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Daily Newswire
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for the Land Trust of Napa County
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group recently placed Melanie Parker as the new CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County. This follows a national search for a leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of conservation, stewardship, and community partnership. She succeeds Doug Parker, who has retired after 13 years of distinguished
L.Maxwell Global Names Leader of Chief People Officer Practice
L.Maxwell Global has appointed Shelton Guinn as partner, where he will lead the firm’s chief people officer practice and expand its advisory work with CEOs, boards, and private equity sponsors. “Shelton brings a rare combination of operating depth and board-level perspective at a time when leadership and culture are under real pressure to perform,” said Lisa Maxwell,
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
Hunt Scanlon Reports ‘M&A Whiplash’ As Policy Uncertainty Sets In
In EY-Parthenon’s latest Deal Barometer, the message is clear: expect a more subdued M&A environment this year. After a strong rebound in 2024, the market is losing steam as macro headwinds begin to bite. Deal volumes for transactions over $100 million are forecast to rise just one percent in 2025, following a 19 percent gain last year.
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.
Bradbury Miller Associates Finds CEO for Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
Executive search firm Bradbury Miller Associates, formerly known as Gossage Sager Associates, has placed Roberta Phillips as the new CEO of Prince George’s County Memorial Library System in Largo, MD. “The board is extremely impressed with Roberta’s experience, knowledge and commitment,” said Samuel Epps, board president. “Her leadership style, record of innovation, fiscal management, team building and community involvement makes
Waterstone Names New Managing Director
Chicago-based executive search firm Waterstone, which recruits talent for high-growth companies and emerging industries, has named Amy Dordek as a managing director. Ms. Dordek was previously chief revenue officer at GrowthPlay, a sales consulting firm, which was ranked No. 22 on the 2017 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies. A co-founder of the Driehaus
Signium Expands in Sweden
In an effort to further strengthen its capabilities in the Nordic region, executive search consortium Signium has expanded in Sweden with the addition ofJ Eng Consulting. Founder Johannes Eng joins Signium as a partner. Mr. Eng has more than 15 years of experience in staff-leading positions and as a board director. His experience includes business development, working with
Kincannon & Reed Recruiting Veteran Gregory Duerksen Dies at 61
Gregory J. Duerksen, chairman and former CEO of Kincannon & Reed, died unexpectedly in Richmond, VA, on January 31. He was 61. Mr. Duerksen joined Kincannon & Reed in 2001 and became chairman and CEO in 2007. “Greg’s contribution to the firm cannot be overstated,” said Issy Perez, president and CEO of Kincannon & Reed.
Five People Who Will Never Get a Raise
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking for more money. You can be the “squeaky wheel” who gets the boss’s attention. You just need to do it the right way. As CEO of the world’s largest talent organizations, Gary Burnison knows a thing or two about how — and how not — to build a career
Diversified Search Finds Inaugural Dean for Lehigh’s College of Health
After an extensive global search effort, executive search firm Diversified Search has recruited IBM Watson Health veteran Whitney Witt as the inaugural dean of Lehigh University’s new College of Health. Zack Reynolds, a managing director in Diversified’s healthcare services practice, led the assignment. “We simply could have not asked for a finer individual to lead this new
Howard Fischer Associates Places Chief People Officer for NCC Media
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. At most companies, the chief human resource officer (CHRO) has come to play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce. The chief people officer, on the other hand, typically goes beyond overseeing an organization’s people policies. Instead, the
Russell Reynolds Associates Partners with pymetrics
Russell Reynolds Associates and pymetrics, a business that uses neuroscience data and artificial intelligence to help companies make hiring and internal mobility more predictive and less biased, have announced a research partnership to help reduce bias in executive selection decisions. The goal is to identify the cognitive, social and emotional traits that differentiate those who ascend
La Fosse Associates Opens Life Sciences Division
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates continues to expand into new markets with the opening of a life sciences division. Veteran recruiters Stephanie Murtagh and Leslie Reeves have joined the firm to lead the new practice as managing director and client services director, respectively. Both have extensive industry expertise and a proven track record of
Vast Majority of Recruiting Firms Expect Increases in 2019
A new year, a new set of perspectives and priorities. In 2019, search consultants are feeling bullish and are eyeing increases in temporary placements, operating budgets, investments in technology, efforts to worker skills through education and training, and the percentage of business conducted via VMS. Seventy-nine percent of recruiting firms said they anticipate an increase
Finalist Candidate Presented to University of Vermont for Top Post
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has presented Suresh Garimella as the finalist candidate to become president of the University of Vermont (UVM). Leading the search: Robin Mamlet, managing partner of the firm’s education practice, Dennis M. Barden, senior partner, and Robert W. Luke, senior associate. UVM, which is located in Burlington, had been seeking a president who would
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for CRISTA Ministries
CarterBaldwin Executive Search and CRISTA Ministries in Shoreline, WA, have announced the appointment of Jacinta Tegman as the new president and CEO of CRISTA. She becomes just the sixth individual to serve as CEO in the 69-year history of the organization, one of the largest non-profits in the Pacific Northwest. The search firm’s founding partner Price
Riviera Partners Acquires Bamboo Talent
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Recently, San Francisco-headquartered Riviera Partners acquired New York-based technology-focused executive search firm Bamboo Talent. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Riviera Partners said that its proprietary recruiting platform combined with Bamboo Talent’s vertical specialization and market-specific expertise will allow the combined entity to better serve
InterSearch Norway Names New Chairwoman
Executive recruitment firm InterSearch Norway has named Ingvild Myhre, an experienced board and technology leader, as its new chairwoman. “Mrs. Myhre has extensive boardroom level experience,” said Trond Hess, CEO of InterSearch Norway. “She has also held several top-level executive positions with large, high-profiled Norwegian technology companies. That is a perfect match for us.” Mrs.
The Fallout from Failing to Fire a Bad Employee
It happens every day with companies: An employee in a critical position has become a problem and needs to be terminated or reassigned. A new report from Russell Riendeau, senior partner at New Frontier Search Company, looks at the dangerous fallout factors when leaders delay the dismissal of problematic employees. Dr. Riendeau certainly has the qualifications to speak on
