DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
PitchBook’s 2026 PE Outlook Puts Talent at the Center of Value Creation
PitchBook’s 2026 U.S. Private Equity Outlook describes a market that is reopening – but under pressure. Exit activity improved meaningfully in 2024 and 2025, yet the inventory of PE-backed companies continues to grow older. As of Q3 2025, U.S. PE inventory had expanded to nearly 12,900 companies, with roughly 30 percent held for seven years or longer and
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said
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 PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Bullhorn Extends Partnership with ManpowerGroup
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has created an expanded partnership with global workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup to implement automation across 40 new markets over the next six years. This strategic move supports ManpowerGroup’s Diversification, Digitization, and Innovation (DDI) plan, enhancing the company’s ability to connect more people to meaningful work while improving service to its 100,000 clients worldwide.
Tracy Wolstencroft Steps Down as Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles
Tracy R. Wolstencroft has stepped down from his role as chairman of the board of directors of Chicago-headquartered executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles. Increased commitments from his new position as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society prompted the decision. He will continue to serve as a member
Arts Consulting Group Seeks New Leader for the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Arts Consulting Group has been enlisted to find the next executive director for the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. Vice president Jenna Deja is spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Sarah Bartlo-Chaplin, who has held the role since 2015, announced last year that she would be accepting a position as president
5 Job Market Trends Expected in 2019
After nine years of steady growth, the nation’s economy charged ahead in 2018. Dark economic clouds, however, appeared on the horizon. Tariffs stoked fears of slowing trade that may cripple U.S. exporters and raise prices for consumers. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates three times, causing a slowdown in the nation’s housing market in a
Spencer Stuart Finds New Leader for Babson College
Spencer Stuart recently recruited Stephen Spinelli Jr. as the 14th president of Babson College in Wellesley, MA. When he takes the helm of the private business school in July, Dr. Spinelli will be the first Babson president to have previously led another university, having served for 10 years as president of Philadelphia University. Kerry Healey, Babson’s first
Credit Union Resources Finds CEO for STAR Credit Union in Houston
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Bedford Consulting Group Expands in Calgary
Stephen Diotte has joined the Bedford Consulting Group as its newest partner. He will lead the design of talent management systems for clients, based out of Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Diotte is a national expert in compensation, organization effectiveness, human resources optimization, change leadership and labor relations. Most recently, he was with Odgers Berndtson where he was
Bailey Fisher Names Head of Technology Practice
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Toby Young as head of its technology practice. Mr. Young previously spent 18 months in an operational role with growth technology company CUBE Global. In that role, he supported the business across its talent and partnership strategy. He led Bailey Fisher’s technology practice, from 2012
HR Challenges Expand in the New Year
Today’s workforce is changing at an incredibly rapid rate as transformations in society, government, culture, technology, communications and the legal landscape impact employers and the workplace. With 2019 now here, the workplace will continue to see disruption, and employers are in for more changes as new and different challenges emerge. Against this backdrop, workplace violence,
Egon Zehnder Finds New Commissioner for Australian Football League
Executive recruitment firm Egon Zehnder has placed the Australian Football League’s (AFL) first Indigenous Australian commissioner. Helen Milroy, a professor at the University of Western Australia and a commissioner with the National Health Commission, is a descendent of the Palkyu people of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Ms. Milroy will become the professional rugby
Weill Cornell Medicine Taps Buffkin / Baker to Find Major Gifts Officer
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for medical research organizations. 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
ZRG Partners Adds Retail Sector Search Specialist
ZRG Partners, one of the fastest growing global boutique executive search firms, has continued its aggressive expansion with the addition of Frederick Lamster as a managing director and a retail sector specialist within the firm’s growing consumer practice. ZRG described the move as part of a strategy and commitment to accelerate its ability to serve
IMD International Adds New Member Firm in Spain
With recruiting assignments increasingly coming in from around the globe, executive recruiters are developing new practices, hiring recruiters and opening new locations. While the uptick in business has proven to be good for virtually every search firm, global recruiting consortiums seem well-placed and well-anchored to take advantage of some geographic areas that once seemed to
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 3.9 Percent as 312,000 Jobs are Added
Employers added 312,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 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 220,000. The December gain is the 99th consecutive month of job growth. Overall, the economy created 2.6 million jobs last
Witt/Kieffer Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for ArtCenter College of Design
After a comprehensive international search, Witt/Kieffer placed Aaron I. Bruce into the new inaugural role of vice president and chief diversity officer for the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Consultant Charlene Aguilar is led the search along with associate Christine Pendleton. With more than 20 years of experience leading initiatives focused on campus diversity, inclusion and international engagement,
Families First Turns to BoardWalk Consulting for New Leader
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for Families First, a non-profit family service agency based in Atlanta. Managing director Kathy Bremer and senior associate Laura Lovelace are leading the assignment for the search firm. Families First is seeking a CEO with proven leadership, communication and organizational
Kincannon & Reed Appoints New 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: Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has appointed Isvaldo Perez Jr. as president and CEO. He succeeds Greg Duerksen, who will continue to serve as chairman and remain active in
Boyden Opens Office in Miami
Boyden continues to expand and add talent across several global regions. The firm recently opened a new office in Miami, expanding its presence in the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean. Eduardo Rabassa, previously managing partner of Amrop Miami, has joined the firm to lead the office. Also signing on with firm are Carla Palazio, Annie Rothe
The Global Recruiting Sector is in Growth Mode, But Challenges Loom
Uneven stock markets aside, the strong economy has helped the executive search industry enjoy steady growth around the world in recent years. Technology in particular has created new roles as well as greater demand for leaders to fill them. And with top talent in short supply, recruiters have become increasingly valued partners to businesses just
Korn Ferry Taps NBA Executive for Vanderbilt Athletic Director Post
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Recently, Korn Ferry placed Malcolm Turner as the new vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The current AD, David Williams, is retiring in May. Jed Hughes, who heads Korn Ferry’s sports practice, led
DHR International Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Michaels Companies
DHR International recently placed Mike West as the new chief supply chain officer at the Michaels Companies. Managing partners Marcey Rubin Stamas and Frank Spencer led the assignment. Mr. West most recently served as senior vice president of supply chain field operations at Lowe’s. In that role, he led operations for the company’s regional and flatbed
Recently Launched Carpe Diem Partners Expands
Recognized as one of the “Most Powerful Women in California” by the National Diversity Council, Mona Ameli has joined newly formed executive search firm Carpe Diem Partners. She will lead the diversity & inclusion practice and serve as a managing partner. “With the addition of Mona to our team, Carpe Diem Partners becomes the only certified
Panorama Adds ALSpective to Roster
Panorama, a global network of independent executive search firms, has added international consulting and search firm ALSpective Group as its newest member firm. ALSpective is an international executive search firm offering leadership consulting, governance and strategy. The firm has offices in Paris, Geneva and Tunis. Albert Hiribarrondo serves as the group’s managing partner and CEO. Mr. Hiribarrondo
H2 Talent Launches to Serve Marijuana Industry
Talent deficits exist in every field. But the marijuana industry is exceptionally short on senior-level leaders who can come in and cross-pollinate their functional and sector skill-sets. H2 Talent in Boulder, CO, is the latest recruiting entrant to serve cannabis companies looking for senior talent. The search firm was launched specifically to provide C-suite and
Caldwell Places CFO at Lifesize
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. Recently, Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell recruited Matt Hibbard as the new CFO of Lifesize, a global provider of video collaboration
Biophysical Society Taps Sterling Martin for Executive Officer
The Biophysical Society has retained Sterling Martin Associates to help find its next executive officer. The Rockville, MD-based non-profit is seeking a senior executive leader within a scientific, professional society or other professional membership association. Leading the assignment for Sterling Martin are David S. Martin, CEO and managing partner; Leigh Beal, senior associate; and Tricia
NPAworldwide Adds Nine New Member Firms
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added nine new member locations as it continues to
Kilpatrick Group Acquires BFK HR Consulting
Leading-edge professionals are in high demand within the fashion market, according to recruiters. To help fill that need, global executive search firm Kilpatrick Group SA recently acquired Lugano, Switzerland-based BFK HR Consulting, a consulting company specializing in human resources with a focus on ICT applied to fashion. In 2019, the firm further plans to launch
Hunt Scanlon Media’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2018
Looking back through more than a thousand recruiting stories published over the course of 2018, picking the 10 most important was no small job. Hunt Scanlon Media tracked every little change, every small movement and, above all, lots of big progress. Truth be told, our choices for this year are a beacon for what lies ahead in
Reffett Associates Tapped to Find New Leader for First Responders Network
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has been selected by the First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet) to assist in the recruitment and selection of the agency’s executive director and CEO. The search is being led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the recruitment firm’s Washington, D.C., office. The incoming leader will be responsible for all day-to-day operations for
Coulter Partners Finds Chief Commercial Officer for Nanoform
Global executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Christian Jones as chief commercial officer of Helsinki-based drug particle engineering and nanotechnology company Nanoform. Client partner Eskil Westh led the assignment. The appointment comes at a pivotal time in Nanoform’s growth, having recently completed a EUR 7 million funding round for investment in its technology and talent hiring. The
Taplow Consulting France Acquires Aptimen Managers
Executive search, coaching and management consulting firm Taplow Consulting France has acquired Aptimen Managers, an interim management consultancy. The acquisition comes after nearly a decade of the organizations working together to offer clients complementary services. The addition of Aptimen gives Taplow Consulting France a 1,000-interim managers network and provides its clients with a global offering,
