DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
What Talent Acquisition Will Really Demand in 2026
Talent acquisition looks nothing like it did a couple of years ago. A new Korn Ferry report says AI is the headline—84 percent of talent leaders plan to use it next year—but it’s only one piece of the 2026 puzzle. The bigger challenge is connecting AI, skills, leadership pipelines, and workplace policies into a strategy
Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
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
Is Your Organization Driving Away Top Female Talent? Learn How to Retain Them
The corporate world is facing a concerning trend—women in leadership roles are leaving at a higher rate than their male counterparts. In some cases, this shift is an unexpected consequence of existing workplace policies. As the trend continues, it is crucial to understand the drivers behind this phenomenon and devise strategies to reverse the tide,
Lucas Group Names Managing Director of Legal Practice
Executive search firm Lucas Group has strengthened its Chicago-based legal practice with the addition of Carolyn Aberman as its new managing partner for legal recruitment. “With two decades of combined experience as a practicing lawyer and successful legal recruiter, Carolyn Aberman has a deep understanding of Chicago’s legal marketplace,” said Steven Lynch, GM legal at Lucas Group. “Aberman’s
Alexander Hughes Names New Leaders in Nordic and Greater China Regions
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has named Evan Tolstoj Hansen as head of the Nordic region and Nicolas Musy as managing partner for Greater China. With the strong and still growing economy in Northern Europe and in particular in the Nordic countries, the demand for top-level talent acquisition is strong and growing. To meet these
Hiring Executives to Increase Investment in Diversity Programs
New efforts toward improving diversity are on their way over the coming year, according to a new report by Glassdoor. One in three (35 percent) hiring decision-makers expect to increase investment in diversity and inclusion and only three percent expect it to decrease. The remainder said they have no plans to change. The report, which
Kittleman & Associates Leading CEO Search for National Basketball Retired Players Association
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been retained by the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) to find a new CEO. Principal Megan Lewis is leading the assignment for Kittleman. The organization is seeking a proven leader with a career in a similarly sized or larger national association who can help chart a path forward with
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Seeks New Leader for Louisville International Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by Louisville International Airport to lead its search for a new executive director. The executive director serves as the top aviation/airport executive in the airport system. The incumbent directs the overall management of the airport system, typically including its capital, real property, human resources and other assets, according to
Lancor Names New York Office Leader
Executive search firm Lancor has added veteran recruiter Scott M. Estill to manage its New York City office and lead its global advisory practice. Mr. Estill, who retains the title of partner, will play a key role in the firm’s well-established private equity-focused recruiting practice while building Lancor’s new advisory business. He will also co-lead the North
AIMS International Adds New Member Firm in Africa
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. AIMS International recently added Excellia Capital Humain in Tunisia, Africa as its newest
How Generation Z Will Impact the Future Workforce
Generation Z. It is the first generation to know only a digital world. Its members grew up playing on their parents’ mobile devices, and many had their own smartphone as early as elementary school. Millennials might have been the youngest generation to navigate their way through mobile technology, but those from Gen Z have come
Caldwell Partners Posts Flat Revenue Growth
Caldwell Partners International has posted fourth quarter revenues of $15.8 million (Canadian), up .5 percent. Full year revenues fell 1.6 percent, from $58.7 million to $57.8 million. The search firm had a slightly lower average number of partners at 37.5 compared to 38 in the prior year. And a lower average fee per assignment was partially
Lois L. Lindauer Searches Seeking Major Gifts Officer for ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Massachusetts has retained Boston-based recruitment firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches to spearhead its hunt for a new major gifts officer. Vice president Maureen Huminik is leading the assignment. This is an opportunity for a seasoned development professional to join a highly-respected organization in which development plays a critical role. Lois
The Nicoll Curtin Group Acquires BeecherMadden
Acquisitions continue to make big news in the executive search industry. Just recently, fintech and change recruitment agency The Nicoll Curtin Group acquired cybersecurity recruitment firm BeecherMadden. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. BeecherMadden focuses on executive level searches for the corporate governance, resilience and security, and digital and niche technology markets. Founded by CEO
Pedersen & Partners Names Global Head of Defense Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has expanded with the addition of Simon Mansfield to its London team as a client partner within its industrial practice and global head of its defense search practice. Mr. Mansfield has decades of in-depth expertise in the developing and emerging markets, recruiting board members for global firms. After a career in international
The CEO’s Important Role in Succession Planning
At the most basic level, the CEO’s role is straightforward: driving management succession at senior levels, including the early identification of any inside CEO contenders, ensuring that the organization is developing succession-ready executives for all senior roles, and serving in an of-counsel role to the board on CEO succession, according to search firm Spencer Stuart.
KRW Associates Leads Police Chief Search for Breckenridge
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
Parker Executive Search Seeking New Athletic Director for Northeastern University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go it
McDermott & Bull Opens Office in New York City
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has expanded into New York City. Stu Leibach, principal consultant and industry specialist within the firm’s retail practice, will be based out of the new location. He will continue to partner with clients regionally and nationally. “Now more than ever, identifying the right executive talent is critical to success in the
Korn Ferry Names President of Hay Group, South America
Korn Ferry has named Carlos Martins as president of Hay Group, South America. He will be based in São Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Martins joins Korn Ferry from global consulting firm Ernst & Young, where he led its people advisory services practice for South America and was also a member of the Brazil executive committee. In
Executives Rank Talent Management Among Top Priorities
To stay competitive in today’s ever-changing business environment, C-level executives agree that finding and retaining the right talent is essential. But how to do that effectively remains a challenge, according to “The Change Agents,” a joint custom research study by Dow Jones Customer Intelligence and the HR Certification Institute, an organization that certifies HR professionals
SearchWide Tapped By USA Archery to Find Next CEO
After a shootout that involved 11 executive recruitment firms, USA Archery in Colorado Springs has selected SearchWide to help find its new chief executive officer. Last month, past CEO Denise Parker accepted a position at the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Archery’s former board chair and current marketing director Rod Menzer was named interim CEO.
Coulter Partners Completes Searches for Cambridge Epigenetix
Executive search firm Coulter Partners recently helped Cambridge Epigenetix (CEGX), a pioneer in the development and application of epigenetic technologies, to secure the appointment of two diagnostic experts. Hayden Jeffreys joins the company as chief operating officer and Dr. Joanne Mason becomes vice president of biomarker discovery. The appointments are designed to further strengthen CEGX’s in-house expertise
ON Partners Expands San Francisco Office
Executive search firm ON Partners has bolstered its San Francisco operations with the appointment of Jeff Hocking as partner. An experienced consultant, Mr. Hocking identifies board members, chief executive officers and other senior-level talent across functions for technology companies and private equity firms. He joins the firm from Korn Ferry, where he was regional market leader for
Caldwell Partners Strengthens its Financial Services Practice in London
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has expanded with the addition of Alex Alcott as a partner in its financial services practice in London. Mr. Alcott’s appointment furthers Caldwell’s expansion strategy across Europe. Based in the London office, he joins Matthew Andrews, managing director of Caldwell’s European operations, and Lucy Antrobus, a partner and search consultant in the engineering, construction, and infrastructure space. With
Recruiters Beware: Treat Candidates Better or Risk Steering Them Away as Future Employees and Customers
Three quarters of those surveyed recently said it is unlikely they would accept a job offer if they were treated poorly during the recruiting experience, even if they felt the role was a good fit, according to a new report by Korn Ferry. But look at this: more than half (56 percent) said it is
Buffkin / Baker Leading Chief Communications Officer Search for MSG
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been retained by Madison Square Garden Co. (MSG) to lead the search for its new executive vice president and chief communications officer (CCO). Partner Warren Wasp is spearheading the search along with associate Rachel Jonkers. The CCO is responsible for all public relations, corporate communications, financial communications, proactive publicity activities and
Witt/Kieffer Seeking Diversity Officers for Pratt Institute and West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Chief diversity officers are now considered part of most every competitive organization’s senior management team, and operations of all kinds are lining up to bring these highly sought after leaders on board. Search firms have become increasingly well equipped and well-networked throughout the space. One sector that has seen growing demand for top drawer diversity
Nolan Partners Adds Former Sports Agent in LA
Executive search firm Nolan Partners has expanded its U.S. operations with the addition of former sports agent Graham Boone as an associate in Los Angeles. “Graham’s expertise in basketball operations, advanced scouting and player analytics, along with his reputation among NBA general managers, is of great complement to our growing North American practice,” said Paul Nolan, the
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in São Paulo
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added São Paulo, Brazil-based executive recruiters Plongê gente e gestão as its newest member firm. Plongê, founded by Alda Araújo, Ana Luiza Loureiro and Renata Fabrini, is a consultancy firm focused on people strategy. Plongê has a clear purpose grounded in four core values:
Why Business Leaders Haven’t Come Around to Employee Engagement
Employee engagement has been identified as one of the leading challenges facing management today, but business leaders have been slow to respond, according to a survey by Cornerstone International Group. The 11th annual “Global Business Survey” indicates that 65 percent of respondents believe their employees are engaged in their work. Only 18 percent of those leaders,
Waverly Partners Seeking New CEO for Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce has retained executive search firm Waverly Partners to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Dan Colantone resigned in March and former Green mayor Richard Norton is currently serving as interim CEO. The firm will look at qualified local, regional and national candidates. Eric Peterson, a managing director
Sterling Search & Consulting Assists The Centers Inc. in CEO Hunt
The Centers Inc. has named Dr. Donald Baracskay as its new chief executive officer. The multi-service non-profit had enlisted Jacksonville, FL-based executive recruiting firm Sterling Search & Consulting to find its new leader. “We received countless applications and conducted interviews with well-qualified candidates from as far away as Texas and Ohio,” said Steve Libby, president
Cognitive Talent Partners Opens First U.S. Office
Gurgaon, Haryana-headquartered executive search firm Cognitive Talent Partners LLP has established its first U.S. office in Dallas and plans to open another location in Silicon Valley. The firm has appointed Rajnish Batra as partner and consultant in San Francisco and Natasha Singh as a client partner in Dallas. “The United States continues to be a market of significant
