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Daily Newswire
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Business Officer for Vertero Therapeutics
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Jeffrey S. Kasten as chief business officer of Vertero Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company breaking barriers in neurodegenerative disease treatment. “Jeffrey Kasten brings a deep and diversified business development and strategic management skill set to Vertero as the company expands its portfolio of therapies designed to help physicians better
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Tapped by WJCT Public Media to Lead CEO Search
VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been retained by WJCT Public Media to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The president and CEO of WJCT Public Media serves as the organization’s chief executive, responsible for ensuring the effective operation, sustainability, and growth of the organization. This leader guides the strategic vision, champions innovation, and represents WJCT
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.
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
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?
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
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
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
The Lancer Group Places CTO at Daxko
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. Chief technology officer hiring, in fact, is expected to grow 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that is keeping executive search firms well occupied. The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, recently placed Bjorn
Harvard Group Appoints New Managing Director
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has expanded with the addition of Kerry J. Francis to its leadership team as a managing director. Ms. Francis specializes in working with the C-suite and boards of global companies where she has advised and coached executives and leaders though post-merger transitions, business transformations and reorganizations. She has more than 25
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of Ottawa Office
Ottawa is home to many world-class institutions that are experiencing profound organizational transformation driven by technology and demographic change. With nearly a third of Ottawa’s workforce at retirement age and an accelerating rate of executive retirements, succession planning to identify and develop the next generation of leaders is critical to the strategic plan for many,
The Advantages of Holiday Job Hunting In the C-Suite
If you are an executive who is looking to land a new senior-level job, you might want to start your search now rather than wait for the New Year festivities to end. That’s the advice of Dean Trimble, CEO and managing director of Jackson Stevens Resumes in St. Paul, who says that the traditional “wisdom”
EFL Associates Finds New Leader for Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Brian Collins as the seventh executive director of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). He succeeds Louis Kosiba who is retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Collins currently serves as the chief financial officer and director of finance and administration for the city of Memphis. He is responsible
Direct Recruiters Finds CEO for Idaho Milk Products
Cleveland-based executive search firm Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has placed Daragh Maccabee as chief executive officer of Idaho Milk Products. Kent Giddings is retiring after a seven-year tenure. Cherie Shepard led the assignment. “In our CEO search, we were looking to fill the role with someone to set the tone for the entire company, with industry
ZRG Continues With Expansion Plans
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its expansion plans with the hiring of Melissa Oszustowicz as managing director in Minneapolis. She becomes a member of the firm’s healthcare services practice, where she will continue to support key clients in the region and partner with projects globally. She will also work in
Search Veteran Brad Shaffer Dies Suddenly at 65
Brad Shaffer, an accomplished executive recruiter and management development consultant for many years, died suddenly on November 9 at his home near Asheville, NC. He was 65 years old. Mr. Shaffer was CEO of both Parallax Ventures, in Arden, NC, and, earlier, the Shaffer Consulting Group, in the Los Angeles area. Over his career, Mr.
What Makes Successful CEOs
What makes a CEO effective? That question has been studied extensively, yet we still know fairly little about how CEOs behave day-to-day and how that behavior translates into success or failure. New research from Harvard Business Review looks at data from over 1,000 chief executives and the financial performance of their companies to explore what
Came | Sweeney Finds CEO for Sterilis
Executive search firm Came | Sweeney has placed Michael K. McGarrity as chief executive officer of Sterilis LLC. He replaces Bob Winskowicz who stepped down last month and remains on the company’s board of directors. Managing partners Peter Sweeney and Paul Came led the assignment. “The board of Sterilis had set a high bar for the new
Caldwell Partners Recruits Security Expert for Unisys
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has recruited recognized security expert and thought leader Jonathan Goldberger as vice president of global security for Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, PA. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and leader of Caldwell’s TMT & IT services and information security practices, led the search. “The Unisys security services team is laser-focused on the needs of
Vaco Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Now, executive search firm Vaco has been acquired by Stamford, Conn-based private equity firm Olympus Partners. Founded in 2002 by Jerry Bostelman, Jay Hollomon, and Brian Waller, Vaco partnered with its first private equity partner, Quad-C Management, three years ago. Since then, the firm has experienced significant growth through extending
Armstrong Craven Appoints CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: U.K.-headquartered Armstrong Craven, a specialist executive search and intelligence consultancy, has named Tom Mason as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Mason previously served as senior vice president at
5 Tips to Help Executives Make Successful Career Transitions
The failure of a new leader can cost an organization dearly – most estimates put the price at more than double the executive’s compensation. Add in an estimated new leader failure rate of close to 50 percent and it’s easy to see the inherent difficulty of leadership transitions. Even with a stellar selection process, the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Lands General Counsel for Wellesley College
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has placed Karen Jensen Petrulakis in the newly created role of general counsel at Wellesley College. Managing directors Ronald Ciardiello and Heather Fine led the search along with partner Paul Williams. Ms. Jensen Petrulakis will serve as the principal legal officer for the college with overall responsibility for the vision and leadership of
The Chason Group Finds Executive Director for Henry County Development Authority
Economic and community development organizations continue to turn to executive search firms to find new leaders. Executive search firm The Chason Group recently placed Leonard Sledge as the new executive director of the Henry County Development Authority. He replaces Charlie Moseley who resigned in May. Tim Chason, the search firm’s president, led the assignment. During the search process,
True Talent Advisory Taps Former Heidrick Veteran as CFO
True Talent Advisory, a global platform for innovative human capital products and services, has named former Heidrick & Struggles veteran Korhan Kivanc as its new chief financial officer. Mr. Kivanc will oversee the financial strategy and operational efficiency of True Talent Advisory’s portfolio of companies including executive search firm True; leadership development products and services firm Synthesis; talent relationship
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Lisbon
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Lisbon, Portugal-based executive search firm Talent Search as its newest member firm. The organization now has 59 offices in 37 countries. Talent Search, which has an additional office in Luanda, Angola, was founded and is led by José Caetano Silva. He has over
Three Trends That Will Shape the Future of Talent
The potential for job losses due to advances in technology is not a new concern among the global workforce. But over the past few years, fears of technology-driven job losses have emerged with advances in “smart automation” – the combination of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other digital technologies. The impact of innovation is already
DHR Places Chief Trust Officer at BMO Private Bank
DHR International has recruited former Fifth Third Bank executive Amy Griman as chief trust officer of BMO Private Bank in Chicago. Leading the search was Carol Hartman, the search firm’s managing partner of financial services North America, along with partner Melissa Hatfield. “BMO Private Bank was seeking a leader who could create a culture of growth and
Lochlin Partners Finds Chief for U.S.-China Strong Foundation
The U.S.-China Strong Foundation, a global non-profit committed to strengthening U.S.-China ties, has named John L. Holden as CEO. The organization enlisted the services of executive search firm Lochlin Partners to find him. He replaces Eugene Huang, who served as acting CEO since January. Lochlin’s managing partner Liza Wright led the assignment. “The U.S.-China Strong Foundation board was searching
Leadership Capital Group Adds Veteran Search Consultant
Westport, Conn-based executive search firm Leadership Capital Group has expanded with the addition of Jennifer Rosenthal as a partner. With 25 years of executive search and human capital experience, Ms. Rosenthal is an expert in talent acquisition and assessment, management development and organization design. The firm described Jennifer as experienced at and passionate about helping management and
Agilium Worldwide Expands Into Norway
Global recruiting consortiums continue to take advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Among them, Agilium Worldwide Norway AS has recently been established in Drammen, Norway. Jon Steen has joined the group and will serve as managing partner of the new location. The new operation will focus on four talent areas: executive (recruitment of board of
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Picks Two Search Firms to Find Next President
After eight years in the job, William C. Dudley will be retiring early in 2018 from his post as president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York – one of the most high profile positions in the U.S. Federal Reserve System. In an unusual matchup, recruitment firms Spencer Stuart and Bridge Partners
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for the Illinois Library Association
Alford Executive Search recently placed Diane Foote as the executive director of the Illinois Library Association (ILA). Her predecessor, Robert P. Doyle, is retiring after 20 years in the role. “Diane emerged early as a top candidate in a pool of highly qualified professionals in the library, association and general non-profit arenas,” said Heather Eddy, president
E.A. Hughes Names Head of Los Angeles Office
Executive search firm E.A. Hughes & Co. has appointed Bob Marchant as vice president and director of its Los Angeles office. “Patience pays off, and after knowing of Bob and his unique consultative abilities for many years I am very happy that he decided to join the E.A. Hughes family,” said Elaine Hughes, CEO of E.A. Hughes
Heidrick & Struggles Names New Leadership in the Americas
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named new leadership in the Americas with the appointments of Dominique Hansen as head of investment management and Renee Neri as head of asset management. Based in the Toronto office, Ms. Hansen will also serve as head of the firm’s CEO and board of directors practice
Orthoexecutive and Crowther Ballantyne Associates Merge
Orthopedic and spine-focused executive search firm Orthoexecutive and Crowther Ballantyne Associates have merged. The firms’ founders, Matt Woods and Gavin Crowther, look to bring enhanced executive search and recruitment solution for their clients. The collaboration of the U.K.-based operations brings together 33 years’ experience in executive search, and 18 years’ experience in the medical device industry in sales
Marlin Hawk Builds Winning Strategy on Finding Transformational Leaders
Six years ago, London-based Marlin Hawk sent Mark Oppenheimer, then just 27, to New York to establish an across-the-pond outpost for the enterprising leadership advisory firm. He had four years of experience as a researcher and the faith and support of his bosses back home. But when he stepped off the plane in America, Mr.
DRG Executive Search Seeks Development Officer for Shatterproof
DRG Executive Search has been retained by Shatterproof, an addiction prevention non-profit, to lead its search for a new chief development officer (CDO). DRG managing partner David Hinsley Cheng is leading the search along with senior consultant Carmel Napolitano. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO is a newly created role charged with developing and executing Shatterproof’s
Sterling Martin Associates Places New Leaders at Denver-Based Non-Profits
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
