American Orchestras
Aspen Leadership Group, an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting top talent for philanthropic organizations, is seeking a new president and chief executive officer for the League of American Orchestras. “The CEO will further the fulfillment of the mission of the League of American Orchestras: to advance the experience of orchestral music, support the
20/20 Foresight Executive Search Appoints Managing Director in San Francisco
Chicago-headquartered 20/20 Foresight Executive Search has expanded with the addition of John Spitzler as managing director. He will head both 20/20 Foresight Executive Search and 20/20 Foresight Executive Marketing operations throughout California from his home base in San Francisco. “20/20 Foresight offers our career consultants a unique atmosphere in which to grow their business,” said Bob Cavoto, managing principal and founder
Upbeat Hiring Plans Heading Into the New Year
U.S. employers expect the hiring pace to remain steady into the first 90 days of 2020 though regional and industry forecasts are mixed, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they were expecting headcount to grow. This is the eighth consecutive year of
DHR International Assists Florida State Land New Football Coach
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has placed Mike Norvell as the new head football coach for Florida State University. Willie Taggart was fired in early November after going 9-12 during his tenure with the team. “It was an honor to be entrusted with the search for the new leader of one
University of Utah Enlists Spelman Johnson for Chief Safety Officer Search
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been chosen to find a chief safety officer for the University Of Utah in Salt Lake City. The university created the role in the wake of the murder of student-athlete Lauren McCluskey in October 2018. An independent review subsequently found that university police failed to respond properly to Ms.
ZRG Partners Expands Financial Services Practice
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, has expanded with the addition of Michael Castine to its financial services practice. He will be based in New York City. Mr. Castine brings 30 years of executive search experience to the firm. Previously, he was a partner with Ridgeway Partners for the past six years. He
HW Global Talent Partner Adds Finance Director to Fuel Growth
U.K.-based executive search firm HW Global Talent Partner has named Rob Pettican as its new finance director at a time in which the firm is targeting rapid growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions. In a new position created to support the planned expansion of the group, he will be accountable for the firm’s finances.
The Upskilling Deadlock to Continue in 2020
Recent research has revealed a paradox at the heart of current debates around upskilling. On the one hand, the vast majority of U.S. workers believe it’s imperative to train for and develop new skills in order to keep up with changes in the workplace. On the other, that same contingent of workers also say that neither
Myers McRae Recruits Provost for Methodist College
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has placed Suzanne Blum Malley as the new provost for Methodist University. She will assume her new position on Jan. 15. Emily Parker Myers, CEO, and Jennifer Barfield, senior vice president, led the assignment. “Dr. Blum Malley brings to us a strong track record of academic and scholarly success,
Insight Executive Search Seeks Strategic Learning and Evaluation Officer for Walton Family Foundation
Insight Executive Search, which finds top talent for non-profit, research and commercial organizations, has been chosen to find a strategic learning and evaluation officer for the Walton Family Foundation. Vice president Ari Ayares is leading the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm. The new strategic learning and evaluation officer will be charged with working
The Jackson Laboratory Taps Heidrick & Struggles to Find CHRO
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company, and they are expected to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk taking and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
The Taplow Group Unveils New Board of Directors
Board service can be one of the most rewarding career experiences: It’s the opportunity to see firsthand how another company operates at the highest levels and to work with – and learn from – accomplished, articulate and intelligent people. It’s why many leaders decide to start down the path to the boardroom. It’s also why
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Q2 Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted fiscal second quarter revenues of $492.4 million, down one percent (up one percent at constant currency) from last year. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and leadership consultant – the largest globally and in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media – recorded net income was $42.8 million, compared to a loss of $46 million in the second quarter of last
Unemployment Rate Dips Again as Economy Pushes Forward, Despite Concerns
Employers added 266,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped slightly to 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase was above the 180,000 forecast by economists. The November gain is the 110th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 5.89 million. “We still see
The Bowdoin Group Recruits President for Mayo Clinic Platform
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive search firm, has placed John Halamka as the new president of Mayo Clinic Platform, which is committed to elevating Mayo Clinic to a global leadership position within digital healthcare. He will start in his new role on Jan. 1. “Dr. Halamka has a proven track record of success in innovation
Ventura Partners Plays Key Role in Returning Head Football Coach to Rutgers
Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has helped to bring Greg Schiano back to Rutgers University for a second stint as head football coach. Mr. Schiano led the Scarlet Knights to six bowl appearances during his previous tenure, from 2001 to 2011. Partner Chad Chatlos led the assignment for the search firm. Mr. Schiano left Rutgers in 2012
EMA Partners Opens Miami Office
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new office in Miami and named Mark Young as managing director to lead the new location. “We look forward to working with Mark and his team,” said Chris Pantelidis, EMA Partners regional chair, the Americas. “It is an exciting time as we expand
Despite Previous Promise, Fewer Women Hold Top CEO Roles
Despite growing calls for gender diversity, the number of women chief executive officers in the S&P 500 dropped by nearly 20 percent in 2018. At the same time, corporate America took decisive action against harassment: In the S&P 500, companies ousted five CEOs in 2018 due to #MeToo-related misconduct, representing more than 40 percent of
Odgers Berndtson Finds New Leader for Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean
Global search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed Rafael Echevarne as the new director general of Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC). He succeeds Javier Martinez who has successfully led the organization since 2010. Tim McNamara spearheaded the assignment “We have great expectations about the new drive that Rafael Echevarne will bring to our organization,” said
Pauly Group Recruits 11th President for Northwestern Michigan College
Academic search firm Pauly Group has recruited Nick Nissley to become the next president of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City, MI. Current president Timothy J. Nelson will step down at the end of the year. Dr. Nissley was the first choice of five finalists for the position, out of a field of 67 applicants.
Tatum U.S. Appoints New Director of Executive Search
Tatum, an interim services and executive search firm, recently named John Coutts as director of executive search on the west coast. This key leadership appointment underscores Tatum’s commitment to continued growth in the U.S. marketplace. Mr. Coutts is an experienced executive recruiter with a demonstrated history of working successfully with private and public companies both in
InterSearch Expands Presence in Spain and Portugal
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies with 90 offices in 50 countries, has added Euromanager to strengthen its presence in Spain and Portugal. “With this strategic alliance, Euromanager reinforces its international character by becoming part of a global network that has been operating in more than 70 markets for over three decades and has around 600 consultants in
Options Group Releases Annual Pay Data Report to Wall Street
Options Group has just released its 2019/2020 Global Financial Markets Overview and Compensation Report, long considered the ‘gold standard’ for pay data metrics among banks and investment banks. This year’s report, “The Intersection of Disruptive Technology and Geopolitical Protectionism,” is chock full of key industry analytics, including financial market overviews, compensation summaries, salient predictions and
Academic Search Called in by Simpson College to Recruit New President
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been selected by Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa to find its next president. Search firm president Jay Lemons, senior consultant Wanda Bigham and associate consultant Penny Gibbons are leading the assignment. Jay Simmons is stepping down from the college’s top job, but will continue to serve in his current position until a successor
Waldron Tapped by Susan G. Komen Puget Sound to Find New Leader
Social sector focused executive search firm Waldron has been retained by the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound (Komen Puget Sound) to lead its search for a new executive director. Recruiting director Sarah Meyer is leading the assignment. Responsible for the success and sustainability of Komen Puget Sound, the new executive director will report to and work in close partnership
Stanton Chase Forms Global Partnership with Hofstede Insights
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has formed a global partnership with Hofstede Insights, a culture and strategy advisory & analytics organization. “I am pleased to announce this new memorandum of understanding between Stanton Chase and Hofstede Insights,” said Wassim Karkabi, global head of assessment and managing partner of the Stanton Chase Middle East and Greater China offices. “Our Middle East
Amrop Names Head Leadership Services for the Adriatic Region
Global recruiting organization Amrop expanded with the addition of Ksenija Štrekelj as leadership services manager for the Adriatic region. She will be based at Amrop Adria in Ljubljana. Ms. Štrekelj has a senior HR profile with proven background as a talent acquisition and development expert with extended knowledge of HR solutions. She has over 10 years
Harvard University Taps Isaacson, Miller to Find Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities







