DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Linda Tsai as the new president and CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. She was selected following a rigorous national search led by the museum’s board search committee and conducted by Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc., distinguishing herself among a strong field of candidates. Ms.
Bryant Group Retained to Find Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Chattanooga Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been retained to recruit the vice chancellor for advancement and executive director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the University of Chattanooga Foundation. Katie Riecke is leading the assignment. “We are seeking a dynamic leader to advance the mission of the University of Tennessee
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Shifting The Talent Paradigm In PE: A Q&A With Jessica Fiesta George At Atlantic Street Capital Advisors
Private equity firms are growing, and so are the demands placed on their portfolio companies. As the traditional playbook of financial engineering and cost-cutting shows signs of fatigue, PE firms are looking to talent strategy to unlock growth and create long-term value. That shift is at the core of the agenda at Hunt Scanlon’s upcoming
The Lancer Group Opens Office in Dallas
The Lancer Group, a La Jolla, CA-headquartered executive search firm, has opened a new office in Dallas and named Kevin Anderson as partner. The firm now has six offices in the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Anderson brings to Lancer Group over 20 years of experience in executive search across the IT services, software, industrial technology,
Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search Join Forces
The wave of mergers and partnerships in the executive search industry is continuing in the New Year. Recently, Waterbury Partners, Argenta Talent Acquisition and Global Performance Search (GPS) officially merged. The newly formed entity, which is called GPS, will have vertical expertise in professional services, data analytics, life sciences, supply chain technologies, logistics and medical
Another Look at the Impact and Implications of Pay History Legislation
As more cities and states enact legislation to restrict employers, and their search agents, from asking candidates about their pay history, questions remain about the effectiveness of such laws, according to a new study by the recruitment firm NGS Global. The report, “Challenges of Gathering Compensation Data on Candidates,” spearheaded by managing partners David Nosal
Shelli Herman and Associates Lands CFO for the Museum of Contemporary Art
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kate Motonaga as the new CFO of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, led the search along with her associate, Krista Haley. MOCA was seeking an experienced, results-oriented CFO for the strategic financial health, operational management and administration of the museum. Ms. Motonaga
EFL Associates Tapped by CalSTRS to Hunt for Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and in the years ahead it is expected to soar. Recruiters say the need for chief investment officers across the asset allocator spectrum, including endowments and foundations, and corporate, public and state plans, have significantly increased in number over the last five years as
RSR Partners Forms Alliance with OnPoint Consulting
Executive search firm RSR Partners has established an alliance with OnPoint Consulting, an organizational and leadership development consulting firm, to deliver leadership assessment capabilities to their clients. The partnership creates an integrated but independent platform, separating search and assessment to ensure clients are provided with objective and unbiased advice, said the search firm. In addition, OnPoint Consulting’s
IIC Partners Appoints Leader of Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Practice
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has named Paul Dinte as the new leader of its aviation, aerospace & defense practice. Mr. Dinte is founder, chairman and CEO of Dinte Executive Search and has over 20 years of experience in executive search, specializing in the defense and technology sectors. Mr. Dinte previously served as global chair for IIC
Women in the C-Suite Still Lagging Behind Male Counterparts
The percentage of women in most C-suite positions is dramatically lower than their male counterparts, according to a new report by Korn Ferry. The study, drawn from an analysis of the top 1,000 U.S. companies by revenue, examined the percentage of women by title and industry and provides an update to a similar report the
Jorgenson Consulting Seeks CEO for Puget Sound Economic Growth Group
The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance has selected Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Todd Jorgenson, the search firm’s managing director and principal, is leading the assignment. The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance is the working name for a new regional organization created to enhance trade and
Brooke Chase Associates Finds New CFO for Fabuwood Cabinetry
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one recent example, Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates helped place Eric Skorge as CFO with Fabuwood Cabinetry in Jersey City, NJ. Mr. Skorge is known as an experienced leader
Heidrick & Struggles Restructures to Lower Costs, Improve Efficiencies; Chief Administrative Officer Leaves Post
A restructuring plan is underway at Heidrick & Struggles to reduce overall costs and improve efficiencies in its operations over the next several months. The expected annual cost savings from the restructuring is expected to range from $11 million to $13 million. According to sources, the restructuring will include Heidrick cutting its workforce of 1,600 employees
Hotelivate Opens to Serve Hospitality Sector
An array of new recruiting firms have been started around the world in recent months. The latest: Hotelivate, a hospitality consulting firm, has been launched in India by Manav Thadani and Megha Tuli. The new operation comes as a result of Mr. Thadani, who served as HVS APAC chairman, ending his joint venture arrangement with HVS.
How New Market Dynamics are Shifting Priorities for Executive Recruiters
To remain relevant to their clients, executive recruiters – now more than ever – must be willing to adapt. In the new global context, “leadership as usual” is well on its way out, and recruiters must stop relying on an increasingly out-of-date search and selection approach, which is simply no longer enough. By way of
CarterBaldwin Lands New Leader for the Heritage Foundation
After an extensive search, CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Kay Coles James as the first African-American president of the Heritage Foundation, a renowned conservative think tank. She becomes the sixth president in the group’s 44-year history. The assignment was conducted by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding and associate partner Andrea McDaniel Smith. Ms. James’ ascension follows
ZRG Partners Names Smooch Reynolds As Managing Director
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has expanded with the addition of Smooch R. Reynolds as managing director. Ms. Reynolds’ career spans more than 25 years in executive search, specifically focused in the global investor relations officer and chief communications officer functional areas. She moves to ZRG from DHR International, where she
Lucas Group Seeking Chief People Officer for Denver-Based Joint Venture
Executive search firm Lucas Group has been retained to lead the chief people officer search for the new joint venture formed by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company. Kyle Lehman, managing partner, human resources executive search, is spearheading the assignment. The enterprise is a lifestyle and outdoors company with designs on shaping the
Odgers Berndtson, Continuing Expansion, Adds Four Recruiters
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of four experienced and well-established executive search professionals to the firm: Richard Kim, Diane Lavietes, Margaret Plympton, and Richard Modecki. Mr. Kim has joined as a partner in the firm’s Houston office where he will work Jim Thompson and Gary Payne serving the firm’s
Mentorship Programs are Important to Retaining Top Talent
Few executives would deny the powerful role that mentorship plays in providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Indeed, most have experienced these benefits firsthand. Yet when it comes to understanding how mentoring operates – let alone how it could be harnessed to support, develop, and retain talented people – most of those same executives
Kingsley Gate Partners Launches Proprietary Hiring Framework
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has announced its new Synchronous Fit framework that leverages scientific cloud-based tools combined with insights from search consultants to provide the best fit between executives and companies. “Department of Labor statistics show that companies could waste more than 30 percent of an executive’s first year total compensation in making a bad
DRG Executive Search Finds New Leader for the Kennedy Center
DRG Executive Search has placed Richard E. Sebastian as the president and CEO of the Kennedy Center in Trumbull, CT. He succeeds Martin D. Schwartz, who announced his retirement in July after almost 40 years with the organization. DRG managing partner David Hinsley Cheng led the assignment. The national search was a joint effort between the recruiting
The Dingman Company Finds Senior Pastor for United Church of Chapel Hill
Executive recruiting firm the Dingman Company has helped place Rev. Cameron Barr as senior pastor of the United Church of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. He will assume his role in March, and is expected to preach his first sermon for the church on March 11. Rev. Dr. Rich Kidd of the Dingman Company led the search. The church was
Odgers Berndtson Adds Former Aon Hewitt, Canada CEO
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its recent expansion with the addition of Tony Gaffney as managing partner, to lead the firm’s work with boards and CEOs in driving the strategic talent agenda. Mr. Gaffney is known for being among Canada’s most experienced business transformation executives. He was formerly CEO of Aon Hewitt, Canada and also
Unemployment Rate Remains at 17-Year Low
Employers added 148,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The December gain is the 87th consecutive month of job growth. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.6 million. Most economists expect the Trump administration’s
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking Chief Philanthropy Officer for Table to Table
Boutique executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been tapped by New Jersey-based non-profit Table to Table to lead its search for a new chief philanthropy officer. Consultants Susan Meade and Jim Spivey are spearheading the assignment. Table to Table is looking for a highly strategic, creative, entrepreneurial and growth-driven leader with the fundraising know-how to build
Slone Partners Recruits CFO for Clinical Genomics
Executive search firm Slone Partners has placed Roger Moody as chief financial officer of Clinical Genomics. Mr. Moody will direct all strategic and tactical financial operations for the biotechnology business. His extensive experience in managing rapid growth and delivering for investors will be instrumental in achieving Clinical Genomics’ expansion objectives, the company said. “We are thrilled to
The Medicus Firm Establishes Executive Search Division
The Medicus Firm, which specializes in permanent placement of physicians, including physician executives, clinical practice and clinical faculty physicians, has created a physician executive recruiting division. The firm has conducted physician executive level searches for several years on a smaller scale, which was largely driven by established clients within the firm’s private practice sector, hospital recruiting and
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting Expands in Sydney
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has strengthened its presence in Sydney, Australia with the addition of JRS International Search Partners. Led by husband and wife team Joe and Paula Screnci, JRS International conducts assignments throughout the Asia Pacific region and across a broad range of industries. The firm has
Tolan Group Names President and Operations Strategist
To support its growth strategy in the expanding behavioral healthcare sector, executive search firm The Tolan Group has announced two key promotions heading into 2018. Diana Ramsay, who leads the firm’s behavioral health, human services and substance abuse practice, has been named president of the firm and will be responsible for its overall growth strategy.
Koya Leadership Partners Acquires Rework to Focus on Millennial Hiring
Non-profit search specialist Koya Leadership Partners has acquired New York-based recruitment firm ReWork and its sourcing platform technology. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. ReWork co-founder and CEO Abe Taleb joins Koya as a vice president, where he will help to expand the firm’s focus around the Millennial workforce. Koya will leverage ReWork’s technology to
Korn Ferry Leading GM Search for Houston Texans
Korn Ferry has been chosen by the Houston Texans to lead its search for a new general manager. The assignment comes in the wake of Rick Smith’s decision to take an extended leave of absence from the team to help care for his wife, who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jed Hughes, a Korn Ferry vice
Herd Freed Hartz Finds New Leader for Pike Place Market
Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has recruited Mary Bacarella as executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) in Seattle. Partners Scott Rabinowitz and Fred Pabst led the assignment. Ms. Bacarella will lead the public agency responsible for the operations, management, preservation and development of the nine-acre historic public market. “As
