DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Artico Search Assists Fleetio with Chief Marketing Officer Search
Artico Search has assisted in the recruitment of Leslie Henthorn as the new chief marketing officer of private equity-backed Fleetio. Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Artico Search, led the assignment. “From my first conversations, I knew Fleetio was special—a company built on authentic customer love, a clear mission, and a team dedicated to earning the
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Lincoln Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has helped to recruit Anthony Dudas as executive director for Lincoln Airport (LNK). He will assume his new role at the start of the new year. Rod Dinger and Kim Kenville led the assignment. “The Lincoln Airport Authority board is pleased to welcome Anthony Dudas as our new executive director,” said Chris
McDermott + Bull Expands in Texas
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has appointed Ryan Harmon as managing director in its Texas office. Based in Dallas, he will play a key role in supporting McDermott + Bull’s national clients while advancing the firm’s continued growth and investment across the Texas market. “We’ve developed a strong and growing client base across Texas, and Ryan’s addition
Upskilling and Reskilling for a Future-Ready Workforce
With talent shortages continuing to intensify, organizations around the world are increasingly recognizing the need to upskill and reskill their current workforce. This growing focus on internal capability development is driven by the pace of technological change, evolving business models and shifting employee expectations, a recent report from Kestria explained. According to the Kestria Global Leadership
Korn Ferry Posts Seven Percent Q2 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q2 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $721.7 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year, six percent at constant currency. Fee revenue grew 10 percent and 17 percent year-over-year in executive search and professional search & interim, respectively. “Our performance during the quarter was outstanding, as we achieved our fourth consecutive quarter of
Shelli Herman and Associates Assists of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority with CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Adam J. Straight as the new president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) in Omaha, NE. The decision to hire Mr. Straight follows an exhaustive nationwide search to replace the current MECA President and CEO, Roger Dixon, who is retiring at
CIO Partners Recruits Chief Information Officer for RaceTrac
CIO Partners has helped to recruit Ameet Shetty as the first chief information officer of RaceTrac. Mr. Shetty joins RaceTrac from financial services firm Equifax, where he had been its chief data officer since 2024. He also spent three years as CIO for Pilot Company, one of RaceTrac’s top travel center competitors, where he led enterprise
HTP Group Expands in Benelux
HTP Group has expanded with the addition of Govert Doedijns as partner based in Benelux. “Govert’s unique combination of executive experience, consulting expertise, and coaching excellence makes him a valuable addition to our leadership consulting team,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “His appointment reinforces our commitment to supporting clients in the Benelux and
McKinsey Continues to Deliver Value; It Just Charges Differently for it Now
Consulting is undergoing a fundamental reset. Clients no longer want episodic strategy advice – they want measurable impact tied to their biggest transformation mandates, and they expect their consultants to be accountable for results. McKinsey’s rapid internal adoption of AI shows just how quickly the industry is evolving. Since the firmwide rollout of Lilli, its
5 Cybersecurity Shifts Every Executive Must Prioritize Before 2026
Cybersecurity is now a direct driver of enterprise value, and this piece frames the run-up to 2026 as a moment for leaders to reset their assumptions about risk and resilience. For executives, especially those in private equity and high-growth companies, cybersecurity is no longer a technical function in the background, according to a recent report
SPMB Recruits CFO for OffSec
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Ian Charles as the new CFO of OffSec in New York City. “Ian brings the strategic and operational depth to support OffSec, a global leader in cybersecurity education and hands-on training, as it enters its next phase of growth,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “He is also highly experienced
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits CFO for the Cleveland Institute of Art
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the recruitment of Melanie Walker as vice president of business affairs and chief financial officer of the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “We’re thrilled to welcome Melanie as CIA’s next vice president of business affairs and CFO,” said president and CEO
August Leadership Expands in Dubai
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Shazeaa Ingar as a partner, based in Dubai. “Shazeaa is an experienced organizational psychologist and leadership advisor with a strong track record supporting boards, CEOs, and senior executives across global markets,” August Leadership said in a LinkedIn post. “She brings deep expertise in executive assessment, board effectiveness, and
EY Signals A Tech-Led M&A Surge
The most recent EY-Parthenon 2025 M&A analysis shows a market operating at full acceleration. U.S. deal value for transactions of $100 million or more hit $2.09 trillion through October – up 45 percent year-over-year – with deal volume rising just over 10 percent to 1,409 transactions. EY notes that “from January to October, a major deal was
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
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Welcoming Home
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been selected by non-profit Welcoming Home to find is next executive director. This individual will lead Welcoming Home into its next dynamic phase of growth, working closely with the board of directors, part-time staff, and dedicated volunteers. They will be responsible for strategy, fundraising, program management, communications, and organizational operations, ensuring
Caldwell Expands Financial Services and Real Estate Practices
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Ben Sturnham as a partner in the firm’s financial services and real estate practices. Based in London, he advises clients on board and C-suite recruitment across the full breadth of the real estate, financial services, and real estate finance sectors in the U.K., Europe, and the Middle East. “Ben is
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
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for Charge Infrastructure
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has placed Nat Krishnamurti as the new CFO of Charge Infrastructure, backed by Arena Investors, LP. Jarrod Gray and Allison Trippetti led the assignment. With over two decades of senior financial leadership experience across industrial, technology, and life-sciences sectors, Mr. Krishnamurti brings deep expertise in corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, and
Peña Search Seeking Executive Director for To Be Like Me
Peña Search is currently seeking a new executive director for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira are leading the assignment. With high demand for its core program(s) for school-aged children and ample opportunities to engage with corporations desiring to utilize more inclusive business practices, the next executive
The Unseen Drivers of Leadership Misalignment
Boards often treat executive recruiting like a precision fix: identify the capability gap, import the proven performer, and expect momentum to follow. But leadership isn’t installed into a vacuum—it lands inside a living system with habits, loyalties, and unwritten rules that shape what’s possible. When that system isn’t ready for the kind of authority, pace,
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by Holyoke Community College for Provost Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Holyoke Community College (HCC) to lead in its search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Levy Brown are leading the assignment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, compassionate, and innovative leader to advance equitable student success and academic excellence at Massachusetts’
Bryant Group Fills Senior Finance Role for HonorHealth Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Christine Sullivan as senior vice president of finance for HonorHealth Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “We are thrilled to welcome Christine to HonorHealth Foundation as our new senior vice president of finance,” said Jared Langkilde, president and CEO, HonorHealth Foundation. “Christine
hyrUP Acquires Evolve Partners
hyrUP, an executive search and recruiting firm specializing in accounting, finance, technology, and operations, has acquired boutique search firm Evolve Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Our mission has always been to combine speed, precision, and partnership in how we help companies hire,” said Andrew Feldman, co-founder and co-CEO of hyrUP. “Evolve Partners shares
LHH Opens New Search Practice in the U.S.
LHH, a global provider of interconnected talent solutions and a division of the Adecco Group, has launched its new retained executive search practice in the U.S. Aram Lulla is the newly appointed executive search leader, U.S., at LHH. “Leadership mobility is accelerating at a pace we haven’t seen before,” said Nicole Gable, LHH U.S. country
How to Mitigate Rising Time-To-Hire Before You Lose Top Talent
Data indicates that time-to-hire is rising across industries. On the surface, this looks like a shift back to “normal” — returning to pre-pandemic levels from a period when the labor market was unusually volatile. However, a higher time-to-hire metric is detrimental for employers, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Longer hiring cycles make it
Why “Reason for Departure” Matters on Short Tenures
A brief note explaining why you left a short role can flip a quick exit from a red flag into a credible, context-rich career move. In today’s job market, where economic shifts and unexpected challenges have led to an uptick in shorter tenures, candidates are frequently faced with the challenge of explaining rapid role changes,
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits COO for Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Hollis R. Towns as the first chief operating officer of Deep South Today. Founder Sam Pettway, director Cynthia Moreland, and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. His appointment is the result of a national search conducted over the last six months by BoardWalk Consulting. “Hollis Towns is bringing precisely
Flatiron Search Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer at TRUEWERK
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed Emily Sly as chief marketing officer of Stride Consumer Partners-backed TRUEWERK in Denver, CO. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Stride and TRUEWERK for several years now, helping to assemble an incredibly talented leadership team, and we’re excited to welcome,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As TRUEWERK continues to
