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Daily Newswire
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, Christine Pendleton, 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
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.
Reffett Associates Fills Deputy General Counsel Role for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Reffett Associates has completed the search for a deputy general counsel at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Mark Buresh will join the FDIC as deputy general counsel, legal division, regulation and policy branch, in Washington, D.C. Reffett Associates conducted a nationwide, confidential search, reaching more than 90 bank regulatory attorneys across law firms with significant
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?
Solomon Page Appoints Leader of Legal Services Practice in Washington, D.C.
New York City-based Solomon Page has named Julian Brown as managing director, leading the firm’s legal services efforts in Washington, D.C. He will focus on delivering legal talent solutions, including contract staffing and direct hire, building on the national practice led by managing director Julie Favetta on the East Coast and managing director Wendy Sullivan on the
How Interim Leadership is Reshaping Succession Planning
Succession planning has traditionally centered on identifying the next generation of leaders. While that remains essential, it does not address every leadership transition. A critical role may evolve as the business transforms, a preferred successor may require additional time to develop, or leaders capable of providing temporary coverage may already be managing significant responsibilities. In
Slone Partners Recruits CEO for Mirvie
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has placed David Stern as CEO of Mirvie in South San Francisco, CA. “Maternal health is at an inflection point, and Mirvie is positioned to lead it,” said Leslie Loveless, managing partner and CEO of Slone Partners. “David pairs three decades of women’s health leadership with hands-on experience building commercial businesses, from
EQU Advisors Fills Senior Position for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle Lacoss as associate vice president of enrollment of Sarah Lawrence College. Ms. Lacoss is an enrollment professional with demonstrated experience working in a broad range of areas within higher education, from admissions and advisement to strategy, marketing and operations. Ms. Lacoss previously served as senior
Taurean Launches Portfolio Transformation Practice
Taurean recently launched its portfolio transformation practice with the addition of Nik Das as a principal. “The portfolio transformation practice helps private equity firms recruit chiefs of staff, strategy, transformation and turnaround leaders into their portfolio companies, expanding the capacity of deal and management teams to deliver the value creation plan,” John Zink, co-founder of Taurean,
Alexander Hughes Names Co-Head of Global Financial Services Practice
Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-François Monteil as co-head of its global financial services practice, alongside Michael Swinsburg. He will focus on the EMEA region. Together, they will lead the development of the practice, combining their experience and international networks to support clients across banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, private equity and fintech. “We are delighted
Preparing for the Presidency is About More Than Credentials
Preparing for a university presidency requires a deliberate approach to leadership development, one that extends well beyond academic achievement and experience to encompass the broader demands of institutional leadership. The question Funk Associates hears most often in our work is a simple one: “What can I do to best prepare myself to be a serious candidate
How Secondaries Hiring is Evolving Alongside the Industry
The secondaries market has evolved at a remarkable pace. Higher-for-longer rates and economic uncertainty have pushed investors toward opportunities with proven performance and clearer underwriting outcomes, advancing the asset class into a new stage of maturity, according to a recent article from Jackson Lucas and the Bachrach Group’s EMM Research. “Once a relatively contained corner
Lochlin Partners Recruits Chief Product and Innovation Officer for the Electronic Transactions Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Aimee Gabel as chief product and innovation officer at the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA). “Aimee brings a proven ability to build and transform products, programs, and experiences around the needs of an industry,” said Jodie Kelley, CEO of ETA. Ms. Gabel brings extensive experience in association leadership, product development, education and member
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. CEO J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
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
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
How Leadership Success Hinges on Style and Cultural Fit
Leadership today requires more than experience and expertise—it demands self-awareness and alignment with the environment in which a leader operates. The most effective leaders understand that success depends not only on what they know but on how their approach fits the organization’s culture, pace, and expectations. This connection between leadership style and organizational context often
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,
Polachi Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Veracode
Recently, executive search firm Polachi Inc. placed Elana Anderson as chief marketing officer of Veracode, a provider of application security testing solutions. Charley Polachi spearheaded the assignment. Reporting to CEO Sam King, Ms. Anderson will head Veracode’s global marketing, branding and communications programs to help the company achieve its growth strategy. “Elana’s success building global brands in established
N2Growth Names Senior Advisor for Board, C-level Searches
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Leslie Goldhill as a principal and senior advisor specializing in board and C-level search assignments. Ms. Goldhill will report directly to Tim Dunn, chief commercial officer at the firm. “Leslie brings a wealth of executive search experience to N2Growth,” said Mike Myatt, founder and chairman of
Momenta Partners Names Leader of Insights and Intelligence Team
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has strengthened its staff with the addition of Leif Eriksen as partner. He will lead the firm’s insights and intelligence practice. “We are delighted to welcome Leif to lead our expanded Insights and Intelligence practice,” said Ken Forster, founder and managing director of Momenta Partners. “We’ve been recognized for our thought-leadership in digital industry and are now expanding this with deep industry intelligence and insights. This will complement our practitioner-led, industry-leading advisory, talent and venture investment
Why Mastering Interview Skills Matters More Now Than Ever
Read any strategic plan, corporate mission statement, agenda for a corporate sales and marketing meeting, new product rollout, leadership conference or retreat — and what’s missing? A training session or discussion about the critical skills of interviewing required for business. “The lack of interview training for hiring managers in America has been the No. 1
Acertitude Recruits CFO and Chief Revenue Officer for Coriell Life Sciences
Executive search firm Acertitude recently recruited Bill Testa as chief financial officer and Jennifer Ferrang as chief revenue officer for the leadership team of Coriell Life Sciences, a leading provider of cost-effective healthcare solutions including genetic interpretation and reporting services. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose and principal Jessica Tvelia spearheaded the searches. “Coriell Life Sciences is doing
Isaacson, Miller Seeking New President for the University of Maryland
A number of top colleges around the country are looking for high-profile leaders to take them into the future. In most cases, executive recruiting firms have had a hand in some aspect of the search and selection process. Recently, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents retained Isaacson, Miller to find its next president
CCI Consulting Opens New Office in McLean, VA
Continuing its ongoing growth, CCI Consulting, a Career Partners International firm, has expanded in the Washington, D.C. area, establishing a new office in McLean, VA. The firm will also be opening offices in Baltimore and Harrisburg, PA, in coming weeks. “We’ve been working in D.C. since 2004, supporting various government agencies as a women-owned business enterprise,” said
Positive Moves Adds Former CHRO to Staff
The executive search field continues to be a welcoming landing pad for HR executives looking for a career change. Recently, executive search firm Positive Moves, based in Gurgaon, in India, expanded with the addition of former CHRO Gautam Anand as a partner. He joins a growing list of HR executives who have turned to the executive
Talent Chiefs Emerge Among Fastest-Growing Roles in Private Equity
U.S. private equity firms are becoming more sophisticated and generating record demand for operating specialists with the skills and experience to actively manage their portfolio companies, according to a new study by Heidrick & Struggles. As measured by deal activity in 2018, the U.S. private equity market closed a record 4,828 deals worth a combined $713
Wheless Partners Finds 14th President for Wichita State
Executive recruitment firm Wheless Partners has placed Jay Golden as the 14th president of Wichita State University (WSU). John Bardo, the school’s past president, passed away earlier this spring. Dr. Golden will assume the presidency full time by the beginning of spring semester. “Dr. Golden has an extremely impressive record of accomplishments in research and higher
Action Management Services Launches Sports Franchise Division
The sports and entertainment field is among the most active and fast-growing sectors for executive search businesses, with many C-suite-focused recruiting firms having been drawn to it. Recently, Cleveland, OH-headquartered executive search firm Action Management Services launched its professional sports franchise division. It will provide executive searches for the NFL, NASCAR, MLB, NHL, NBA, Soccer,
