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Daily Newswire
The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer: What Leaders Need to Understand
Boards and CEOs are quickly realizing that AI isn’t just another tool—it’s becoming a foundational operating layer. That acceleration is forcing companies to rethink who sets priorities, manages risk, and turns experimentation into measurable value. Out of that pressure, a dedicated C-suite leader for enterprise AI strategy is starting to take shape. Not long ago,
Lindauer Acquires Pearl Street Collective
Lindauer has acquired Boston-based Pearl Street Collective. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition forms an executive search partnership that will build on both firms’ strong commitment to the non-profit sector and create new possibilities for organizations in search of the mission-driven talent essential to their success. “Pearl Street understands that executive search
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.
Creating a Purpose-Driven Culture
Culture can often feel elusive—something we all sense but find difficult to define. However, it plays a crucial role in shaping how organizations operate and thrive, according to a recent report from TalentRise’s Kristen Fox. “We create culture through the thoughtful intersection of mission, vision, and values. By delving into cultural design, we can gain clarity on
Preston & Partners Finds New CEO for Kirkland’s
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has placed Steve Woodward as CEO of home décor retailer Kirkland’s Inc. W. Michael Madden resigned from the company’s top role in April. Managing partner Elaine Erickson led the assignment. Mr. Woodward assumes his new job on Oct. 22nd. “I was honored to assist the Kirkland’s board to place an executive such as Steve Woodward
Social Planning Toronto Taps crawfordconnect to Find New Leader
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has been retained by Social Planning Toronto (SPT) to lead its search for a new executive director. Senior consultant Cynthia Armour is spearheading the assignment. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic, creative and dynamic leadership to the agency, said the search firm. The individual will be responsible for organizational stewardship and capacity-building
JBK Associates Names Transformational Growth Leader as Managing Director
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has expanded with the addition of Paul Stefunek as managing director. During his 25 years in executive search, Mr. Stefunek has helped drive transformational growth for global industry leaders, venture-backed start-ups and other companies by placing candidates across the C-suite, board of directors and VP levels. He has expertise in the manufacturing,
India-Based Financial Services Firms Merge
India-based executive search firm Vito India Advisors has merged with Altor Executive Search, a search firm based in India, to form VitoAltor Advisors LLP. In a combined statement, Vito and Altor said the new entity will be India’s largest financial services executive search specialist (by market share). It will serve over 200 clients in India
Recruiting Overseas Leaders to U.S. Sports Teams Heats Up
Nolan Partners recently placed former Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre as the first CEO of Nashville MLS. “There’s a lot of other leagues and clubs that would find him incredibly attractive,” Nashville MLS owner John Ingram told the Tennessean. “This is a rather unique opportunity. And I feel very fortunate that this was of interest to him.” Mr.
International Cricket Council Taps Egon Zehnder to Find CEO
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Egon Zehnder to conduct its search for a new CEO, following news that current leader David Richardson will step down next summer. Partner Neil Waters, who is based in Hong Kong, is leading the search. The Dubai-based governing body wants an executive who can oversee the delivery of a
Sterling Martin Associates Finds New Leader for COLA
Following a national search conducted by Sterling Martin Associates, Nancy Stratton has been named the new CEO of COLA, the leading accreditation provider for clinical laboratories. She succeeds Doug Beigel, who recently retired after more than 29 years with the organization. “In Nancy, our organization gains a leader with an unmatched breadth of experience in the clinical
Renovata Strengthens Search Team in New York
Renovata, a global executive search firm with offices in London, New York, Berlin and Stockholm, has expanded with the addition of former Marlin Hawk consultant George Mazzella. He joins the firm’s New York office and will help its expansion efforts across North America. Mr. Mazzella delivers both retained executive search and leadership advisory services to both
Curran Daly & Associates Opens New Office in Vietnam
Curran Daly & Associates, an executive search firm serving the Philippines, has opened a new office in Vietnam. With nearly 10 years in the search industry, Curran Daly will look to meet the talent needs of multinationals currently operating and those looking to enter the Vietnam market. “We are excited about our launch into Vietnam as
Talent Shortages and How to Address Them
Today’s employers must contend with a perfect storm of talent supply and demand challenges. Unemployment rates hover near historic lows. New technologies raise the demand for new skills. Many older workers are retiring, and companies face new competitors in the race to acquire talent while retaining the workers they have. For employers, embracing practices to
Association Strategies Tapped to Find CEO for American Academy of Nursing
Non-profit recruiting specialist Association Strategies has been selected by the American Academy of Nursing in Washington, D.C., to find its next chief executive officer. The search is being led by Pamela Kaul, president of the search firm. In a twist, the assignment is being conducted with the support of Chicago-based Tuft & Associates. The nursing academy’s
Cook Silverman Seeking Major Gifts Officer for Golden Gate University
For universities, major gift officers are among the most vital roles. 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 everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of finding major gift officers
Chasm Partners Forms Recruiting Alliance with Clarify Health Solutions
Executive search firm Chasm Partners has been retained to help build out the management team of Clarify Health Solutions, a pioneer in real-time care optimization technology. The firm is leading multiple executive-level searches for Clarify Health’s San Francisco office. “We are pleased that Clarify Health has chosen our team to spearhead its executive search process for several key hires at
Optimum Talent Expands Montreal Office
Toronto-headquartered Optimum Talent has continued its recent expansion with the additions of Robert Racine, Nathalie Dallaire, Claudia Pascu and Bruno Ouellette to its Montreal office. “It is with great pride that we have been growing our team on a continual basis, integrating players whose talent, creativity and high standards of excellence enable us to meet the exciting and
Search Firms Focus on Innovative Ways to Manage Growth and Expansion
Executive search firms continue to look for more ways to drive growth — and manage it. To that end, DRG Search and ZRG Partners recently added Amichaim Abramson as chief strategy officer and Alex Bennett as chief growth officer, respectively. Mr. Abramson will collaborate with the DRG team to continue providing top-notch executive search services across the non-profit
New York City Ballet Taps Phillips Oppenheim to Find Artistic Director
A number of executive search firms have been on the hunt for artistic directors for their non-profit clients. New York City Ballet (NYCB) and the School of American Ballet (SAB) is the latest — selecting boutique recruiters Phillips Oppenheim to help find its next artistic leader. Principal Sarah James and partner Becky Klein are leading the assignment. Peter
Acertitude Lands New CFO for Binary Tree
Executive search firm Acertitude has placed Stacie Wolf as the new CFO of Binary Tree, a worldwide leader in enterprise digital IT transformations. Senior partner Scott Carberry headed the search, recruiting Mr. Wolf in 60 days. “Stacie’s capacity to build financially strong businesses combined with her diverse software background made her an excellent addition for this award-winning software
Diversified Search Appoints General Counsel
Executive search firm Diversified Search, one of the top 10 executive recruitment firms in the U.S., has continued its recent expansion with the addition of seasoned Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) executive Denielle Pemberton-Heard as its new general counsel and managing director. She will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. “Talented, driven, and with a deep professional network
PRAXI Alliance Adds New Member Firm in Finland
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. Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search recently added HRS Advisors in
Russell Reynolds Associates Moves Former Heidrick CEO to No. 2 Post at National Geographic
Executive recruiting at times can make strange bedfellows. Russell Reynolds Associates recently placed Heidrick & Struggles’ chairman Tracy R. Wolstencroft as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society. The search for a new leader started in March when Gary Knell stepped down to become CEO of National Geographic Partners, the society’s joint venture with 21st Century
Spencer Stuart Tapped by AutoNation to Find Next CEO
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by AutoNation to lead its search for a new CEO. Mike Jackson is stepping down in 2019 after serving some 20 years in the role. He will remain as executive chairman through 2021. The search will include both internal and external candidates. “The company is ready for its next
Higher Education Leadership Search Seeks Deans for Auburn University at Montgomery
Higher Education Leadership Search is spearheading searches for two deans for Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in Alabama. Consultant Larry Benefield is leading the search for the next dean for the College of Sciences while consultant Alan Medders is in charge of finding the new dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Vaco Enters Three New U.S. Markets
Brentwood, TN-headquartered recruiting firm Vaco has recently expanded into Denver, Pittsburgh, and Winston-Salem/Greensboro, NC. As executive partners, Vaco’s Renee Fisher and Kevin Witt help chart the strategic course in the firm’s many local markets. “Vaco is thrilled to extend our national footprint and bring our consultative approach to talent and solutions to Denver, Pittsburgh and Winston-Salem/Greensboro,” said Ms. Fisher. “Vaco was built to be a
IRC Global Adds New Member Firm in Denmark
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has added People & Performance A/S in Denmark as its newest member firm. “Denmark is an important market with many international knowledge-intensive companies with cross-border recruitment needs, and with IRC Denmark our worldwide executive search firm alliance has secured a strong foothold to support our international clients,” said IRC. People
Egon Zehnder Partners with Leadership Development Firm Mobius
Now more than ever, the world needs great leaders. But for leaders to best transform their organizations, they must first embrace their own transformation and continually work on self-improvement. In response, global search firm Egon Zehnder has formed a partnership with leadership development firm Mobius Executive Leadership. The alliance combines the firms’ proprietary methods for
Russell Reynolds Associates Finds New CEO for State Employees Credit Union
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
Michelle Whiting & Associates Tapped to Find CEO for Pacific Chorale
Michelle Whiting & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for non-profit organizations, has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for Costa Mesa, CA-based Pacific Chorale, a professional choir. “The successful CEO will have an unprecedented opportunity to have a significant impact on the financial stability of a flourishing and increasingly high profile arts
Gray Scalable Names Head of Executive Search
New York-headquartered executive search firm Gray Scalable has named Eric Tenety as head of executive search. For over 17 years, Mr. Tenety has served venture capital and private equity portfolio companies as well as publicly-listed businesses undergoing transformation through the acquisition of innovative talent. He has worked with a number of founders, operators and investors
Gerard Daniels Names Alison Gaines as CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Perth, Australia-based executive search firm Gerard Daniels has appointed Alison Gaines as the company’s global CEO. Following a 12-year tenure as the head of its board consulting
Leathwaite Appoints Head of Americas to Focus on Growth and Branding
Veteran executive search consultant Paul Groce has joined Leathwaite as head of the firm’s Americas region in an effort to increase its reach and further expand its brand outside the U.K. “The continued expansion of our U.S. business is central to Leathwaite’s future international growth strategy, and we are absolutely delighted to have hired Paul Groce to
SearchWide Global Seeks New Leader for Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry continues to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added more than 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling in
