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Daily Newswire
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Portugal
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Thrive Partners in Portugal as its newest member firm. “In Thrive Partners, we’ve found a partner that allows us to strengthen our portfolio by adding the important Portuguese market,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria’s global alliance director. “From our very first interaction, we’ve felt a mutual
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
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.
How Top CEOs Stay Connected to the Front Lines
The best CEOs understand that true leadership requires more than boardroom strategy — it demands a deep connection with the front lines. By staying closely attuned to the day-to-day realities of their employees, customers, and operations, top executives can make better decisions, inspire their teams, and adapt more quickly to challenges. In today’s fast-moving business
AI Recruitment Provider AllyO Secures $45 Million in Funding
AllyO, a Mountain View, CA-based company developing AI-powered job recruitment products, has completed a series B financing round with $45 million in venture capital, contributed largely by Sapphire Ventures and Scale Venture Partners, as well as existing investors Gradient Ventures (Google’s AI fund), Randstad Innovation Fund, Bain Capital Ventures and Cervin Ventures. The round brings
U.K.-Based Search Consultancy Appoints 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: London-based Search Consultancy has appointed Richard Vickers as its new CEO, replacing longtime leader Grahame Caswell who will be stepping down in December. “I am delighted to be joining
Unemployment Rate Remains at 50 Year Low
Employers added just 75,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Economists had estimated that 175,000 jobs were to be added last month, according to a Bloomberg survey. “There’s increasing evidence that the ongoing trade war here is beginning
Witt/ Kieffer Recruits First Chief Diversity Officer for Emory University
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. It is also increasingly becoming a cabinet-level job, with a broad range of responsibilities
BoardWalk Consulting Seeks CEO for Kids in Need Foundation
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the Kids in Need Foundation (KINF), a national leader in helping children in need gain access to school supplies. Senior director John Sparrow is leading the assignment. By providing essential school supplies and advocating for the direct impact they
Calibrate Legal Strengthens Search Staff
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move as a result of changes in government administrations, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust
U.K.-Based Life Sciences Specialists PIR Strengthens Search Staff
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies as they try to navigate a new world of work, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook report on life sciences. This will require a dramatic change in strategies for leadership,
Korn Ferry Lands New Commissioner for the Big Ten Conference
Korn Ferry has placed Kevin Warren, chief operating officer of professional football’s Minnesota Vikings, as commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. He will start on Sept. 16 to take advantage of an opportunity to transition as the new season begins alongside commissioner Jim Delany, who will officially step down on Jan. 1 following a 30-year
Recruiting and Retaining Your Next Chief Diversity Officer
Diversity, inclusion and equity have become headline issues, putting pressure on organizations and leaders to respond in a meaningful way. Investors are also expressing their displeasure with discrimination allegations. Russell Reynolds Associates’ review of 2017 and 2018 incidents involving bad executive behavior showed that companies experienced an average seven percent decline in market capitalization, or
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks Chief Executive for World Monuments Fund
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim was recently selected by the World Monuments Fund in New York City to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Joshua David has stepped down as CEO to pursue other opportunities. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are heading the assignment for the recruitment firm. With only four CEOs
Deerfield Associates Tapped by Bowdoin College to Find Gifts Officer
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for educational institutions. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profits everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding
HIEC Lands Leader to Head New Vienna Office
Global executive search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has hired Michael Baumann as managing partner of its new office in Vienna, Austria. The location is expected to strengthen HIEC’s established presence in Europe, and allow the firm to better support its global and local clients. Mr. Baumann brings significant search experience to the firm, having
Riviera Partners Secures $25 Million in Private Equity Funding
Private equity concerns continue to pour money into executive search firms as demand for senior-level talent remains strong. Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has closed a minority investment of $25 million led by private equity firms Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and ROCA Partners. The financing will be used to fund
PFM Recruits New Leader for Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed former Cook Roberts lawyer Kerry Simmons as the new executive director of the Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia (CBABC). Partner Shaun Carpenter led the assignment. Ms. Simmons assumes the role effective immediately, after serving as acting executive director since late last year. “On behalf of our executive committee, it is
Moran Company Seeks Executive Director for Youth Haven
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been selected to find an executive director for Youth Haven, a Naples, FL-based residential emergency shelter for youngsters who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The executive director for Youth Haven, who is responsible to
IRC Global Names Americas Practice Leader of NGO and Non-Profit Practice Group
With the increasing demand for senior executives in the non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations and the growing importance of this sector, IRC Global Executive Search Partners has expanded its global NGO and non-profit team. Pía Puebla Menne (IRC Chile) has been appointed as the Americas practice leader of the NGO and non-profit practice group. The new team
Datacenter People Group Expands Search Division
U.K.-headquartered recruiting organization Datacenter People Group has named Mark Acton as the newest partner at Portman Partners, the company’s executive search division focused on C-level leadership and senior executive roles for leading firms within the sector. “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our leadership team and to add his deep knowledge and experience to our growing firm,” said Peter
Record Number of Women Win Directorships but Gender Parity Lags
The percentage of women appointed to fill new board seats on U.S. Fortune 500 companies in 2018 was the highest ever at 40 percent, double the percentage over the past decade, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles. This group of businesses filled a record 462 vacant or newly-created board seats with independent
International Paralympic Committee Picks Odgers Berndtson to Find CEO
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has commenced a search for a new CEO and selected global search firm Odgers Berndtson to oversee the assignment. Odgers has been tasked with finding a leader who can take IPC to the next stage of its business development in the wake of the departure of Xavier Gonzalez. Recruiters Simon Cummins and Federico Filippi
Boston University Academy Picks Carney, Sandoe & Associates to Find Head of School
Senior consultants Ben Bolté and Peter Phillip of recruiting firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates have been charged with finding a new head of school for Boston University Academy. The search firm has been asked to find a strong leader, negotiator and advocate for high school students who is eager to work within a university setting and is prepared to
SmartRecruiters Secures $50 Million in Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised a $50 million series D round, led by repeat investor Insight Partners and joined by long-time investors Mayfield and Rembrandt Venture Partners. The round follows a year marked by strong performance, including 100 percent year-over-year enterprise growth and the launch of SmartAssistant, a native AI product ever offered within a talent
Talengo Appoints Life Sciences Practice Leader
Madrid-headquartered executive search firm Talengo has named Juan Diego Casas as director and leader of its life sciences practice. Mr. Casas has over 15 years experience at multinational firms, working on executive search projects, attraction, retention and talent management solutions. “All this, added to his experience in different countries, makes him contribute a multicultural and diverse vision
Spencer Stuart Launches CHRO Search for Harvard Law School
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Harvard Law School, the oldest continuously operating law school in the U.S., recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for its next CHRO. The top HR leader reports directly to the dean for administration
Herbert Mines Associates Lands CEO for Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry continue to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). Overall, the industry is estimated to generate an economic impact of $6.5
KEES Seeks Chief Development Officer for JCFS Chicago
Executive search and non-profit consulting firm KEES (Kistner Eddy Executive Services) has been selected to find a new vice president/ chief development officer for JCFS (Jewish Child and Family Services) Chicago. Heather Eddy, CEO, and Laura Weinman, assistant vice president, are leading the assignment for the search firm. JCFS Chicago wants a senior-level philanthropic professional for
Profectus and Excel Search Group Join Forces
Executive search firms Profectus and Excel Search Group have joined forces, bringing together more than 35 years of combined business experience. Immediately after the close of the transaction, both leadership teams will be combined under the Profectus brand. Excel Search Group is a Houston-based business advisory and executive search firm with a solid portfolio of
Penrhyn Elects New Chairman, Board Members
Global executive search consortium Penrhyn International, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has announced the election of a new chairman and global board in an effort to drive future growth. Yanouk Poirier, a partner at Leaders International, a pan-Canadian firm based in Montreal, will be Penrhyn’s new chairman, while Frank Beyer of LAB & Company in
What Bypassing College Could Mean for Gen Z and Recruiters
Students across the country are about to graduate from college. But did you know that 75 percent of Gen Z believe there are alternative methods of getting a good education aside from going to college? This is according to a recent report by technology-led cultural consultancy Sparks & Honey. In addition, a new report by
Diversified Search Seeks Chief Publishing and Innovation Officer for Christian Publisher
Executive recruitment firm Diversified Search has been enlisted to find a chief publishing and innovation officer for non-profit Christian publisher David C Cook in Colorado Springs, CO. Managing director Jason D. León is leading the assignment. “David C Cook is seeking a courageous, innovative, collaborative and forward-thinking business executive to lead the Learning Resources Group
Academic Search Recruits First Woman and African-American President for Bloomfield College
As the academic year winds down, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has recruited Marcheta P. Evans as the new president of Bloomfield College in New Jersey. Dr. Evans will be both the first woman and African-American to lead the college
Coulter Partners Opens in Sydney and Singapore, Makes Three Key Appointments
Life sciences-focused executive search firm Coulter Partners has opened new offices in Sydney and Singapore in addition to making three key appointments. Steven Johnson joins the firm as executive director in Sydney, while Martin Grindrod takes over as director in Singapore. In London, Rob Sansom joins as director to consolidate the international commercial pharmaceutical team.
