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Daily Newswire
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus 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.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
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?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
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,
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,
A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory Adds Partner
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory recently expanded with the addition of Kristin Fry as a partner. In her new role, she will work with managing partner Sonia Prais, focusing on expanding the firm’s executive search capabilities in the retail sector. “We are thrilled to announce that Kristin Fry has joined the Avant Executive Search
Leathwaite Appoints New Partner
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has named Tim Dunn as a partner, based between New York and Philadelphia. “Tim brings deep experience and a strong track record of building world-class leadership teams in the high-pressure, high-growth portfolio company environments where our private equity clients invest,” said Hypatia Kingsley, president of the Americas. “His arrival adds tremendous horsepower
How AI Is Reshaping the Talent Pyramid
The professional services talent pyramid is collapsing from the bottom, and AI is forcing the collapse, according to a recent report from Clark R. Beecher, managing partner and co-founder at Beecher Reagan. “For decades, professional services firms have followed the traditional leverage model to deliver work and maximize profitability,” the report said. “The few partners
The Millard Group Recruits CEO for Turnberry Solutions
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has recruited Bill Ravenscroft as the new CEO of Turnberry Solutions in Philadelphia. “I’m thrilled to announce a significant leadership placement that will reshape the IT services landscape: The Millard Group has successfully partnered with Abry
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists The Massachusetts Port Authority with Recruitment of Chief People Officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Taylor Casey as chief people officer of The Massachusetts Port Authority. The assignment was led by Gale LaRoche and Christine Santiago. In this position, Ms. Casey will report to the CEO, leading the Authority’s HR efforts, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, workforce
August Leadership Names Partner
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has appointed D. Lee Holliday as its newest partner, based in Florida. Mr. Holliday is a seasoned executive search leader with nearly two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations on building world-class strategic leadership teams. He specializes in placing high-impact talent— namely current and former top-tier strategy consultants and investment
Veteran Search Consultant Euris Belle Dies
Executive search veteran Euris Belle died on September 8, 2025. “Euris was a top professional and exceptional human being,” said Christopher Hunt, president of Hunt Scanlon Media. “She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.” “I reflect on the passing and life of Euris Belle, my esteemed former colleague at Heidrick & Struggles and
Wall Street’s Summer Deal Surge Redefines Talent Demands
According to The Wall Street Journal, the first week of August marked the highest-volume week for U.S. M&A in nearly four years. Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion purchase of Norfolk Southern led the spree, alongside deals from Alphabet, Global Payments, Charter Communications, and Constellation Energy. Bankers attribute the resurgence to a resilient economy, expectations of lower interest
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
After a national search, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Brian Luallen as the new CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. “We are proud to have partnered with the board of directors at the Naval Park to identify a leader who will honor the park’s legacy while positioning it
McDermott + Bull Places CEO for Collective Waste Solutions and MWM Environmental
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Ahmed Taha as CEO at Collective Waste Solutions (CWS) and MWM Environmental (MWM). The search was led by McDermott + Bull managing partner Paul Gibbons, principal Colin Dolson, principal Brittany Stansfield, and lead consultant, executive search + talent development Jennifer Ness. “Ahmed brings deep industry knowledge and grounded leadership style that aligns with our values
Bryant Group Assists Whatcom Hospice Foundation with Executive Director Search
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Loran Zenonian as the new executive director at Whatcom Hospice Foundation, PeaceHealth System in Bellingham, WA. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “I am very excited to welcome Loran as a member of the leadership team as our new executive director for Whatcom
Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in New Delhi
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has opened a new office in office in New Delhi. Heading the New Delhi office is Dorota Cagiel, Friisberg’s managing partner in India. Ms. Cagiel brings a wealth of international and local expertise, specializing in consumer goods, alcohol/beverage, financial and professional services, private equity, and the industrial sector. Her insight into
Toronto’s Executive Search Market Heats Up Amid Talent Shortage
The Canadian job market in 2025 is showing signs of resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While higher interest rates and slowing consumer demand have created challenges in sectors like real estate and retail, the country continues to experience steady demand for workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Immigration remains a key driver of labor
Riviera Partners Acquires Board and Technology (BaT)
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Board and Technology (BaT). The firm’s founder Olof Pripp has joined Riviera as a partner. Board and Technology will continue to operate under its name, co-branded as “Board and Technology – Powered by Riviera Partners.” Financial terms of
ZRG Recruits CEO for ALIGN Precision
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has recently placed Eric Ellis as CEO at ALIGN Precision in Tempe, AZ. Samantha Foster, managing director, and Carolina Siekierski, associate, led the assignment. The leadership appointment positions ALIGN Precision to capitalize on the increasing demand for its capabilities, strengthen and expand customer partnerships, and realize its long-term growth ambitions. “We
Lochlin Partners Assists Music for All with CEO Search
After a nationwide search, Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of James Weaver as president and CEO of Music for All in Indianapolis, IN. “As a board, we were attracted by James’ experience and understanding of the musical ecosphere,” said Doug Pileri, chairman of the board of directors. “But we were equally impressed by the
WittKieffer Appoints IT Practice Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Sturman as managing partner and information technology practice leader. He takes over from Hillary Ross, who has led the practice since 2017. Ms. Ross will shift her full-time priorities to client engagements and working alongside Mr. Sturman to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to WittKieffer,” said
Recruiting for Private Equity & Venture Capital: Driving Growth Through Talent
The demand for exceptional talent has never been greater in private equity and venture capital, where growth and innovation depend on the ability to build high-performing teams. As firms face rapid change and intense competition, scaling leadership and adopting forward-thinking talent strategies have become mission-critical priorities. For these organizations, finding and developing the right talent
Headhunter vs. Recruiter: Clarifying the Roles in Hiring
The language of hiring can be confusing, especially when different terms get tossed around as if they all mean the same thing. Add to that the distinction between in-house and external roles, and it’s no wonder job seekers and employers alike can feel unsure about who does what. That is why some HR leaders say
Crist|Kolder Associates Leads CEO Search for The Timken Company
Crist|Kolder Associates has helped to recruit Lucian Boldea as the new president and CEO of NYSE-traded The Timken Company in North Canton, OH. He will succeed Richard G. Kyle, who has been in an interim role since March after having previously served as president and CEO from 2014 to 2024. “Following a comprehensive search, the board
CAA Executive Search Assists Newcastle United with the Recruitment of New CEO
CAA Executive Search has assisted Newcastle United with the recruitment of David Hopkinson as its new CEO. He replaced outgoing CEO Darren Eales, who steps down from the position for health reasons. Asher Simons, co-founder and president of CAA Executive Search, led the assignment along with partner Alexander Cooke. “We are delighted to welcome David to
Korn Ferry Appoints Chair of the Board and CEO Practice in the U.K.
Korn Ferry has named Dominic Schofield as chair of the board and CEO practice in the U.K. Under Mr. Schofield’s leadership, Korn Ferry will continue to strengthen its unique position, combining board advisory and executive search for boardrooms. “I am pleased to announce that Dominic Schofield will assume the role of chair of our U.K. board and CEO practice,” said Daren Kemp,
Beyond Traditional Executive Search: Human Insight, AI Power
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological breakthrough—it is transforming industries, redefining economies, and reshaping how organizations create value. To keep pace, leaders must combine business acumen with adaptability, foresight, and AI fluency, guiding their companies through both the opportunities and complexities this new era brings. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping our landscape and enabling
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for Equality Illinois
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Channyn Lynne Parker as the new CEO of Equality Illinois. Her selection follows a thorough and competitive process led by McCormack + Kristel. All candidates were evaluated equitably through the same fair and transparent process, and Ms. Parker emerged as the clear choice based on her experience, leadership, deep ties to
Kaye/Bassman Grows Higher Education Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International recently expanded with the addition of Lou Stark to its higher education practice. “We are extremely proud to have Lou join our higher education practice,” said Eric Dickerson, managing director of Kaye/Bassman’s academic leadership division. “His years of experience working in tier-one research institutions give him excellent insight into the
Alexander Hughes Names Managing Partner of Paris Office
Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-Marie Simon as managing partner of the Paris office. “His appointment as managing partner of the Paris office follows his successful tenure as a client partner at our firm for several years, where he played a key role in managing our relationships with key clients, leading strategic initiatives and developing a
The Strategic Imperative for Unified Platforms in Executive Search
Executive search is at an inflection point. Firms are drowning in disconnected tools, fragmented data, and outdated workflows that make it harder—not easier—to identify transformational leaders. Many executive search consultants tell Hunt Scanlon Media that what the industry needs is a unified platform powered by point-in-time intelligence, one that surfaces executives when they were most
Acertitude Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for TAK Broadband
Acertitude has recruited Dan Miller as the new chief revenue officer of TAK Broadband, a Platinum Equity portfolio company. “This placement marks another chapter in Acertitude’s nearly decade-long partnership with Platinum Equity, which has yielded more than 200 executive placements across both the firm and its portfolio companies,” Acertitude said in a LinkedIn post. The
Assembly Recruits President and GM, Data & Analytics for insightsoftware
Austin, TX-based executive search firm Assembly has assisted in the recruitment of Matt Belkin as the new president and GM, data & analytics at insightsoftware. “It was a pleasure to work with the insightsoftware team once again, and we wish Matt and the entire team continued success,” Assembly said in a LinkedIn post. Mr. Belkin has more than 25
Kincannon & Reed Recruits President for AGCO Corporation’s PTx
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Brian Sorbe as president of AGCO Corporation’s PTx. “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the AGCO team as the leader of our exciting PTx technology portfolio,” said Eric Hansotia, chairman, president and CEO. “His passion for agriculture and
ExactSearch.AI Adds Tech Veteran to Board of Advisors
AI-enhanced executive search firm ExactSearch.AI has appointed Breck Armstrong to its board of advisors. “Breck is one of the most trusted voices in applying technology to executive search, and we’re fortunate to have him at the table,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO of ExactSearch.AI. “He knows that AI can accelerate results—but also that search is
