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Daily Newswire
Five Shifts That Influenced CEO Leadership in 2025
Organizations entered 2025 confronting a level of volatility that demanded more than short-term adjustments—it required a fundamental rethinking of how leaders grow and respond. As the pace of change accelerated, CEOs increasingly recognized that their ability to evolve strategically and personally would define their effectiveness. In 2025, CEOs operated in a world defined by continuous
Heidrick & Struggles Completes Take-Private Transaction
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has completed its previously announced transaction to become a privately held company through the acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Advent International, and Corvex Private Equity, with support from a global network of prominent strategic investors including Salem Capital Management, Mousse
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.
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
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?
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
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
Companies Hiring on Basis of Skills Rather Than Open Positions
Companies in a number of industries are facing a potential C-suite challenge – an alarming lack of qualified candidates to fill roles that are likely to become vacant due to retirement and other factors in the next 10 to 15 years. This breakneck speed of turnover in businesses is forcing talent acquisition professionals to look
Protis Global Finds President for Therabis
Executive search firm Protis Global has placed a new president for Therabis, a maker of cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products for pets. Bob Rubin becomes the new leader for the Denver-based company, a subsidiary of Dixie Brands. “Working with Dixie has been a distinct pleasure,” said Frank Judd, director of client accounts for Portis Global. “Their
Brent D. Glass Finds New Leader for Berkshire Museum
Washington, D.C.-based executive management consulting firm Brent D. Glass LLC has placed Jeff Rodgers as the new executive director of Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA. Van Shields announced his retirement from the museum last June. Mr. Rodgers was the unanimous selection after a rigorous four-month search led by the museum’s board of trustees. Berkshire Museum staff
Direct Recruiters Names Partners
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), Executive Search, has appointed Cherie Shepard, Jason Herbert and Norm Volsky as partners. The search firm said that all three have “demonstrated leadership, dedication, integrity and a standard of excellence within the search industry.” “Speaking on behalf of the existing partners, we are thrilled to congratulate Cherie, Jason and Norm,”
NPAworldwide Expands Footprint in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia
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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added nine new member locations as it continues to
Skills Shortages Causing Recruiting Difficulties
The U.S. is facing a growing skills gap that threatens the nation’s long-term economic prosperity. The workforce simply lacks enough workers and skilled candidates to fill an ever-increasing number of high-skilled jobs. Seven million jobs were open in January, but only 6.3 million unemployed people were looking for work. As the country nears full employment,
DHR International Lands CEO for Physical Rehabilitation Network
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. Chicago-based DHR International has placed healthcare veteran Ajay Gupta as the
Spencer Stuart Recruits Provost for American University
Following a national search, Spencer Stuart has placed Daniel J. Myers as provost and chief academic officer of American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. Michele Haertel, leader of the firm’s education, non-profit and government, academia and research practice, led the assignment along with Mary Gorman. “Dan is deeply committed to the integration of scholarship, teaching and student
Jobvite Secures $200 Million in Funding, Acquires Three Companies
Recruiting software firm Jobvite has announced that it will double down on its plans to build a bigger platform for recruitment and applicant tracking. The company says that it has secured investment funding of more than $200 million and that it has acquired three companies focused on different aspects of the recruitment process: Talemetry, RolePoint
Alexander Hughes Opens New Location in Mexico City
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, bring in new recruiters and open new locations. Recently, Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes expanded in Mexico City with the opening of a new office in Monterrey. The Mexican team will report to Adolfo Cruz,
9 Reasons Why This Candidate Declined a Job Offer
Not long ago, Boyden partner Tom Sorensen recounted the time that a candidate told him why he decided to decline an attractive job offer from one of the bigger guns in the business world. The prospect had received a call from the company’s talent acquisition officer, but it wasn’t until months and months later that
R. William Funk & Associates Assists Weber State University in President Search
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, recently assisted in the placement of Brad L. Mortensen as the 13th president of Weber State University in Ogden, UT. Charles K. Wight stepped down from the role last May. R. William Funk, president of the Dallas-based recruitment firm, led the search. “President Mortensen
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks Chief Technology and Knowledge Officer for Gavi
Russell Reynolds Associates has been enlisted to find a chief technology and knowledge officer (CTKO) for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is a leading international public-private partnership committed to increasing equitable use of vaccines in lower-income countries. The CTKO plays a key role across the alliance in achieving Gavi’s mission, said
Momenta Expands in the U.S.
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has continued to strengthen its footprint in the U.S. with the addition of Bill O’Such as a strategy partner. He will be based out of the firm’s San Francisco office. Mr. O’Such brings over 20 years of extensive history of connected industry leadership roles in mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and
Signium Adds Marketing and Communications Specialist
Marketing and branding professionals are playing increasingly vital roles at executive search firms as recruiting outfits push into new lines of business, evolve their brands and rev up their social media presence. Recently, executive search consortium Signium added Amy Fuentes as its new marketing and communications specialist. In her new role, Ms. Fuentes will be responsible for executing all
Employees Reveal Insights on 2019 Workforce Trends
Surveys on workplace topics often poll employers to gain their perspectives on the latest HR issues and trends – but, in a recent survey, Paychex went directly to the source and obtained insight from employees themselves. It questioned employees on hot topics like benefits, pay equity, HR technology, corporate social responsibility and more, to determine
Spencer Stuart Recruits Board Members for Yelp
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed three board members for Yelp Inc. The firm had been enlisted to evaluate the board’s composition and identify additional director candidates to help drive the online-review website’s strategy. George Hu, Sharon Rothstein and Brian Sharples were appointed to the board, effective March 1. They will replace Geoff Donaker, Jeremy Levine and Peter Fenton, who notified the
Deerfield Associates Seeks Senior Major Gifts Officer for Babson College
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
RSR Partners Appoints Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has named Allen Shapard as a managing director and head of the corporate affairs and communications practice. He is based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Shapard has more the 25 years of relevant experience in communications, branding, marketing and corporate social responsibility. He has worked closely with high-profile consumer and enterprise
Judson Partners Rebrands as Capitus Associates
Judson Partners, a boutique executive search firm focused exclusively on the financial services industry, has changed its name to Capitus Associates. Capitus now has six equity partners, each with distinct subsector and functional expertise, and has completed search engagements with a premier list of banks, asset management firms, alternative investment firms and family offices. The
Why Three Quarters of Board Directorships Still Go to Men
Boards of directors may very well be the most influential decision makers in business. They choose the CEO and review and assess much of the top talent for their organization. They help determine vision and strategy. They deal with legal and technological challenges, financial regulation and reputation issues — all critical items that can impact
Higher Education Leadership Search Tapped to Find Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer for Columbus State University
Anniston, AL-based Higher Education Leadership Search has been selected to find a chief engagement and inclusion officer for Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. Consultant Alan Medders is leading the assignment for the search firm. The successful candidate for the role will be responsible for the overall leadership of the programs and initiatives that promote
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for Argonaut Manufacturing Services
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Eric Blair as the new chief commercial officer of Argonaut Manufacturing Services in Carlsbad, CA. He will be responsible for the development and execution of the company’s commercial activities, alliances and growth opportunities. “Argonaut is poised to do great things in biotech, and world-class leadership will prove vitally important
VMAGROUP Appoints CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments over the past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: U.K.-headquartered executive search firm VMAGROUP has appointed Andrew Harvey as CEO. He succeeds Julia Meighan, who moves into the role of chair. Mr. Harvey came to the firm in 2013,
Heads! International Rebrands as H.I. Executive Consulting
International offices of a global executive search and advisory firm Heads! International have rebranded to become H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC). Following a decade of international growth, the brand refresh is a reflection of HIEC’s business, and the positioning achieved during this time, said the firm. Under the updated name, HIEC said it will continue its
How to Attract, Engage and Retain Talent in 2019
Hiring and retaining talent in a candidate-driven market has always been tough, but it is even more competitive today. With eight consecutive years of job gains, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to a five-decade low last year — signifying a powerful shift in the job market. While a candidate-driven market is definitely worth celebrating, employers
Caldwell Places Chief Product Officer at CentralReach
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has recruited Cheryl Michael as chief product officer for CentralReach in Pompano Beach, FL. Managing partner Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor led the assignment. CentralReach is a provider of EHR and practice management solutions that enable applied behavior analysis (ABA) clinicians and educators to produce better outcomes for people with autism and related disorders. “Cheryl brings
Sheffield Search Recruits CEO for NETcon
New Zealand-headquartered executive recruiting firm Sheffield Search has recruited John Greenwood as the new CEO of power transmission company NETcon. The assignment was led by Nick Gee, manager of Sheffield’s South Island operation. NETcon wanted a leader who was tertiary qualified, with prior CEO/GM level experience ideally gained within a contracting/maintenance or infrastructure management related background. Mr. Greenwood
Heidrick & Struggles Makes Three Key Leadership Appointments
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced three new leadership appointments to support the firm’s long-term growth strategy. Jenni Hibbert assumes the role of global practice managing partner of the financial services practice. Dan Ryan becomes regional leader for the Americas. And Stephen Schwanhausser was named global practice managing partner
AlexCharles Search Partners Expands by Adding Business Development Leader
Houston-headquartered executive recruiting firm AlexCharles Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Renee Hansen as managing director. She will charged with focusing on the expansion of business development and strategic partnerships for its executive search practice. “I could not be more enthusiastic about the addition of Renee to our team and the year ahead. 2019 is
San Francisco 49ers Tap Turnkey Search to Find Chief Marketing Officer
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has been selected by the San Francisco 49ers to lead its search for a new chief marketing officer. Managing director Diana Busino is spearheading the search along with recruiter Allie Crone. The San Francisco 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise based in San Francisco.
