DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
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
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
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
The Critical State of Healthcare Staffing Shortages
Healthcare organizations face an unprecedented staffing crisis that directly impacts patient care and operational sustainability, according to a recent report from Denver, CO-based TriSearch. Shortages are projected to reach 124,000 physicians by 2033, and the industry must hire 200,000 nurses annually just to meet baseline needs. The nursing deficit alone could hit 450,000 registered nurses by
Essential Strategies for Effective Diversity Recruiting
In the modern business world, diversity isn’t a trend—it’s a key driver of performance and growth. A diverse workforce brings myriad benefits to an organization, a recent report from SGA Talent explored the importance of diversity recruiting and provided essential diversity recruiting strategies to help you create an effective diversity recruitment plan. A diverse workforce not
Stevenson Search Partners Recruits Chief Research and Development Officer for Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Leslie Meltzer as chief research and development officer at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Meltzer joins Apellis as a seasoned biopharma executive with demonstrated success in advancing innovative therapies from early discovery stages through
Riviera Partners Appoints Chief Operating Officer
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Sandy Ma as chief operating officer. “Sandy has been at the heart of our growth—always bringing sharp strategy, a steady hand, and genuine care for the people she works with,” Riviera Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “In
Why Interim CHROs Are Becoming Essential in a Rapidly Changing Workforce
When the role of a chief human resources officer or chief people officer is done well, it can be one of the broadest roles in an organization, according to a recent report from Business Talent Group (BTG), a Heidrick & Struggles company. “Not only are these executives critical human capital strategists charged with overseeing an organization’s end-to-end talent
Lancor Recruits CFO for Loxo
Executive search firm Lancor has helped to recruit Jimmy Gulick as the new CFO of Loxo. “The Lancor CFO team congratulates Jimmy Gulick on joining Loxo as chief financial officer,” Lancor’s Jamie Carter said in a LinkedIn post. “Jimmy is a multi-time CFO who brings deep enterprise and SMB SaaS expertise, successful private equity partnership experience, and
Harris Search Associates Recruits Inaugural Director of National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Efficacy at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute
Following a national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool, Harris Search Associates has placed Alicia Allen as the inaugural director of the National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Efficacy (NCOR) at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Associate Professor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Allen previously served at the University
GHP Search Finds Board Members for Teach for America Detroit
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently selected by Teach for America Detroit. New Trustees recruited by GHP Search include Ana C. Wagner, VP of automotive aftermarket North America and head of global business development at HenKel, Paul Lindow, retired senior partner with Deloitte & Touche in the Banking & Capital Markets,
Egon Zehnder Appoints Leaders of Global Technology & AI Practice Group
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Lindsay Trout (Palo Alto) and Hana Habayeb (Middle East) as co-leaders of its global technology and AI practice group. They succeed Silvia Rapallo (Rome) and Eric Anderson (Atlanta), who have led the group through a period of remarkable transformation in the technology sector. “We are excited to see
Unlocking Growth in the PE-Backed Software Market
Enterprise software is one of Europe’s fastest-growing sectors. In 2024, enterprise software spending across the region expanded by 11 percent — more than 10 times the pace of EU economic growth — highlighting software’s role as a resilient and investable driver of opportunity. More than 13,000 companies now generate over $10 million in annual revenues (and almost
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for the Center for Congregations
Ernest Brooks, Liz Braun, and Henry Nickerson of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently leading the president search for the Center for Congregations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary and collaborative leader with a passion for strengthening Christian congregations in Indiana. The Center serves as a conduit for congregations to think about their challenges in
Kirk Palmer Associates Fills CEO Post for Chico’s FAS
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has placed Trish Donnelly as division chief executive officer of Chico’s FAS, the women’s wear retailer owned by the KnitWell Group. The search was led by managing director, Jaimee Marshall. Ms. Donnelly will oversee all product and customer-facing functions for the Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market brands,
DSG Global Appoints Chief People Officer
DSG Global has named Jenny Sade as chief people officer. In this role, she will lead the firm’s people and culture strategy—supporting talent acquisition, operations, and business strategy—as DSG Global continues to scale its impact across industries and geographies. “Jenny’s rare ability to see the potential in every leader and organization makes her an invaluable
Beecher Reagan Adds Partner
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has expanded with the addition of Raj Kapoor as a partner. “Join us in welcoming Raj Kapoor as a partner at Beecher Reagan,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With more than 25 years of recruitment experience—including 19 years in retained executive search—Raj specializes in placing partners, managing directors, and
The Rise of Authentic Leadership
For years, professionals have felt compelled to separate their “work selves” from their “personal selves” in order to conform to strict corporate norms. But that’s beginning to change. Today, authentic leadership is what drives organizations to thrive, inspire, and retain great talent. It’s about authenticity and showing up as your true self, not just focusing
Taurean Opens Doors to Serve PE Sector
In private equity, the investment function looks remarkably similar across firms. But the portfolio-facing value creation function? That varies wildly – from model to model, firm to firm – with equally variable levels of success, durability, and impact. There’s no one right answer, but there are many wrong ones. For years, this didn’t matter much.
RevelOne Places Chief Marketing Officer at Spark Networks
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently helped
Wilton & Bain Appoints Leader of North American People & Culture Practice
Wilton & Bain has named Jacob Humbert as partner, leading the North American people & culture practice. He will be based in the U.S. and joins the firm’s North American leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob to the North American leadership team to drive our office of the CHRO capability in the region,” said
The Hidden Driver of Great Teams Isn’t Strategy—It’s Responsiveness
When people think about what makes a strong team, they often focus on strategy, talent, or experience. But one of the most effective ways to create a reliable, connected team is by focusing on something much smaller: response time, according to a recent report from The Bridger Group, a 57-year-old executive search firm working exclusively in
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
Optimizing Talent: How to Hire Right and Reduce Costly Turnover
Choosing the right candidate is essential to the company’s long-term success. Turnovers and high attrition can cost from 50 percent to 200 percent of employee salaries, depending on whether the hire is entry-level or a seasoned executive. By taking the talent optimization approach to hiring, you dramatically improve hiring odds, according to a recent report
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
Peña Search has been retained by Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (PHPC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. PHPC seeks an experienced and dynamic executive director to join its leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the Integrator within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Stevenson Search Partners Makes Strategic Leadership Transition
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, recently announced a strategic leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and strengthen its position as a comprehensive talent solutions partner for the life sciences industry. Kris Steen was promoted to president of executive search, while Adam Bloom transitioned to
Sheffield Haworth Partners with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has partnered with Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies. “At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, head, financial services and private equity
BoardWalk Consulting Appoints CEO
Executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CFO for Wesley Housing
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Pruell as the new CFO of Wesley Housing of Alexandria, VA. He will succeed longtime CFO Christopher Cherry, who will retire later this year after more than a decade of leadership that strengthened Wesley Housing’s financial foundation and guided the organization through key milestones. Wesley
DSG Global | Koya Partners Tapped by ASPCA for CFO Search
DSG Global | Koya Partners has been retained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to lead in its search for a new CFO. Molly Brennan, global managing partner and non-profit and social impact practice leader, managing directors Erin Reedy and Tyler Ridgeway, are leading the assignment. The ASPCA seeks a mission-driven CFO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeking Provost for West Virginia University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates is currently conducting a search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt are leading the assignment for the search firm. Under the leadership of its new president Michael Benson, the university seeks an inspirational academic
The Talent Studios Introduces Determined People, an Agentic AI-Enabled Technology Platform
The Talent Studios has launched Determined People, an agentic, AI-powered cognitive engine. “As an executive search firm, over the last 36 months we’ve seen AI-enabled recruitment tools pitched to us by technology startups that are being led by engineers and entrepreneurs first and foremost,” said Jeremy Cohen, co-founder and CEO of The Talent Studios. “They have
7 Strategic Reasons to Consider Recruitment Outsourcing
In today’s business climate, HR and talent leaders face a clear mandate: achieve more with fewer resources while strategically planning for the future to deliver lasting value. Anticipating future workforce needs is more critical (and tricky) than ever with shifting business needs and ongoing uncertainty around what roles to hire or how to prioritize them
PierceGray Leading Head of Sales Search for Innovapptive
PierceGray was recently tapped by Innovapptive to lead in its search for a new head of sales. In support of Innovapptive’s growth plans, the organization seeks to hire a head of sales to take over its commercial organization. This shift from co-founder and CEO Sundeep Ravande will provide the focus and leadership to scale the
