DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Praeva Partners Opens to Serve Privately-Owned Businesses
A new specialist investment backed executive search firm Praeva Partners recently launched in the U.K. Spearheaded by former Drax chief executive Mark Sherman, Praeva Partners aims to work alongside rapid-growth privately owned businesses in the U.K. and Europe to strengthen their senior leadership teams. Praeva Partners operates across the U.K. and Europe and is based
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New CEO for Bayview Hunters Point Foundation
BroadView Talent Partners was recently tapped by Bayview Hunters Point Foundation (BVHPF) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tracy McMillan, Steven Hatchett, Marshawna Williams, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. This executive is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial leadership of the organization, ensuring that our organization is strong and
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.
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
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?
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
AI-Powered Exits: A New Lever for PE to Maximize Value
A recent AlixPartners report highlights that AI can be instrumental in preparing portfolio companies for sale, especially in a soft deal market where well-prepared exits are harder to achieve. “AI can make preparation for sale faster and more comprehensive,” notes the report. “AI can be helpful in exit preparation, particularly when the deal market is soft
Direct Recruiters Adds Two Team Members
Solon, OH-based Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has announced two additions to its team. Logan Payton is the new director of the firm’s HR solutions group and Shawna Rosner is director of the legal solutions group. Ms. Payton brings over 10 years of HR experience to her new role, and deep understanding of the function. Previously,
Help Wanted: Well-Rounded C-Suite Business Leaders
Leaders who bring both specific technical expertise and general strategic business acumen to the table are in short supply in our current economic environment, according to David Clapp, managing partner of search firm CarterBaldwin. In a recent report that he authored, Mr. Clapp found that smart organizations are looking for and hiring well-rounded business leaders
Slone Partners Find New CMO for Sera Prognostics
Executive search firm Slone Partners has recruited Garrett K. Lam as the new chief medical officer for Sera Prognostics in Salt Lake City, UT. “Slone Partners worked closely with Sera as we conducted this important search,” said Greg Critchfield, chairman and chief executive officer of Sera. “They paved the way for great conversations between candidates and the entire Sera leadership team. Slone
Wikimedia Foundation Retains Bridge Partners to Find Talent and Culture Chief
Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization that hosts and operates Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia free knowledge projects, has tapped Bridge Partners to find a chief of talent and culture. Partner and co-founder Tory Clarke is leading the search along with partner Janet Albert. “This is one of the highlights of 2018 both for me and my
Apotheker Search & Advisory Opens Doors
An array of new recruiting firms have launched around the world this year. The latest: Apotheker Search & Advisory, an executive search and advisory firm specializing in the life sciences industry, recently opened for business in New York City. Suzana Farah Rahman serves as the firm’s managing director. Apotheker’s primary fields of focus include but are
Meridian Partners International Adds Member Firms in Argentina and Brazil
Meridian Partners International has added executive recruiters in Argentina and Brazil as its newest members. Buenos Aires-based South Star Human Capital Solutions will represent the network for Spanish speaking countries in South America. São Paulo-based Reciprhocal Management Consulting, and its sister company, Profile Executive Search and Assessment, will represent serve Meridian for the Brazilian market.
Competition for Talent Causing Major Shifts in Corporate Strategy
As unemployment remains at record lows, a new study by global RPO provider Cielo finds that competition for talent is causing major shifts in corporate strategy. As a result, business function leaders are having significant disagreements about their companies’ approaches to finding, recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees. Nearly 70 percent of business leaders surveyed
DHR Recruits Chief Development and Marketing Officer for U.S. Humane Society
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has recruited John Vranas as the new chief development and marketing officer for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Partners Debbie Graf and Kara Teising led the search. “John brings the total package to a critical role like this one,” said Ms. Teising. “It’s very difficult to find a leader with a skill-set
Heidrick & Struggles Seeks CEO for Jacksonville Public Utility
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected to find a new chief executive officer for JEA, the city of Jacksonville, FL’s public electric, sewer and water utility. The job opened up earlier this year when Paul McElroy, who had been CEO for six years, unexpectedly stepped down. Nine candidates are under consideration for the position, according
ZipRecruiter Lands $156 Million in Funding
Jobs website ZipRecruiter has just lined up $156 million in investment capital. The company said the series B financing will be used to accelerate its growth and further develop its artificial intelligence-powered matching technology and mobile apps. Wellington Management Co. and returning investor IVP co-led the investment, which included participation by other existing investors. ZipRecruiter’s
Vanderbloemen Names COO
Houston-based Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has appointed Sutton Turner as its chief operating officer. He brings a combined 23 years of business and ministry experience to his role. “We have been fortunate to have seen many years of repeated and robust growth, and our work is at an unprecedented size and scope,”
Employers Continue Adding Jobs, But Middle-Wage Opportunities Stagger
A new study from CareerBuilder points to a continued hollowing effect in the labor market where high-wage and low-wage job growth is eclipsing middle-wage job growth by a significant margin. Based on extensive analysis of historical and current labor market trends, the U.S. is expected to add 8.3 million jobs (5.08 percent growth) from 2018
Gold Hill Associates Seeks New Leader for Temple College
Community college executive search firm Gold Hill Associates has been selected to find the next president for Temple College in central Texas. Search consultant Dennis Michaelis is leading the assignment. The Temple College board of trustees was unanimous in choosing the Jackson, MS-based firm. “Gold Hill has experience and an extensive network in Texas and
Battalia Winston Finds Chief Sales Officer for Clean Harbors
Finding qualified C-suite sales executives continues to be an issue for companies. According to the ManpowerGroup Talent Shortage Report, sales positions have been some of the most difficult to fill in recent years. And it has not been an attractive role to new generations of workers. New York City-headquartered executive search firm Battalia Winston recently recruited Robby Speights
Koya Strengthens Staff with Diversity Pioneer
Non-profit search specialist Koya Leadership Partners has expanded with the addition of Maureen Alphonse-Charles as managing director. Based in Boston, Ms. Alphonse-Charles is expected to help strengthen the firm’s work across non-profits and mission-driven organizations, building a bridge between non-profits, the corporate sector, and corporate boards. She sits on the boards of Boston University, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
Alexander Hughes Names President of Recruiting Subsidiary
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the 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. Didier Simon de Bessac was recently named president of Managers by Alexander Hughes,
Benchmark Metrics to Guide Your Recruitment Strategy
The growing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate mundane operational tasks is creating new efficiencies that are freeing up recruiters’ time to focus on relationship building and nurturing passive candidates, according to a new report by Jobvite. The percentage of job interviews that resulted in offers climbed from 17 percent in 2015
Wheless Partners Retained by the University of Colorado to Find New Leader
With the new academic year underway, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly the case, globalization. The University of Colorado board of regents recently tapped executive recruitment firm Wheless
Major, Lindsey & Africa Seeks General Counsels for DuPage Medical Group and UPC Insurance
Executive search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recently been selected to find new general counsels for DuPage Medical Group and UPC Insurance. Located in Downers Grove, IL, DuPage Medical Group is one of the largest independent multi-specialty physician groups in Illinois. Backed by the large PE firm Ares, the organization is physician led, enabling it to provide
Quantum Search Partners Names Digital Security & Risk Practice Leader
Cybersecurity might well might the greatest challenge facing corporate America today. The threat to reputation, private information and dollars — both from immediate theft and the cost of repairing the damage of a cyber-attack — can be staggering. Yet too few companies have taken adequate measures to protect themselves. No one can deny that it is
Bailey Montagu Executive Search Names Two Practice Leaders
London-based Bailey Montagu Executive Search continues its expansion with the appointment of Rupert Channing as leader of the firm’s financial services search practice and Lee Cooper as head of its consumer and retail practice. Bailey Montagu’s financial services search practice is focused on identifying, attracting and appointing high-caliber executives. Mr. Channing has worked in executive search
Spencer Stuart Names Ben Williams CEO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Ben Williams as its new CEO, succeeding Kevin Connelly, who served two three-year terms as the firm’s leader after previously serving six years as its chairman. In addition, the firm elected David Daniel as its new chairman. He takes over from Edward Speed, who served two three-year terms in the post. Both appointments were effective at
Korn Ferry Tapped by Vanderbilt to Find New Athletic Director
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. With the announcement that Vanderbilt University’s current AD, David Williams, plans to retire in May, the school recently turned to Korn Ferry to find his replacement. Jed Hughes, who leads Korn Ferry’s sports practice, is heading the assignment alongside senior associate Kyle Bowlsby.
Hanold Associates Recruits Head of Talent at PepsiCo
Chicago-based Hanold Associates has recruited Anita Roggendorf as PepsiCo’s director of talent attraction & engagement. Partners Ashley Schiele, Keri Gavin and Katie Traines led the assignment for the role, which is based at the consumer product giant’s global headquarters in Purchase, NY. Ms. Roggendorf previously worked for American Express. In her new role, she will
Taylor Strategy Partners Adds Leader to Fuel Growth
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. Recently, Columbus, OH-headquartered firm Taylor Strategy Partners added Angie Aldinger as vice president of business development. Ms. Aldinger will lead business development efforts across all business lines at the firm, including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), executive & professional search, consulting & assessment
Signium Africa Partners with HR Solutions Provider Riverwaves
Signium Africa, global search consortium Signium’s African business unit, has partnered with Riverwaves, a global provider of optimization of “people capability” through the customization of competency-driven HR models. Following in-depth exposure to Riverwaves’ intellectual property (IP) and proprietary modeling tools, “Signium Africa is positioned to apply its partner’s globally respected competency framework, build internal capability and
Global CEO Confidence Falls to Two-Year Low
Global CEO confidence fell in the third quarter to its lowest level in two years, but chief executives remain confident about growth prospects in the U.S., according to the Conference Board. The overall measure of CEO confidence decreased to a level of 55 from 63 in the second quarter. A reading of more than 50
WinterWyman Places CHRO at Excelitas Technologies
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to
Odgers Berndtson Partners with JDR Consulting
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion by partnering with JDR Consulting. Founder John de Regt, who has more than 30 years of executive coaching and search experience, is expected to enhance the firm’s leadership service offerings in the U.S. “John is an exceptionally talented and experienced executive coach,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers
Acertitude Recruits Senior Leaders for Borden
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited two key leaders for Borden Dairy. Craig Musgrove joins the Dallas-based company as chief sales officer and Satyaki Lodh becomes chief information officer. Acertitude co-founder and managing partner Kevin O’Neill led the search teams for both assignments. The two hires are the latest in a series of nine searches
Witt/Kieffer Launches Interim Leadership Practice
Witt/Kieffer recently launched an interim leadership practice and added Brian Krehbiel to head the new offering. The initiative, dubbed Witt/Kieffer Interim Leadership, expands the reach and capabilities of the firm’s healthcare practice in order to address the critical needs of these clients and ensure continuity in executive leadership. “We continually assess how Witt/Kieffer can adapt to our clients’ changing







