DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
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 Insight Group Recruits CEO for Millennium Services Group
After a comprehensive recruitment process, Sydney-headquartered executive search firm the Insight Group recently placed Darren Boyd as managing director and chief executive officer of Millennium Services Group Limited. He takes over from Millennium’s acting CEO, head of Millennium subsidiary Airlite Group Steve Willis, who was appointed following the departure of Millennium’s previous CEO, Craig Hanley. Millennium
Savannah Group Partners with Psychometric Assessment Expert to Create New Tool
Drawing on insights from providing executive talent to over 1,000 businesses on short and long-term transformation projects, U.K.-headquartered executive search and interim management specialist Savannah Group has partnered with Alan Bourne of Sova, one of the leading innovators in the design of psychometric tools, to create a new psychometric assessment tool called the Pillars of Transformation.
Royer Thomson Expands Organizational Performance and Leadership Transition Practice
Royer Thompson has expanded its organizational performance and leadership transition practice with the addition of veteran human resources leader Amanda Penney as senior director. Ms. Penney brings 15 years of human resources leadership to the firm, most recently as director of human resources with private sector company the Shaw Group during a time of business
Finding the Right Leaders for Private Equity Companies
Some people like to compare a private equity investment to a marriage. Many steps are necessary in order to build a strong foundation and to be aligned for the future. PE investors and leaders strongly depend on one another to achieve returns and value within an agreed period of time. If the arrangement proves unsuccessful,
TillmanPartners Recruits CIO for American Woodmark
Scottsdale, AZ-based search firm TillmanPartners has recruited Bill Waszak as chief information officer for NASDAQ-traded American Woodmark in Winchester, VA. “American Woodmark is a well-established industry leader with a strong company culture and a commitment to invest in technology and drive continued innovation in the business,” said Rob Tillman, CEO, who handled the search. “Bill
Gail Nessel Colglazier Places Two Leaders for Cape Cod Museum of Art
New Hampshire-based executive search firm Gail Nessel Colglazier has helped to place two top leaders for the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMoA) in Dennis, MA. The non-profit reportedly started seeking a lone executive director 16 months ago, but in the end opted for two leaders. Benton Jones becomes the non-profit’s director of arts and Susan
EFL Associates Recruits Executive Director for WorldDenver
Denver-based search firm EFL Associates has placed Tiffani Lennon as the new executive director for WorldDenver, a non-profit community organization dedicated to understanding world affairs and cultures. She succeeds WorldDenver’s founder Karen de Bartolomé, who is retiring after having created the organization seven years ago. Daniel J. Cummings, the firm’s senior vice president and managing director led
The Pi Group Rebrands to Perpetual
The Pi Group (Perpetual Insights, Pi Executive and Perpetual Ambition), a boutique recruitment and talent advisory firm for consumer brands, has rebranded. As Perpetual, the company reinforces its commitment to offering a full range of solutions clients require along the entire talent journey. “From talent acquisition to talent development to talent analytics, Perpetual is dedicated
Win the War of Talent with Job Security Over Pay
Amid fast-paced innovation and global competitiveness, employees are facing more professional choices than ever. Attracting talented people to grow businesses remains extremely difficult for employers. Holding on to people proves to be an increasing challenge for organizations worldwide as well. Compensation continues to be regarded as very important, but it is also clear that if
National Restaurant Association Turns to Spencer Stuart to Find CEO
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry continue to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). Overall, the industry is estimated to generate an economic impact of $6.5
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Epic Sciences
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Richard Wenstrup as the chief medical officer of Epic Sciences. “Dr. Wenstrup’s decades-long experience in oncology leadership and clinical work will add substantial value to Epic Sciences in developing exciting new diagnostic tests that advance the mission of precision medicine,” said Tara Kochis-Stach, president of Slone Partners. In his new role,
Odgers Berndtson Adds to Boston Team
Building on a period of unprecedented expansion, global search firm Odgers Berndtson has brought in Richard Pooley as a partner in its U.S. professional services, technology and CFO practices. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to the team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “He has more than
IMD International Search Announces New Board
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has elected a new board member and prolonged the mandate of two others at its annual general assembly in Paris. Simona Cremascoli, partner at Milan-based member firm Carter & Benson, joins the IMD board as director in charge of internal communication. “I am very satisfied with the long-lasting international
Succession Plans Lacking in the C-Suite
Companies everywhere are concerned that when a CEO leaves there be candidates who can step in to lead the company. The plans for all those other seats around the executive table, however, are a little murky. Many organizations simply don’t have internal candidates who can step in to be chief financial officers, chief marketing officers
Whitman College Picks Spelman Johnson to Find Athletics Leader
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been enlisted by Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA to find a new director of athletics and chair of sports studies, recreation and athletics. Dell D. Robinson, search associate with the firm’s athletic practice, and Anne-Marie Kenney, senior coordinator of search services, are leading the assignment. The director of athletics
Kincannon & Reed Recruits CTO for Calyxt
Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Travis Frey as the new chief technology officer of Calyxt, a healthy food ingredient company in Roseville, MN. Dr. Frey brings extensive knowledge in plant biology and biotechnology to a newly created position at the company. As CTO, he will be responsible for the research and development
La Fosse Associates Launches Pro Bono Practice
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has launched a new pro bono practice to serve charities and not-for-profit organizations. The practice will place cybersecurity professionals into advisory positions at charities and non-profits that need advice and support, for free. “Care is a founding principle of La Fosse, which includes caring for others, not just our clients
Why It Can be Lonely at the Top in Executive Search
Layers of complexity are baked into the process of every search for a new executive. From competing agendas, to strong personalities, to internal dynamics – no search is simple. “Specializing in executive search within the human capital industry means being the ultimate in relationship and trust building,” said Lisa Maxwell, founder and managing partner of
Witt/Kieffer Assists Syracuse University in Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Search
With the assistance of recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer, Syracuse University has chosen Keith A. Alford to be the school’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. Consultant Charlene Aguilar and associate Christine Pendleton led the assignment for the firm. Nearly 200 candidates expressed interest in the position, but the committee ultimately recommended the person who had been serving in an interim
RM Nephew and Associates Places New CFO for InVivo Therapeutics
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has helped to place the new chief financial officer and treasurer for InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., a Cambridge, MA-based research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company. Richard Christopher comes to the role from iCAD Inc. Leading the assignment was search firm partner Denise C. Amari. “Rich’s more than
humanpredictions Secures $1.16 Million in Funding
humanpredictions, a machine learning technology company, has received a $1.16 million funding round led by Network Ventures with additional investment from Hyde Park Angels, SaaS Ventures and M25. The new capital is targeted to help humanpredictions further grow and invest in its team of engineers and data scientists. “Because of the competitive nature of tech,
Direct Recruiters Integrates with Sister Company Direct Consulting Associates
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI), an executive recruitment firm, has announced an integration with its sister company, Direct Consulting Associates. The integration is designed to provide project-based, professional staffing and consulting support to Direct Recruiters’ client base. Direct Consulting Associates currently provides recruiting services to the hospital IT and general IT space. Moving forward, the
5 Questions Candidates Should Ask During the Search Process
There has been much discussion about the key questions to be addressed a search for a new CEO, but what about from the candidates’ side and the questions they should ask during the executive search process. “If you find yourself in front of a search committee, what are the key questions you want to be
Hanold Associates Finds Head of Diversity for Raymond James Financial
To meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society, many organizations have developed executive positions to guide their diversity agendas. Chief diversity officers have responsibility for guiding efforts to conceptualize, define, assess, nurture and cultivate diversity. Duties may include affirmative action and equal employment opportunity, or the constituent needs of minorities, women and other social
Polachi Finds Chief Revenue Officer for Manufacturing Software Company
The role of chief revenue officer has changed dramatically over the last several years. CROs are quickly becoming mission-critical innovators for companies that look to dominate a market first and fastest, according to recruiters. The demand for these financial leaders is growing and executive search firms have been busy filling these roles. Recently, Boston-headquartered executive
Carmichael Fisher Expands in the U.S.
London-based executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has expanded its operations in the U.S. with the addition of recruiting veteran Samantha Wallace as its global head of practice. She will lead the firm’s technology team in Los Angeles. “Sam’s appointment comes at a time of accelerated growth both for the technology division and for the firm itself,” said Justin Hobday, CEO
Hightech Partners Strengthens Search Team
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has announced that Elly de Vrijer, founder and owner of Dutch executive search firm Hill Consulting, will be joining HTP as a partner while still operating her own firm. This collaboration, said HTP, will help the firm strengthen its international reach. “Hightech Partners is delighted about the cooperation with Elly,”
Bank of England Picks Sapphire Partners to Lead Search for Governor
The U.K. government has hired Sapphire Partners, a London-based executive search firm, to help find a new governor for the Bank of England. The recruitment firm, which focuses on finding diverse talent, is the first agency ever hired to find someone for the governor role. Enlisting Sapphire Partners raises the likelihood that that the U.K.
Harris Rand Lusk Tapped to Find New CEO for Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer, a non-profit that serves young adults with cancer, has retained New York City-based executive search firm Harris Rand Lusk to lead its search for a new CEO. Managing partner and CEO Jack Lusk is leading the assignment, along with Elly Kirschner, director of healthcare and advocacy. Matthew Zachary, the cancer group’s founder and CEO
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for 8th Avenue Food & Provisions
Executive search firm Chartwell Partners has placed Doug Kooren as the new CFO of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions. Partners Mike Magurany and Scott Cuellar conducted the assignment. Mr. Kooren brings 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, audit, sales, marketing, M&A and business integration. Most recently, he was senior vice president and chief financial
Crenshaw Associates Names Chief Commercial Officer
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, New York City-based recruiting firm Crenshaw Associates has expanded with the addition of Margaret Gramann as chief commercial officer. Her addition will accelerate and support continued growth with technology-enabled capabilities and new service offerings targeted to leading public, private
