DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
EQU Advisors Leading Advancement Search for Aria University
Executive search firm EQU Advisors has been retained by Aria University to lead in its search for a vice president of advancement. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the VP plays an integral role in the Aria University’s operations, working closely with the university’s senior leadership team and the president on all fundraising matters. The
CarterBaldwin Assists Christianity Today with CEO Search
With the help of the firm CarterBaldwin Executive Search, the Christianity Today (CT) board of directors chose Nicole Massie Martin as its next president and CEO. After an extensive five-month search that included a global pool of 130 candidates, the search committee unanimously recommended Dr. Martin to the full board. She replace the previous president
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.
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
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?
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Transforming Executive Transitions into Opportunities
Leadership changes are inevitable, but they don’t have to shake an organization’s foundation. A recent report from DHR Global reveals, C-suite departures have a significant effect on employees’ trust, morale, and sense of direction. In fact, half of respondents experienced the departure of a senior executive in the past year, with 55 percent questioning whether
Pedersen & Partners Appoints Country Manager for U.K.
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has named Mark Paviour as its country manager for the United Kingdom. Mr. Paviour joins Pedersen & Partners from Egon Zehnder, where he worked for 24 years in the U.K. and the Middle East. During his tenure there, he served on the global financial services practice group leadership team, ran the asset/wealth
Job Market Trends to Watch In 2018
2017 was a landmark year for hiring. Despite two major hurricanes and political turmoil in Washington, D.C., the U.S. economy forged ahead, adding more than 1.9 million new jobs and pushing stock markets to an all-time record high. After eight years of steady jobs growth, the nation’s unemployment rate hit a 17-year low this year.
Parker Executive Search Seeks President for University of Central Florida
Parker Executive Search is looking to place the new president of the University of Central Florida (UCF) by mid-year. The Atlanta-based recruitment firm was enlisted last year to find the replacement for the school’s longtime president John Hitt, who announced his retirement in October. Perhaps Parker’s biggest challenge is finding someone who can fill the
Coulter Partners Lands New CEO for Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Sally Ann Forsyth as the new CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC). She assumes her new role in March. Dr. Forsyth, who is known for her scientific and financial expertise and as an open innovation practitioner, will lead SBC through its next phase of expansion. “Everyone talks about board and sector
Witt/Kieffer Launches Emerging Physician Leaders Recruiting Practice
Witt/Kieffer has launched an emerging physician leaders search practice, which expands the reach and capabilities of the firm’s physician integration & leadership business. Consultant Carl Fitch is leading the practice, which will help clients in healthcare and academic medicine identify potential physician administrators and executives at all levels of their organizations. “Today’s healthcare landscape requires
CNA International Opens in Germany
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. Marko Könönen will lead the new location serving as senior partner at CNA International Hamburg Germany. With its presence in Hamburg, CNA further enhances its professional executive search capability, resources and services to meet the growing business interests of companies and financial institutions in Germany,
Five Ways HR Can Maximize Data and Analytics
Big data is rewriting the script for how companies around the world do business. The market for big data and business analytics is expected to grow to $203 billion in the next three years. For human resources, the implications include better and more efficient talent management processes, greater insight into whether a candidate will be
RH Perry & Associates Tapped by West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg has retained RH Perry & Associates to lead its search for a new president, following the resignation of Fletcher Lamkin. Senior consultants Jesse Thompson and John Hutchinson are conducting the search. “I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in us … to find a president that
Nonprofit HR Associates Finds New Leader for OneWest
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Nonprofit HR Associates has placed Evon Smith as president and CEO of Louisville, KY-based OneWest, a community development group. This concluded a six-month national search. “We were impressed with Evon’s proven success in developing collaborative partnerships and leveraging resources with non-profit organizations, government entities, businesses, investors, and community stakeholders –
Caldwell Partners Posts 9.8 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase
Caldwell Partners International has posted first quarter revenues of $14.9 million (Canadian), up 9.8 percent from $13.6 million last year. “The Caldwell Partners team delivered a strong performance in the first quarter,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “The overall economic outlook remains healthy, as we continue to experience solid search demand, notwithstanding our unbalanced performance
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Regional Leader for Asia Pacific
Heidrick & Struggles has named Stephen McAlinden regional leader for Asia Pacific. He succeeds Steve Mullinjer, who will continue to pursue client work for the CEO & board practice globally. In his new role, Mr. McAlinden will lead 14 offices across Asia Pacific while continuing his client work as a partner focusing on corporate and investment banking. “Under Steve’s stewardship over the past
Companies Have Aggressive Hiring Plans for 2018
The hiring outlook for 2018 is the best the U.S. has seen in over a decade with 44 percent of employers planning to hire full-time, permanent employees in the new year and half (51 percent) expecting to hire temporary employees, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. The most pressing question, however, remains: How quickly can they fill
Harris Search Associates Tapped By University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
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 athletic directors, coaches and any number of other top posts. The
MJM Global Search Seeks CEO for the National Livestock Producers Association
The National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), the national association of livestock marketing cooperatives and their captive livestock credit corporations, is looking for its next chief executive officer. The organization has enlisted Denver area-based MJM Global Search to find its new leader. Scott Stuart, longtime head of the NLPA, recently left the organization to take on the
The Lancer Group Opens Office in Dallas
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, has opened a new office in Dallas and named Kevin Anderson as partner. The firm now has six offices in the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Anderson brings to Lancer Group over 20 years of experience in executive search across the IT services, software, industrial technology,
Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search Join Forces
The wave of mergers and partnerships in the executive search industry is continuing in the New Year. Recently, Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search (GPS) officially merged. The newly formed entity, which is called GPS, will have vertical expertise in professional services, data analytics, life sciences, supply chain technologies, logistics and medical
Another Look at the Impact and Implications of Pay History Legislation
As more cities and states enact legislation to restrict employers, and their search agents, from asking candidates about their pay history, questions remain about the effectiveness of such laws, according to a new study by the recruitment firm NGS Global. The report, “Challenges of Gathering Compensation Data on Candidates,” spearheaded by managing partners David Nosal
Shelli Herman and Associates Lands CFO for the Museum of Contemporary Art
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kate Motonaga as the new CFO of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, led the search along with her associate, Krista Haley. MOCA was seeking an experienced, results-oriented CFO for the strategic financial health, operational management and administration of the museum. Ms. Motonaga
EFL Associates Tapped by CalSTRS to Hunt for Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and in the years ahead it is expected to soar. Recruiters say the need for chief investment officers across the asset allocator spectrum, including endowments and foundations, and corporate, public and state plans, have significantly increased in number over the last five years as
RSR Partners Forms Alliance with OnPoint Consulting
Executive search firm RSR Partners has established an alliance with OnPoint Consulting, an organizational and leadership development consulting firm, to deliver leadership assessment capabilities to their clients. The partnership creates an integrated but independent platform, separating search and assessment to ensure clients are provided with objective and unbiased advice, said the search firm. In addition, OnPoint Consulting’s
IIC Partners Appoints Leader of Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Practice
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has named Paul Dinte as the new leader of its aviation, aerospace & defense practice. Mr. Dinte is founder, chairman and CEO of Dinte Executive Search and has over 20 years of experience in executive search, specializing in the defense and technology sectors. Mr. Dinte previously served as global chair for IIC
Women in the C-Suite Still Lagging Behind Male Counterparts
The percentage of women in most C-suite positions is dramatically lower than their male counterparts, according to a new report by Korn Ferry. The study, drawn from an analysis of the top 1,000 U.S. companies by revenue, examined the percentage of women by title and industry and provides an update to a similar report the
Jorgenson Consulting Seeks CEO for Puget Sound Economic Growth Group
The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance has selected Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Todd Jorgenson, the search firm’s managing director and principal, is leading the assignment. The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance is the working name for a new regional organization created to enhance trade and
Brooke Chase Associates Finds New CFO for Fabuwood Cabinetry
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one recent example, Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates helped place Eric Skorge as CFO with Fabuwood Cabinetry in Jersey City, NJ. Mr. Skorge is known as an experienced leader
Heidrick & Struggles Restructures to Lower Costs, Improve Efficiencies; Chief Administrative Officer Leaves Post
A restructuring plan is underway at Heidrick & Struggles to reduce overall costs and improve efficiencies in its operations over the next several months. The expected annual cost savings from the restructuring is expected to range from $11 million to $13 million. According to sources, the restructuring will include Heidrick cutting its workforce of 1,600 employees
Hotelivate Opens to Serve Hospitality Sector
An array of new recruiting firms have been started around the world in recent months. The latest: Hotelivate, a hospitality consulting firm, has been launched in India by Manav Thadani and Megha Tuli. The new operation comes as a result of Mr. Thadani, who served as HVS APAC chairman, ending his joint venture arrangement with HVS.
How New Market Dynamics are Shifting Priorities for Executive Recruiters
To remain relevant to their clients, executive recruiters – now more than ever – must be willing to adapt. In the new global context, “leadership as usual” is well on its way out, and recruiters must stop relying on an increasingly out-of-date search and selection approach, which is simply no longer enough. By way of
CarterBaldwin Lands New Leader for the Heritage Foundation
After an extensive search, CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Kay Coles James as the first African-American president of the Heritage Foundation, a renowned conservative think tank. She becomes the sixth president in the group’s 44-year history. The assignment was conducted by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding and associate partner Andrea McDaniel Smith. Ms. James’ ascension follows
ZRG Partners Names Smooch Reynolds As Managing Director
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has expanded with the addition of Smooch R. Reynolds as managing director. Ms. Reynolds’ career spans more than 25 years in executive search, specifically focused in the global investor relations officer and chief communications officer functional areas. She moves to ZRG from DHR International, where she
Lucas Group Seeking Chief People Officer for Denver-Based Joint Venture
Executive search firm Lucas Group has been retained to lead the chief people officer search for the new joint venture formed by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company. Kyle Lehman, managing partner, human resources executive search, is spearheading the assignment. The enterprise is a lifestyle and outdoors company with designs on shaping the
Odgers Berndtson, Continuing Expansion, Adds Four Recruiters
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of four experienced and well-established executive search professionals to the firm: Richard Kim, Diane Lavietes, Margaret Plympton, and Richard Modecki. Mr. Kim has joined as a partner in the firm’s Houston office where he will work Jim Thompson and Gary Payne serving the firm’s







