DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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.
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
Help Wanted: President Business Operations, Detroit Pistons
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been selected by the Detroit Pistons to find a new president of business operations. “The Detroit Pistons are an iconic NBA team that recently moved back into downtown Detroit,” said Len Perna, founder and chairman of Turnkey Search. “Detroit itself is really buzzing as a comeback
Caldwell Places Chief Marketing Officer at Recorded Future
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. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed former Acquia executive Tom
ON Partners Adds Partner in San Francisco
Executive search firm ON Partners has expanded with the addition of Michael Lynch, a veteran search executive with more than 20 years of experience in the global technology market, as a partner in its San Francisco office. Throughout his career, Mr. Lynch has placed CEOs, C-level and board executives in sectors that are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technologies such
Versique Search and Consulting Acquires Midwest Financial Search
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Minneapolis-headquartered Versique Search and Consulting acquired St. Paul, MN-based Midwest Financial Search to boost its presence in the banking and financial services sector. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Midwest Financial Search specializes in placing
Pearson Partners Expands Search Staff
Dallas-headquartered Pearson Partners International has expanded with the addition of veteran attorney Cortland Kelly Grynwald as vice president. She brings to the firm experience in recruiting leaders for both corporate and law firm clients. “The insight that Cortland brings to our team, gained from experience in her law practice and legal search career, is invaluable to our
A New Twist in the War for Talent
We’ve all heard about global talent shortages. But have you ever thought how the talent deficit is impacting the executive search industry itself? With competition stronger than ever, recruitment leaders are dealing with a pressing dilemma of their own: How and where to find top revenue producers. According to Ken Vancini, founder and CEO of Innova International
JM Search Names Three Partners
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies and Fortune 1000s, has appointed Bill Borkovitz, Brian Dwyer and David Robinson as partners. “JM Search strives to be a career destination for professionals at every stage of their careers,” said co-founder and CEO John Marshall. “As we begin our 40th anniversary year of client
Buffkin / Baker Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Digitech
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies, especially private equity-backed outfits. Just recently, executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker placed Tomas Chadwick as CFO for private
Missouri Southern State Selects EFL Associates to Find President
Executive search firm EFL Associates has been enlisted to find the next president for Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). Alan Marble, who has been the university’s president since 2014, announced in August that he would be retiring effective June 30. EFL Associates was one of two finalists out of six search firms which sought the assignment.
Bridge Partners Opens Chicago Office with New Partner
Executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners has opened a new office in Chicago and named Ryan Whitacre as a partner. Mr. Whitacre is a strategic advisor and talent spotter to hiring managers, boards of directors and search committees for leadership roles including board, C-suite and function heads across sector and industry. He is dedicated to identifying and recruiting
Using People Analytics to Acquire Top Talent, Predict Performance & Reduce Turnover
The value of combining Big Data with statistical predictive modeling has been highly touted in recent years. The idea is to apply advanced computing capabilities to talent-related data to better predict employee behavior. “This people analytics approach has been adopted with the aim of simultaneously doing a better job of improving performance, acquiring top talent
Coulter Partners Finds Chief Scientific Officer for OxStem
With the integration of technology into all facets of everyday life, the life sciences and healthcare industry is hardly alone in facing technology-related issues. These take on increased importance when they impact health, disease diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, human longevity. Having the right leaders in place to sort through these complex challenges, say recruiters serving
HDFC Bank Taps Egon Zehnder to Find New CEO
Financial services organizations, generally, are facing a new competitive landscape, regulatory challenges and a constant struggle to manage cost and efficiency. Overseas, fold in Brexit and you have an environment growing in complexity by the day. This requires strategic leaders, both men and women, with a multidimensional skill-set and competencies that often go above and
Hofer Tan & Partners Opens Office in Hong Kong
Singapore-based Hofer Tan & Partner has expanded its global operations with the addition of a new office in Hong Kong to serve key Asian markets and meet rising client demand. The Hong Kong office will work closely with the existing headquarters in Singapore to offer region-wide service in all areas of executive search, board and
The Rise of the Chief Well-Being Officer
In an increasingly complex and stressful world with blurred lines between personal and work lives, workers at all levels need total well-being in all aspects of their lives. Expectations at work and home are no longer distinct or neatly separate – they are becoming one and the same. Savvy companies know that workers who are well
Crist|Kolder Associates Tapped by HanesBrands to Find New CFO
Executive recruiting firm Crist|Kolder has been selected by HanesBrands in Winston-Salem, NC, to lead a comprehensive search for a new chief financial officer. Barry Hytinen left the company in November and current chief accounting officer and controller M. Scott Lewis is serving as interim CFO while the search is underway. In its CFO search, HanesBrands is considering
Collegiate Sports Associates Leads Athletic Director Search for Western Carolina University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Western Carolina University (WSU) has enlisted Todd Turner of Collegiate Sports Associates to lead its search for a new director of intercollegiate athletics. The school decided not to renew the contract of former AD Randy Eaton. WSU is hoping to have a new leader of Catamount athletics
Optimum Talent Appoints VPs in Manitoba and Toronto
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has expanded with the additions of Mark Shayna as vice president and market leader of executive search in Manitoba and Debbi Ragogna as vice president of executive search in Toronto. Mr. Shayna has had a 30-year career in sales and recruitment. After 12 years working with Xerox Corp., Baxter Corp. and Pharmacia, he made
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Head of Private Equity Practice
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners named Alvaro Arias Echeverria as global head of the firm’s private equity practice group. Mr. Arias Echeverria has been in charge of Iberia and Latin America at Pedersen & Partners for almost a decade and has co-headed the global private equity practice for over two years. With more than 15
Lindauer Tapped by American University in Bulgaria to Find President
After vetting several national search firms, American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) has retained the services of Boston-based recruitment firm Lindauer to find its next president. Past president Steven Sullivan announced that he will be returning to his full-time teaching position at the school. Recruiters Jill Lasman and senior consultant Gretchen Dwyer are leading the search for his replacement. David
Wilton & Bain Recruits CCO and CTO for Community Fibre
London-based executive search firm Wilton & Bain has recruited Peter Rampling as chief commercial officer and Dale Kirkwood as chief technology officer of Community Fibre, a gigabit broadband U.K. internet service provider with a vision to deliver full fiber coverage to 500,000 homes in London. Jay Siddiki and Daniel Harrison, both principals within the global telecoms, media and technology functions at Wilton & Bain, led
Solomon Page Expands Life Sciences Practice, Naming Global Leader
Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Luigi Frezza as managing director and global practice lead for life sciences. Reporting to president and global practice leader Marc Gouran, he will be based in the firm’s London office and drive the growth of the life sciences team globally by partnering with companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech,
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Americas Practice Leader for Transportation and Logistics
Executive recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has added Zack Deming as a consultant in the firm’s industrial practice and Americas practice leader for transportation and logistics. Based in Atlanta, he will be expected to work closely with transportation, logistics, airports and aviation-related companies, as well as private equity and infrastructure funds that invest in this space, to advise them
Vaco Opens Office in West Palm Beach, Names Tech Practice Co-Leader
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco continues to expand, recently opening a new office in West Palm Beach, FL and adding two key leaders: Matt Walter becomes co-managing partner of the technology practice and Albert Llodra joins the firm as managing director. South Florida is a key growth market for Vaco, serving more than 7,000 clients and some
6 Competitive Strategies for a Tight Talent Market
The old paradigms of the global economy have experienced a tectonic shift over the past few years, and perhaps the most significant of them is this point of view: Emerging economies grow at high rates and developed economies grow more slowly or are in decline. “This dictum has been turned on its head recently – nowhere
Ohio State and Emory University Select Isaacson, Miller to Lead President Searches
Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits are handling multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. Just recently, both Ohio State and Emory University chose Isaacson, Miller to lead their respective president searches as
The Christopher Group Places Head of Talent Rewards at Nu Skin
The Christopher Group (TCG) has placed Jennifer Lentine as the new head of total rewards at Nu Skin Enterprises. The search was completed in just 45 days by recruiters Nathaniel Schiffer, Kristen Pace and Amy Bott. “I am thrilled to have once again partnered with The Christopher Group to find extraordinary talent to join my team,” said Jeff Bettinger, CHRO at Nu Skin.
HARTZ Search Names Leader of Dallas Office
Charlotte, NC-based executive search firm HARTZ Search has appointed Carol Maxwell as managing director and leader of its Dallas office. The firm said that it expects her to be an invaluable asset. “We are excited to announce the addition of Carol Maxwell to our leadership team at HARTZ Search,” said Mike Hartz, president and CEO
Cornerstone International Group Creates Non-Profit Specialization
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
William Funk & Associates Places First Black President at Rutgers
William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, has assisted in the placement of Jonathan Holloway as the first black president of Rutgers University. He was selected from a pool of more than 300 applicants. R. William Funk, president of the Dallas-based recruitment firm, led the search. Robert L. Barchi
Hanold Associates Strengthens Search Team with an Eye on Technology, Healthcare & Private Equity
Chicago-based Hanold Associates has expanded with the addition of Joe Costello as a partner. He specializes in recruiting executive level HR leaders across industries. His core focus is on technology, private equity and medical devices with a broader focus in the healthcare industry. “While we specialize in HR across industries, we are looking to continue adding depth
