DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
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.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Fiscal Year-End Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal year-end revenues of $2.7 billion, a slight rise from the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the number of engagements billed and an increase in weighted-average fee billed per engagement. The firm experienced fee revenue growth in North America, EMEA and APAC regions. Korn
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
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
