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Daily Newswire
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said
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.
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue 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?
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Private Equity’s Resurgent Interest in Education: Key Trends for 2025
Following a phase of cautious investment, private equity firms have rekindled their interest in the education sector in 2025, adopting focused strategies and prioritizing long-term value generation. Education, it turns out, is a fantastic investment, and not just for the bright-eyed, ambitious youth but also for savvy investors, according to a recent report from ECA
Robert Half Posts 4.1 Percent Revenue Increase
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted second quarter revenues of $1.52 billion, up 4.1 percent from the same period a year ago. On a constant currency basis, revenue was up 5.6 percent. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations by 0.01 percent. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company recorded net income of $224 million, or $1.91,
How CEOs Can Best Prepare to Leave the Top Post
The privileged position of a chief executive officer (CEO) brings many benefits and rewards. But it can also be isolating and intensely demanding. Research conducted by Heidrick & Struggles found that only 13 in every 1,000 CEOs of publicly listed companies move on to a comparable position. So where do they go — and how
True Search Finds CEO for Everbridge
Executive recruitment firm True Search has placed David Meredith as chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of Everbridge Inc., a critical event application software company. Josh Withers, one of True’s founders, and Kelli Allen, partner, led the assignment. Mr. Meredith brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience across leading multi-billion-dollar
StevenDouglas Opens New Offices in Princeton and Boston
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with the opening of new offices in Princeton, NJ and Boston. The openings follow the launch of five new offices in 2018 and a growth rate of more than 35 percent already this year. John Gramer was named vice president of executive search, and is based out of
The Millennial Leadership Skills Gap
Managing a team is challenging at the best of times. It’s a balancing act of meeting business goals while juggling a workplace full of different generations, all with their own set of wants and needs. But in offices around the world, there’s a growing number of leaders who are bright, talented, and most critically, young.
Pearson Partners Finds First Chief Innovation Officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Dallas-headquartered executive search firm Pearson Partners International has recruited Gregory Elsborg as vice president and first chief innovation officer of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Vice president Lisa Thompson led the assignment. Mr. Elsborg brings a strong record of driving E-commerce, mobile and innovation initiatives across a variety of industries. He has held global and Fortune 500
AIMS International Elects New President
Executive search consortium AIMS International has appointed Bernardo Entschev as its new president. He takes over from Pierangelo Favero who served in the role since 2015. Mr. Entschev is managing partner U.S. and previously served as international vice president and executive vice president for the Latin Americas and Americas regions. He is qualified as a medical surgeon in Brazil and worked as a craniofacial surgeon
Diversified Search Acquires Grant Cooper
M&A activity, with the support of private equity firms, continues unabated in the executive search industry. In the latest deal, Diversified Search has acquired Grant Cooper, a St. Louis-based healthcare-focused executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Judith M. von Seldeneck, founder and chair of Diversified, said: “The acquisition of Grant Cooper
CarterBaldwin Places SVP of Corporate Development at Cardlytics
Corporate development refers to the planning and execution of strategies to meet organizational objectives. The kinds of activities falling under corporate development may include management team recruitment, phasing in or out of markets or products, arranging strategic alliances, identifying and acquiring companies (M&A), securing corporate financing, divesting of assets or divisions, and management of intellectual property. With the
Bedford Group Partners With SalesChoice in AI Leadership Space
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions Bedford Group, and SalesChoice Inc., a provider of AI predictive and prescriptive sales, and marketing analytics cloud solutions, have entered into a strategic alliance to help advance AI skills development and leadership capabilities as well as acquisition and retention of executive AI leadership talent. SalesChoice has recently partnered with
Navigating the Executive Career
Even the most successful executives can use career advice as they assess their current positions and look to the future. Are “tried and true” practices, learned as young professionals, still current and relevant to those who have moved up the ladder? What are appropriate ways to work with executive recruiters? Have the rules of interviewing
PFM Executive Search Recruits CEO for Canucks Autism Network
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has recruited Britt Andersen as the new CEO of Canucks Autism Network (CAN). PFM partners George Madden and Shelina Esmail led the assignment. “We are excited to welcome Britt to the CAN team, and feel that he is the right person to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth
Bowdoin Group Names President, Makes Senior-Level Promotions
The Bowdoin Group, a Boston-based executive search firm, continues to expand with several senior-level promotions, including the naming of Scott Aldsworth as president, a new role for the organization. Among the promotions, Katelyn Marini becomes managing director, Kara Barr moves to vice president of delivery and Lindsey Potvin is the new vice president of RPO
Talent and Technology Remain Key Challenges for HR Leaders
The newly released Paychex “Pulse of HR Survey” found that talent and technology are the two primary factors impacting HR leaders this year. Organizations must prioritize attracting the right candidates and optimize their productivity once on board, said the report. A historically tight labor market, fast-changing legislative landscape and an increasing reliance on HR technology all play a role
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeks CHRO for Dallas County Community College
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of senior-level HR leaders across the nation. West Hartford CT-based Academic Career & Executive Search was recently tapped by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) to help find its next chief human resources officer. Jennifer Muller, co-founder and managing partner, is leading the assignment. The Dallas County Community
ManpowerGroup Posts Flat Q2 Revenues
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5.37 billion, dropping slightly (0.1 percent) from the same period a year ago. This missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.02 percent. U.S. revenue fell 1.5 percent in the quarter; in France, its largest single market, revenue fell 0.4 percent on a constant currency basis. The Milwaukee-based recruiting
CHROs and Their Teams Lag in Recession Preparedness
At a time in which many believe recession to be inevitable, chief human resources officers and their teams are ill-prepared for an economic downturn, according to a new report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The executive recruitment firm’s survey of 534 senior leaders at companies across the globe — including 148 CHROs — found that just
Caldwell Places Head of Investor Relations at White Rock Oil & Gas
Investor relations is a strategic management responsibility that is capable of integrating finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial community and other constituencies, which ultimately contributes to a company’s securities achieving fair valuation. With the growing importance of the IR role especially in private
ManpowerGroup Names Chief People and Culture Officer
As companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, chief people officers are coming more into vogue. Recently, ManpowerGroup appointed former Molson Coors Brewing Co. veteran Michelle Nettles as chief people and culture officer. “Michelle is an impressive people leader with extensive experience in global HR
Gig Economy Continues to Grow at Blistering Speed
Working nine to five for a single employer bears little resemblance to the way a substantial share of the workforce makes a living today. Millions of people pull together various income streams and work independently, rather than in structured payroll jobs. This is hardly a new phenomenon, yet it has never been well measured in
Spencer Stuart Launches Kincentric From Newly Acquired Aon Businesses
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has launched a new business unit formed from the culture and engagement, leadership assessment and development, and HR and talent advisory businesses it acquired from global professional services firm Aon in a transaction that closed July 1. Collectively, these businesses form a distinct entity now known as Kincentric: A Spencer
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for SQAD
The role of chief revenue officer has changed dramatically over the last several years. CROs are quickly becoming mission-critical innovators for companies that look to dominate a market first and fastest, according to recruiters. The demand for these financial leaders is growing and executive search firms have been busy filling these roles. Recently, Greenwich Harbor
How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Leader
With pressure on search firms to fill senior posts in a timely manner, it can be easier than you think to fill a critical position with the wrong candidate. Maybe you’re bleeding revenue or your turnover is through the roof. Maybe you’re the one filling in until a role is filled. Whatever the reason, it’s
CohenTaylor Finds New Leader for Minneapolis Social Services Group
CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed Chastity Lord as the next president and CEO of Jeremiah Program, a Minneapolis, MN-based non-profit that helps single mothers and their children break the cycle of poverty. Ms. Lord will start in her new role in mid-September. “Ms. Lord is a dynamic leader who has dedicated her career to disrupting systems of
Pedersen & Partners Appoints New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments in the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners named Gary Williams as its new CEO replacing founder Poul Pedersen who will assume the role of executive chairman. As CEO, Mr. Williams will have
Humane Society Taps accelHRate to Find Chief People Officer
Executive search firms have been stepping up their efforts to assist companies across the nation to find new chief people officers. The latest: accelHRate was selected by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to lead its search for a new chief people officer. Kimberly Shanahan, founding president and chief executive officer, led the
Cross Country Healthcare Creates New Brand for Search Divisions
Cross Country Healthcare, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has merged its signature permanent search brands – Cejka Physician Search, AP Healthcare, StarMed and Cross Country Staffing’s RPO division – under a new Cross Country Search brand. The consolidation leverages the strength of each brand to offer the widest range of permanent search
Signium Expands in the U.S. With New Member Firm
Executive search consortium Signium has increased its presence in the U.S. with the addition of Discovery Search Partners in Atlanta as its newest member firm. Located in Atlanta, Boston, the Philadelphia area and Virginia, Discovery Search Partners boosts Signium’s executive search and leadership presence in the life sciences sector. Discovery Search Partners was formed in 2009 by a
CEO Confidence Remains Moderately Optimistic
Although chief executives continue to be upbeat about the economy, their confidence levels have waned in recent months. In its most recent report, the Conference Board’s “Measure of CEO Confidence” was unchanged at 43 in the second quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). “CEO confidence was unchanged
Spencer Stuart Acquires Ireland-Based MERC Partners
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has acquired MERC Partners, a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm based in Ireland. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The addition of MERC Partners marks Spencer Stuart’s first client-facing team in Ireland and represents an important addition for its EMEA and global business. Spencer Stuart has had
Caldwell Posts Revenue Gain; Elects Private Equity Veteran as Chairman
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $19.9 million (Canadian), a 4.6 percent increase from a year ago. The search firm also announced that its chairman, G. Edmund King, is retiring and that new board member and private equity veteran Elias Vamvakas has been elected as chairman. Caldwell noted that third quarter revenues
