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Daily Newswire
2026 Report Finds Executive-Level CISO Titles More Prevalent than Ever
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Consequently, chief information security officers (CISOs) are increasingly expected to serve not just as technical leaders, but as enterprise-wide strategists. Their rise to the executive ranks brings greater influence but also greater demands, including wider accountability, more cross-functional engagement, and intensified
Why AI in Executive Search Demands Judgment, Not Just Speed
Executive search has always balanced rigor with discretion, speed with judgment, and data with human insight. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in professional services, search firms and hiring organizations are increasingly testing where technology can enhance outcomes—and where it risks undermining the very qualities that define effective leadership hiring. The challenge is not whether
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
How to Build and Scale a High-Impact AI Team
The surge in demand for AI talent is undeniable, yet many companies find it increasingly difficult to fill these advanced roles. Organizations face major obstacles such as a shortage of highly skilled professionals, intense competition for top-tier candidates, and the fast-paced advancement of AI technologies. Many companies lack the in-house expertise to accurately define AI-specific
Bridge Partners Finds New CEO for BlueLabs
Executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners has placed Thomas Gensemer as the new CEO of BlueLabs Analytics, a data science and technology company in Washington, D.C. Partner and co-founder Tory Clarke led the search along with partner Debbie Tang. “It was such a pleasure to partner with the BlueLabs team – they are a fantastic organization, doing great
Heidrick & Struggles Seeking President for Georgia Institute of Technology
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected to conduct a national search for the next president of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. After 10 years in the job, G.P. “Bud” Peterson will be retiring this summer. His $1.1 million annual compensation package is the highest of any public college president in the state, according
The Bowdoin Group Adds New Recruiting Head, Two Senior Consultants
Boston-based executive search firm the Bowdoin Group has expanded its team with the strategic hiring of a new head of recruiting and two senior consultants. Kara Barr will lead the firm’s recruitment efforts. She has extensive experience in executive search, bringing over a decade of search and research experience to her new job and a strong
Private Equity Firms Invest in Human Cloud Platform Jyve
The gig economy continues to push forward. According to a Gallup survey, nearly 57 million people in the U.S. have an “alternative work arrangement” as their primary job. And by 2020, analysts are predicting that more than 40 percent of the U.S. workforce will chose contract work instead of full-time jobs. Recently, San Francisco-headquartered human cloud
Koya Leadership Partners Tapped to Find CHRO for Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) has selected Koya Leadership Partners to find an experienced, effective and creative leader for the position of chief human resources officer (CHRO). Koya vice president Amy Sugin is leading the search along with consultant Charlotte Harris. The CHRO role will be responsible for the development and implementation of human resource policies and
Public Sector Search & Consulting Recruits Syracuse Police Chief
After a national search, executive recruitment firm Public Sector Search & Consulting has placed Kenton Buckner the next chief of the Syracuse Police Department. Police chief Frank Fowler recently announced his retirement after nine years on the job. The assignment was led by Gary Peterson, president and CEO of the search firm. Mr. Buckner was one
Isaacson, Miller Recruits New President for University of Connecticut
Isaacson, Miller has placed Thomas C. Katsouleas as the 16th president of the University of Connecticut (UConn). The school’s current leader, Susan Herbst, is stepping down. John Isaacson, the search firm’s founder, is spearheading the assignment, along with Pam Pezzoli and Jennifer Carignan. The search was managed internally by Rachel Rubin, the university’s chief of staff and
Ward Howell International Adds Two Partners
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has continued its recent expansion with the additions of Kenneth Greger and Phil Schneidermeyer as partners. Based in Portland, OR, Mr. Greger joins Ward Howell’s global travel and hospitality practice with more than 25 years of experience in retained search. He has worked with businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune
The Barton Partnership Acquires Sailing Stones, Names Chief Client Officer
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry as a vehicle for growth. The latest: The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has acquired specialist strategy search firm Sailing Stones and named its founder Ben Burney as chief client officer. Financial details of the deal were not released. “Ben’s addition to
Talent as a Value Creator
With business leaders increasingly concerned about the global economy, the organizations they run are focusing more on talent as a key to value creation, according to the 2019 Talent Trends report just released by Randstad Sourceright. “When we first surveyed C-suite and human capital leaders in the inaugural Talent Trends research in 2016, a slight majority (57 percent)
Chrisman & Company Seeking President for Western Bankers Association
The Western Bankers Association (WBA) has retained Chrisman & Company, a Los Angeles-based executive search firm specializing in the financial services industry, to conduct a search for its next president and CEO. Past CEO Simone Lagomarsino left the company in December. The board of directors named COO Maurine Padden interim president and CEO. Managing partner
Smith & Wilkinson Seeks Chief Credit Officer for Boiling Springs Savings Bank
Scarborough, ME-based recruitment firm Smith & Wilkinson has been selected to help find a chief credit officer for Boiling Springs Savings Bank in Rutherford, NJ. A new position for the privately held bank, the role involves overseeing credit policy, commercial, residential and consumer underwriting, loan review and special assets/workout, said Smith & Wilkinson. The chief
Lucas Group Continues Recent Expansion
Atlanta, GA-headquartered executive search firm Lucas Group has expanded with the addition of Dan Ladrech as the new managing partner for the manufacturing practice group. Mr. Ladrech and his team will work out of Lucas Group’s San Diego office and focus on manufacturing and supply chain recruiting throughout the western United States. “Dan brings an impressive career in
Robert Half Posts Strong Q4 and Year End Revenues
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted full-year revenues of $5.80 billion, up from $5.27 billion the prior year. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.48 billion, a 10.1 percent increase from the same period last year. The results topped Wall Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.46 billion. For the year, net
How to Win the War for Talent
Attracting and landing top leadership talent has never been more difficult. A record low unemployment rate has tightened the labor pool. Added to the challenges are two new hiring hurdles which are creating a perfect storm. New pay equity laws are adding headaches to open searches and hiring processes, and more onerous E.U. data management
Phillips Oppenheim Recruits New Director for the National Gallery of Art
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has placed Kaywin Feldman as the fifth director of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She becomes the first women to lead the organization. Ms. Feldman will assume her new role on March 11. She succeeds Earl “Rusty” Powell, who has served as the director since 1992. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky
Myers McRae Seeks Development Officer for Clarion University Foundation
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been chosen to find a new development officer for the Clarion University Foundation, which helps to support Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Search firm president Kenny Daugherty is leading the assignment. The mission of the Clarion University Foundation is “to provide financial and other support deemed necessary
Kirby Bates Associates Expands with Two Senior Hires
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. As a result, the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Recently, Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates (KBA) expanded with two key strategic
ManpowerGroup Posts Five Percent Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full-year revenues of $22 billion, an increase of five percent from $21 billion a year ago. The company posted fourth-quarter revenues of $5.4 billion, a decrease of four percent from the year earlier period. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. Six analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.54 billion. U.S. revenue fell 5.1
Executive Recruiters See Market Stability in Today’s Jobs Report Figures
Employers added 304,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.0 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released this morning. Wall Street analysts had expected an increase of about 165,000. The January gain is the 100th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people currently stands
Odgers Berndtson Finds Athletics Director for Farleigh Dickinson University
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Global search firm Odgers Berndtson recently placed Bradford D. Hurlbut as the new director of athletics for Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Teaneck, NJ. Partner Greg Santore, head of the search firm’s U.S. sports leadership practice, led the assignment. Mr. Hurlbut, who starts in his
Sheffield Haworth Announces Promotions after Record Breaking 2018
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has announced numerous promotions across their global offices to recognize individuals’ exceptional performance and contribution to the business after a record breaking 2018. Among the 21 promotions include six new managing directors based in the New York, London and Hong Kong offices. These include: Sarah Harte and
Gans, Gans & Associates Lands New Leader for St. Louis Housing Authority
Following a national search, executive recruiters Gans, Gans & Associates has placed Alana Green as the new executive director of the St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA). Executive recruiter Ernest Barefield led the assignment. “We are delighted to have Alana Green lead our housing authority,” said Shelby Watson, chairman of St. Louis Housing Authority’s board of commissioners. “After an
IMSA Search Global Partners Adds New Member Firm in Norway
Global recruiting consortiums continue to take advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Among them, executive search network IMSA Search Global Partners has added Norwegian recruiting firm Search House as its newest member firm. Search House is an independent recruitment company in Mid-Norway, with expertise in methodology for business analysis, selection and process management, specially designed
NFL Taps Hanold Associates to Find CHRO
With the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams just days away from clashing Sunday in Super Bowl LIII, Chicago-based Hanold Associates has kicked off its search for the National Football League’s next chief human resources officer (CHRO). The front-office opening is a vital one for an organization that is among the top professional sports
Boyden Finds New Leader for Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association
Global executive search firm Boyden has placed Amy Efantis as the new president and chief executive officer of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) in Annapolis, MD. Partners Trevor Pritchard and Steve Nilsen led the assignment for Boyden. PPTA, a trade association, represents more than 750 human plasma collection centers in North America and Europe
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Inkling Systems
Executive search firm ON Partners has recruited Jeff Carr as the new CEO of Inkling Systems in San Francisco. He replaces Matt MacInnis, who co-founded the company in 2009 and has led it through progressive stages of growth and acquisition. Partner Jeff Hocking led the search assignment. “Inkling, which is backed by Marlin Equity, provides McDonald’s, Comcast, Wholefoods, Allstate and
McDermott + Bull Adds Talent Acquisition Director
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has expanded with the addition of Heather Cameron as director of talent acquisition and operations. She is expected to play a pivotal role in the firm’s expansion in which she will be responsible for leading internal hiring, overseeing operations and supporting the executive search practice in Canada. Ms. Cameron will also be
Jordan Search Consultants Names COO
O’Fallon, MO-based executive recruiting firm Jordan Search Consultants (JSC) has promoted DJ Larson to chief operating officer. In this role, Mr. Larson is responsible for overseeing business development initiatives as well as directing day-to-day operations. Additional duties include leading and managing the firm’s team of eight consultants and associates. Mr. Larson has been serving as director of client
Top 5 Reasons Why the Job Market will Flourish in 2019
The U.S. is looking toward its 100th straight month of job gains when the January Labor Report comes out on Friday. Many observers say that the pace of growth, with an average of more than 200,000 jobs created each month, is unsustainable. Some are even predicting a recession before 2020. But that is far from
Spencer Stuart Seeking Premier League CEO After Winning Candidate Snubs Job
Jonathan Smith of Spencer Stuart has restarted a CEO search for the Premier League after the winning candidate, Susanna Dinnage, changed her mind about the job. Ms. Dinnage was set to become one of the most prominent women in professional sports, but the former leader of Discovery Communications said six weeks after her hiring that she would not take the role
