DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Egon Zehnder Appoints U.S. Market Leader
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Grant Clayton as U.S. market leader. He succeeds German Herrera, who has held the position since 2021 and was recently elected global chair of the firm. “It has been a privilege to witness the outstanding leadership that has driven Egon Zehnder’s growth in the United States, and I am
Accenture Signals the Rise of the ‘Agentic Deal’
Accenture’s latest report, The Dawn of the Agentic Deal, points to a clear turning point in M&A. Over the past decade, technology has largely been used to improve speed and efficiency, enhancing diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning. That advantage, however, is quickly becoming table stakes. What’s emerging now is structurally different. AI is no longer
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.
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
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?
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
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The AI Adoption Curve in Executive Search
Executive search firms are moving rapidly along the AI adoption curve, integrating artificial intelligence into their workflows not as a novelty, but as a strategic advantage. Leaders from NU Advisory Partners, Bespoke Partners, and Accelent recently shared with Hunt Scanlon Media how AI is transforming research, accelerating search processes, and redefining candidate engagement—while also highlighting
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
Morris & Berger Seeking Development Officer for LA Family Housing
Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, has been enlisted by LA Family Housing (LAFH) to help find a new chief development officer. LAFH helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. Since 1983, the non-profit has become one of the
Charles Aris Appoints Technology Practice Leader
The booming technology sector, vibrant even when the economy was softer, shows little sign of retreat, according to a host of recruiters who service companies across the field. It continues, in fact, to produce capabilities and services that few imagined just a decade ago. In response, a number of search firms have expanded their technology search practices. Greensboro, NC-based executive
NPAworldwide Continues to Bolster Roster
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. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member locations across Australia, Malaysia, Thailand
24 Ways to Work with an Executive Recruiter
Have you ever made a comment to someone and immediately wished you could take it back? Or given someone a reason that was an easy or logical explanation, only to realize it was a fabrication that you were too embarrassed to admit? We’ve all done it. But if you’re trying to pass over the real reasons
Brent D. Glass Tapped by the Berkshire Museum to Find New Leader
The board of trustees of the Berkshire Museum has retained Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Brent D. Glass LLC to identify candidates for the executive director role at the museum. Van Shields announced his retirement from the position in June. The search firm, led by Brent Glass, provides management consulting to museums, historic sites and other cultural organizations,
Vanderbloemen Search Group Tapped by Providence Church to Find Senior Pastor
Houston-based Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has been retained by Providence Church in Nederland, TX, to lead its search for a new senior pastor. The senior pastor of Providence Church will be expected to provide overall direction and vision for the congregation, perform pastoral duties, supervise and lead staff, and be
StevenDouglas Opens New Office in Jacksonville
Executive search firm StevenDouglas is continuing its recent expansion with the addition of a new office in Jacksonville, FL. This marks the firm’s sixth office in the Sunshine State. Leading the new office is HR veteran Ken Heinrich. Recent gains in construction, manufacturing, professional services and tourism helped annual job growth rise to 4.3 percent last year,
Harvey Nash Names President of Technology Recruitment Division for North America
London-based recruitment firm Harvey Nash named Sean Gilligan as president of its technology recruitment division for North America. For the past 18 months, Mr. Gilligan has taken on a more strategic role within the operations of the technology recruitment segment, leading the growth in Harvey Nash’s technology recruitment business across North America. “In a tight labor market,
10 Years On, Post-Recession Workers More Confident and Respected
A new Korn Ferry analysis of U.S. employee engagement data shows distinct shifts in employees’ attitudes toward their workplaces in the 10 years since the start of the Great Recession. The analysis of more than one million workers in about 180 companies shows both positive and negative trends from 2008 to 2018. On the positive side, the analysis
Eastman & Beaudine Lands Athletic Director for University of South Florida
Universities continue to turn to executive search firms to find new athletic directors. Eastman & Beaudine recently placed Michael Kelly as the new athletic director of the University of South Florida (USF). Mark Harlan stepped down from the post this spring. “Michael Kelly is a proven leader with a wealth of experience across the national
Cejka Leading CEO Search for Valley-Wide Health Systems
Cejka Executive Search has been retained to find a new president and chief executive officer for Valley-Wide Health Systems, a community-based healthcare provider in Alamosa, CO. The search is being led by Mark Madden, executive vice president and managing principal. Valley-Wide wants a visionary leader who will provide overall oversight and management of the private
Ward Howell Adds Partner to Establish Hospitality Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has appointed Stuart K. Smith as partner in its hospitality & travel practice. He will provide services to leaders of the hotel, restaurant and gaming industries. Based in the firm’s New York office, Mr. Smith joins Ward Howell with more than 20 years of business and leadership experience, having worked extensively throughout
