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Daily Newswire
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in the U.K.
Global search consortium Kestria has added Spectrum Executive Search in the U.K. as its newest member firm. Established in London in 2001, Spectrum specializes in retained board, executive and interim search, and leadership advisory solutions, to technology and technology-enabled organizations and their venture capital, family office and private equity investors. Spectrum is functionally agnostic and recruits across
Powering an AI-Driven Workforce
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise infrastructure, organizations are fundamentally rethinking how talent is identified, assessed, developed, and led. AI is no longer confined to isolated recruiting tools — it is reshaping leadership requirements, workforce planning, internal mobility, and how human judgment operates alongside intelligent systems. The challenge today is not whether to
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
How AI Is Rewriting the Candidate Experience — and Why Recruiters Must Catch Up
Candidate satisfaction is declining across all aspects of the recruitment process, dropping as much as 20 percent in key areas like speed and responsiveness; however, AI is emerging as the key solution. This is according to the latest Global Recruitment Insights and Data (GRID) 2025 Talent Trends report published by Bullhorn. The report, which collected data from nearly
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Pirates, Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox
Korn Ferry has placed Ben Cherington as the new general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He takes over from Neal Huntington, who was fired after a 12-year stint. The club has announced it will hold a press conference at PNC Park to introduce the new general manager. Mr. Cherington has more than two decades of experience
The Koblentz Group Places New CEO for Epi Breads
The Koblentz Group has placed Cheryl Barre as CEO of custom breadmaker Epi Breads. She succeeds Hugh Sullins, who is now vice president of business development for the Atlanta-based company. This search was led by Jeff Neppl and Joel Koblentz. Ms. Barre will be responsible for leading the executive team, developing and implementing a strategy for
Slayton Search Partners Expands Financial Services Practice
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Stuart T. Smith as senior vice president and principal. He will be a key member of the financial services practice, supporting commercial banking, private banking, wealth management and real estate partners. “Stuart’s skill-set, work ethic and personality make him an excellent fit for our team,”
Space Executive Appoints Leader of Newly Launched London Operations
Singapore-headquartered recruitment agency Space Executive has recently appointed senior recruiter Tom Hughes as leader of its new London office. He will head the audit, risk, compliance and legal recruitment operations for the firm in the U.K. and Europe. “The opening of our U.K. office is a landmark moment for Space Executive and the next step in our overseas expansion,”
Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Impact on Long-Term Financial Results
Purpose doesn’t just add to an employee’s well-being; it adds to a company’s bottom line. That’s the key finding of a survey of top executives just completed by Korn Ferry. The vast majority of respondents (96 percent) said there is a long-term financial benefit to companies that make a strong commitment to purpose-driven leadership, with 77 percent
Spelman Johnson Recruits Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for Texas Tech
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has placed Matthew Granger Dewey as Texas Tech University’s new chief marketing and communication officer. Search associate Michel Frendian led the assignment. Mr. Dewey had been senior executive director of marketing and communications for the Office of University Advancement at the University of Michigan. He will lead Texas Tech’s overall
One Degree Partners Tapped by Ribbon Communications to Find CEO
San Francisco-headquartered executive search firm One Degree Partners has been selected by NASDAQ-traded Ribbon Communications Inc. in Westford, MA, to find its next president and CEO. The board has appointed Steven Bruny, executive vice president, global sales and services, and Kevin Riley, EVP and chief technology officer, as interim co-presidents and CEO while One Degree Partners identifies and
BarkerGilmore Expands Advisory and Coaching Division
New York-based boutique search firm BarkerGilmore has recently expanded with the addition of former MasterCard Worldwide general counsel Noah Hanft to its advisory and coaching division. Mr. Hanft has deep roots in the global financial services and technology sectors, having served as general counsel, corporate secretary and chief franchise officer for MasterCard Worldwide for more than 13 years.
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently expanded in Ireland with
ZRG Partners Acquires Toft Group
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing executive search firms, continues its rapid expansion to super boutique status by acquiring Toft Group, a smaller rival focused on the life sciences and biotech sectors. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Toft Group will operate as a ZRG company, focused on supporting client needs
CarterBaldwin Places 16th President at Oklahoma Baptist University
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has recruited Heath Thomas as the 16th president of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). He will assume his role in January. The search was led by consultant Debby White and founding partner Price Harding. Dr. Thomas was selected following a nine-month process, which included the partnering of CarterBaldwin and the elected presidential search committee. The committee
Lindauer Tapped to Find Chief Development Officer for Girls Inc.
Boston-based recruitment firm Lindauer has been selected to find a chief development officer for Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that works to empower and inspire girls and young women. Vice president Lisa Abair Vuona is leading the assignment. The chief development officer will be expected to lead, develop and direct a comprehensive and integrated fund development
Stanton Chase Forms Alliance with Nasdaq Boardvantage
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Recently, Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase formed a partnership with Nasdaq Boardvantage to serve as the firm’s preferred board portal
Alexander Mann Names CEO
Alexander Mann Solutions, a London-based talent acquisition and management services firm, has appointed David Leigh as its new CEO. He succeeds founder Rosaleen Blair who becomes chair of the company’s board. Founded by Ms. Blair in 1996, Alexander Mann has grown to more than 4,500 employees operating in more than 100 countries globally. Acquired by
To Improve Diversity, Recruiting Sector Must Set a New Course
Improving diversity is something that most well-run companies and mission-driven businesses are now implementing. Progress is slow and many times it feels as if we are all taking one step forward, two steps back. But no organization is more important to the success or failure of these initiatives than executive search firms. They hold powerful
Norwich University Selects Academic Search to Find President
Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months, a number of top schools have announced that they are looking for new, high-profile leaders
AEGEUS Executive Search Recruits Artistic Director for Queensland Theatre
Sydney-headquartered AEGEUS Executive Search has recruited Lee Lewis as the new artistic director of Queensland Theatre. Sam Strong, who has held the role for four years, recently announced that he will be leaving the organization later this year. Managing director Tony Grierson led the assignment. “Lee Lewis and I have shared an office, we’ve co-directed shows, and we have
The Bedford Group Extends Talent Management Offering
Toronto-based executive search and talent management solutions provider the Bedford Group has expanded its services with the addition of Val Cambre of Teal & Co. as its newest partner offering talent management solutions to the education sector in North America. Ms. Cambre will lead the design of competitive strategies on talent identification, talent development and establishing
EMA Partners Opens Offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, strengthened its presence in Asia Pacific with the opening new offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The organization added Janet Lee in Hong Kong as managing partner, and Danny Zhang and Kathy Zheng as managing partners in Shanghai and Beijing. Ms. Lee has significant experience in managing
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Taps ChapmanCG for CHRO
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation, and around the world. Just recently, Singapore-headquartered ChapmanCG was enlisted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to lead its search for a new CHRO. Steven Rice recently left the non-profit’s CHRO role to take on the same position at Vir Biotechnology. Director
Bridge Partners Recruits CFO for the San Francisco Symphony
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. Recently, executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners placed Liz Pesch as the new chief financial officer of the San Francisco Symphony
Russell Reynolds Associates Selected by ACI Worldwide to Find New CEO
Russell Reynolds Associates has been called in by ACI Worldwide, a global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Philip Heasley recently notified the company’s board of directors that he will retire at the end of the year. As part of its ongoing succession planning activities
Berwick Partners Launches Life Sciences Practice
Birmingham, England-based Berwick Partners, a division of Odgers Berndtson, has launched a life sciences practice dedicated to recruiting senior executives into pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and service provider companies, nationally and internationally. Recruited to support the new practice are senior consultants Caroline Hunt and Katy Wallace. “Sustainable success for life sciences organizations is highly dependent
IIC Partners Elects Three New Board Members
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Sam Dinte, Agnieszka Jablonska and Thayanie Ujino to its board of directors. “It is an honor to work with a board comprised of such talented and dedicated professionals,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Our new board directors bring much enthusiasm to serving, and I look forward to
Turnkey Search Recruits Director of Athletics for USC
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Mike Bohn as the new director of athletics for the University of Southern California. He replaces NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann who resigned in September amid investigations targeting the athletic department. In 2016, the school used Neumann Associates (now part of Koya Leadership Partners) to recruit
680 Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for SecurityScorecard
New York City-based executive search firm 680 Partners has placed Mike Maziarz as chief marketing officer of SecurityScorecard. Ross Freeman, founder and CEO of the search firm, led the assignment. Mr. Maziarz has 25 years of experience in senior roles at Coupa / Exari, Safelight Security, Novell and CSC. Beginning his career as a software engineer, then
Vantage West Credit Union Picks D. Hilton Associates for CEO Search
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has about 5,300 federally insured credit unions, with more than $1.5 trillion in assets and 118.3 million members, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000
Robert Half Appoints New CEO, Announces Management Changes
Robert Half International Inc. has appointed longtime company executive M. Keith Waddell as its new CEO, effective Dec. 15. He succeeds Harold M. Messmer Jr., who held the position for 33 years. Mr. Messmer, one of the longest serving recruitment chief executives, will continue as executive chairman. Mr. Waddell is currently vice chairman, president and CFO, leading Robert
Saxton Bampfylde Forms Alliance with Executive Coaching Firm Praesta
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has formed a new partnership with executive coaching firm Praesta Partners. “The innovative partnership is part of continuing work by Saxton Bampfylde and our global partners across Panorama Search to expand our leadership services offering, which includes board review, executive assessment, team development and talent mapping,” the search firm said. Praesta Partners coach senior
Florida State University Taps DHR International for Head Football Coach
Glenn Sugiyama, managing partner and global sports practice leader at DHR International, has been selected by Florida State University to assist in the search for a new head football coach. Florida State athletic director David Coburn made the decision to fire coach Willie Taggart last week after going 9-12 during his tenure with the team. Veteran assistant Odell
Caldwell Places Chief Experience Officer at Caliber Collisions
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, managing partner of the private equity and venture capital practice at Caldwell, recently placed former Jamba Juice chief marketing officer Claudia Schaefer as chief experience officer of Caliber Collisions. “Ms. Schaefer will be responsible for furthering the Caliber brand and delivering a powerful and emotional internal and external customer experience,” said Steve Grimshaw,
