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Daily Newswire
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
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.
Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment. This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees
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?
Wilton & Bain Names Co-Leaders of North America
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has appointed partners Sam Wallace and Hannah Robb as co-leads of North America as the firm increases its focus and investment in the region. “Success in North America is the key strategic pillar in Wilton & Bain’s growth ambitions,” said David Heron, CEO. “I am delighted
The Talent Gap Behind the Next Organizational Shift
McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 identifies three “tectonic forces” reshaping companies: technology disruption, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and fundamental workforce shifts. Drawing on more than 10,000 leaders across 16 countries and 17 industries, including more than 3,000 U.S. respondents, the report finds organizational priorities shifting from short-term resilience toward sustained productivity, performance, and long-term value creation.
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Kairos Power
Partners Chris Clements and Cher Murphy of ON Partners have recruited Ignacio (Nacho) Redondo as chief financial officer of Kairos Power, marking an important step as the company builds the financial infrastructure to support its continued growth and expansion. “Nacho Redondo brings the experience, leadership, and financial expertise that Kairos Power needs as we enter this next phase of
The Rise of the Chief Growth Officer
The chief growth officer is rapidly emerging as one of the most discussed executive roles in today’s C-suite, yet adoption of the position remains surprisingly limited. This paradox highlights a critical shift in how modern organizations approach revenue generation and leadership accountability, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for the National Association for Interpretation
Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Karon Moody Harden as chief executive officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). She officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI’s board of directors. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who
Odgers Strengthens Global Financial Services Practice
Odgers has announced two strategic leadership appointments that further strengthen its global financial services practice. Charles F. Preusse, managing partner and chair of U.S. financial services, has been named executive director on the board of Odgers USA, while Kevin C. McKeon, managing partner and head of U.S. financial services, has been named co-head of the global
Local Vs. Global Leadership: Trends Shaping Executive Hiring
Executive hiring continues to evolve as organizations respond to increasingly interconnected markets, changing workforce expectations and rapid technological advancements. Building effective leadership teams requires a careful balance between global perspective and local understanding, ensuring that senior executives can respond to complexity, support sustainable growth and lead confidently across diverse business environments. The Kestria Global Leadership Barometer
U.S. Economy Adds 165,000 Jobs in October as Unemployment Rate Edges Down to 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 165,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment increased in professional and business services, in healthcare, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in October
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists the University at Buffalo in Recruiting 16th President
Following an international search, global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Attardo Genco as the 16th president of the University at Buffalo (UB). She succeeds Satish K. Tripathi, who is stepped down after 15 years of distinguished service as UB’s president. Jett Pihakis, Steve Newton, and Joi Hayes-Scott led
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
JM Search Places CEO at Whistle Express
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Byerly as the new CEO of Whistle Express in Charlotte, NC. Jim Ipema and Andrew Pressman led the assignment. As part of this transition, José Costa has stepped down as CEO and will continue
Bullhorn Launches UK&I Labor Market Research Site
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has launched Bullhorn Insights, a new research and data site designed to provide near real-time visibility into labor market trends. “Temporary labor has always been a leading indicator for the employment market, contracting one to two quarters prior to contractions in the broader employment market,” the company said in a release. “Similarly, recruitment and
Beecher Reagan Names Partner
Houston, TX-headquartered executive search firm Beecher Reagan has named Scott Ratliff as partner. His promotion reflects Beecher Reagan’s long-standing philosophy of recognizing leaders who create firm-wide impact and who actively shape the firm’s future. He joins the firm’s partner group alongside Tim Reagan, Clark Beecher, Mo Captan, and Raj Kapoor. “Scott’s promotion to partner is both well-earned and
How The Tolan Group is Leveraging Leadership for Behavioral Health’s Next Growth Phase
Behavioral health is undergoing rapid expansion as demographic pressures, access challenges, and capital inflows converge. As the sector matures, organizations are rethinking leadership structures to support scale, governance, and long-term impact. Demand for behavioral health services is reshaping investment priorities, care delivery models, and leadership requirements across healthcare, according to Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and
Isaacson, Miller Assists UVA in the Recruitment of 10th President
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott C. Beardsley as the 10th president of the University of Virginia (UVA). John Isaacson, Keight Tucker Kennedy, John Muckle, Kelly McLaughlin, and Kristen Andersen led the assignment. Past president Jim Ryan resigned in June 2025 under pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice, which investigated the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits Executive Director for City Year
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bill Thompson will serve as its next senior vice president and executive director of City Year. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to City Year Los Angeles,” said Glenn Gritzner, board chair and member of the executive director search committee. “From his earliest conversations with us, Bill demonstrated
Reffett Associates Names Leader of Search Practice in the Southeast
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has named Nancy Hoffmann to lead its search practice in the Southeast. She will be based in Greensboro, NC. “Nancy’s combination of firsthand retail and government experience and her successful history in executive search combined with her heart-of-a-servant will make Nancy an incredibly valued and trusted partner for search clients across all industries and
Kingsley Gate Expands in London
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded with the addition of Simon Gray as a partner in London. “We’re delighted to welcome Simon Gray to Kingsley Gate,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With over two decades of executive search experience, Simon brings deep expertise in placing senior product and technology leaders across private equity-backed and public market
Korn Ferry’s Alan Guarino Releases New Book on Unlocking Personal Greatness
Unlock the qualities of success and reach your full potential using this new guide from leadership and career development expert Alan C. Guarino, vice chairman of Korn Ferry and the founder of Cornell International, Inc. “For each of us, the definition of success and the journey to achieve it is different,” Mr. Guarino said. “Yet,
Anthem Executive Assists Northwest Missouri State University with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Rose Marie Ward as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Northwest Missouri State University. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the search. “We are delighted to welcome Rose Marie to the Northwest team,” said Lance Tatum, president. “Her depth of experience and professional background will
HARTZ Search Recruits CFO for Intermountain Centers
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Martha Zhan as the new CFO of Intermountain Centers. “We extend our sincere congratulations to Ms. Martha Zhan and to the entire Intermountain Centers community,” Hartz Search said. Ms. Zhan brings deep expertise in non-profit accounting, extensive financial leadership experience, and a comprehensive understanding of grants and audit management. She
Slayton Search Partners Expands Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of David Turner as executive vice president in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome David to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, managing partner and CEO. “His extensive experience in food and agriculture, combined with his proven track record in executive search and his global perspective,
August Leadership Expands in Colombia
August Leadership has appointed Santiago Silva Betancourt as a partner, based in Colombia. With 37+ years of experience, he advises boards and high-growth organizations on C-suite and board appointments, primarily within financial services, and also across energy & natural resources and retail. “His work is defined by placing leaders who drive strategic change in complex environments,”
The CFO Rewired: From Leading Finance to Driving Strategic Value
Today’s CFO plays an active role in shaping corporate strategy, managing risk, and driving long-term enterprise value. They navigate complexity, challenge the status quo, and act as the CEO’s co-pilot in an ever-changing environment. CFO influence now spans capital allocation, M&A, operational efficiency, and digital transformation, according to a recent report from True. “Today’s CFO
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits VP of People and Culture for Unlimited Systems
Blue Rock Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Blair Arcaini as vice president of people and culture at Unlimited Systems. Ruben Moreno and Brad Grieco led the assignment. “Blue Rock Human Capital is excited to share the successful placement of Blair Arcaini as vice president, people and culture at unlimited technology,” Blue Rock said
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief People Officer for Step Up For Students
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been selected by Step Up For Students to lead in its search for a chief people officer. This executive plays a critical role in supporting the transformation and growth of Step Up For Students. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CPO will provide strategic leadership across human resources, workforce planning, coaching
Bryant Group Appoints Vice President
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has named Nick Miller as vice president and consultant. “Growth only matters if it strengthens what you stand for and how you serve,” said Sally Bryant, CEO of Bryant Group. “At Bryant Group, our work begins with relationships—and Nick is exactly that kind of leader: a natural connector with
4 Talent Trends Redefining Leadership Strategy in 2026
As organizations enter 2026, leadership teams are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape where disruption is constant and competitive advantage is increasingly talent-driven. The most successful companies will be those that align their people strategy with the new realities of speed, technology, and rising expectations for how leaders show up. Against that backdrop, four themes are
Stevenson Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for DaCapo Brainscience
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has placed Leslie Williams as president and CEO of DaCapo Brainscience in Cambridge, MA. “From inception, our vision has been to address neurodegenerative diseases at the point of progression,” said Matthew Peck, co-founder, senior advisor, and
Lochlin Partners Assists the National Audubon Society with CDO Search
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Shabina Bahl as chief development officer of the National Audubon Society. She will serve as a key member of Audubon’s executive team, responsible for overseeing principal, institutional, planned, and corporate giving. Ms. Bahl is an accomplished development executive with over two decades of experience leading high-performing fundraising
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Macomb Community College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Macomb Community College to lead in its search for its seventh president. The current president, James O. Sawyer, will retire at the end of the current fiscal year. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and George Santiago are leading the assignment. The successful candidate will build upon the accomplishments the college has made under
SpenglerFox Announces Leadership Changes
Global executive search provider SpenglerFox has announced leadership developments designed to strengthen the firm’s ability to serve clients in high-growth sectors. Michael Klingler will be taking on expanded responsibilities as he assumes leadership of the firm’s life sciences and healthcare practice in addition to his current role heading the private equity practice. “This move reflects the increasingly strong overlap we’re seeing between these
Korn Ferry Becomes Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games is one of the most complex operational undertakings in the world, requiring a massive workforce to execute everything from security and logistics to transportation, technology, hospitality, and athlete services. It is essential to hire the right people and build a strong leadership structures. Korn Ferry has established a strategic partnership
Egon Zehnder Elects Chair
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has elected German Herrera as the next chair by its worldwide partnership. The announcement comes in accordance with the firm’s established governance and three-year election cycle. Mr. Herrera will assume the role effective March 1, 2026 and will succeed Michael Ensser, who has held the position since 2022, in a planned succession
SPMB Recruits Chief Customer Officer for Rivian
Natalie Ryan of SPMB Executive Search has recruited Greg Revelle as chief customer officer of NASDAQ-traded Rivian in Irvine, CA. “I’m grateful to have led this search with my team at SPMB Executive Search,” Ms. Ryan said. “Greg brings a strong blend of eCommerce, marketing, and automotive leadership, and was drawn to Rivian’s commitment to AI, software-defined vehicles,
CarterBaldwin Assists Montreat College with Provost Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Hardin as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of biblical studies at Montreat College. Partner Bill Peterson led the assignment. “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Hardin to Montreat College,” said Paul J. Maurer, president. “He is a deeply respected scholar, a gifted administrator,
Pacific International Grows Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has added Tony Milando to its advisory board, following its formation earlier last year. He joins existing advisory board members Bjarne Sandager, Nielsen, Sameer Pagnis, and Eric Alström. “Tony’s experience in global operations, water technology, and large-scale mergers & acquisitions strengthens the strategic insight we provide to clients navigating their
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
TM² Executive Search Seeking CHRO for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²) was recently retained by Fort Valley State University (FVSU) to lead in its search for a chief human resources officer. President Amanda Washington Lockett and associate principals Jessica Horton and Ndeh Anyu are leading the assignment. The CHRO oversees the strategic direction of the human resources department. The CHRO provides leadership and direction for
McDermott + Bull Recruits COO for ClinNEXUS
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Jovan Hollins as chief operating officer of ClinNEXUS in Los Angeles. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “We are thrilled to welcome Jovan, a seasoned executive, change agent and visionary, with nearly two decades of leadership experience in the healthcare industry,” said ClinNEXUS’ CEO,
