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Daily Newswire
AI Moves from Hype to Workflow in Executive Search as Innova Launches Hands-On Summit
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution within executive search, reshaping how firms approach everything from business development to candidate delivery. As expectations rise around speed, insight, and precision, search firms are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional workflows and identify where technology can meaningfully enhance performance rather than simply add complexity. Unlike
Recalibrating Talent: How Generational Dynamics and Mid-Level Hiring Are Reshaping Leadership Strategy in 2026
The hiring landscape is entering a new phase—one defined less by disruption and more by recalibration. After years of volatility, organizations are taking a more deliberate look at how talent aligns with long-term strategy and evolving business needs. That shift is bringing new attention to how companies build teams, assess potential, and define leadership across
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.
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
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?
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
Developing Your Future Talent through a Skills-Based Approach
Nearly 40 percent of the skills people rely on at work today will soon be outdated or replaced, recent statistics from the World Economic Forum revealed. For HR leaders, it’s a wake-up call. Talent strategies need to move faster, or the business may fall behind, according to a recent report from Korn Ferry. “While advances in AI and
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
Calibrate Legal Strengthens Search Staff
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move as a result of changes in government administrations, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent through 2022. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust
U.K.-Based Life Sciences Specialists PIR Strengthens Search Staff
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies as they try to navigate a new world of work, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook report on life sciences. This will require a dramatic change in strategies for leadership,
Korn Ferry Lands New Commissioner for the Big Ten Conference
Korn Ferry has placed Kevin Warren, chief operating officer of professional football’s Minnesota Vikings, as commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. He will start on Sept. 16 to take advantage of an opportunity to transition as the new season begins alongside commissioner Jim Delany, who will officially step down on Jan. 1 following a 30-year
Recruiting and Retaining Your Next Chief Diversity Officer
Diversity, inclusion and equity have become headline issues, putting pressure on organizations and leaders to respond in a meaningful way. Investors are also expressing their displeasure with discrimination allegations. Russell Reynolds Associates’ review of 2017 and 2018 incidents involving bad executive behavior showed that companies experienced an average seven percent decline in market capitalization, or
Phillips Oppenheim Seeks Chief Executive for World Monuments Fund
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim was recently selected by the World Monuments Fund in New York City to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Joshua David has stepped down as CEO to pursue other opportunities. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are heading the assignment for the recruitment firm. With only four CEOs
Deerfield Associates Tapped by Bowdoin College to Find Gifts Officer
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for educational institutions. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profits everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding
HIEC Lands Leader to Head New Vienna Office
Global executive search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has hired Michael Baumann as managing partner of its new office in Vienna, Austria. The location is expected to strengthen HIEC’s established presence in Europe, and allow the firm to better support its global and local clients. Mr. Baumann brings significant search experience to the firm, having
Riviera Partners Secures $25 Million in Private Equity Funding
Private equity concerns continue to pour money into executive search firms as demand for senior-level talent remains strong. Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product and design leader placements, has closed a minority investment of $25 million led by private equity firms Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and ROCA Partners. The financing will be used to fund
PFM Recruits New Leader for Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed former Cook Roberts lawyer Kerry Simmons as the new executive director of the Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia (CBABC). Partner Shaun Carpenter led the assignment. Ms. Simmons assumes the role effective immediately, after serving as acting executive director since late last year. “On behalf of our executive committee, it is
Moran Company Seeks Executive Director for Youth Haven
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been selected to find an executive director for Youth Haven, a Naples, FL-based residential emergency shelter for youngsters who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The executive director for Youth Haven, who is responsible to
IRC Global Names Americas Practice Leader of NGO and Non-Profit Practice Group
With the increasing demand for senior executives in the non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations and the growing importance of this sector, IRC Global Executive Search Partners has expanded its global NGO and non-profit team. Pía Puebla Menne (IRC Chile) has been appointed as the Americas practice leader of the NGO and non-profit practice group. The new team
Datacenter People Group Expands Search Division
U.K.-headquartered recruiting organization Datacenter People Group has named Mark Acton as the newest partner at Portman Partners, the company’s executive search division focused on C-level leadership and senior executive roles for leading firms within the sector. “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our leadership team and to add his deep knowledge and experience to our growing firm,” said Peter
Record Number of Women Win Directorships but Gender Parity Lags
The percentage of women appointed to fill new board seats on U.S. Fortune 500 companies in 2018 was the highest ever at 40 percent, double the percentage over the past decade, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles. This group of businesses filled a record 462 vacant or newly-created board seats with independent
International Paralympic Committee Picks Odgers Berndtson to Find CEO
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has commenced a search for a new CEO and selected global search firm Odgers Berndtson to oversee the assignment. Odgers has been tasked with finding a leader who can take IPC to the next stage of its business development in the wake of the departure of Xavier Gonzalez. Recruiters Simon Cummins and Federico Filippi
Boston University Academy Picks Carney, Sandoe & Associates to Find Head of School
Senior consultants Ben Bolté and Peter Phillip of recruiting firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates have been charged with finding a new head of school for Boston University Academy. The search firm has been asked to find a strong leader, negotiator and advocate for high school students who is eager to work within a university setting and is prepared to
SmartRecruiters Secures $50 Million in Funding
Talent acquisition platform SmartRecruiters has raised a $50 million series D round, led by repeat investor Insight Partners and joined by long-time investors Mayfield and Rembrandt Venture Partners. The round follows a year marked by strong performance, including 100 percent year-over-year enterprise growth and the launch of SmartAssistant, a native AI product ever offered within a talent
