DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
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.
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
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
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
Why HR Leaders Need to Forge New Relationships with Boards
The magnitude of change predicted by management visionaries in the field of human resources will have limited impact unless organizational leaders can successfully engage directors in a similar rethinking of the strategic importance of talent, culture and workforce management, this according to a report by Mark B. Nadler, principal and co-founder of Nadler Advisory Services,
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires The Human Capital Group
The Human Capital Group has been acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher, one of the world’s largest consulting and risk management companies. Financial terms were undisclosed. “Gallagher’s mission, culture and values align with The Human Capital Group’s – to provide value-based services to clients in an intentional, respectful and high-integrity manner,” the search firm said in
RM Nephew and Associates Recruits CEO for Accord Services
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has placed Brandon Ballew as the new CEO of merged companies Accord Services and Allegiant Home Care. Mr. Ballew brings more than 20 years of experience in growing healthcare services businesses to Accord. He is an operations executive with extensive experience in M&A, standardizing operating procedures and enhancing technology. Mr.
Teri Black & Company Recruits Grand Rapids Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
Dore Partnership Names Investment Banking and CFO Practice Leader for North America
New York-based executive search firm Dore Partnership has appointed Graham Michener as investment banking and CFO practice leader for North America. He will also help drive the financial officer expertise for the firm’s private equity practice. “I am excited to have Graham join our firm,” said Jonathan Lang, president of Dore Partnership. “He brings with
New Ways to Manage Human Capital
At a time when the human cloud is rapidly expanding, work mobility is rising and on-demand talent is everywhere, companies can no longer adhere to conventional methods to manage human capital. Now more than ever, embracing a total talent philosophy is the most effective way to gain speed and agility. Most companies, in fact, plan
Boyden Lands CEO for USA Diving
Executive search firm Boyden has recruited Terry Basset as the new CEO of USA Diving in Colorado Springs, CO. He replaces Lee Walsi Johnson who left after just 16 months on the job. Jack Perkins had been acting CEO. Partner Chip Novick led the assignment. Mr. Basset became the top choice after stops at several
Estes Park Health Taps B.E. Smith to Find CEO
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes are coming. This has produced a high demand
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires Brazilian Search Firm 2GET
Acquisitions continue to make news in the recruiting industry, with a number of notable purchases in recent months. Recently, Heidrick & Struggles acquired Brazil-headquartered search firm 2GET. Terms of the transaction were undisclosed. With offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 2GET has 50 employees, including 13 consultants. The firm was founded in 2009. Paulo Mendes, a founder
Cornerstone International Group Expands Into France
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has expanded its footprint in Europe with the addition of a member office in Paris. Peak-Lifecycles HR will represent the global network across France. The new Cornerstone Paris is an owner-managed, specialist firm with extensive experience in board and executive search, talent management and consulting services. It also has
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation Turns to Hanold Associates to Fill Directorships
Seasoned board directors are considered the backbone of organizations, with the best ones implementing gold standards that filter throughout an organization. The latest institution seeking to fill multiple board seats is the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, which has turned to Hanold Associates for guidance. The board is chaired by Vista Equity Partners CEO Robert
Spencer Stuart Completes CEO Search for Wells Fargo
Following an extensive global search, Spencer Stuart has recruited former Bank of New York Mellon CEO Charles W. Scharf as the new president and CEO of Wells Fargo & Company. He assumes his new role on Oct. 21. While many had expected a woman to take the helm at the banking giant, Mr. Scharf will take
Diversified Search Recruits CHRO for Population Services International
Philadelphia-based Diversified Search has placed Brandon Guzzone as the new CHRO of Population Services International (PSI) in Washington, D.C. Judy Boreham, co-leader of the firm’s human resources practice, led the assignment. Mr. Guzzone has a track record in translating business strategies into effective communications plans that engage and influence employees. Previously, he was chief human capital officer of Millennium
Onstott Group Promotes Cullen Onstott to Managing Director
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based executive search firm, has named Cullen Onstott as managing director. Mr. Onstott, the son of founder and CEO Joe Onstott, will continue his search practice, primarily in the energy, financial services and technology industries, and will now assume expanded operational responsibilities. He has been with the firm for three
Osprey Executive Search Joins AltoPartners
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. AltoPartners, an international partnership of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants,
10 Compelling Reasons to Hire an Executive Search Firm
It’s far from easy to find talent with the right skills, experience and values to fill vital senior executive positions. Some roles are simply so important that you have to invest time, money and resources in identifying and recruiting the absolute best individual. That means bringing in an executive search firm. Using a new report
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits CEO for World Monuments Fund
Following an international search, executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed Bénédicte de Montlaur as the new CEO of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) in New York City. Joshua David stepped down from the role to pursue other opportunities. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein led the assignment for the recruitment firm. “The board is delighted to
SearchWide Global Tapped by VisitDallas to Find New CEO
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry continues to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling in
NGS Global Adds Zavala Civitas in Brazil
Executive search firm NGS Global has continued its recent expansion by adding executive search firm, Zavala Civitas. This bring offices in Spain, Mexico and Brazil to NGS. Established in 2002, Zavala Civitas, led by director and owner Lorenzo Zavala, offers professional advisory and executive search services. The firm has completed more than 800 searches for Spanish and
SolomonEdwardsGroup Acquires QUAD656
Professional services firm SolomonEdwardsGroup has acquired QUAD656, a certified women-owned executive search firm in the Delaware Valley with offices in Wayne, PA and Mount Laurel, NJ. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Since 2001, QUAD656 has been recruiting and placing senior talent across multiple disciplines, adding recruiting strength and a robust client base
Transitioning from Recruiting Automation to AI
A large barrier to AI acceptance in the talent acquisition world is the confusion between the capabilities of automation and AI. The benefits of AI sound like extreme hype if it is understood as mere automation. “Automation tools, which are widely used in the industry today, allow talent acquisition teams to do more of what
Lindauer Seeking Advancement Officer for the Hotchkiss School
Boston-based recruitment firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches has been enlisted to find a chief advancement officer (CAO) by the Hotchkiss School, a college preparatory boarding school in Connecticut. Senior consultant Gretchen Dwyer is leading the assignment. The next chief advancement officer will be expected to provide strategic vision, innovative leadership, and clear direction for all
Hanold Associates Strengthens Human Resources Recruiting Team
Hanold Associates has expanded with the addition of Lisa Butkus as a partner based in Chicago. She specializes in recruiting executive level HR leaders across industries, and with a core focus on fashion, luxury brands, retail merchandise and the broader consumer industry. “Lisa Butkus is an outstanding addition to our firm,” said Jason Hanold, CEO and
Koya Leadership Partners Seeks Chief Impact Officer for Amnesty International
Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) has enlisted Molly Brennan and Turner Delano of Koya Leadership Partners to find a chief impact officer to lead several external-facing teams of staff focused on achieving significant human rights impact. The teams will include AIUSA’s campaigns, public affairs (media, social media, arts and entertainment engagement, and events), advocacy/government relations and
IIC Partners Adds Farber’s Interim Management and Executive Search Practice
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded with the addition of Farber’s Interim Management and Executive Search practice. Farber’s search practice, with professionals based in Toronto and Vancouver, specializes in carrying out interim management and executive search assignments across a broad variety of industry sectors for all senior leadership and C-suite functions. “Joining a leading global
Landing a Board Role Promises Rewards, Challenges
Board service can be one of the most rewarding career experiences: It’s the opportunity to see first-hand how another company operates at the highest levels and to work with – and learn from – accomplished, articulate, and intelligent people. It’s why many leaders decide to start down the path to the boardroom. It’s also why
Spencer Stuart Tapped to Find President for Macalester College
Spencer Stuart has been selected to find a new president for Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Brian Rosenberg, who has led the 145-year-old liberal arts school since 2003, will be stepping down next May. Spencer Stuart has the search narrowed down to between 12 to 24 candidates, according to the Macalester student newspaper, the
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits CEO for Kids in Need Foundation
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has placed Corey Gordon as the new 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 led the assignment. Mr. Gordon will take over responsibilities from Dave Smith, whose leadership at the organization saw a milestone of $1 billion of
Checkr Raises $160 Million in Funding
Checkr has announced a $160 million round of funding at a valuation of $2.2 billion. The equity round was led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, joined by Bond, Coatue, and long-time investors Accel, Y Combinator and IVP. This round is in addition to the $150 million previously raised. “We first invested
AIMS International Expands Into Ireland
Executive search consortium AIMS International has added Search Excellence as its newest member firm. This has led to the formation of AIMS International Ireland, which will be Ken McIntyre-Barn. Mr. McIntyre-Barn has been working in the executive search industry since 2010 and has expertise finding executives for organizations in the consumer goods, media & technology, pharmaceutical, connected entertainment, fuels, bio-energy and consulting industries. Before founding
CEO Plans Stalling on Geopolitical and Trade Uncertainty
Growing geopolitical uncertainty, including U.S. trade policy and foreign retaliation, and slowing global economic growth, are among the reasons that CEO plans have waned, according to the newly released Business Roundtable “CEO Economic Outlook Survey.” The study is a composite of CEO plans for capital spending and hiring and expectations for sales over the next six months.
