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Daily Newswire
Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
Morgan Samuels Company Recruits CFO for PE-Backed Western States Water
Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company has Tanya Toot as the new CFO of Western States Water, a Strength Capital Partners portfolio company. Tom Dunn, Jarrod Gray, Justin Kai Ossola, Benjamin Wolf, Mallory Allen, and Raquel De La Vega led the assignment. “We’re grateful for the trust from the Strength Capital and Western States Water teams,
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 Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
ADP Acquires WorkMarket
Roseland, NJ-based ADP has acquired WorkMarket, a cloud-based workforce management solution provider that allows companies to build and manage an integrated workforce across W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, vendors and other types of workers. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. With the acquisition, ADP builds on its current portfolio of payroll and human capital management
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Adds Higher Education Veteran
West Hartford, Conn-based Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has expanded with the addition of Charles J. Fey as an executive search consultant. Dr. Fey retired after a noteworthy 44-year career in student affairs and student success. He held a number of positions including: president for student engagement and success at the University of Akron, VP for
CEO Confidence in the Economy at All-Time High
A record-breaking number of CEOs are optimistic about the short term economic environment, according to PwC’s 21st annual survey of CEO sentiment. Fifty-seven percent of business leaders said they believe global economic growth will improve in the next 12 months. That’s almost twice the level of last year (29 percent) and the largest increase since PwC began asking
Milwaukee Brewers Tap Turnkey Search to Fill VP HR and CFO Roles
Sports and entertainment recruitment firm Turnkey Search has been enlisted by the Milwaukee Brewers professional baseball team to lead its search for both a vice president of human resources and chief financial officer. The VP of HR is expected to establish the Brewers’ HR function as a fully-integrated, highly communicative and innovative internal resource, said Turnkey. The
Heidrick & Struggles Shuffles Leadership
Moving ahead with the restructuring plans that it revealed last month, Heidrick & Struggles has announced a series of changes to its leadership team. The moves are keeping in step with president and CEO Krishnan Rajagopalan’s past remarks and his statement in January that the firm was “in the process of examining every aspect of
Howe-Lewis Seeking Development Officers for New York-Based Non-Profits
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. After all, CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving and galvanizing new donors while keeping old funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job one. Howe-Lewis International was recently selected
Kingsley Gate Names Senior Partners
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has expanded with the additions of Jim Thompson, Victor Kleinman and Alison Woodhead as senior partners. Dr. Thompson brings more than three decades of experience in consulting to Kingsley Gate. He specializes in applied research. He has designed and developed instruments to help companies with executive evaluation and placement, organizational assessment and strategic
Companies Adjust to Candidate-Driven Job Market
Businesses are bolstering efforts to improve the workplace experience, fueled in part by record-low unemployment and a spike in business confidence, according to a recently released report by Randstad Sourceright. Based on a global survey of more than 800 C-suite and human capital leaders, the “2018 Talent Trends Report” found that 51 percent of employers
Korn Ferry Names Chief Marketing Officer; Heidrick & Struggles Sheds CMO Role as Part of Restructuring
Chief marketing officers are playing increasingly vital roles at executive search firms as search outfits continue to expand into new lines of business and evolve their brands. Korn Ferry, a leader in the talent space, has just added Jill Wiltfong as its new chief marketing officer. She will be responsible for global brand and marketing
Development Guild DDI Seeks Major Gift Officers for Three Diverse Charities
For not-for-profit organizations, these are challenging days. 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
Tyler & Co. Leading CEO Search for GI Specialists of Georgia
Executive search firm Tyler & Company has been selected by GI Specialists of Georgia, a gastroenterology healthcare practice, to lead its search for a new CEO. Senior consultant Hallie Banker is leading the assignment. The CEO is accountable for management of all GI Specialists clinic operations, ancillary services and ambulatory surgery centers, including strategic planning for the
Simon Pollock & Co. and Sucherman Group Form Alliance
London-headquartered executive search firm Simon Pollock & Co. and New York-based Sucherman Group are partnering to help one another serve clients in their respective across-the-pond markets. Both firms are dedicated to finding leaders in the media and entertainment space. “My global clients are all looking to do more business in the U.S. and I couldn’t
Recruit Group Holdings Integrates Recruiting Brands
In an effort to enhance the breadth of its recruiting services across Asia, RGF Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Recruit Holdings Co. – owner of global jobs platform Indeed – plans to integrate its seven brands into three service brands: RGF Executive Search, RGF Professional Recruitment and RGF HR Agent. The change takes effect
Academic Search Seeks New President for Mount Saint Mary College
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. With so much activity, it seems, talent demand is far outstripping the supply. In recent months,
Howard Fischer Associates Places Chief People Officer at Jack Morton Worldwide
With the assistance of search firm Howard Fischer Associates, Jack Morton Worldwide, a global brand experience agency, has chosen Melissa Rose to be its new chief people officer. Ms. Rose joins an established global HR team, where her primary objective will be “strategic people operations” – helping the agency continue to grow, retain and nurture
Korn Ferry Adds Former Heidrick CHRO
Dan Kaplan, former managing partner and head of the global chief HR officers practice at Heidrick & Struggles, has moved over to Korn Ferry’s CHRO practice. He will be based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Kaplan brings over 20 years of expertise in leadership and organizational consulting to Korn Ferry. He has advised
ManpowerGroup Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted full-year revenues of $21 billion, an increase of seven percent from $19.7 billion the prior year and an increase of six percent in constant currency. The company posted ffourth-quarterrevenues of $5.6 billion, an increase of 14 percent from the year earlier period. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.55 billion.
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 4.1 Percent
Employers added 200,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The January gain is the 88th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.7 million. Analysts had predicted the job additions
Vetted Solutions Selected by American Academy of Dermatology to Find Chief Learning Officer
The American Academy of Dermatology has enlisted executive search firm Vetted Solutions to lead its search for a new chief learning officer. President and founder Jim Zaniello is spearheading the assignment along with vice presidents Catherine Brown and R. Norris Orms. The new chief learning officer will be responsible for developing and leading the strategic initiatives of the
Witt/Kieffer Finds New AD for Yale University
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has placed Victoria M. Chun as the new director of athletics of Yale University. Thomas Beckett, who has served in the role for 24 years, is retiring in June. Greg Santore, principal and practice leader of Witt/Kieffer’s sports leadership practice, led the search along with senior associate Katy Young. In her new role,
Charles Aris Announces Promotions
Executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. has recently announced promotions for Ashlee Wagner, Heather Porter, and T.J. Deal. Ms. Wagner has been named as senior associate practice leader. As a key member of the firm’s strategy & corporate development recruiting practice, she will focus on placing senior leaders with client organizations in the financial services industry. Prior
Robert Half Posts Strong Q4 and Year End Revenues
Robert Half International Inc. / (NYSE:RHI) posted full year revenues of $5.27 billion, up from $5.25 billion the prior year. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The Menlo Park, CA-based recruiting company posted fourth quarter revenues of $1.35 billion, a 6.4 percent increase from the same period last year. This also beat Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.31
5 Employment Trends That Demand New Ways of Managing
Many of the workplace trends that were prevalent in 2017, such as maximizing talent analytics and improving the candidate experience, will continue to resonate this year. But other trends are emerging that demand new ways of managing and planning for the future. Successful businesses, according to a new report, must adapt to new market demands,
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates Finds CFO for Spectrum Health
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates, an executive search firm serving the healthcare sector, has placed Matthew Cox as the new senior vice president and chief financial officer of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI. He replaces Ron Knaus who recently retired. Partner Michael Corey led the assignment. Mr. Cox will lead the finance team and assume financial
Reffett Associates Finds New CEO for Bartell Drugs
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has helped to place the new chief executive officer of Bartell Drugs, a family-run drug store chain in Washington State. The search was led by founder and managing partner Bill Reffett. Kathi Lentzsch is just the fifth CEO in Bartell’s 128-year history. She had been serving as the interim CEO for Gump’s,
StevenDouglas Expands to Atlanta
Sunrise, FL-based executive search firm StevenDouglas has expanded with the launch of a new office in Atlanta and the addition of David Mauger as a director of technology search. Mr. Mauger will be responsible for developing the firm’s information technology search practice by leveraging his experience in recruiting executive and middle management professionals across cybersecurity,
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Russia
AIMS International has added Moscow-headquartered executive recruiters Midland Hunt as its newest member firm. Midland’s founder Marina Stepanova will assume the title of managing director AIMS Russia. Ms. Stepanova has over 20 years of experience in executive search. She is involved in executive search projects for the leading international and local companies in the industrial, financial and government sectors. In
HR Leaders Cite Retention and Turnover as Top Concerns in 2018
Close to half, 47 percent, of the human resources leaders surveyed for a new report say that employee retention and turnover is their top workforce management challenge. This is the third straight year that this issue has topped the concerns cited in the annual study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Globoforce,
GeneCoda, a New Life Sciences Recruiter, Opens in North Carolina
A new executive search firm, GeneCoda, has been launched in Wake Forest, NC. Headed by Don Alexander, the organization will focus on recruiting for the life sciences sector. Mr. Alexander has over 15 years of progressive executive search experience and has made hundreds of placements in the life sciences sector. Among other achievements, he is
Krauthamer & Associates Lands CEO for Capital Metro
Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates has placed Randy Clarke as the general manager and president/CEO of Capital Metro in Austin. He replaces Linda Watson, who retired at the end of last year after seven years in the job. Mr. Clarke start his new role in March. Mr. Clarke, who has a five year contract, will
KLR Executive Search Leading CEO Assignment for United Way of Rhode Island
Providence, RI-headquartered KLR Executive Search Group has been retained by the United Way of Rhode Island to lead its hunt for a new president and CEO. Long-time leader Anthony Maione announced he is retiring at the end of the year. Partner Edward Blum is leading the assignment. The search committee is led by Dolph L. Johnson
