DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
The Structural Shift in Executive Search: Why a Third Model Is Emerging
The executive search industry is undergoing a fundamental structural shift—one that goes beyond the long-standing divide between retained and contingent models. As leadership roles become more complex, business environments more volatile, and the consequences of hiring mistakes more severe, the traditional frameworks that once defined the market are proving insufficient. What is emerging in their
AI-Forward Leadership: Driving Strategy, Innovation, and Performance in the Digital Age
AI-forward leadership describes an approach that emphasizes the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into organizational strategy. It reflects a forward-looking mindset among leaders who understand AI’s transformative potential and use it to drive business outcomes. Such leaders are characterized by their willingness to embrace technology, their adaptability in evolving environments, and their commitment to
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
Shaping Leadership, One Search at a Time
The executive search sector draws professionals from a wide array of backgrounds, each with unique motivations for entering the field. For some, it’s the intellectual challenge and strategic nature of identifying transformative leadership that captivates them. Others are inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of organizations, ranging from nimble startups to global
Ryan Search & Consulting Develops Healthcare Focus
Franklin, TN-headquartered executive search firm Ryan Search & Consulting recently expanded into the healthcare space with the addition of Steve Shores as a senior consultant. “With the healthcare industry in the throes of immense upheaval, it has become essential to find the right leaders who know the industry well and can guide the full range
Worker Confidence Level Approaching Record High
American workers’ confidence is nearing its highest level ever and is continuing a year-long trend of positive progression, according to the national Worker Confidence Index from HRO Today Magazine and Yoh. The index gauges workers’ perceptions of the four key drivers of worker confidence. This past quarter the Worker Confidence Index (WCI) increased by 2.6 points, and has increased
Collegiate Sports Associates Finds Head Basketball Coach for University of Georgia
Universities continue to turn to search firms to fill their top coaching vacancies. Recently, Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) placed Tom Crean as the new men’s head basketball coach for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He replaces Mark Fox who was fired at the end of the season after nine years with the school. The search firm was
B.E. Smith Places CEO at Avera Health
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts and whatever changes are coming. This has produced a high demand
Heidrick & Struggles Launches New Recruiting Practice Focused on AI
Citing a shortage of leaders with the ability to apply a deep understanding of artificial intelligence to transform an organization’s business model, Heidrick & Struggles has launched a new specialty practice focused on AI. The unit, which will help clients identify and develop senior talent needed to bring the power of emerging technologies to their
Recruit Holdings Completes Glassdoor Acquisition
Tokyo-based Recruit Holdings, a human resources company with far-reaching tentacles into the global recruiting sector, has completed its $1.2 billion acquisition of Glassdoor. Glassdoor, renowned for its employee reviews of businesses as well as salary information, has become “a distinct and separate part” of Recruiting Holdings’ expanding HR technology business segment. “Glassdoor has transformed how people search for
How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Culture of Work
Artificial intelligence is poised to become one of the most important business disruptors of our times. But too often people look only at the potential downsides of machines simulating human intelligence and overlook the positive impact and value that AI stands to deliver, particularly when it comes to organizational culture. A new white paper report
Egon Zehnder Elects Chairwoman in a First for Recruiting Sector
Executive recruitment firm Egon Zehnder has elected Jill Ader as its new chair. She will take over on Nov. 1 upon the retirement of Damien O’Brien who has chaired the firm since 2010. Ms. Ader becomes the first female chair within the global top five executive search and leadership advisory firms. “Jill is exceptionally well suited to
Tyler & Company Seeking New President for Georgia Urology
Atlanta-based executive recruitment firm Tyler & Company has been retained by Georgia Urology to lead its search for a new president. Vice president Chris Ekrem is leading the assignment along with Hallie Banker. This is a newly created position, reporting to the CEO, in tandem with the managing director. Having experienced exponential growth over the last 40-plus years
Partners International Places Director of Learning at Consumer Reports
Peter Movesian, SVP of executive search at New York City-based Partners International, has placed former Viacom executive Gwyneth Meeks as director of learning and development at Consumer Reports. “Gwynn has had a great background in assisting organizations that are transforming,” said Mr. Movesian. “She is a great collaborator and partners and will fit into the
Booming Private Equity Sector Feeds TritonExec’s Expansion to the U.S.
Aside from the big-branded executive recruiters, all of whom devote significant time and manpower to talent acquisition initiatives throughout the PE space, a number boutique search firms are working alongside these investment brands to provide talent up and down the functional scale. And much of the activity is taking place on American shores. Following that demand,
Expertise, Deep Perspective Serve Clients Beyond Simply Filling Jobs
The most effective executive search firms do much more than simply go out and find talent. Their consultants bring deep passion, curiosity and interest to their work. What’s more, they are constantly learning about their sector, its people and the nuances of the varied roles. In a nutshell, that’s the kind of firm that Matt
Acertitude Places CFOs for DexKo Global
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Jeff Richard as DexKo Global’s new chief financial officer and Derek Peabody as CFO of the company’s subsidiary, Dexter. The two finance leaders are critical hires for DexKo, which seeks to grow aggressively both organically and through acquisitions. Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner of Acertitude, led both searches, partnering closely
Strategic Government Resources Seeks Two New Police Chiefs in Pennsylvania
In separate assignments, Keller, TX-based executive search firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR) has been chosen to find new police chiefs for two municipalities in Pennsylvania, Newtown Township and Edinboro. Newtown Township, in Bucks County, has a population of about 20,000. The community is looking for a chief of police with exceptional leadership and management skills
Ridgeway Partners Continues Expansion
London-headquartered executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has expanded with the addition of Katie Thomas as a partner. “We are delighted to welcome Katie to the Ridgeway team,” said Sue O’Brien, managing partner at Ridgeway Partners. “Every industry challenge needs effective leadership, so we see the retail and broader consumer service sectors as a growth opportunity under Katie’s direction. With her relationships merging with our
Attracting Top Talent in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is quickly emerging as a game-changer for recruiting – enabling organizations to more readily identify and hire candidates. It is enabling search firms to find and evaluate talent with greater accuracy and speed. New recruitment technology can sift through tremendous amounts of data to identify top prospects exponentially faster than any individual, or
Lochlin Partners Finds Chief Policy Officer for the American Bankers Association
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Naomi Camper as chief policy officer for the American Bankers Association (ABA) in Washington, D.C. She started her new position on Monday. Lochlin’s managing partners Patrick Friel and Liza Wright led the assignment. “I am thrilled that Naomi has agreed to join ABA at this important moment for the
NETcon Taps Sheffield Search to Find CEO
New Zealand-headquartered executive recruiting firm Sheffield Search has been selected by power transmission company NETcon to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The assignment is being led by Nick Gee, manager of Sheffield’s South Island operation. “This role offers both challenge and great opportunity with the chance to shape an organization as
Human Capital Group Adds Healthcare Veteran
Nashville, TN-based the Human Capital Group has expanded with the addition of healthcare veteran Paul Cleckner as managing director. Mr. Cleckner brings more than 25 years of senior operating and leadership experience in healthcare and technology. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of Saint Thomas Health and prior to that was VP of operations
Global Healthcare Services Creates New Recruitment Platform
Rocky River, OH-headquartered executive search firm Global Healthcare Services (GHS) recently detected a disturbing trend within the sector it serves: Hospitals were struggling with employee retention, from staff to leadership roles, with the C-suite’s annual turnover as high as 20 percent in recent years. GHS saw an opportunity to implement a recruitment platform called IRIS
3 Ways Assessments Can Go Wrong and How to Get Them Right
With the accelerated pace of change and constant potential for disruption, the costs of getting important leadership decisions wrong – whether for selecting senior leaders, leadership development or succession planning – have never been higher. Despite these risks, many organizations underestimate the importance of a robust assessment process, according to a new report issued by Spencer
Grace Blue Lands New Leader for VCU Brandcenter
Grace Blue has placed Vann Graves as the new executive director of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Brandcenter. He takes over the role from Helayne Spivak, who left the school in May. “Along with my colleagues, I am delighted that Vann Graves is coming to VCU Brandcenter as its new executive director,” said Michael Rao,
Russell Reynolds Associates Places CEO at CropLife America
CropLife America (CLA), the leading association for the U.S. crop protection industry, has chosen former National Pork Board executive Chris Novak as its CEO. Russell Reynolds Associates assisted on the assignment. Mr. Novak will start his new role on Aug. 20. “I’m pleased to announce that Chris Novak has been selected by our board’s search committee
NPAworldwide Adds 10 New Member Firms Across the U.S.
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 10 new member locations across the
Indeed Acquires Resume.com
Job aggregator Indeed recently acquired Resume.com, an online service for creating personalized resumes. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Over 3.5 million job seekers use Resume.com, creating more than 40,000 resumes every week, and accessing timely career resource information. Indeed will continue to operate resume.com and enable job seekers to build, download, and print personalized
The Digital Future of Recruiting: 5 Solutions to Improve Hiring and Retention
In today’s competitive recruiting market, search firms must be nimble and efficient. One way to get there: Invest in digital tools to hire and onboard best-in-class professionals. Many organizations still use manual or paper-based processes, which are slow, expensive, and error-prone, resulting in inefficient operations and compliance risks. A new report by DocuSign found that
SearchWide Finds New Leader for the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau
After suffering a massive hit during the Great Recession, employment and hiring within the travel, hotel and hospitality industry continues to rebound. Last year, according to one set of survey metrics, the industry added 527,000 jobs (2.6 million since 2004). That number is likely to increase this year as global tourism and traveling in general are
Eastman & Beaudine Leading Athletic Director Search for University of South Florida
Executive search firm Eastman & Beaudine has been retained by the University of South Florida (USF) to lead its search for a new athletic director. Scott Kull, USF’s deputy athletic director for external operations, has been named interim AD while the school looks to replace Mark Harlan, who recently stepped down. “USF Athletics has gained tremendous momentum over the past
Heidrick & Struggles Launches Cross-Industry Innovation Network
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has launched a new cross-industry corporate innovation network that it is calling the Game-Changer Collaborative (GCC). The GCC enables members to collaborate around emerging technologies, external innovation opportunities and approaches to accelerating innovation in their organizations, said the Chicago-based firm. The GCC includes several
Executive Search Veteran Stephanie Pinson Dies
Stephanie Pinson, president of executive search firm Gilbert Tweed International, has died. Ms. Pinson, born May 23, 1936, had been with the New York City-based recruitment provider since 1981 and was a member of its board of directors. She had in-depth experience as a search consultant to the highly complex insurance industry, where she specialized
How Predictive Analytics Promotes Better Decision Making and Efficiency
At most major corporations, it is critical for the head of HR to be an extremely strong strategic and trustworthy adviser to the CEO, the board of directors and senior management. That means not just filling leadership positions with the current needs of the organization, but being able to look to the future in terms
