DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
ECA Partners Strengthens PE-Focused Talent Solutions
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has appointed Damon Reynolds and Tim Fetzer as senior directors. These strategic hires further strengthen ECA’s capabilities across finance, digital transformation, and industrial manufacturing sectors. “Damon and Tim represent the caliber of specialized talent we’re strategically adding to serve our clients’ evolving needs,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, 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 Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
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?
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Five Talent Trends in Private Equity
Private equity firms are increasingly recognizing that human capital is a critical lever for value creation—on par with strategy, operations, and finance. As competition intensifies and hold periods lengthen, more firms are investing in sophisticated talent strategies across the deal life cycle. Research from Spencer Stuart highlights five emerging talent trends that are shaping how
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.
With Top-Level Vacancies Looming, Companies Turn More Proactive
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. To prevent a potentially drastic operations interruption, companies should be making several proactive moves
Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for the National Czech & Slovak Library and Museum
Boston-headquartered executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Cecilia Rokusek as the new president and CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Library and Museum (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, IA. She succeeds Gail Naughton, who has served in the role since 2002. “The search committee was immediately impressed with Cecilia’s application, and this impression was magnified
