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Daily Newswire
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
U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
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.
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
Anthem Executive Assists Texas A&M International University with President Search
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has helped to recruit Christopher Maynard as the new president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). The board’s decision on August 28th to name him the sole finalist for the position followed recommendations from Anthem Executive and Texas A&M University System chancellor Glenn Hegar. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Pablo
CIO Partners Seeking New IT Leader for RaceTrac
Chief information officers (CIOs) are increasingly in demand today due to the accelerating pace of digital transformation across industries. As organizations strive to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity frameworks, and data analytics, the CIO has become a critical figure in driving this change. Modern CIOs are no longer just IT
Wilton & Bain Adds Chief Client Officer to Senior Leadership Team
Wilton & Bain has expanded with the addition of Olly Wakefield as chief client officer and a member of the senior leadership team. He will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “We’ve waited a long time, but I am delighted to welcome Olly to Wilton & Bain’s senior leadership team as chief client officer,” said David Heron, CEO
Spencer Stuart Acquires Meyler Campbell
Spencer Stuart has acquired executive coach training and leadership development services firm Meyler Campbell. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Simon Fenton, a graduate of Meyler Campbell’s Mastered Program and a long-tenured Spencer Stuart partner, has been appointed CEO of the business, having served as interim CEO since January. “We believe in the power
Measuring What Matters: Key Performance Indicators That Define Recruitment Firm Success
In today’s competitive recruitment landscape, running a successful firm requires more than just hard work and great instincts—it demands clarity. The most successful search firms don’t leave growth to chance; they rely on measurable data to guide decisions and sharpen performance. By focusing on the right key performance indicators (KPIs), firm leaders can cut through
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Head of Marketing for Stanley Steemer
Blue Rock Human Capital has placed Andrew Schneider as vice president and head of marketing at Stanley Steemer in Dublin, OH. He joins the company with a bold vision to modernize the brand’s identity and deepen its emotional connection with today’s consumers, and has brought on Havas Chicago as the brand’s new creative agency. “Andrew’s
RevelOne Assists Criteria Corp. with the Recruitment of Chief Marketing Officer
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne recently assisted in the recruitment of Jam Khan as the chief marketing officer of Criteria Corp. Tessa Wehausen and Sam MacKinnon led the assignment. “Congratulations Jam Khan, Criteria Corp’s new chief marketing officer,” RevelOne said in a LinkedIn post. “Jam is a strategic and globally experienced marketing leader with deep
Mercuri Urval Appoints Five New Partners
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has appointed five new partners made up of a diverse group of experts, representing three nationalities. The new partners are Dennis Tanke, Isabella Valentini, Irena Schierjott, Florian Knorn, and Anne Zhang. “Becoming a partner in MU means to be recognized as exceptionally trusted by clients and colleagues, and it
The Stakes of Executive Hiring in Private Markets
In private equity and venture capital, the difference between a portfolio company that delivers 3x returns and one that barely breaks even often comes down to a single factor: leadership. Whether you’re installing a new CEO to drive operational improvements in a mature PE portfolio company or finding a CTO to scale a Series B startup’s engineering team,
Seasonal Hiring Cycles in Life Sciences: A Global Playbook for Getting Talent Timing Right
In MedTech, hiring isn’t a flat line—it’s a waveform. Budgets refresh, regulatory clocks tick, trials start and stop, surgeries surge or stall, and supply chains ripple with global events. As an executive recruiter dedicated exclusively to this sector, Legacy MedSearch‘s Paula Rutledge has the job to help leaders ride those waves rather than get swamped
Academic Search at Closing Stages of President Search for Valparaiso University
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search was recently selected by Valparaiso University to lead in its search for a new president. President José Padilla will retire on December 31, 2025, at the conclusion of his contract. Senior consultants Pamela Balch, Mike Maxey, and search manager Penny Gibbons are leading the assignment. “Over the past month, the presidential search committee
HARTZ Search Tapped by Geisinger to Help Recruit New CFO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has been retained by Geisinger, in Danville, PA, to lead in its search for an executive vice president and CFO. “Our client is seeking a dynamic financial executive to collaborate with the CEO and the executive leadership team to set enterprise-wide strategy, define the financial and non-financial objectives of individual entities and
BarkerGilmore Names Strategic Advisor and Executive Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has appointed Bjarne Tellmann as a strategic advisor and executive coach. “Bjarne is widely regarded as one of the most innovative legal leaders in the U.S. and the world,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “His experience guiding a FTSE 20 company through the largest
What Is Succession Planning and Why Does Your Company Need It Now More Than Ever?
Succession planning is no longer optional—it’s essential. With shifting demographics, talent shortages, and constant change, companies must prepare for leadership transitions now. By developing future leaders today, organizations protect stability, preserve knowledge, and ensure long-term growth. Yet many organizations still treat succession planning as an afterthought, failing to recognize its vital role in ensuring a company’s long-term
The Lancer Group Fills Board Position for Liquidity Services
According to recruiters interviewed by Hunt Scanlon Media, the executive search process for board directors is inherently complex and demands a customized approach. Firms specializing in board recruitment typically start with a thorough evaluation of the organization’s existing board structure, strategic objectives, and industry dynamics. This assessment helps shape the ideal candidate profile, which often includes
Rokos Group Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Alameda Health System
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has placed Lisa Laurent as the new chief medical officer of Alameda Health System (AHS) in Alameda, CA. “It was an honor to work with James Jackson, CEO, and his team throughout the search process,” said Greg Rokos, managing partner of Rokos Group. “We wish them a long and successful
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory Adds Partner
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory recently expanded with the addition of Kristin Fry as a partner. In her new role, she will work with managing partner Sonia Prais, focusing on expanding the firm’s executive search capabilities in the retail sector. “We are thrilled to announce that Kristin Fry has joined the Avant Executive Search
Leathwaite Appoints New Partner
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has named Tim Dunn as a partner, based between New York and Philadelphia. “Tim brings deep experience and a strong track record of building world-class leadership teams in the high-pressure, high-growth portfolio company environments where our private equity clients invest,” said Hypatia Kingsley, president of the Americas. “His arrival adds tremendous horsepower
How AI Is Reshaping the Talent Pyramid
The professional services talent pyramid is collapsing from the bottom, and AI is forcing the collapse, according to a recent report from Clark R. Beecher, managing partner and co-founder at Beecher Reagan. “For decades, professional services firms have followed the traditional leverage model to deliver work and maximize profitability,” the report said. “The few partners
The Millard Group Recruits CEO for Turnberry Solutions
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has recruited Bill Ravenscroft as the new CEO of Turnberry Solutions in Philadelphia. “I’m thrilled to announce a significant leadership placement that will reshape the IT services landscape: The Millard Group has successfully partnered with Abry
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists The Massachusetts Port Authority with Recruitment of Chief People Officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Taylor Casey as chief people officer of The Massachusetts Port Authority. The assignment was led by Gale LaRoche and Christine Santiago. In this position, Ms. Casey will report to the CEO, leading the Authority’s HR efforts, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, workforce
August Leadership Names Partner
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has appointed D. Lee Holliday as its newest partner, based in Florida. Mr. Holliday is a seasoned executive search leader with nearly two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations on building world-class strategic leadership teams. He specializes in placing high-impact talent— namely current and former top-tier strategy consultants and investment
Veteran Search Consultant Euris Belle Dies
Executive search veteran Euris Belle died on September 8, 2025. “Euris was a top professional and exceptional human being,” said Christopher Hunt, president of Hunt Scanlon Media. “She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.” “I reflect on the passing and life of Euris Belle, my esteemed former colleague at Heidrick & Struggles and
Wall Street’s Summer Deal Surge Redefines Talent Demands
According to The Wall Street Journal, the first week of August marked the highest-volume week for U.S. M&A in nearly four years. Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion purchase of Norfolk Southern led the spree, alongside deals from Alphabet, Global Payments, Charter Communications, and Constellation Energy. Bankers attribute the resurgence to a resilient economy, expectations of lower interest
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
After a national search, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Brian Luallen as the new CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. “We are proud to have partnered with the board of directors at the Naval Park to identify a leader who will honor the park’s legacy while positioning it
McDermott + Bull Places CEO for Collective Waste Solutions and MWM Environmental
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Ahmed Taha as CEO at Collective Waste Solutions (CWS) and MWM Environmental (MWM). The search was led by McDermott + Bull managing partner Paul Gibbons, principal Colin Dolson, principal Brittany Stansfield, and lead consultant, executive search + talent development Jennifer Ness. “Ahmed brings deep industry knowledge and grounded leadership style that aligns with our values
Bryant Group Assists Whatcom Hospice Foundation with Executive Director Search
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Loran Zenonian as the new executive director at Whatcom Hospice Foundation, PeaceHealth System in Bellingham, WA. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “I am very excited to welcome Loran as a member of the leadership team as our new executive director for Whatcom
Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in New Delhi
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has opened a new office in office in New Delhi. Heading the New Delhi office is Dorota Cagiel, Friisberg’s managing partner in India. Ms. Cagiel brings a wealth of international and local expertise, specializing in consumer goods, alcohol/beverage, financial and professional services, private equity, and the industrial sector. Her insight into
Toronto’s Executive Search Market Heats Up Amid Talent Shortage
The Canadian job market in 2025 is showing signs of resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While higher interest rates and slowing consumer demand have created challenges in sectors like real estate and retail, the country continues to experience steady demand for workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Immigration remains a key driver of labor
Riviera Partners Acquires Board and Technology (BaT)
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Board and Technology (BaT). The firm’s founder Olof Pripp has joined Riviera as a partner. Board and Technology will continue to operate under its name, co-branded as “Board and Technology – Powered by Riviera Partners.” Financial terms of
ZRG Recruits CEO for ALIGN Precision
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has recently placed Eric Ellis as CEO at ALIGN Precision in Tempe, AZ. Samantha Foster, managing director, and Carolina Siekierski, associate, led the assignment. The leadership appointment positions ALIGN Precision to capitalize on the increasing demand for its capabilities, strengthen and expand customer partnerships, and realize its long-term growth ambitions. “We
