DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
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.
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
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?
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
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Fisher Leadership Places CEO for Merri Health
Executive search firm Fisher Leadership has placed the new chief executive officer for Merri Health, one of the largest community health providers in the state of Victoria, in southeast Australia. Tassia Michaleas, who had been general manager, family and community, with Merri Health, is charged with driving future growth in metropolitan and regional areas, said Melbourne-based
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Czechia and Slovakia
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded with the addition of executive recruiters Teamconsult as its newest member firm. Located in Prague and Bratislava, Teamconsult will substantially strengthen IIC Partners’ position in the Central and Eastern European region. Teamconsult is focused on serving international organizations with business operations or investment interests in Czechia and Slovakia. The firm’s
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Chief Digital Officer for Panera Bread
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed former Under Armour executive George Hanson as the new chief digital officer of Panera Bread. Managing directors Ted and Carrie Pryor led the assignment. “This was a nationwide search and we talked to everyone who we thought were appropriate for the position,” said Mr. Pryor. “We were looking for experienced senior ecommerce
CohenTaylor Executive Search Seeks Next Leader for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search has been enlisted to find the next president and CEO for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest (JAUM) in St. Paul, MN. “JAUM is currently seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to guide the organization through its next phase,” said CohenTaylor. “Working with the board of directors, the president/CEO provides vision and
R&L Associates Assists ZurickDavis in Acquisition
Rochelle Schumer, president of R&L Associates, a recruitment provider specializing in placing search professionals within the headhunting sector, has assisted in merging veteran life sciences recruiter Jennifer Chase and her firm, ChasePartners, with ZurickDavis, a search firm that recruits executives and physician leaders for healthcare organizations. “We are delighted to be part of growing the
Boyden Launches Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice
Boyden has created a new global private equity and venture capital practice and named Anita Pouplard, a managing partner of Boyden France, as its leader. “Anita was our board’s unanimous choice to lead our global private equity and venture capital practice, which has been growing for several years in succession,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden.
IRC Global Names Regional Technology Leaders
Organizations today recognize that it is critical and imperative to add technology-savvy leaders to lead in the coming decades of uncertainty. As IRC Global Executive Search Partners’ technology practice grows across all regions, it has decided to further strengthen its global team. Ron Magen, from IRC Israel, has been named as the new EMEA technology
Wilton & Bain Launches Women’s Forum to Drive C-Level Change
Wilton & Bain recently launched its groundbreaking SWITCH (Senior Women in Transformation & Change) network in North America, which brings together C-suite women across industries and functions. Members who operate at an executive or board level position or are in positions that are crucial to influencing and driving change in organizations have now joined arms.
Heidrick & Struggles Places First Female CEO at the National Geographic Society
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Jill Tiefenthaler as the first female CEO of the National Geographic Society. The search included a review of more than 100 candidates. She will succeed former Heidrick CEO Tracy R. Wolstencroft, who was placed in the top role of the National Geographic Society by Russell
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for VisitDallas
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide Global recently placed Craig Davis as the new president and CEO of VisitDallas. Mike Gamble, president and chief executive officer of SearchWide Global, led the assignment. The search firm had been seeking an executive with knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, its distribution channels and its customer base. “Craig stood out among many
Ernst & Young Acquires PeopleFirm
Ernst & Young (EY) has further enhanced and expanded its capabilities in its People Advisory Services (PAS) business with the acquisition of strategic people consultancy PeopleFirm, a leader in delivering workforce and organization strategy, performance management, diversity and inclusion, leadership and culture work. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. PeopleFirm is a leader in delivering
Cannabis Search Firm Hunter + Esquire Expands
Legal marijuana is now an over $10 billion business in the U.S. Investors poured over $10 billion into cannabis in North America last year, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. In addition, the North American market exceeded $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the
Building a Talent Function for the Future
Today, organizations are contending with increasingly complex pressures caused by shifting societal trends and rapidly evolving business models as digitalization disrupts industries old and new. An increasingly digital world, 2020 marking the year Millennials are set to account for 50 percent of the workforce, as well as a heightened focus on social good and diversity and
Hobbs & Towne Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for HomeWorks Energy
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, executive search firm Hobbs & Towne placed Bill Graham as the new chief marketing officer of HomeWorks Energy
Ralph Andersen and Associates Seeks Chief of Police for Boise, ID
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
LifeSci Search Expands Efforts in Two Key Areas
LifeSci Search, a life sciences-focused executive search firm, is expanding on multiple fronts. The New York City-based search firm recently announced that it was moving into the healthcare investment and advisory industries with the addition of two key recruiters, Elena Liapounova and Rahil Haneef. Late last year, the firm added a veteran leader, Cristiano Musso,
Doyen Search Group Opens to Serve Hospitality and Real Estate Recruiting Sectors
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: Doyen Search Group (DSG), an executive search firm specialized in hospitality and real estate development, has been launched by Darrell Maxwell. Serving clients across the U.S., Doyen Search Group said
Frederickson Partners Appoints Chief Growth Officer in Chicago
Frederickson Partners, an executive search firm that recruits high impact human resources and people leaders for innovative, high-growth and transformational companies, has named Brian Brinkley as chief growth officer. He will be based in the firm’s Chicago office. “With the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence in strategic HR and the focus on building companies based
Odgers Berndtson Awarded Epilepsy Foundation CEO Search
Odgers Berndtson has been enlisted to conduct a national search for the president and CEO for the Epilepsy Foundation. The assignment will be led by partners Maureen Ryan and Derek Wilkinson. Philip M. Gattone stepped down from the Epilepsy Foundation’s top job at the end of last year. He leaves the organization with a strong leadership team and board of directors
Spencer Stuart Acquires Cambia Consulting
Spencer Stuart has acquired Cambria Consulting, which specializes in individual and team development. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cambria Consulting’s offerings complement Spencer Stuart’s growing set of leadership advisory services, which include executive assessment and development, coaching, CEO succession, team effectiveness, culture shaping, board effectiveness and the people side of merger integration,
AETHOS Consulting Group Tapped by Red Lion Hotels to Lead CEO Search
After taking a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has begun to rebound. In the last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is expected to increase in 2020, as global tourism and traveling
Sheffield Haworth Expands Global Markets Team
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Deborah Way to its New York office as a managing director within the firm’s global markets team. Ms. Way brings to the firm a wealth of experience in fixed income sales across the New York and Asia markets, having spent over 21
AGB Search Embarks On Prodigious Start to New Year
A number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. One national recruiting outfit, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, has become a magnet for such assignments — recently
Options Group Opens Los Angeles Office; Adds Financial Services Expert to West Coast Team
Options Group has opened a new office in Los Angeles, which will be led by Amit Kapoor. Mr. Kapoor has transferred from the firm’s New York office to oversee Options Group’s ambitious growth plans for the region. The firm also hired Lara DeVito to help spearhead the buildout. As head of the Los Angeles office, Mr. Kapoor will be
ON Partners Lands CEO for Bazaarvoice
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Keith Nealon as chief executive officer of Bazaarvoice Inc., a digital marketing company based in Austin, TX. Joe Davis of Marlin Equity Partners has served as CEO since it acquired Bazaarvoice in 2018. The company said he will transition out of the CEO role and return to his original role
Caldwell Posts 14 Percent Increase in Revenues
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted first quarter revenues of $18.8 million (Canadian), a 14 percent increase from a year ago. “This was another excellent quarter and a strong start to our fiscal year,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “We said we were well-positioned heading into fiscal 2020, and we are pleased to be
Kennedy Executive Search Appoints New President and VP
Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, has elected Caroline Frisenberg as new president and Markus Unterberger as vice president. Founder of the network Jorg Stegemann and Carl Lens will step down as president and vice president, respectively. The election is the result of the network’s recent transformation into an economic interest
As Job Growth Continues, ‘Robust Hiring Year’ Expected
Employers added 145,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The increase was below the 164,000 forecast by economists. The December gain is the 111th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed currently stands at 6.3 million. In 2019, the
Turnkey Search Places Commissioner for Major League Rugby
Following a comprehensive search across North America and internationally, Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has assisted in placing George Killebrew as the new commissioner of Major League Rugby (MLR). “George Killebrew has the right experience, temperament and tenacity to be successful as commissioner for Major League Rugby,” said Rick Alessandri, managing director
Heidrick & Struggles Leads CEO Search for Westpac
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Westpac, Australia’s oldest bank, to lead its search for a new CEO. Brian Hartzer stepped down in December. Chairman Lindsay Maxsted said he will be retiring in the first half of 2020. This will enable an incoming chairman and the board to
Bullhorn Acquires Staffing Automation Company Herefish
Bullhorn Inc., which provides cloud-based customer relationship management and operations solutions for the staffing industry, has acquired Herefish, a provider of automation solutions for staffing firms. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Herefish, a longtime Bullhorn Marketplace partner, is one of the leading providers of staffing business process automation, and its solutions are expected to
