DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Risk Mitigation and Business Complexity is Driving Demand in Legal Recruiting
Demand for senior legal leaders is rising as companies, and law firms face mounting regulatory complexity, global uncertainty, and shifting risks. Boards and CEOs now expect legal executives to be not only technical experts but also strategic business partners who can influence decisions, manage crises, and deliver commercial impact. The bar has never been higher
Onboarding Executives for Non-Traditional Roles
As organizations confront increasingly complex challenges, leadership requirements are evolving beyond traditional industry boundaries. Companies are beginning to recognize that experience alone may not be the best predictor of success in roles that demand fresh thinking and adaptability. In response, many are exploring talent from adjacent sectors to bring new perspectives and capabilities into critical
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.
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
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?
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
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
Essenta Names Partner
London-headquartered Essenta Partners has expanded with the addition of James Kenyon as a partner. “James brings with him more than a decade of international consulting and leadership advisory experience, with a strong focus on the private equity sector,” said James Howells, founder and CEO of Essenta. “He has a well-established track record of working with
The AI Imperative: What HR Leaders Must Do to Drive Transformation
AI is reshaping organizations, industries, and functions, and human resources is no exception. HR leaders find themselves at the center of the AI capability gap; they must not only ensure that the workforce adopts AI across their organization but also upskill themselves and drive the AI enablement of the HR function, according to a new
NU Advisory Partners Assists Paciolan with President Search
NU Advisory Partners has helped to recruit Brendan Lynch as the new president of Paciolan in Irvine, CA. “Brendan is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in driving operational excellence, innovation, and customer engagement in the ticketing industry,” said Ben Mathan, chief strategy officer at LEARFIELD, the company that acquired Paciolan
Harris Search Associates Recruits CIO for Northwest State Community College
Following a national search that included a highly competitive, diverse candidate pool, Harris Search Associates has recruited Darin Seiler as chief information officer of Northwest State Community College. Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ led the assignment. Mr. Seiler has over 25 years of technology experience, driving data-informed decision-making and leading transformative IT initiatives. He most recently served as chief information
Leveraging Succession Planning to Drive Organizational Growth
As industries face unprecedented levels of disruption and innovation, organizations with deliberate and forward-thinking succession strategies are best positioned to secure long-term growth. At N2Growth, they have observed that companies treating succession planning as a core business strategy protect their operational continuity and build resilience. This article explores the multifaceted value of succession planning and
University of Michigan Calls in Spencer Stuart to Find 16th President
Spencer Stuart has been retained by the University of Michigan to lead in its search for a new president. The school noted that Spencer Stuart brings to the search more than 65 years of experience in leadership consulting, including deep expertise in the higher education industry. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Biomia
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Frederick Westhorpe as chief scientific officer of Biomia. “We are excited to welcome Frederick to Biomia, and confident that his extensive small molecule drug discovery and development expertise will complement the team and guide our company’s next phase of strategic growth,” said Michael Krogh Jensen, Biomia’s co-founder and CEO.
Rethinking The Leadership Pipeline
In a recent LinkedIn post that gained wide attention across the executive search community, Shawn Cole laid out his forecast for the decade ahead: intense demand for talent, shrinking candidate slates, partner retirements, industry consolidation, and surging compensation. His message was clear – the model is shifting, and search firms that don’t evolve risk being left behind.Mr. Cole brings
Lochlin Partners Assists the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation with Chief Development Officer Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Lancaster as chief development officer of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), a non-profit corporation formed in 2015 to honor the service and sacrifice of all individuals who have contributed to global counterterrorism efforts since September 11th, 2001. Ms. Lancaster most recently served at the U.S. Naval
Health Advocates Network Secures Over $15.6 Million in Growth Capital
Health Advocates Network, a provider of innovative healthcare workforce solutions, has completed its oversubscribed debt and equity offerings, securing a combined total of $15,625,000 in growth capital. The offerings attracted strong demand from investors, demonstrating confidence in the company’s strategic vision, strong operational performance and growth trajectory. Proceeds will be used primarily to fuel organic
Caldwell Posts Q3 Revenue Decline
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q2 revenues of $23.2 million (Canadian), an decrease of 5.4 percent from the same period a year ago. “We’re encouraged by our third quarter results, which reflect both resilience and momentum,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “Professional fees rose 24 percent sequentially, a strong showing in line with historical seasonal patterns, and
Why Talent Strategy Is the Ultimate Lever for Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity (PE) firms face more pressure than ever to create value. They’re holding companies longer and paying premium prices in an uncertain market with weak liquidity, according to a new report from DHR Global’s Keith Giarman. The study explained that intensifying trend means PE firms must work harder than ever to create tangible and sustainable value
TalentRise Assists SWBR with Chief People Officer Search
TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Shannon Struzik as the new chief people officer of SWBR in Rochester, NY. “Wishing Shannon Struzik greater responsibilities and exciting challenges in this impressive new chapter,” the organization said. “SWBR has warmly welcomed Shannon Struzik as new chief people officer, marking a significant step in the firm’s ongoing commitment
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) Tapped by the American Cancer Society to Recruit Chief Development Officer
The field of advancement is an extension of development/fundraising. Over the past two decades, educational institutions and charitable groups have shifted toward more integrated models of collaboration between communications, marketing, branding and development. Advancement represents the full integration of these functions under a single leader, the chief advancement officer. According to recruiters who specialize in
Bryant Group Recruits CHRO for Boise State University
Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Katie Thomas as the new chief human resources officer of Boise State University. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Katie Thomas as Boise State University’s next chief human resources officer,” said Lauren Griswold,
The Barton Partnership Appoints Leader of Independent Consulting Practice
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed BJ Clinton as North America director and senior vice president to lead its independent consulting practice. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome BJ to our team,” said Mike Doud, EVP, North America. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in a previous chapter
Power Shift: How Employer Control and Employee Expectations Are Shaping the Future of Work
Employees’ needs can feel like a moving target, changing with new trends, technologies, and values. But in the past year, companies have made tough decisions—mandating office returns, flattening management layers, tightening salary increases—all in the name of stability and growth. The push and pull of power between employer control and employee expectations is rewriting common
The Wilderness Land Trust Taps BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
The Wilderness Land Trust has retained executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior director Crystal Stephens and senior associate Terri Kohan are leading the assignment. The ideal candidate will join a mission-driven organization with deep roots and proven impact, leading strategic initiatives that balance conservation urgency with practical partnership development. The role
Slayton Search Partners Appoints Senior Vice President
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Dan Plourde as senior vice president and principal. He will focus on supporting the firm’s industrial and consumer practices, bringing nearly two decades of executive search and recruitment experience to the team. “Dan’s extensive experience in executive search, combined with his proven track record of building
Accelerate Growth in Private Equity with Smarter Talent Strategies
The private equity (PE) landscape has significantly transformed, marked by longer hold periods and more roll-up deals due to rising borrowing costs and fewer mid-sized companies available for acquisition. The traditional approach of quick three to five year exits through financial engineering and C-suite changes is no longer viable. Through this transformation, leadership and talent
Unemployment Rate Falls Slightly to 4.1 Percent
Employment rose by 147,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment dropped to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in state government and healthcare. Federal government continued to lose jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little over the month. Both the unemployment rate, at
Resource Management Group Assists Belk with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of Vince Phelan as executive vice president and CFO of Belk. Kevin Cooke, Jonathan Gould, and Lauren LaPolice led the assignment. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Belk leadership team Shaina Hall CHRO and Don Hendricks CEO for the
Seizing The Shift – Bain’s Midyear Take On Private Equity
2025 opened with promise. The first quarter brought strong deal activity and favorable credit markets. But by April, new tariff announcements upended sentiment. The policy shock sent ripples through global markets, and deal momentum quickly faltered. According to Bain & Company’s Midyear Private Equity Report, “tariff turmoil has held back deals and exits while investors digest
The Christopher Group Recruits HR Leader for Adapt Community Network
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Louie Shapiro as the new senior vice president of HR for Adapt Community Network in New York City. Pam Noble led the assignment along with Carrie Longmire. “Louie Shapiro’s extensive experience in human capital management and passion for fostering inclusive,
HARTZ Search Helps Arizona Center for Cancer Care Recruits Chief Administrative Officer
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Tara Lock as the chief administrative officer of the Arizona Center for Cancer Care (AZCCC) in Scottsdale, AZ. Reporting directly to the chief managing officer, Ms. Lock will work in dyad leadership to oversee all aspects of operations, finance, legal, strategy, and business development. She will
WittKieffer Names Leader of Board Advisory Solution
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has appointed Laura Orr to expand and lead the firm’s board advisory solution. “Boards that are engaged, effective, and strategically aligned have a significant impact on organizational success,” said Susan M. Snyder, executive partner for leadership advisory at WittKieffer. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura to our team to develop these high-impact boards. Laura’s background, expertise,
DHR Global Appoints Leader for Houston Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Tony Hazen as managing partner, leading the Houston office. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with private equity sponsors and operating teams to help them find the right leaders for moments that matter – turnarounds, integrations, and aggressive growth strategies,” said Mr. Hazen. “DHR brings the right platform, network, and culture to continue
Bridging Talent Gaps Across HR, Private Equity, Higher Education
In today’s complex talent environment, organizations across industries are facing a growing (and increasingly urgent) challenge: navigating critical talent gaps. Whether you’re scaling a portfolio company in private equity, rebuilding your human resources function, or filling a leadership void in higher education, the stakes are high, according to a new report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben
How Recruitment Researchers Help Access Top Candidates
Hiring top-tier talent is one of the most critical—and challenging—tasks for any growing business. While job boards and traditional recruiting methods often yield familiar candidates, the true advantage comes from partnering with an executive search firm that leverages dedicated recruitment researchers to uncover exceptional, often untapped talent. These specialists go beyond the surface, uncovering high-caliber
Cowen Partners Assists United American Indian Involvement with CEO Search
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of John R. Reeves as the new CEO of United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII). This follows a national executive search led by Cowen Partners in partnership with UAII’s executive search committee, which included board members, staff, and community stakeholders. Sam Torres, managing director, led the
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Provost for Dartmouth
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has recruited Santiago Schnell as the new provost of Dartmouth College. John Muckle, Becky Piper, Stephen Kalogeras, and Ethan Thomas led the search. “Santiago Schnell is a brilliant, multidisciplinary scientist, a humanistic and humane thinker, and a talented administrator with deep experience of what it takes to lead a world-class research university,” said Sian Beilock, president of







