DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
The Talent Studios Recruits CEO for 2WAY Media
The Talent Studios has placed Joe Ruffolo as chief executive officer at 2WAY Media, a category-defining interactive digital media platform building the future of live, participatory content. The search was led by The Talent Studios’ Jeremy Cohen and Katlyn Maloney. “Joe is a rare leader who understands how to build modern media businesses while staying deeply connected to storytelling and audience trust,” said Mark
JM Search Places CEO at Whistle Express
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Byerly as the new CEO of Whistle Express in Charlotte, NC. Jim Ipema and Andrew Pressman led the assignment. As part of this transition, José Costa has stepped down as CEO and will continue
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
Rethinking Talent For Every Phase Of The PE Lifecycle
Private equity is entering a phase where ‘one-size-fits-all’ leadership is no longer viable. As deal timelines stretch and growth becomes harder to manufacture, firms are looking to build executive teams that can evolve alongside the business. “Talent strategies must be adaptable to a changing economic climate and the ever-evolving business needs,” said Ellie O’Brien Coleman,
Recruit Co. Ltd. Makes Key Technology Investments
Staffing provider Recruit Co. Ltd., an intermediate holding branch of Japanese recruiting behemoth Recruit Holdings, has made three key investments in technology companies, helping to fund Breez Development, which is working to help improve cryptocurrency payments; Techbins Solutions, an AI conversational commerce platform; and Coti Holdings, a next-generation blockchain provider. Recruit Holdings is the owner
Saenger Associates Tapped by MWS Wire Industries to Find New Leader
Los Angeles-based executive search firm Saenger Associates has been retained by MWS Wire Industries to lead the search for its next president. Mike Nadler, senior vice president of client services, is spearheading the assignment along with Gary Saenger, founder and president. MWS Wire Industries is seeking a successor to its retiring president to continue to
Stanton Chase Names Global Aviation Sector Leader
Baltimore, MD-headquartered Stanton Chase has continued its recent expansion with the appointment of Ingo Schmittmann, a partner with the Frankfurt office, as global aviation sector leader for the firm’s supply chain, logistics and transportation practice group. “It is a distinct pleasure to announce Ingo’s expanding leadership role in this important worldwide practice group,” said Juan D. Morales, managing director
6 Ways to Conduct an Effective Executive Job Search
In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, the elements of an effective executive-level job search are very different than what may be utilized for non-executive roles. A new report by Rob Croner, vice president of senior executive services at CCI Consulting, explores channels of activity that drive any effective professional job search. “It can be
Search Firms Partner to Find New Commissioner for Southern Conference
Executive search firms College Sports Solutions (CSS) and Buffkin / Baker have collaborated to recruit Ohio University director of athletics Jim Schaus as the new commissioner of the Southern Conference. Atlanta-based College Sports, which managed the search, was chosen for its expertise in finding athletics leaders, while Buffkin/ Baker, based in Brentwood, TN, offered prowess in tapping top academic
Cejka Executive Search Recruits CEO for St. Luke’s Healthcare System
After an extensive nationwide hunt, Cejka Executive Search has placed Kevin Nokels as president and CEO of the St. Luke’s Healthcare System in Duluth, MN. The search was led by Mark Madden, executive vice president and managing principal, and Rebecca Kapphahn, vice president and search consultant. Mr. Nokels currently serves as president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical
Hightech Partners and ICT Control Create Ataya & Partners
Executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has joined forces with Georges Ataya, founder of ICT Control, to create Ataya & Partners. The new venture will provide clients with a full-circle “digitally enabling” menu, ranging from assessments, targeted education, and certification to advisory and staffing services in digital transformation, data protection and information security, said Ataya
CannabizTeam Launches Temporary Recruiting Services
Investors poured $10 billion into cannabis in North America in 2018, twice what was invested in the last three years combined. The North American market is expected to reach more than $16 billion in 2019. While talent deficits are a problem in every industry, the marijuana field is exceptionally short on senior-level leaders who can
Employers to Continue on with Hiring Plans
U.S. employers are expecting hiring to pick up as we round out the second quarter, with 21 percent of employers planning to add staff, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors said they are expecting headcount to grow. This is the seventh consecutive year of double-digit
Parker Executive Search Recruits Athletic Director for La Salle University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search recently placed Brian Baptiste as director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation for La Salle University in Philadelphia. He succeeds Bill Bradshaw recently announced his retirement. “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Explorer family,” said Colleen M. Hanycz, president
Polachi Places General Counsel for Veracode
Executive search firms have been called in to find new general counsels for various organizations this year. Recently, Boston-headquartered executive search firm Polachi Inc. placed former Monotype legal executive Dawn Rogers as the new general counsel of Veracode in Burlington, MA. Partner Charley Polachi spearheaded the assignment. “Rogers’ impressive and versatile background makes her a powerhouse addition to Veracode’s
Odgers Berndtson Expands in France
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has inked a new partnership in France with the addition of Singer & Hamilton, a 30 year-old search firm that specializes in executive search and executive assessment with strong expertise in financial services, life sciences, technology, industry, fashion, luxury and private equity. “Odgers Berndtson is
Not Actively Looking Launches Ezekia
Not Actively Looking, a London-based executive candidate portal, has officially launched its complete browser-based executive search system under the brand name “Ezekia.” Prior to the formal launch as a separate product, the system debuted in April 2018 and has been adopted by a number of search firms in the Americas, Asia and Europe. “Ezekia was
TritonExec Raises Financing to Fund Expansion Plans
ThinCats, a leading U.K. private lender dedicated to funding growing and ambitious small to medium sized businesses, has stepped up with more than $3.5 million in debt financing to help with expansion plans at TritonExec, an executive search firm experiencing rapid growth in the U.K. and an expanding business base in the U.S. The deal
Riviera Partners Acquires WorthyWorks, Appoints COO
Fresh on the heels of securing $25 million in private equity financing, Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, continues its recent expansion with the acquisition of New York-based tech and product leader specialist WorthyWorks and the addition of Ryan Giordano as chief operating officer. “We are in a
Rudish Health Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the
RM Nephew and Associates Places CEO and CFO for National HME
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has helped to place Ena Williams as the new chief executive officer and Patrick Jennings CFO of National HME Inc., a provider of medical equipment solutions to the hospice market. Ms. Williams joins National HME after a 10-year career at 7-Eleven, where most recently she was the senior
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Chairman
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has elected Adam Warby, CEO of Avanade, as chairman of its board of directors. Mr. Warby joined Heidrick’s board in 2018 to sharpen the firm’s focus on its digital transformation. As CEO of Avanade, a joint venture founded between Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corp.,
Diversified Search Closes Funding Round, Acquires Koya Leadership Partners
M&A activity, with the support of private equity firms, continues unabated in the executive search industry. In the latest deal, to be announced later today, Diversified Search, backed by investment dollars from private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Koya Leadership Partners, one of the nation’s top search firms in non-profit and higher education. Financial terms
Wheless Partners Selected by Wichita State to Find President
With the new academic year coming to a close, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. The Kansas Board of Regents recently tapped executive recruitment
Grayson & Co. Opens Doors
The executive search industry is being disrupted by the entrance of a multitude of new players offering advanced business models and new technologies. The latest: Veteran executive search consultant Christopher Sheeron has launched strategic advisory firm Grayson & Co. With the increasing need for sophisticated communications counsel, coupled with the burgeoning war for talent, the firm and
Gallagher MSA Search Seeks New CEO for Currus Inc.
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Gallagher MSA Search was recently retained by Currus Inc. to lead
IMSA Search Global Appoints CFO
Executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has named Peter Fischer as chief financial officer. “I am honored that our president, Monika Ciesielska, has asked me to serve our organization and support IMSA Search as the new CFO,” said Mr. Fischer. “I see a huge opportunity to introduce IMSA Search into new markets, expanding its client base. This
Rebuilding Careers: A Big Challenge as Aging Women Return to Work
A new family. A desire to travel. A need for change. Women quit their jobs for a variety of reasons, taking years — if not decades — off to focus on other important aspects of their lives. But that doesn’t mean they’ve put their careers on hold for good, as many women leave the workforce
m/Oppenheim Associates Recruits Executive Director for San Francisco Ballet
Following a five-month international search, Mark Oppenheim and Dennis Hanthorn of recruiting firm m/Oppenheim Associates have placed Vancouver Symphony president Kelly Tweeddale as executive director of the San Francisco Ballet. “We are extremely fortunate to have Kelly joining the ballet in this critical role,” said Carl F. Pascarella, chair of the San Francisco Ballet board
Oklahoma Baptist University Turns to CarterBaldwin to Find President
As the academic year winds down, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) recently tapped CarterBaldwin Executive Search to find a new president after David W. Whitlock announced his retirement. The search is being led by consultant Debby White and founding partner Price Harding. Representatives from CarterBaldwin
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
