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Daily Newswire
The AI-Ready Chief People Officer
As artificial intelligence accelerates across the enterprise, the people function is emerging as one of its most critical proving grounds. Nowhere is the balance between innovation and responsibility more visible than in the evolving role of the chief people officer. AI is reshaping how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how people experience work.
Odgers Acquires Ridgeway Partners
Odgers has acquired Ridgeway Partners LLC, a New York City-based executive search firm focused on financial services and board advisory. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ridgeway Partners’ talented team to the firm,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers US. They’ve earned an outstanding reputation for expert advice and a passionate
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 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
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?
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,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
Private Equity’s Leadership Imperative: Driving Impact with Agility and Vision
As the private equity landscape becomes increasingly dynamic and complex, the demand for transformative leadership has never been greater. PE firms are no longer just seeking financial expertise—they want seasoned executives who can deliver alpha through strategic insight, operational excellence, and cultural leadership. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that these leaders must demonstrate a clear
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
Unemployment Rate Falls to 48-Year Low
Employers added 134,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The September gain is the 95th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed people fell to six million. Analysts polled by Refinitiv (formerly Thomson Reuters) forecast that the U.S. economy
Storbeck/Pimentel Seeks 22nd President for Allegheny College
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. The action is especially heavy among the boutiques, with niche recruiting outfits handling multiple assignments concurrently at major institutions, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will
DDJ Myers Seeking New CEO for Jax Federal 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
Momenta Partners and Enertech Launch Quantal Search
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has joined forces with Enertech Search Partners to launch Quantal Search, a professional search practice focused on “deep talent.” Quantal will focus on placing talent that are designing and operationalizing disruptive technologies including data science, blockchain and augmented reality, as well as associated operational and commercial teams. Enertech Search Partners has served cleantech
Russell Reynolds Associates Realigns Technology Practice
The booming technology sector, vibrant even when the economy was softer, shows little sign of retreat, according to a host of recruiters who serve companies across the field. It continues, in fact, to produce capabilities and services that few imagined just a decade ago. In response, Russell Reynolds Associates has realigned its technology practice in an effort to “better serve organizations across
Mastering Employee Onboarding
Companies invest a lot of time, effort and money into finding talent. Yet 31 percent of new hires actually leave in the first six months of their new employment, according to a study by human resources software company BambooHR. What’s more, a steady stream of employees left from the first week through the third month,
Myers McRae Leads Provost Search for Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has launched a national search for provost and SVP for academic affairs. The school has retained Kenny Daugherty, president of Myers McRae, to lead the assignment. “The search for a SVP for academic affairs is one of the most important hiring processes our campus community ever undertakes,” said Michael Benson, president
Howard Fischer Finds New Marketing Officer for Apstra
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates recently recruited Michael Wood as the new chief marketing officer of Apstra Inc. in Menlo Park, CA. Mr. Wood is a seasoned strategic leader who brings nearly 30 years of experience to Apstra at a time when the company is expected to change the competitive landscape as a pioneer
AI Job-Matching Platform Pymetrics Secures $40 Million in Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management industry. The latest: pymetrics, an enterprise SaaS company that uses neuroscience and AI to make the recruitment process more effective, accurate and unbiased, has closed a $40 million Series B funding round led by global growth equity firm General Atlantic. This funding also
Edward Reed Recruitment Merges with Laurus Executive Search
Search firms continue to join forces. The latest: U.K.-headquartered recruiting firms Edward Reed Recruitment and Laurus Executive Search have joined forces. Based in Newcastle and established in 2011, Edward Reed specializes in mid- to senior-level management placements across a variety of industry sectors. The firm is looking to grow after receiving private investment earlier this year.
