DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
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?
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
New IANS and Artico Search Report Finds Only 34 Percent of Cybersecurity Professionals Plan to Stay in Their Current Roles
Only 34 percent of cybersecurity professionals plan to stay with their current employer, highlighting declining job satisfaction across the field and challenging CISOs to be aggressive and innovative in how they retain talent in a challenging labor market, according to IANS and Artico Search’s just released 2026 Cybersecurity Talent Report. As organizations rely on their
Hiring Interim CEOs for PE Portfolio Companies
Private equity firms are increasingly relying on interim CEOs to drive transformation within their portfolio companies. As interim leadership becomes a mainstream solution, the critical question evolves: how can firms deploy it to achieve transformative outcomes? In 2025’s challenging market environment, where value creation depends on operational excellence rather than financial engineering, interim CEOs have become
Waterstone Human Capital Acquires Hire Integrated; Appoints Managing Director and President of Waterstone USA
Culture-driven executive search and leadership advisory firm Waterstone Human Capital has acquired Hire Integrated, a U.S.-based professional recruitment firm. As part of this strategic growth, Emily Rushton has been appointed managing director and president of Waterstone USA. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, she will lead Waterstone’s U.S. operations and oversee the integration of Hire
Academic Career & Executive Search Assists Washtenaw Community College with the Recruitment of Chief Public Affairs Officer
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Holdsworth as chief public affairs officer of Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, MI. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “Congratulations to Washtenaw Community College and Dr. Amanda Holdsworth on being chosen as the chief public affairs officer,” ACES said in a
LHH Knightsbridge Recruits Chief Legal Officer for LCBO
LHH Knightsbridge has assisted in the recruitment of Sacha Fraser as chief legal officer of LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). Partner Tara Veysey and managing partner Lisa Knight led the assignment. “I am pleased to announce that Sacha Fraser has joined LCBO as our new chief legal officer, overseeing our legal and procurement teams,” said George Soleas, president
Korn Ferry Q1 Revenue Rises Five Percent to $708.6 Million as Executive Search and Interim Lead Gains
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2026 revenues of $708.6 million, an increase of five percent year-over-year at actual, and four percent at constant currency. Fee revenue grew year-over-year in each solution, led by professional search & interim (10 percent actual) and executive search (eight percent actual). “I am pleased with our company’s performance,” said
Merging Behavioral Analysis with Personality Insights in Executive Search
Executive hiring goes far beyond resumes—it requires understanding how leaders think, act, and respond under pressure. Executive hiring demands more than assessing experience and qualifications; it requires a deeper understanding of who the candidate is and how they behave in critical moments, according to a report from TRANSEARCH’s Asianet Consultants. The study, authored by Brant
GHP Search Fills Board Positions for Teach For America New York
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently retained by Teach For America New York to assist in expanding its board of directors. New members identified by GHP include Haidee Lee, Partner, global co-head of financial sponsor M&A at Goldman Sachs, Scott Mullins, managing director, general manager, AWS Worldwide Financial Services at Amazon Web Services, Kevin Pemberton, managing director, senior strategy
RSR Partners Selected by US Squash for CEO Search
US Squash has selected Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners to lead the search for the organization’s next CEO. “I’m honored to share that US Squash has selected RSR Partners to lead the search for the organization’s next CEO,” RSR CEO Brett Stephens said in a LinkedIn post. “Over my career, I have led numerous CEO searches, but this
HTP Group Adds Partner in Lisbon
HTP Group has added Pedro Branco to the partnership team in Lisbon. “Pedro embodies the combination of executive search expertise, academic depth, and leadership development vision that perfectly fits our mission,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “His passion for helping executives and organizations embrace transformation with resilience and responsibility will strongly contribute to our
The CHRO’s Role in Private Equity: Driving Value at Speed and Scale
In every industry, the CHRO serves as the guardian of culture, the designer of talent strategy, and a key advisor to the CEO. It is demanding work—transformational, complex, and deeply human. In a private equity-backed portfolio company, those responsibilities remain, but the tempo shifts dramatically: there is no long runway. With a defined investment plan
AI Meets Executive Search: The New Algorithmic Era
Artificial intelligence is transforming how executive search is conducted, from sourcing and shortlisting to delivery and client engagement. In today’s competitive landscape, AI isn’t just a tool to speed up the process, it’s fast becoming a critical edge for winning mandates and enhancing outcomes. “The hype is over,” said Andrew Quinn, CTO of Ezekia and
Wray Executive Search Recruits CEO for Twin Hospitality Group
The hospitality industry continues to see strong demand for proven leadership as brands expand, innovate, and compete for market share. Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, recently assisted in the recruitment of Kim Boerema as the new CEO of Twin Hospitality Group
The Energists Strengthens Brookside Energy Leadership with Key CFO and Investor Relations Appointments
The Energists is a boutique executive search firm focused on the energy sector. Its client list is diverse across the energy industry, geographies, and business scenarios. A boutique, high integrity firm established in 1979, The Energists operates exclusively within the energy industry. Its staff comprises accomplished industry professionals and leaders, each with their own area
Signium Expands into Athens, Greece
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded in Athens, Greece with the additions of Artemis Miropoulos and Dimitris Papanikitopoulos. They are the founders of Linkage, a SHRM company that offers leadership development resources focused on producing effective and purposeful leaders. “Artemis and Dimitris bring a depth of expertise and human understanding that resonates with Signium’s core values,” said Annelize van
Clarity Over Charisma: How Great Leaders Truly Communicate
Effective leadership communication isn’t about eloquence, charisma, or having the loudest voice in the room—it’s about connection. The most impactful leaders understand that words are only a small part of the equation. True influence comes from clarity, empathy, and the ability to listen as much as you speak. When leaders shift their focus from how
U.S. Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent as Healthcare Gains Offset Government and Energy Losses
Employment rose by 22,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. A job gain in healthcare was partially offset by losses in federal government and in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Advancement Officer for the Taft School
Nicole Poe, Maureen Perry, and Ryan Cheung of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller have recruited Kathleen Cleary as the new chief advancement officer of the Taft School. The appointment follows a nationwide search led by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, with guidance from an advisory committee that helped shape the position description, review candidate materials, and interview
NU Advisory Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for M-Files
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Debbie Umbach as chief marketing officer of M-Files, a Austin, TX-based provider of AI-native document management. “We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie to the team,” said Jay Bhatt, CEO of M-Files. “Her deep expertise across the entire marketing lifecycle, from building growth engines to elevating global brand
Tempting Talent Opens New Office in Miami
Tempting Talent, a global provider of recruitment-to-recruitment, search-to-search and building talent teams within investment sectors, has opened a new office in Miami. “Since inception, Tempting Talent has developed deep partnerships with executive search firms, staffing agencies, and PE/VC funds across North America, the opening of a Miami office reinforces its commitment to growth in the
Agile Leadership Strategies: 6 Ways to Lead with Flexibility and Focus
Today’s organizations are navigating an environment of almost constant disruption and change. From ongoing economic uncertainty and rapid advances in digital transformation, to shifting workforce demographics and rising employee expectations, businesses are being challenged to adapt faster than ever before. Traditional leadership models, which often emphasize stability, hierarchy, and predictability, are no longer sufficient to
SPMB Recruits Chief Product Officer for Menlo Security
SPMB Executive Search recently placed Ramin Farassat as chief product officer of Menlo Security, Inc. The search was led by Sean Lucq from SPMB’s engineering and product practice. “Ramin’s deep commitment to innovation and his passion for building high-performing teams make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Menlo Security’s mission of fundamentally shifting how organizations secure users and data in
The Moran Company Recruits Eighth Executive Director for the American Philatelic Society
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted in the recruitment of Kirk Gillis as the eighth executive director of the American Philatelic Society (APS). Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. Mr. Gillis replaces outgoing executive director Scott English, who announced his departure in November 2024, completing almost
Spencer Stuart Names Co-Leader of Board Advisory Practice
Spencer Stuart has expanded with the addition of Rebecca Thornton in New York as co-leader of the board advisory practice. She will lead the practice alongside George Anderson, who is based in Spencer Stuart’s Boston office. Julie Daum, a longtime firm leader in board advisory, will serve as chair of the practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca back
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Tokyo
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded in Japan with the addition of FocusCore Group K.K. in Tokyo as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome the FocusCore team to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “With their stellar reputation and deep expertise in the Japanese market—particularly in finance and accounting
Six Strategies to Get Ahead of Geopolitical Business Risks
For businesses operating in today’s volatile marketplace, geopolitical risks have moved from background noise to boardroom priority. Whether it’s trade wars, military conflicts, new regulatory regimes, or diplomatic breakdowns, international business leaders are finding that geopolitical factors now influence everything from supply chain continuity to investor confidence, according to a recent report from Signium’s Angela
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for iOnctura
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Steven Sciuto as the new CFO of iOnctura. “Following our successful initiation of a number of Phase II studies for our lead asset, roginolisib, we are committed to building a world-class leadership team that not only delivers on the promise of this asset but also strengthens our entire portfolio,” said Catherine
BoardWalk Consulting Assists the Lumpkin Family Foundation with Executive Director Search
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the placement of Heidi Dusek as executive director of the Lumpkin Family Foundation. Founder Sam Pettway and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. Bruce Karmazin, the foundation’s executive director since 2001, told the board of his intention to retire this summer. “Deep appreciation is also given to the search committee, chair Steve Shirar,
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Airport Director for Addison Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has recruited Jaime Edrosa as airport director of Addison Airport (ADS), one of the largest general aviation airports in the United States. Senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn led the search team. “Jaime Edrosa’s broad experience across airport operations, construction, and security, paired with his collaborative leadership style, makes him an outstanding fit to
Dexian Acquires Conga Technologies to Boost AI and Workplace Solutions
Dexian, a global provider of talent and technology solutions, has acquired Conga Technologies, an innovator in AI-powered managed services used by technology enterprises in search, cloud, storage, social networking, semiconductor, and enterprise software (SaaS) solutions. Financial terms of the deal were not included. The acquisition along with the formation of its new ByteMethod.ai subsidiary is part
Why Talent Is The Primary Success Lever in M&A Deal Making
Dealmakers say people matter. But when it comes to execution, most still overlook human capital where it counts. That is the main finding from The Say Versus Do Divide in M&A, a 2025 report from Mercer and the Transaction Advisors Institute. The study, based on insights from corporate development and HR leaders involved in more than 1,200
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Uplift Education
After a robust succession planning process led by the board and in partnership with global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates, Uplift Education has appointed Remy Washington as its next CEO beginning in January 2026. Longtime CEO Yasmin Bhatia will retire from her role at the end of December 2025. Dr. Washington, currently president of Uplift,
