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Daily Newswire
Buffkin / Baker Appoints Partner
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has named Jim May as partner in its technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas. “Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results,” said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a
BCG Says Dealmakers Are Learning to Win in Uncertainty
Global M&A activity is showing signs of recovery, but not a return to the playbook of the last cycle. According to Boston Consulting Group’s 2025 M&A Report, global deal value rose 10 percent in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as geopolitical tension, regulatory shifts, and macro uncertainty continue
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.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
Marlin Hawk Builds Winning Strategy on Finding Transformational Leaders
Six years ago, London-based Marlin Hawk sent Mark Oppenheimer, then just 27, to New York to establish an across-the-pond outpost for the enterprising leadership advisory firm. He had four years of experience as a researcher and the faith and support of his bosses back home. But when he stepped off the plane in America, Mr.
DRG Executive Search Seeks Development Officer for Shatterproof
DRG Executive Search has been retained by Shatterproof, an addiction prevention non-profit, to lead its search for a new chief development officer (CDO). DRG managing partner David Hinsley Cheng is leading the search along with senior consultant Carmel Napolitano. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO is a newly created role charged with developing and executing Shatterproof’s
Sterling Martin Associates Places New Leaders at Denver-Based Non-Profits
The non-profit sector has gained economic strength in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the country. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time high, search firms have
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,







