DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2025
Executive search in 2025 remained steady and increasingly strategic, as organizations continue to rely on trusted advisors to navigate high-stakes leadership decisions amid ongoing market complexity. Hunt Scanlon Media now takes its annual look back at the top 10 searches of the year. Across these following assignments, executive search firms showcased how leadership recruiting is increasingly
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for OfficeRnD
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has placed Matt Keenan as the new CEO of OfficeRnD. He succeeds co-founder Miro Miroslavov, who after 10 years of leading the company will step into the role of executive chairman. Jenny Gray and Dakota Horn led the assignment. “Appreciation to Blue Star Innovation Partners for trusting Bespoke’s CEO, Board, and P&L Practice
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
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.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
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.
Accenture Calls for Executive Resilience as Tariffs Disrupt Strategy
Accenture’s new report, Ready for Resilience, explores the impact of the latest U.S. tariff surge and what it means for companies trying to stay competitive. It details a rapidly evolving trade environment that demands strategic rethinking at every level of every organization. In April, the Trump administration unveiled a sweeping tariff package that included a 10
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for U.K. Ordnance Survey
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Steve Blair as the new chief executive officer of U.K. mapping authority Ordnance Survey (OS). Patrick Johnson, the search firm’s country manager for the U.K., led the assignment. “The board of OS is delighted that ministers have appointed Steve Blair as CEO of Ordnance Survey,” said Kieran Murphy, chairman at Ordnance Survey. “He
Finlay James Names Chief Commercial Officer
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, U.K.-headquartered search firm Finlay James has appointed Andrew MacAskill as its chief commercial officer. Mr. MacAskill will also join the technology-focused firm’s board of directors alongside owners John and Sara Gaughan and managing director James May.
Sucherman Group Expands Search Staff
New York-based Sucherman Group has expanded its sports, digital and international advisory practices with the additions of Cuyler Holmquist and Aaron Henderson as executive directors. Mr. Holmquist was enlisted to help with the firm’s business development and execution efforts. Most recently, he ran the U.S. sports practice for search firm Odgers Berndtson. Having started working for Odgers in
Here’s How Predictive Analytics is Sharpening Recruiting Efforts
Historically, recruiting has been primarily dependent upon the instincts of the employer. Whether he or she felt a particular candidate was fit for a given position was based primarily on the resume, indicating the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications and job history. Today, it is widely accepted that organizations that base decisions on data consistently outperform
The Koblentz Group Recruits CHRO for PRGX
Anyone with ties to the human resources function knows how much it has evolved in recent years – and with it the role of the chief human resources officer. The biggest shift has been in the CHRO’s progression from fighting for a seat at the table to playing a key role on the executive team. According
Recruit Co. Ltd. Makes Key Technology Investments
Staffing provider Recruit Co. Ltd., an intermediate holding branch of Japanese recruiting behemoth Recruit Holdings, has made three key investments in technology companies, helping to fund Breez Development, which is working to help improve cryptocurrency payments; Techbins Solutions, an AI conversational commerce platform; and Coti Holdings, a next-generation blockchain provider. Recruit Holdings is the owner
Saenger Associates Tapped by MWS Wire Industries to Find New Leader
Los Angeles-based executive search firm Saenger Associates has been retained by MWS Wire Industries to lead the search for its next president. Mike Nadler, senior vice president of client services, is spearheading the assignment along with Gary Saenger, founder and president. MWS Wire Industries is seeking a successor to its retiring president to continue to
Stanton Chase Names Global Aviation Sector Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the appointment of Ingo Schmittmann, a partner with the Frankfurt office, as global aviation sector leader for the firm’s supply chain, logistics and transportation practice group. “It is a distinct pleasure to announce Ingo’s expanding leadership role in this important worldwide practice group,” said Juan D. Morales, managing director
6 Ways to Conduct an Effective Executive Job Search
In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, the elements of an effective executive-level job search are very different than what may be utilized for non-executive roles. A new report by Rob Croner, vice president of senior executive services at CCI Consulting, explores channels of activity that drive any effective professional job search. “It can be
Search Firms Partner to Find New Commissioner for Southern Conference
Executive search firms College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker have collaborated to recruit Ohio University director of athletics Jim Schaus as the new commissioner of the Southern Conference. Atlanta-based College Sports, which managed the search, was chosen for its expertise in finding athletics leaders, while Buffkin/ Baker, based in Brentwood, TN, offered prowess in tapping top academic
Cejka Executive Search Recruits CEO for St. Luke’s Healthcare System
After an extensive nationwide hunt, Cejka Executive Search has placed Kevin Nokels as president and CEO of the St. Luke’s Healthcare System in Duluth, MN. The search was led by Mark Madden, executive vice president and managing principal, and Rebecca Kapphahn, vice president and search consultant. Mr. Nokels currently serves as president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical
Hightech Partners and ICT Control Create Ataya & Partners
Executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has joined forces with Georges Ataya, founder of ICT Control, to create Ataya & Partners. The new venture will provide clients with a full-circle “digitally enabling” menu, ranging from assessments, targeted education, and certification to advisory and staffing services in digital transformation, data protection and information security, said Ataya
CannabizTeam Launches Temporary Recruiting Services
Investors poured $10 billion into cannabis in North America in 2018, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. The North American market is expected to reach more than $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the marijuana field is exceptionally short on senior-level leaders who can
Employers to Continue on with Hiring Plans
U.S. employers are expecting hiring to pick up as we round out the second quarter, with 21 percent of employers planning to add staff, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they are expecting headcount to grow. This is the seventh consecutive year of double-digit
Parker Executive Search Recruits Athletic Director for La Salle University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search recently placed Brian Baptiste as director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation for La Salle University in Philadelphia. He succeeds Bill Bradshaw recently announced his retirement. “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Explorer family,” said Colleen M. Hanycz, president
Polachi Places General Counsel for Veracode
Executive search firms have been called in to find new general counsels for various organizations this year. Recently, Boston-headquartered executive search firm Polachi Inc. placed former Monotype legal executive Dawn Rogers as the new general counsel of Veracode in Burlington, MA. Partner Charley Polachi spearheaded the assignment. “Rogers’ impressive and versatile background makes her a powerhouse addition to Veracode’s
Odgers Berndtson Expands in France
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has inked a new partnership in France with the addition of Singer & Hamilton, a 30 year-old search firm that specializes in executive search and executive assessment with strong expertise in financial services, life sciences, technology, industry, fashion, luxury and private equity. “Odgers Berndtson is
Not Actively Looking Launches Ezekia
Not Actively Looking, a London-based executive candidate portal, has officially launched its complete browser-based executive search system under the brand name “Ezekia.” Prior to the formal launch as a separate product, the system debuted in April 2018 and has been adopted by a number of search firms in the Americas, Asia and Europe. “Ezekia was
TritonExec Raises Financing to Fund Expansion Plans
ThinCats, a leading U.K. private lender dedicated to funding growing and ambitious small to medium sized businesses, has stepped up with more than $3.5 million in debt financing to help with expansion plans at TritonExec, an executive search firm experiencing rapid growth in the U.K. and an expanding business base in the U.S. The deal
Riviera Partners Acquires WorthyWorks, Appoints COO
Fresh on the heels of securing $25 million in private equity financing, Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, continues its recent expansion with the acquisition of New York-based tech and product leader specialist WorthyWorks and the addition of Ryan Giordano as chief operating officer. “We are in a
Rudish Health Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the
RM Nephew and Associates Places CEO and CFO for National HME
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has helped to place Ena Williams as the new chief executive officer and Patrick Jennings CFO of National HME Inc., a provider of medical equipment solutions to the hospice market. Ms. Williams joins National HME after a 10-year career at 7-Eleven, where most recently she was the senior
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Chairman
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has elected Adam Warby, CEO of Avanade, as chairman of its board of directors. Mr. Warby joined Heidrick’s board in 2018 to sharpen the firm’s focus on its digital transformation. As CEO of Avanade, a joint venture founded between Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corp.,
Diversified Search Closes Funding Round, Acquires Koya Leadership Partners
M&A activity, with the support of private equity firms, continues unabated in the executive search industry. In the latest deal, to be announced later today, Diversified Search, backed by investment dollars from private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Koya Leadership Partners, one of the nation’s top search firms in non-profit and higher education. Financial terms
Wheless Partners Selected by Wichita State to Find President
With the new academic year coming to a close, 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. The Kansas Board of Regents recently tapped executive recruitment
Grayson & Co. Opens Doors
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: Veteran executive search consultant Christopher Sheeron has launched strategic advisory firm Grayson & Co. With the increasing need for sophisticated communications counsel, coupled with the burgeoning war for talent, the firm and
Gallagher MSA Search Seeks New CEO for Currus Inc.
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Gallagher MSA Search was recently retained by Currus Inc. to lead
IMSA Search Global Appoints CFO
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has named Peter Fischer as chief financial officer. “I am honored that our president, Monika Ciesielska, has asked me to serve our organization and support IMSA Search as the new CFO,” said Mr. Fischer. “I see a huge opportunity to introduce IMSA Search into new markets, expanding its client base. This
Rebuilding Careers: A Big Challenge as Aging Women Return to Work
A new family. A desire to travel. A need for change. Women quit their jobs for a variety of reasons, taking years — if not decades — off to focus on other important aspects of their lives. But that doesn’t mean they’ve put their careers on hold for good, as many women leave the workforce
m/Oppenheim Associates Recruits Executive Director for San Francisco Ballet
Following a five-month international search, Mark Oppenheim and Dennis Hanthorn of recruiting firm m/Oppenheim Associates have placed Vancouver Symphony president Kelly Tweeddale as executive director of the San Francisco Ballet. “We are extremely fortunate to have Kelly joining the ballet in this critical role,” said Carl F. Pascarella, chair of the San Francisco Ballet board
Oklahoma Baptist University Turns to CarterBaldwin to Find President
As the academic year winds down, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) recently tapped CarterBaldwin Executive Search to find a new president after David W. Whitlock announced his retirement. The search is being led by consultant Debby White and founding partner Price Harding. Representatives from CarterBaldwin
