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Daily Newswire
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Dean as the new CFO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. In this executive leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the association, including fiscal management of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the ESA Foundation, and serving as treasurer of the
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, flat from the same period a year ago (two percent increase on a constant currency basis). During the quarter, fee revenue increased slightly in Executive Search, RPO and Digital, offset by a decline in fee revenue in Consulting. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and
Myers McRae Chosen by the University of Charleston to Find Next President
The University of Charleston (UC) in West Virginia has launched a national search for a new president. Edwin Welch, the school’s current president, announced that he will retire effective next June. The school has enlisted the services of executive search firm Myers McRae. David Gring, senior vice president of the Macon, GA-based recruiters, is heading the
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds AOL Executive to HR Search Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has added former AOL HR executive Stephanie Angelini as a member of its human resources officers practice. She is based in New York. In her new role, Ms. Angelini will leverage her extensive human resources strategy experience to advise clients across a range of industries, with particular expertise recruiting HR leadership for the financial
CNA International Adds New Member Firm in Dubai
U.K.-based executive recruiting franchise CNA International has added UAE-based boutique consulting firm Compliance Consulting as its newest member firm. Aigul Telkarayeva, CEO of Compliance Consulting, and her team bring extensive knowledge of the Dubai market, deep industry insight and expertise in management consultancy on compliance, risk management, corporate governance, strategy and controls. Effective immediately, the firm
Hiring In Full Throttle Heading Into 2018
It’s common knowledge that the U.S. unemployment rate is at its lowest level in over a decade. That’s good news, of course. But companies also know that this is the kind of good news that can make the jobs of human resource leaders that extra bit tougher. It’s not just that competition for talent is
Spencer Stuart Leading CEO Search for Chipotle
Denver-based restaurant chain Chipotle has turned to Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a new CEO. Founder Steve Ells is stepping down and will become executive chairman. The board’s search committee is made up of directors Robin Hickenlooper and Ali Namvar, as well as Mr. Ells. It is charged with identifying a new leader
Rise Asset Development Taps Waterhouse Executive Search to Find New Leader
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
Heidrick & Struggles Names Supply Chain & Operations Practice Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named Carlos Garcia to lead its supply chain and operations practice globally, adding to his role as partner in charge of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “Carlos’ proven leadership skills and expertise recruiting and advising senior supply chain and operations executives across all industry sectors will further
McDermott & Bull Bolsters Sports Practice, Adding Former Field Hockey Player
McDermott & Bull Europe has added former star field hockey player Teun de Nooijer to its sports, active lifestyle and consumer products practices. Mr. de Nooijer is one of the most celebrated and decorated field hockey players in the world. He participated in five Olympic games and won several Olympic, world, European and national titles. He made
Koya Leadership Partners Lands New CEO for Easterseals
Following a national search, Easterseals has selected Angela F. Williams as its new president and CEO. The former YMCA executive is expected to lead the organization into its centennial year in 2019. Non-profit recruiting specialists Koya Leadership Partners conducted the search. Anne McCarthy, principal – executive search, and Alison Ranney, managing director who heads Koya’s Chicago
Coleman Lew + Associates Places New Leader at McColl Center for Art + Innovation
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has recruited Alli Celebron-Brown as the president and CEO of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, NC, after a national search. She will assume her new role today. Ms. Celebron-Brown brings an extensive background of development, strategic planning and organizational design. A 14-year veteran of non-profit leadership, she
Buffkin/Baker Expands With Veteran Recruiter
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of veteran recruiter Nathaniel J. Sutton as partner and head of its non-profit recruiting practice. “Nat has more than 17 years of executive search experience, and has been immensely successful in the non-profit, higher education and philanthropic arenas,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner of Buffkin/Baker. “Nat
Reffett Associates Hires Director of Operations
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has appointed Thomas Young as director of operations based in its Seattle office. Previously, Mr. Young was district director and counsel for U.S. Representative Dave Reichert of Washington State. He oversaw constituent services, casework and was the district office policy lead for business, energy, environment and transportation issues. He assisted the
SpenglerFox Names Global Head of Life Sciences Search Practice
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Lone Roervig as global head of its life sciences practice group. In her new role, Ms. Roervig is responsible for leading the global life sciences practice where she coordinates the firm’s specialist consultants across the globe. Her work focuses on partnering with senior leaders in the life sciences industry and providing her
Why Flexing to Client Needs Matters More Now Than Ever
While large search firms have offered a myriad of talent offerings for years, they’ve more or less kept their traditional fee structures intact. That’s provided an opportunity for boutique firms to move in and fill a widening gap, especially in the area of pricing reinvention. Robin Levitt, president of Encino, CA-based 4D Executive Search, is
John Keister & Associates Seeks New Leader for Illinois Library
Waukegan Public Library in Lake County, IL has announced that Richard Lee will be retiring in January after nearly 15 years as executive director. Vernon Hills, IL-based search firm John Keister & Associates has been retained to find the organization’s next leader. Mr. Lee is only the fifth director of Waukegan’s library since its founding in
ThinkingAhead Lands New Leader for Appalachian Trail Conservancy
ThinkingAhead Executive Search has placed Suzanne Dixon as president and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Recruiters Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez led the assignment. The organization was looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to work in collaboration with Appalachian Trail stakeholders, conservancy board members and staff, volunteers, partner organizations and agencies, to preserve
OverNorth Names Partner
Executive search firm OverNorth has promoted Renato T. Amador to partner. He is based jointly out of the firm’s Chicago headquarters and Washington, D.C. satellite location. Mr. Amador’s expertise revolves around recruiting transformational analytics, technology and human resources executives. He has recruited senior executives in the fields of analytics, big data, cloud technologies/SaaS, data science, digital
Bailey Fisher Appoints Leader of Private Markets
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Josef Woodward as director and leader of private markets. Mr. Woodward brings extensive experience in executive search, business strategy and management. Previously, he held director roles with two executive search firms. He was on the management team for a boutique executive search firm in
Five Ways to Identify Transformational Talent
Keeping up with the rapid pace of change is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. With technology advancing rapidly and the expectations of customers shifting, achieving success depends on finding talent that can move and transform as rapidly as the business itself. But that’s easier said than done. According to a newly released
AGB Search Seeks New President for Slippery Rock University
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into the coffers of executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming it is to be found at the talent
Krauthamer & Associates Places CEO for Port Authority of Allegheny County
The Port Authority of Allegheny County has named Katharine Eagan Kelleman as its new CEO. The organization had enlisted executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to fill its top post. The Hillman Family Foundation provided $100,000 to cover most of the cost for the Pittsburgh-based port authority to hire the search firm, said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman. Former
Kincannon & Reed Expands Global Animal Health Search Practice
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed continues its global expansion with the addition of Attila von Hankó as managing director, further enlarging its team of animal health industry veterans. He will be based in Bremen, Germany, where he will focus on senior executive recruitment for animal health clients across Europe and Asia. Mr. von Hankó’s 30-year career
Asianet Appoints Head of Sourcing Consultancy
International executive search firm Asianet Consultants has named Neil Robertson as director to head its sourcing consultancy. Mr. Robertson is a highly experienced senior executive in international buying, trading and compliance for international retailers and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. Prior to joining Asianet, he held managing director roles for Dixons Group and Woolworths UK
Egon Zehnder Tapped to Find CEO for Unilever
Consumer goods giant Unilever has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead its global search for a new CEO. Paul Polman, who has served as the company’s chief executive since 2009, will reportedly resign in about 18 months. A formal search for Mr. Polman’s successor will ultimately be led by Marijn Dekkers, Unilever’s chairman since last year, and will
Koya Leadership Partners Lands Development Head for Campaign for Black Male Achievement
Executive Recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners has recently placed Felecia Webb as the new vice president of development for the New York City-based Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). The search was led by vice president of executive search Liz Lombard and consultant Turner Delano. “Honestly, I knew from my first call with Felecia that
Addison Group Acquires Bridgepoint Consulting
Chicago-based recruiting firm Addison Group has acquired Bridgepoint Consulting, an Austin, TX-based management consulting firm that delivers financial operations, risk/compliance, and technology services to support companies throughout their business lifecycle. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. “We saw a clear opportunity to leverage Addison Group’s high-caliber team, proven performance, and industry-leading growth with a well-established firm
Recruitment Firm hrQ Expands in Dallas
Executive search and professional services firm hrQ has expanded with the addition of Salvador Vergara as vice president and managing director of its Dallas office. Mr. Vergara has over 23 years of consultative business development and relationship management experience. He comes to hrQ from Jobvite, where he served in a sales director role working heavily within
NPAworldwide Adds 12 Member Firms
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the 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, for example, has added 12 member firms as it continues to
Here’s Why Artificial Intelligence Raises Hopes, and Fears, Among HR Leaders
As artificial intelligence continues to make inroads into the working world, hiring managers are showing a combination of excitement for its potential and angst about its effects, according to a new study by the Allegis Group. Twenty-one percent of the HR professionals surveyed by the Hanover, MD staffing and recruitment services firm said they were
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Elite Sportswear
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Girisha Chandraraj as president and chief executive officer of Elite Sportswear, a sport specialty apparel brand. He succeeds Dan Casciano who stepped down but remains on the company’s board of directors. Dave Sobocinski, a founding partner of CarterBaldwin, headed the assignment. “Girisha is a perfect fit for Elite Sportswear,” said Mr.
Southerland Partners Finds New CEO for Baptist Healthcare
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 Congress may deliver. This has produced a high
