DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Employment Falls by 92,000 as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.4 Percent
Employment fell by 92,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in February. Employment in healthcare decreased, reflecting strike activity. Employment in information and federal government continued to trend down. “That jobs weakness coupled
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of John Adams as the new CFO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. “John is an exceptional talent who brings deep financial expertise and strategic judgment to CSIS,” said CSIS president and CEO John Hamre. “With a record of innovative leadership and sound management,
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Solomon Page Launches Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Private Equity’s Resurgent Interest in Education: Key Trends for 2025
Following a phase of cautious investment, private equity firms have rekindled their interest in the education sector in 2025, adopting focused strategies and prioritizing long-term value generation. Education, it turns out, is a fantastic investment, and not just for the bright-eyed, ambitious youth but also for savvy investors, according to a recent report from ECA
Want to Attract Talent? Follow These Top Guidelines
In today’s digital age, it’s easy for anyone to become a company’s advocate or critic. No matter your industry, the internet has given a new voice to the masses. When thinking about your company’s hiring practices, it’s crucial to consider the experience your candidates are having from start to finish. There will come a time
Harris Search Associates Lands CIO for the University of Tennessee
Universities have long depended on executive search firms to help with their leadership needs, but these days the higher education sector is broadening its efforts to find more specialized leaders. As a result, search firms have expanded their niche offerings in the sector, identifying diversity officer, athletic directors, coaches and any number of other top
Pekarsky & Co. Tapped by the Calgary Airport Authority to Find General Counsel
The Calgary Airport Authority has tapped recruiting firm Pekarsky & Co. to lead its search for a new general counsel. Founding partner Adam Pekarsky is heading the assignment. Reporting to the authority’s vice president of finance and the CFO, the general counsel will be responsible for the delivery of internal services and managing the delivery of
IMSA International Executive Search Adds Three European Members
IMSA International Executive Search, a global search network, has added three new member companies. The firms, based in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Norway, will strengthen IMSA’s presence in Europe and fulfill its growth strategy for this year. IMSA Czech Republic will be represented by Nováček & Partners, a consulting company focusing on executive search, candidate
Witt/Kieffer Continues Expansion
Executive recruitment firm Witt/Kieffer has strengthened its search staff with the addition of Jennifer Chase as managing director of its life sciences practice. Based in Boston, she will support the recruitment of positions across the life sciences spectrum, with a particular emphasis on emerging biopharmaceutical and medical device and diagnostics firms, as well as established international life
How to Accelerate C-Suite Transitions
Organizations are investing significant time and resources in developing future C-suite leaders. Given the profound impact executives in these key roles have on business performance, it only makes sense. After all, hiring any senior-level leader represents a tremendous opportunity for value creation, or the potential for great harm, for a company. Yet surprisingly little attention
Aspen Leadership Group Finds New Leader for Christopher Street West
Aspen, CO-based search firm Aspen Leadership Group has placed Madonna Cacciatore as the new executive director of Christopher Street West (CSW), the non-profit that organizes the gay rights LA Pride Festival and Parade. Senior consultant Tim Child led the assignment. The recruitment firm conducted the search on behalf of the CSW board of directors and the organization’s
Development Guild DDI Places Major Gifts Officer at the Pine Street Inn
These are challenging days for non-profit organizations. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable organizations must overcome to stay afloat each year. So it is that roles like the major gift officer become all the more critical. Simply
Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting Launches Aerospace, Defense and Security Search Practice
Arlington, VA-based Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting has expanded its services with a new vertical practice focused on the aerospace, defense and security industries. The firm has tapped Jim Donnelly, a federal contracting industry veteran with more than 25 years of talent acquisition experience in this sector, as managing director of the new practice. “Expanding our offerings
ISPA International Search Partners Association Adds Member Firm in China
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. Recently, ISPA International Search Partners Association, added China-based recruiting firm RMG Selection as
5 Ways to Improve Employee Retention
Of all the challenges that come with running a business, one that often goes overlooked is employee retention, this according to a new report by MJS Executive Search. Hiring managers and CEOs often consider getting the right people in the door to be the most crucial aspect of talent management, but the truth is that
Vetted Solutions Finds New Leader for the American Brain Tumor Association
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), a national advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing education and information on all tumor types, has named Ralph DeVitto as its new president and CEO. Vetted Solutions’ president and founder Jim Zaniello and vice president Catherine Brown led the assignment. The organization was a seeking
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Recruits New Provost for Wright State
The hunt for university leadership has been heating up, especially with searches for provosts. Just recently, Greenwood / Asher & Associates recruited Susan Edwards as the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University in Fairborn, OH. Thomas Sudkamp is stepping down from his role at the end of June. President Jan
Odgers Berndtson Expands in Western Canada
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion – this time in Western Canada – marked by the recent appointment of Stephen Diotte to partner and head of leadership services for the Western region, as well as the firm’s new Canadian energy sector expert. Mr. Diotte has deep consulting experience in working with leaders globally around talent and
Datacenter People Launches Executive Search Division
U.K.-headquartered recruiting organization Datacenter People has formed a new executive search subsidiary, Portman Partners, to focus on C-level leadership and senior executive roles within the datacenter industry worldwide. “This is a new chapter in the growth of the firm” said Peter Hannaford, founder of Datacenter People. “We’re well established and have built a loyal following
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Taps Diversified Search to Find Next President
Executive search firm Diversified Search has been enlisted by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to help find its 13th president. Dale E. Jones, the firm’s president and CEO, is spearheading the assignment along with Julie Kanak, the leader of Diversified’s financial services practice, and board practice head Veronica Biggins. Until the new leader is selected,
PFM Executive Search Recruits VP of HR for the University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia-based PFM Executive Search has placed the new vice president of human resources for the University of British Columbia (UBC). Barbara Meens Thistle comes to the job from the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC), where she was VP of central services. PFM partners George Madden, Shelina Esmail and Allison Rzen led the search.
Quick Leonard Kieffer Adds Healthcare Association Specialist
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has announced a new of counsel relationship with H. Stephen Lieber. He will be assisting with executive search and client consulting, with a special emphasis on the healthcare association and professional society arenas, as well as the information and digital technology industry sectors. “Steve Lieber brings remarkable association CEO experience to his
Hudson Global Posts 15.9 Percent Revenue Gain
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted first quarter revenues of $16.2 million, up 15.9 percent in constant currency, from a year ago. By region, Hudson Asia Pacific led the charge, recording a revenue gain of 35 percent. Meanwhile, Hudson America and Hudson Europe struggled, posting revenue decreases of 14 percent and two percent, respectively. The New York-based recruiting company posted
Four Corners Group Names Technology Practice Leader
Toronto-headquartered executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has expanded with the addition of Sup Das as leader of its technology practice. Mr. Das has 15 years of expertise as an IT professional, helping enterprises to reach their business, organizational, and technical potential through the acquisition of top talent. His philosophy has focused heavily on the cultivation of
What to Really Consider When Hiring a Search Firm
Organizations justifiably take many criteria into account when considering partnering with an executive search firm. But which ones are the most important? A new report by Mitch Oakley, founder and CEO of search firm Charles Aris, lays out the questions to ask when selecting a recruiting firm for your next big assignment. Various studies have underscored
Ventura Partners Places Chief Retail Officer for drybar
Beverly Hills, CA-based executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has placed Courtney Gruber as the new chief retail officer for drybar, a blowout hair salon chain. Ventura founder and partner Julie Ford led the search. “Courtney is the consummate, ‘customer first’ executive and a dynamic, well-rounded leader with a proven track record of success,” said John Hefner,
Herbert Mines Lands CEO for Art Van Furniture
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
Ichor Leadership Search Finds CIO for the Department of Corrections
New Zealand-based executive recruiting firm Ichor Leadership Search has placed Alastair Turrell into the position of chief information officer at the Department of Corrections. Mr. Turrell was most recently director of the software division at Datacom, a strategic leadership role he held over a decade, contributing significantly to growth and expansion. Joining the IT services firm in 2002, he was initially appointed to lead the infrastructure division, with
ProClinical Launches New Executive Search Service
Life sciences talent solutions provider ProClinical has launched a new executive search service dubbed ProClinical Executive. The company said that it “is aiming to redefine expectations of retained search by demonstrating a more targeted and streamlined process with a core emphasis on outcomes and delivery. The new executive brand has set out a vision of
With Skilled Applicants in Short Supply, AI Emerges to Lure Passive Candidates
These are challenging days to find well-qualified talent for top roles. Beyond the well-documented, worldwide shortage of talent, unemployment is down. In fact, it hit a 19-year low of 3.9 percent in April, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers who are 25 or older was just
CohenTaylor Places CEO at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Minneapolis-headquartered CohenTaylor Executive Search has placed St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman as the new president and chief executive officer of the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. He will replace Susan Haigh, who is retiring after leading the non-profit for more than 13 years. The organization was seeking someone with a passion for affordable housing, along with a fluency and aptitude for
Vanderbloemen Search Group Tapped by Generation Church to Find New Executive Pastor
Generation Church in Mesa, AZ, has retained executive recruiting firm Vanderbloemen Search Group to lead its hunt for a new executive pastor. The church is seeking candidates who can perform well in the role, whether their education came formally or through learning on the job. “The individual who never stops learning will especially be attractive,”
ZRG Partners Expands Global HR Practice Group
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has expanded its global human resource officers’ practice with the addition of Wendy Murphy as managing director and global practice leader. She will also be engaged in ZRG’s healthcare practice, where she has deep experience in private equity healthcare searches. Joining Ms. Murphy are several key
Signium Names Leader of Global Consumer Goods and Services Practice
Executive search consortium Signium has named Annelize van Rensburg as leader of its global consumer goods and services practice. She has 20 years of executive search experience and is one of the founding members of Talent Africa, which became Signium Africa last year. “Ms. van Rensburg is fulfilling a critical role as successful practice groups are a key part
A New Way to Build Partnerships with Recruitment Firms
Qualified executive talent is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit. The recent drop of the unemployment rate to a 19-year low of 3.9 percent has impacted the availability of talent, and as a result businesses are realizing the benefits of building long-term relationships with recruiters. “Companies are more open than ever to hire retained search firms
