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Daily Newswire
The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
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.
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
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?
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
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Shifting The Talent Paradigm In PE: A Q&A With Jessica Fiesta George At Atlantic Street Capital Advisors
Private equity firms are growing, and so are the demands placed on their portfolio companies. As the traditional playbook of financial engineering and cost-cutting shows signs of fatigue, PE firms are looking to talent strategy to unlock growth and create long-term value. That shift is at the core of the agenda at Hunt Scanlon’s upcoming
WilsonHCG Opens Office in Romania
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has expanded with the addition of a new office in Bucharest, Romania. “Although we continue to expand our offices in Krakow, Poland, and London and Manchester in the U.K., since our inception in 2002 we have strived to have the best talent on our team,” said John Wilson,
A New Breed of Future-Ready Leaders
The best leaders have a strong portfolio of future-oriented and change-ready skills that enable them to keep responding to fluctuating market demands, according to a new Korn Ferry study. The search firm’s new analysis of 15,000 profiles of leaders and managers from around the world found that most leaders today are unable to harness the collective energy
Domino’s Pizza Taps Hanold Associates to Find CHRO
Executive recruiters continue to be in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Recently, Domino’s Pizza retained Hanold Associates to find its next CHRO. Jason Hanold, CEO and co-managing partner of the search firm, is leading the assignment. He is joined by partners Keri Gavin, Ashley Schiele and
The Onstott Group Recruits CEO for BioDirection
The Onstott Group, a Wellesley, MA-based search firm, has placed Sharad H. Joshi as the new president and CEO of BioDirection Inc., a privately held medical device company developing cutting-edge and rapid point-of-care products for the diagnosis and management of concussions and other acquired traumatic brain injuries. “On behalf of our board, I would like to
Cielo Launches Executive Search Practice
Cielo, a strategic recruitment process outsourcing firm, is bringing its executive search experts into a global practice under the Cielo brand. Craig Pointon, who has led executive recruiting for the Middle East and Africa region since 2007, will now become Cielo’s executive vice president and global head of executive search. “It has become increasingly apparent in
Talentor International Adds Two Managing Directors for Austrian Partner
Executive search consortium Talentor International has added two new managing directors, Barbara Ulman and Thomas Zembacher, to expand Talentor Austria. “In Barbara Ulman, we found someone with excellent know-how in executive search,” said Michael Sarsteiner, CEO of Talentor International. “Thomas Zembacher’s healthcare and business expertise complement that perfectly.” Ms. Ulman was most recently managing director
Why Big Brand Job Candidates Aren’t Always the Best Fit
Professionals who have a big personal cache in an industry, or who have been working at a big branded company, do not always make the best candidates. Instead, professionals who have had relevant accomplishments, even at brands that are lesser known, can oftentimes be the better fit. “Early in a search, organizations will often target
Ventura Partners Selected by Penn State to Find Next Women’s Head Basketball Coach
Universities continue to turn to search firms to fill their top coaching vacancies. Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has been chosen to lead the search for the next women’s head basketball coach at Penn State University. After 12 seasons, the program elected to move on from coach Coquese Washington. Partner Chad Chatlos will spearhead the nationwide search for Ventura
D. Hilton Associates Seeks Chief People Officer for Apple Federal Credit
The chief people officer position is still a relatively new title within the HR function. It first appeared about a decade ago. But now, as companies look to build internal brand awareness and set their sights more on establishing and driving their own unique cultures, CPOs are coming more into vogue. Recently, to help fill a
Rob Tillman Launches TillmanPartners; Kelly Carlson Joins PE Firm as Talent Head
Rob Tillman, a veteran executive recruiter and coach, has launched a new firm, TillmanPartners. The Scottsdale, AZ-based firm will provide executive search, integrated coaching and one-on-one coaching specializing in CFOs and CIOs. “I’ve been blessed to serve hundreds of leaders over the last three decades, and my focus on recruiting and coaching CFOs and CIOs
IMSA Search Global Adds New Member in Denmark
Global recruiting consortiums continue to take advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Among them, executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Danish search firm Brinch & Partners as its newest member. Brinch & Partners has maintained steady growth since its founding a decade ago. Its team includes founding partners Martin Bo Sørensen and Jens
What Can HR Leaders Do Today to Prepare for Tomorrow?
Although it’s tempting – and exciting – to dig into predictions for the global workforce of 2030, it often isn’t practical to look that far into the future to determine our actions today. A recent publication from PwC, for example, reports five “megatrends” they believe will shape this future: technological breakthroughs, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, shifts in
Odgers Berndtson Selected by the AAPA to Find New CEO
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has turned to global search firm Odgers Berndtson to find its next chief executive officer, following the retirement of long-time leader Kurt Nagle. Vice chairman and partner Tim McNamara is leading the assignment along with partner and practice leader Conrad Woody. William Friedman, chairman of the AAPA and CEO of Port
Howe-Lewis International Seeks Chief Advancement Officers for Non-Profits
Executive recruitment firm Howe-Lewis International has been selected to find chief advancement officers for non-profit organizations in California and New York. Despite the differences in their missions, both the Palm Springs Art Museum and the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) will rely on this key role to drive their fundraising. The Palm Springs Art Museum seeks
ASCENT Select Strengthens Search Staff
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm ASCENT Select has expanded with the addition of John Bennett as a partner. His addition will bolster the firm’s expertise at placing mid- to senior-level executives in supply chain and logistics, finance, operations and sales. Mr. Bennett has more than 25 years of senior management experience in media, biotechnology, manufacturing,
The Expanding Role of Culture in Search and Succession
Culture fit is hardly a new concept. Well before the rise of various models and frameworks to evaluate organizational culture, companies recognized the risk of hiring a cultural mismatch — such as the lone wolf in a company that values collaboration. New employees, especially leaders, who clash with the culture are often ineffective, and are
The Koblentz Group Seeking CHRO for PRGX
Anyone with the ties to the human resources function knows how much it has evolved in recent years – and with it the role of the chief human resources officer (CHRO). The biggest shift has been in how the CHRO has progressed from fighting for a seat at the table to playing a key role
Paschal•Murray Tapped by Lowell Observatory to Find Major 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
Kingsley Gate Creates New Global Knowledge Center
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has established a new global knowledge center which will serve as a foundational platform to its growing global client base. It will function as a strategic resource, initially focused on expanding the organization’s knowledge management function and strengthening research to facilitate business development and search execution. “We are excited to
Inzito Partnership Creates CFO Practice
The Inzito Partnership, a London-based executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of a financial officer practice to serve what the organization says is a growing number of requirements in the field. Simon Bailey joins the company to lead the new practice, working on the appointment of CFOs and their leadership teams in the U.K.
Demand for Interim Executives on the Rise
Across the board, in every industry, today’s candidate-driven market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people being employed in temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to
Quick Leonard Kieffer Lands CEO for National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop as CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, chartered as one of the founding affiliates of the National Kidney Foundation in 1964. The assignment was conducted by Steven M. Derks, president and chief executive officer, along with principal Jennifer Deniz. “Because of the dedication and strength
Preng & Associates Recruits CEO for Rosehill Resources
After a national search, executive recruitment firm Preng & Associates has placed David L. French as president and CEO of Rosehill Resources Inc. in Houston, TX. He will succeed Gary C. Hanna, who has served as interim president and CEO since September. Mr. Hanna will remain chairman of the company’s board of directors. “We are very pleased to have
Sterling Martin Seeking CEO for Camp Fire
National youth development organization Camp Fire has enlisted Sterling Martin Associates to help find its next president and CEO. David S. Martin, managing partner; Tricia Bork Canavan, senior consultant; and Katherine Carter, senior executive recruiter, are conducting the assignment for the Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm. Camp Fire wants a CEO who will be an innovator to
Publicis Media Creates Executive Search Practice
In what continues to be a trend among organizations, London-based Publicis Media has launched an executive search practice which will be led by veteran executive recruiter Julie Jeantet. Ms. Jeantet will work closely with existing senior recruiters Mary Hurlock-Murphy and Marcus Wainer and will oversee Publicis Media’s internal talent mobility program for leaders. “It has never
CEO Confidence Falls as Workers Remain Optimistic
Although chief executives continue to be upbeat about the economy, their confidence levels have dropped in recent months, according to the latest report by the Conference Board. Meanwhile, the Worker Confidence Index (WCI) compiled by HRO Today Magazine and Yoh found that American workers’ confidence remained relatively stable last quarter and enjoyed a 2.6-point year-over-year rise compared to last year. “Despite
Heidrick & Struggles Selected by Newell Brands to Find New CEO
Competition among consumer companies has never been fiercer. Customers are shopping in new and sometimes non-traditional ways as mass market retailers offer designer goods, brick and mortar staples are available on-line and venerable brands spin off agile brand extensions. Consumer companies are also keen to capitalize on the potential of emerging and high growth markets. All this
RSR Partners Assists USA Rugby in CEO Search
USA Rugby has named an internal candidate, Ross Young, as its new chief executive officer. Executive recruitment firm RSR Partners led the search and assessment efforts. Mr. Young has been operating in the role since Dan Payne stepped down from the job in July to head operations with Rugby Americas. Based in Lafayette, CO, USA Rugby is the national governing
Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for Jay Nolan Community Services
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has placed Edward Amey as the new executive director of Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS), a Mission Hills, CA-based non-profit which provides support services to those with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jeff Strully retired in December after 25 years with the organization. “We are very fortunate to have
Horton International Opens New Office in Dubai
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire recruiters and open locations. Among them, Horton International has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. Horton International began its presence in the region by
The Role Age Plays in the Talent Game
As e-commerce enters its second decade of maturity, a new generation of executives is entering the C-suite. Some of these professionals are self-made, having launched successful companies to become highly-visible 20- and-30-something CEOs. Others, prized for their digital fluency and new ways of thinking, are climbing the ranks in the fast track to the top.
