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Daily Newswire
AI Adoption Linked to Stronger Revenue Growth Across Executive Search Firms
Macroeconomic conditions were unpredictable and labor markets remained sluggish in 2025, but many firms were able to find success in this challenging market. One way was with AI, which revolutionized the recruitment industry in 2025. Top-performing firms are four times as likely to be using AI, and 55 percent have seen KPIs increase more than
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
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
DHR Global Assists Miami City Ballet with Artistic Director Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Gonzalo Garcia as the new artistic director of the Miami City Ballet. The search was led by Philip DeBoer, partner. “As to be expected for a company with the illustrious artistic reputation of Miami City Ballet, we received tremendous interest in the opportunity from around the
Sterling Martin Leading Search for American Association of Law Libraries Director
The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) in Chicago has retained Sterling Martin Associates to search for its next executive director. CEO and managing partner David Martin is leading the assignment along with senior associate Leigh Beal. “This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled executive who has experience in a leadership role for
Hacking the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
Demand for cybersecurity professionals at all levels is accelerating in the face of increasingly volatile global data security condition. But the talent pool remains limited and difficult to access. With cybercrime draining more than $445 billion from the global economy, International Data Corporation (IDC) has forecast that this market will present a $101 billion opportunity
CEO Worldwide Launches Female Executive Search
Executive recruitment firm CEO Worldwide has launched Female Executive Search, a recruitment platform that matches the world’s top female leadership talent with progressive businesses and organizations that value gender diversity. Despite the evidence that equality at the senior level improves the bottom line, a disparity remains in representation at the C-suite level, across all sectors.
ManpowerGroup Posts Nine Percent Q2 Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5.7 billion, an increase of nine percent from the prior year. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $5.8 billion. Results were significantly impacted by stronger foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar compared to the prior year period. The Milwaukee-based recruiting
Isaacson, Miller Retained by UConn to Find New President
As the new academic year approaches, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, increasingly, globalization. To that end, the University of Connecticut has selected Isaacson, Miller to help find its
Koya Leadership Partners Acquires Social Impact Rival
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. The latest: Non-profit search specialist Koya Leadership Partners has acquired Commongood Careers, which specializes in recruiting leaders nationwide for organizations committed to social impact. The acquisition also enables Koya to partner with talent across the career lifespan. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Commongood Careers, headquartered in
Bridgepoint Consulting Expands in Houston Market
Austin, TX-based Bridgepoint Consulting is expanding its financial consulting and professional search practices in Houston. The firm’s renewed focus in the Houston market includes the promotion of CFO consultants Ross Goolsby and Lucas Walters to director roles. The professional search practice, led by Kristi Kershaw, is expanding into the city. Messrs. Goolsby and Walters will
Here’s How Data Privacy Laws Will Impact Global Search Firms
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) recently went into effect and is expected to have a tremendous impact on executive search firms across the E.U. – including the U.K. – and how they handle personal data. GDPR also affects U.S. recruiting firms and others that collect and process information about individuals living in the E.U.,
Odgers Berndtson Strengthens Education and Sports Practices
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of three new search professionals: Jennifer Biehn, Monica Burton and Greg Santore. Their addition significantly strengthens the firm’s education and sports practices. “We’re delighted to have Jennifer, Monica and Greg on our team,” said Steve Potter, CEO of Odgers Berndtson U.S. “Together they have almost
Kevin Chase Executive Search Seeks Leader for Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund
Los Angeles-based Kevin Chase Executive Search Group has been retained to find a new executive director for the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) in New York City. Managing partner Kevin Chase is heading the assignment along with senior associate Catie DiFelice. TLDEF’s executive director is responsible for day-to-day leadership and operation of the non-profit’s
Things to Know About Hiring a Search Firm
Hiring top executives who can both effectively manage and lead an organization is a major challenge. When a company makes vital senior-level appointments, the risks are high. For top roles, the base salary is typically more than $150,000. When searching, organizations will be looking for the most suitable candidate who checks off all the boxes, including
AMN Healthcare Appoints Leadership and Search Solutions President
AMN Healthcare Services, the largest U.S. healthcare staffing provider, has named Kelly Rakowski as president for leadership and search solutions. The recent addition follows a wave of growth at AMN. Ms. Rakowski will be responsible for leading the company’s interim leadership, physician permanent placement, recruitment process outsourcing and executive search solutions services. She will report
UPMC Taps Carrington & Carrington to Find President
Chicago-based executive recruitment firm Carrington & Carrington has been selected by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to find its next president for the UPMC Cole hospital in Coudersport, PA. “Aside from having the skill level and experience, the candidate who stands out will be one who can epitomize UPMC’s mission, vision and core values in their
The Impact of Failing to Focus on Recruiting Upcoming Generations of Leaders
Business leaders are concerned about their ability to attract and retain Millennials and Gen Z workers, and the impact of failing to do so, according to a new report from talent solutions provider Allegis Group. Compounding the problem, said the study, few businesses are doing much to improve their results. Forty-nine percent of the more
Wheless Partners Finds CEO for Rainy Lake Medical Center
Following a national search, executive recruitment firm Wheless Partners has placed Robert Pastor as the new CEO of Rainy Lake Medical Center, a level 4 trauma center and community health organization in International Falls, MN. Bonnie Erickson, who served two stints as CEO, will be retiring at the end of August. “After an exhaustive search to meet the
RM Nephew and Associates Forms Alliance with Dublin-Based Search Firm
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has formed a partnership with Cronin Partners International Search, a retained executive search firm headquartered in Dublin. “Having a trusted partner based in Ireland will enable us to significantly improve our offerings to clients with needs in the European and international markets,” said Bob Nephew, the firm’s managing partner. “We
Women Remain Lacking in the C-Suite
Despite the advances women have made in today’s workplace, they still account for just a small share of top leadership posts. That’s true in politics and government, academia, the non-profit sector and particularly business. Women held only about 10 percent of the top executive positions (defined as chief executive officers, chief financial officers and the next three highest
Kensington International Finds CFOs for LGM Pharma and United Medical Systems
CFOs continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In recent months, search firms of all varieties have placed CFOs at various companies. Recently, Oak Brook, IL-based-executive search firm Kensington International placed Keith Lavery and Paul Hajjar as the new CFOs for LGM Pharma and
ZRG Partners Names Financial Officer and Blockchain Practice Heads
ZRG Partners has named Rahul Kapur as managing director and leader of the firm’s newly launched blockchain unit and Bruce J. Robertson as managing director and head of ZRG’s financial officer practice. The new blockchain practice will help the firm’s financial services, fintech and healthcare clients as well as those in emerging blockchain-centric industries meet
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for U.S. Olympic Committee
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Sarah Hirshland as the 12th CEO of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in Colorado Springs, CO. She brings a unique and proven set of skills and experiences to the USOC at a time of transformation and change for the organization. “The USOC is at a critical time in
Standish Executive Search Opens Office in New Hampshire
Providence, RI-headquartered Standish Executive Search has opened a new office in Bedford, NH in an effort to better serve clients throughout northern New England. Principal Kelley Small, a long-time New Hampshire resident, will lead the firm’s Granite State office. “Mid-size and smaller businesses located in New Hampshire that are addressing growth, change or succession challenges
Vanderbloemen Search Group Adds Vice President of Candidate Relations
Houston, TX-based Vanderbloemen Search Group, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, has added Sutton Turner as its new vice president of candidate relations. Previously, Mr. Turner led five different businesses across three different countries as CEO (U.S., Qatar and Abu Dhabi). In 2008, he served as founding CEO of Khidmah (“service” in Arabic), currently
Chief AI Officer Recruiting Seen as Top Priority for Most Companies
Organizations looking to attract artificial intelligence talent are finding such professionals scarce and the competition to land them fierce. Beyond the big tech companies, AI leadership is quickly becoming a necessary investment regardless of industry. A recent study, in fact, identified 400 discrete use cases for AI and analytics. Sixty-one percent of executives said their
Caldwell Posts 24.2 Percent Q3 Revenue Gain
Toronto-based executive search firm Caldwell has posted third quarter revenues of $18 million (Canadian), a 24.2 percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $14.4 million. During the quarter, U.S. professional fees rose 22.8 percent to $13.5 million (Canadian); however, they increased 28.9 percent excluding the effect of exchange rates. Canadian professional fees rose 10
Higher Education Leadership Search Finds New Provost for Northeastern State University
Higher Education Leadership Search has helped place Debbie Landry as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, OK. Dr. Landry served as the interim provost for nearly a year. Consultants Bill Meehan and Alan Medders led the assignment. “For over 13 years, Dr. Landry has served
CEO Confidence Dips Slightly But Remains Positive
The Conference Board’s latest measure of CEO confidence, which had increased in the first quarter of 2018, declined slightly in the second quarter. The measure now reads 63, down from 65 in the first quarter of 2018. A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses. “CEO Confidence declined slightly in the
Coulter Partners Lands CEO for Ovizio Imaging Systems
Global executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Emilie Viey as the new CEO of Ovizio Imaging Systems, a life science imaging technology company. Philip Mathuis, who co-founded Ovizio, recently stepped down. Philipp Buis, Coulter’s executive director, led the assignment. Dr. Viey will lead Ovizio’s further development as solution provider for imaging applications in life sciences.
RSR Partners Expands Asset Management Practice
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners, a retained executive search and leadership consulting firm, has expanded its asset management practice with the addition of industry veteran Michael D. Fitzgerald. In his role as a managing director, Mr. Fitzgerald is charged with launching the firm’s presence in Boston, a strategically important expansion of RSR Partners’ geographical reach. “Mike
An Up-Close Look at the Transformational Role of the CHRO
The HR role has transitioned tremendously over the past 20 years, as the function has gained in stature and prominence. But evolution in such a role does not necessarily come about by major changes and careful planning for the future. Even minor shifts can trigger a chain of events that have significant long-term impact on
Jorgenson Consulting Seeking CEO for Brunswick and Glynn County Economic Development Authority
Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting is leading the search for a new president and CEO for the Brunswick and Glynn County Economic Development Authority in Brunswick, GA. Mel Baxter, the organization’s current leader, announced in March that he would be stepping down. He said he will stay on until his replacement is in place. Todd Jorgenson, the
SpenglerFox Appoints Country Manager for Poland
London-headquartered executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Maciej Kotowicz as country manager for Poland. “It is with great pleasure that I announce our latest addition to the SpenglerFox Group, Maciej Kotowicz,” said Jens Friedrich, CEO of SpenglerFox. “Maciej will be based in Warsaw, one of our firm’s strategic hub locations and drive further growth in Central Europe as part of
