DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Funk Associates Retained by Clemson University for President Search
Funk Associates has been retained by Clemson University to lead in its search for its 16th president. The university is seeking candidates who possess extraordinary managerial skills, are adept at fund-raising, and are both innovative and visionary. James P. Clements announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2025. “We continue to make outstanding progress in our search
Preng & Associates Assists Pacific Coast Energy with CFO Search
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Travis Thomas as the new president and CFO for Pacific Coast Energy Company LP. Mr. Thomas brings more than 16 years of financial leadership experience in the oil and gas industry, with a proven track record supporting both public and private energy companies across upstream and midstream
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
Aligning CEO and CHRO Priorities
Like the business world, the roles of CEO and CHRO have changed significantly in recent years. On the one hand, CEOs are responsible for focusing on the company’s competitiveness and performance, and on the other, CRHOs are placing greater emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, global executive search
Talengo Appoints Head of Financial Services
Madrid-headquartered executive search firm Talengo has named Rafael Sarandeses as principal and practice lead for financial services. At a time in which the financial services sector is undergoing a strong transformation at an international level, Mr. Sarandeses brings to Talengo’s financial services practice a deep understanding of the industry based on his career experience as a banker, entrepreneur and
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 15 Percent Revenue Gain in 2018
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) posted global revenues of $716 million in 2018, a 15.2 percent increase from revenues of $621.4 million the year before. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter – the third largest in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media last year – reported net income of $49.3 million, or $2.52 per share, on
TalentRISE Acquired by Aleron Group
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Aleron Group, a global workforce and business solutions company, has acquired TalentRISE, a Chicago-based firm specializing in executive search and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), effective immediately. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. With the purchase, TalentRISE becomes part of a growing fold of
Korn Ferry Assists Pepperdine University in President Search
Korn Ferry has assisted Pepperdine University in the selection of James A. Gash, associate dean for strategic planning and external relations and professor of law at the Pepperdine School of Law, as its eighth president and CEO. Andrew K. Benton, who has held the role since 2000, recently announced that he would step down at the end of the
Cordiner King Recruits Artistic Director for Birmingham Royal Ballet
Cordiner King, a Melbourne-based executive search firm, has placed the new director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB). Carlos Acosta, an internationally renowned dancer, will replace David Bintley, who is stepping down at the end of the current season in July. Mr. Acosta will take up his appointment in January of next year. The hiring
N2Growth Opens Offices in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, Names Regional President
N2Growth, a Philadelphia, PA-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of new offices in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) with the appointment of Imran Yousuf as its regional president. “With two thirds of the world’s oil supply, highest mobile technology adoptions, and world’s most youthful and
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Carolina Panthers
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Meredith Starkey as chief marketing officer of the Carolina Panthers. She begins her new role later next month. Senior recruiter Allie Crone led the assignment. Ms. Starkey joins an elite and growing group of women in C-level positions across the sports industry. “The Panthers are
Development Guild DDI Seeking Chief Development Officer for the Lymphoma Research Foundation
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been retained to find a chief development officer for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. William Weber, president of the search firm, is leading the assignment. The incoming executive will lead the foundation’s fundraising program into its next stage of growth. The CDO will provide
B.E. Smith Seeks CEO for Swope Health Services
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes are coming. This has produced a high demand
Tyler & Company Appoints VP for the Northeast and Midwest Regions
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. Atlanta-based healthcare specialists Tyler & Company has expanded with the addition of
Caldwell Partners with Sydney-based Search Firm
Toronto-based Caldwell is partnering with Hattonneale, a Sydney-based executive search firm. Under the affiliation agreement, Hattonneale will represent Caldwell in Australia and drive further growth into key practice sectors and geographies across Australia/New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. “We’re thrilled to have the Hattonneale team joining forces with Caldwell,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer.
Companies Expect Gig Economy to Grow Fast Over Next Five Years
Market disruption and talent shortages require new ways of thinking about your workforce. Because of their many advantages, semi-permanent gig talent pools are now the norm. But managing them can be a challenge. Company decision makers indicate that they are increasing their reliance on gig workers, with more than 60 percent expecting the use of
Kensington International Finds CHRO for Black & Veatch
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs, report recruiters focused on the space. Why is there such
McCormick Group Seeks COO for Steptoe & Johnson
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has been enlisted to find the next chief operating officer for the international law firm Steptoe & Johnson. Stephen Nelson, executive principal, and Cassie Battle, principal, are leading the assignment for the search firm. Steptoe & Johnson, based in Washington, D.C., wants an experienced management professional
Vaco Acquires San Antonio-Based Search Firm
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has acquired Aventine Hill Partners (AHP), a San Antonio-based advisory, consulting and executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Together, Vaco and AHP will provide talent and solutions across a diverse set of industries to more than 10,000 clients globally. Vaco’s Texas operations have been steadily expanding since 2006 when
La Fosse Associates Names Head of Technology Recruitment
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Adam Gohar in New York as senior vice president and head of technology recruitment. Since opening in October of last year, La Fosse New York has seemingly gone from strength to strength, led by Johnnie Greenwood, head of U.S. With
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
