DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
BCG Sees Strategic Acceleration Defining The Next Chapter Of M&A
BCG’s latest M&A report – The Brave New World of Dealmaking in the Global Market – finds that despite upheaval in the market, dealmakers are proving more strategic, and more versatile, than ever. “After navigating significant turbulence earlier this year, the market has shown its resilience, driven by strategic adaptability among experienced dealmakers,” noted BCG. The firm’s M&A
Your Resume vs. The Robot
Your resume is no longer for a human, it’s for a machine which is an applicant tracking system. It has one job: to screen you out, according to a new report from ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. A report by StandOut CV shows that, on average, 75 percent of resumes submitted to large companies are rejected by an applicant
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
7 Things CEOs Must Do to Boost Team Performance
A CEO’s role in driving team productivity has become increasingly complex, yet it remains more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s no longer sufficient to simply set objectives and expect teams to follow suit. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide employees to operate at their highest potential requires more than just
Optimum Talent Latest Firm to Appoint New Leader
Numerous executive search 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: Optimum Talent has named Mike Bacchus as its new chief executive officer. He takes over the role from Ronald Dahms who becomes a senior advisor. Mr. Bacchus had been serving
Taplow Group Expands to Singapore
Executive search consultants 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. Taplow Group recently made inroads into Singapore with the addition of One
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for J.D. Power
J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer data & analytics and advisory services, said that Finbarr O’Neill, its CEO and president, has informed the company’s board that he intends to retire. The company has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead the global search for his replacement. Mr. O’Neill will remain with J.D. Power during the transition
Marlin Hawk Sources Top Goldman Sachs Hiring Executive
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Marlin Hawk has expanded its financial services practice with the addition of Kirstine Wilson in New York. Ms. Wilson has 15 years of talent management experience gained at Goldman Sachs where she focused on lateral hiring as vice president, global head – experienced hires. Ms. Wilson will take on the role
Cummer Museum Taps Koya Leadership Partners for Executive Director
Executive recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners is seeking a new executive director for the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. Managing director Michelle R.S. Bonoan is heading the national search, with support from principal Sheila Hennessey, as well as Koya’s research and support team. The search for
Bob Murray & Associates Launches Search for San Diego Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation, facing an array of challenges that range from changing public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale, complexity
Former Bayer Executive Joins JBK Associates
In recent months, executive search firms have been plucking talent for their own ranks from a wide array of corporate sectors. The latest: Former Bayer executive Timothy Hayes has joined New Jersey-based JBK Associates International as managing director of consumer and leadership services. He will oversee the firm’s executive search business in the consumer sector and head leadership
Social Media Continues to Play Big Role in Recruiting
New research from Totaljobs Group has revealed that three quarters (74 percent) of interviewers will check candidates’ social media as part of their interview preparation. This is in contrast to the expectations of candidates, however, as only a third (36 percent) expect their social media to be screened, meaning many could be caught short online.
Shelli Herman and Associates Begins CFO Search for Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has retained Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates to find its next chief financial officer. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, will lead the search along with her associate, Krista Haley. MOCA is seeking an experienced, results-oriented CFO for the strategic financial health, operational management and administration of the museum,
Caldwell Partners Lands Chief Marketing Officer for ADP
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International recently recruited
Parker + Lynch Legal Names Managing Director of Retained Search
Special Counsel, a full-service provider of legal staffing and eDiscovery solutions, has announced that its executive search division, Parker + Lynch Legal, has named Lisa Goldstein as managing director of retained search. In her new role, Ms. Goldstein will focus on helping corporate legal departments improve business processes, functionality and diversity by filling key positions, including
EMA Partners Opens in Dubai As Middle East Expansion Continues
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new partner office in Dubai, expanding its presence in the Middle East. The office will be led by A Ramachandran (Rama). Rama is managing partner of EMA Partners UAE. He has 10 years of experience in executive search and serves concurrently as senior partner
Employers Looking to Add Workers in Fourth Quarter; Wages Rising
Whether you are looking for permanent employment or a seasonal gig around the holidays, CareerBuilder‘s Q4 2017 Job Forecast predicts an uptick in both jobs and pay. Forty three percent of employers said they plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the fourth quarter, up from 34 percent last year, and 73 percent plan to
Utah and Louisville Tap R. William Funk Associates for President Searches
College and universities across the countries are facing new and growing challenges. Financial woes, enrollment concerns, and debates over free speech, among other issues, are all keeping leadership at institutions of higher learning on edge these days. For some schools, survival is even on the line. Recruitment of the right leaders, and choosing a search
Southerland Partners Leading CEO Search for Medical Center Hospital
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 Republicans in Washington, D.C. may deliver. This has
Lois L. Lindauer Searches Names New 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: Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its new CEO. The carefully planned changeover comes as the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary. Chosen by founder Lois
Greenwich Harbor Partners Opens in San Francisco
Fifty two percent of San Francisco Bay Area executives say it is “somewhat” or “very challenging” to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions, according to the San Francisco Bay Area Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers plan to hire for open roles in the next six months. Recruiters say highly skilled
Want to Enhance Employability? Refresh Your Skills
Ninety percent of global respondents to a recent Randstad Workmonitor survey said that regularly refreshing skills and competencies will enhance employability. Seventy one percent, in fact, reported that they have done so within the past year. This belief was highest in China (98 percent) and lowest in the Netherlands (67 percent). On average, 74 percent
Higher Talent Names President
Non-profit executive recruiters Higher Talent has appointed Mindy Cohen as president and managing partner. Ms. Cohen has been instrumental in establishing the firm’s dedication to educational institutions and non-profits across the country over the past 15 years. She has recruited senior executives, nationally and internationally, for non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, public/private partnerships and
HVS Executive Search Finds New Leader for Rita’s Franchise Company
HVS Executive Search has placed Linda Chadwick as CEO and president of Rita’s Franchise Company. Ms. Chadwick comes to the Trevose, PA-based Italian ice and frozen custard chain from Dessange Group North America. The search, conducted for Argosy Private Equity and MTN Capital Partners LLC, was led by HVS Executive Search CEO Court Williams and
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for International Music Foundation
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alford Executive Search recently placed Mark Riggleman as executive director of the International Music Foundation (IMF) in Chicago. Ann Murray, the current executive director, is retiring after 26 years. Mr. Riggleman brings more than
Catalyst Advisors Adds New Partner
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human
Why Leadership is Key to Making Diversity and Inclusion Plans Work
Committed leadership, from the top down, is the key to companies having effective diversity and inclusion strategies, according to a newly released report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The survey, “Diversity and Inclusion Pulse: 2017 Leader’s Guide,” illuminates the challenges that businesses face and steps leaders can take to achieve D&I success. “Our new research shows
The McCormick Group Finds COO for REMADE
Arlington, VA-headquartered executive search firm The McCormick Group has recruited Michelle Schlafer as chief operating officer of the Reducing Embodied-energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute. Principal Tim Ward led the assignment. Ms. Schlafer has worked in a variety of leadership positions for Xerox Corp. over the past 24 years. Most recently, she served as a global program manager,
CES Partners Leading CEO Search for AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has enlisted Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners to lead a nationwide search to find its next CEO. Barry Cesafsky, president and CEO of the recruitment firm, is spearheading the assignment. A search committee has been established, which includes past AHIMA board members and members of the association’s community. The
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its aggressive expansion with the opening of a new office in Milan and the appointment of a new global practice leader for its non-profit and education sector. Dr. Gabriele Ghini will open the Milan office. He will be a member of the firm’s industrial and
Harvey Nash Acquires Crimson Limited
Acquisitions continue to make news in the executive search industry. In one of the latest, London-based search firm Harvey Nash has acquired Crimson Limited. Crimson, founded in 2000, is a U.K.-based IT solutions and recruitment company that specializes in digital and technology transformation solutions as well as offering a full range of IT recruitment services. Under the terms
Jobs Report Falls Short of Expectations
For the first time in seven years employers lost 33,000 jobs last month, but the U.S. unemployment rate still fell to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During September, the number of workers unemployed declined by 331,000 to 6.8 million. Economists had forecast that payrolls would increase by 80,000 jobs last month
SearchWide Leading CEO Hunt for Visit Syracuse
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has been retained by Visit Syracuse, a tourism promotion organization, to find its new CEO. Vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the search. Visit Syracuse focuses on building the tourism industry for Syracuse and Onondaga County, NY. It is an affiliate of CenterState CEO, an economic development group for central New York state,
Simon Pollock & Co Opens to Serve Media & Entertainment Sectors
An array of new recruiting firms have opened around the world this year. The latest: Industry veteran Simon Pollock has launched Simon Pollock & Co in London, specializing in senior level executive search in global media and entertainment. Mr. Pollack most recently served as head of the media & entertainment practice at Heidrick & Struggles.
The Risch Group Recruits CFO for Dynasty Financial Partners
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment teams busier than ever. In one of the most recent cases, New York-based executive search firm The Risch Group placed Jason Emerson as CFO of Dynasty Financial Partners. Mr. Emerson will be based in the firm’s New
