DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, how
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.
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
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?
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
Private Equity Shifts Focus in Executive Hiring
In the evolving environment of private equity, the expectations placed on executive talent are undergoing a dramatic transformation. As firms adapt to shifting market dynamics, leadership teams are reassessing how executives engage, lead, and deliver value within portfolio companies. One of the most notable shifts is a renewed emphasis on in-person leadership, with cultural cohesion,
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Carolina Panthers
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Meredith Starkey as chief marketing officer of the Carolina Panthers. She begins her new role later next month. Senior recruiter Allie Crone led the assignment. Ms. Starkey joins an elite and growing group of women in C-level positions across the sports industry. “The Panthers are
Development Guild DDI Seeking Chief Development Officer for the Lymphoma Research Foundation
Executive recruitment firm Development Guild DDI, which focuses on the non-profit sector, has been retained to find a chief development officer for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. William Weber, president of the search firm, is leading the assignment. The incoming executive will lead the foundation’s fundraising program into its next stage of growth. The CDO will provide
B.E. Smith Seeks CEO for Swope Health Services
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes are coming. This has produced a high demand
Tyler & Company Appoints VP for the Northeast and Midwest Regions
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. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Atlanta-based healthcare specialists Tyler & Company has expanded with the addition of
Caldwell Partners with Sydney-based Search Firm
Toronto-based Caldwell is partnering with Hattonneale, a Sydney-based executive search firm. Under the affiliation agreement, Hattonneale will represent Caldwell in Australia and drive further growth into key practice sectors and geographies across Australia/New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. “We’re thrilled to have the Hattonneale team joining forces with Caldwell,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer.
Companies Expect Gig Economy to Grow Fast Over Next Five Years
Market disruption and talent shortages require new ways of thinking about your workforce. Because of their many advantages, semi-permanent gig talent pools are now the norm. But managing them can be a challenge. Company decision makers indicate that they are increasing their reliance on gig workers, with more than 60 percent expecting the use of
Kensington International Finds CHRO for Black & Veatch
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs, report recruiters focused on the space. Why is there such
McCormick Group Seeks COO for Steptoe & Johnson
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has been enlisted to find the next chief operating officer for the international law firm Steptoe & Johnson. Stephen Nelson, executive principal, and Cassie Battle, principal, are leading the assignment for the search firm. Steptoe & Johnson, based in Washington, D.C., wants an experienced management professional
Vaco Acquires San Antonio-Based Search Firm
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has acquired Aventine Hill Partners (AHP), a San Antonio-based advisory, consulting and executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Together, Vaco and AHP will provide talent and solutions across a diverse set of industries to more than 10,000 clients globally. Vaco’s Texas operations have been steadily expanding since 2006 when
La Fosse Associates Names Head of Technology Recruitment
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm La Fosse Associates has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Adam Gohar in New York as senior vice president and head of technology recruitment. Since opening in October of last year, La Fosse New York has seemingly gone from strength to strength, led by Johnnie Greenwood, head of U.S. With
Companies Hiring on Basis of Skills Rather Than Open Positions
Companies in a number of industries are facing a potential C-suite challenge – an alarming lack of qualified candidates to fill roles that are likely to become vacant due to retirement and other factors in the next 10 to 15 years. This breakneck speed of turnover in businesses is forcing talent acquisition professionals to look
Protis Global Finds President for Therabis
Executive search firm Protis Global has placed a new president for Therabis, a maker of cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products for pets. Bob Rubin becomes the new leader for the Denver-based company, a subsidiary of Dixie Brands. “Working with Dixie has been a distinct pleasure,” said Frank Judd, director of client accounts for Portis Global. “Their
Brent D. Glass Finds New Leader for Berkshire Museum
Washington, D.C.-based executive management consulting firm Brent D. Glass LLC has placed Jeff Rodgers as the new executive director of Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA. Van Shields announced his retirement from the museum last June. Mr. Rodgers was the unanimous selection after a rigorous four-month search led by the museum’s board of trustees. Berkshire Museum staff
Direct Recruiters Names Partners
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), Executive Search, has appointed Cherie Shepard, Jason Herbert and Norm Volsky as partners. The search firm said that all three have “demonstrated leadership, dedication, integrity and a standard of excellence within the search industry.” “Speaking on behalf of the existing partners, we are thrilled to congratulate Cherie, Jason and Norm,”
NPAworldwide Expands Footprint in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia
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
Skills Shortages Causing Recruiting Difficulties
The U.S. is facing a growing skills gap that threatens the nation’s long-term economic prosperity. The workforce simply lacks enough workers and skilled candidates to fill an ever-increasing number of high-skilled jobs. Seven million jobs were open in January, but only 6.3 million unemployed people were looking for work. As the country nears full employment,
DHR International Lands CEO for Physical Rehabilitation Network
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. So it is that the need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector has only grown. Chicago-based DHR International has placed healthcare veteran Ajay Gupta as the
Spencer Stuart Recruits Provost for American University
Following a national search, Spencer Stuart has placed Daniel J. Myers as provost and chief academic officer of American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. Michele Haertel, leader of the firm’s education, non-profit and government, academia and research practice, led the assignment along with Mary Gorman. “Dan is deeply committed to the integration of scholarship, teaching and student
Jobvite Secures $200 Million in Funding, Acquires Three Companies
Recruiting software firm Jobvite has announced that it will double down on its plans to build a bigger platform for recruitment and applicant tracking. The company says that it has secured investment funding of more than $200 million and that it has acquired three companies focused on different aspects of the recruitment process: Talemetry, RolePoint
Alexander Hughes Opens New Location in Mexico City
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, bring in new recruiters and open new locations. Recently, Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes expanded in Mexico City with the opening of a new office in Monterrey. The Mexican team will report to Adolfo Cruz,
9 Reasons Why This Candidate Declined a Job Offer
Not long ago, Boyden partner Tom Sorensen recounted the time that a candidate told him why he decided to decline an attractive job offer from one of the bigger guns in the business world. The prospect had received a call from the company’s talent acquisition officer, but it wasn’t until months and months later that
R. William Funk & Associates Assists Weber State University in President Search
R. William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, recently assisted in the placement of Brad L. Mortensen as the 13th president of Weber State University in Ogden, UT. Charles K. Wight stepped down from the role last May. R. William Funk, president of the Dallas-based recruitment firm, led the search. “President Mortensen
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks Chief Technology and Knowledge Officer for Gavi
Russell Reynolds Associates has been enlisted to find a chief technology and knowledge officer (CTKO) for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is a leading international public-private partnership committed to increasing equitable use of vaccines in lower-income countries. The CTKO plays a key role across the alliance in achieving Gavi’s mission, said
Momenta Expands in the U.S.
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has continued to strengthen its footprint in the U.S. with the addition of Bill O’Such as a strategy partner. He will be based out of the firm’s San Francisco office. Mr. O’Such brings over 20 years of extensive history of connected industry leadership roles in mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships and
Signium Adds Marketing and Communications Specialist
Marketing and branding professionals are playing increasingly vital roles at executive search firms as recruiting outfits push into new lines of business, evolve their brands and rev up their social media presence. Recently, executive search consortium Signium added Amy Fuentes as its new marketing and communications specialist. In her new role, Ms. Fuentes will be responsible for executing all
Employees Reveal Insights on 2019 Workforce Trends
Surveys on workplace topics often poll employers to gain their perspectives on the latest HR issues and trends – but, in a recent survey, Paychex went directly to the source and obtained insight from employees themselves. It questioned employees on hot topics like benefits, pay equity, HR technology, corporate social responsibility and more, to determine
Spencer Stuart Recruits Board Members for Yelp
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed three board members for Yelp Inc. The firm had been enlisted to evaluate the board’s composition and identify additional director candidates to help drive the online-review website’s strategy. George Hu, Sharon Rothstein and Brian Sharples were appointed to the board, effective March 1. They will replace Geoff Donaker, Jeremy Levine and Peter Fenton, who notified the
Deerfield Associates Seeks Senior Major Gifts Officer for Babson College
Major gifts officers are among the most vital roles for educational institutions. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profits everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding
RSR Partners Appoints Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has named Allen Shapard as a managing director and head of the corporate affairs and communications practice. He is based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Shapard has more the 25 years of relevant experience in communications, branding, marketing and corporate social responsibility. He has worked closely with high-profile consumer and enterprise
Judson Partners Rebrands as Capitus Associates
Judson Partners, a boutique executive search firm focused exclusively on the financial services industry, has changed its name to Capitus Associates. Capitus now has six equity partners, each with distinct subsector and functional expertise, and has completed search engagements with a premier list of banks, asset management firms, alternative investment firms and family offices. The
Why Three Quarters of Board Directorships Still Go to Men
Boards of directors may very well be the most influential decision makers in business. They choose the CEO and review and assess much of the top talent for their organization. They help determine vision and strategy. They deal with legal and technological challenges, financial regulation and reputation issues — all critical items that can impact
