DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
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.
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
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?
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, flat from the same period a year ago (two percent increase on a constant currency basis). During the quarter, fee revenue increased slightly in Executive Search, RPO and Digital, offset by a decline in fee revenue in Consulting. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and
Spencer Stuart Report Outlines How HR Drives Business Success
Technology and evolving employee expectations are redefining how work is done and how organizations think about talent: Less hierarchy. More flexibility. Unconventional career paths. Like everything else in the business world, the field of human resources has changed dramatically over the last several years, according to a new white paper by Spencer Stuart. In advanced
McDermott & Bull Finds CTO for Panasonic Avionics Corp.
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. CTO hiring, in fact, is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that has kept executive search firms well occupied. McDermott & Bull, for one, has placed former IBM executive David Bartlett as
Jorgenson Consulting Tapped to Find CEO for One Acadiana
One Acadiana, a regional economic development group in Louisiana, has selected Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Jason El Koubi, who led the organization since it started two years ago, resigned in July. Todd Jorgenson, the search firm’s managing director and principal, is leading the assignment.
Optimum Talent Latest Firm to Appoint New Leader
Numerous executive search firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Optimum Talent has named Mike Bacchus as its new chief executive officer. He takes over the role from Ronald Dahms who becomes a senior advisor. Mr. Bacchus had been serving
Taplow Group Expands to Singapore
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Taplow Group recently made inroads into Singapore with the addition of One
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for J.D. Power
J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer data & analytics and advisory services, said that Finbarr O’Neill, its CEO and president, has informed the company’s board that he intends to retire. The company has enlisted Egon Zehnder to lead the global search for his replacement. Mr. O’Neill will remain with J.D. Power during the transition
Marlin Hawk Sources Top Goldman Sachs Hiring Executive
Executive search and leadership solutions provider Marlin Hawk has expanded its financial services practice with the addition of Kirstine Wilson in New York. Ms. Wilson has 15 years of talent management experience gained at Goldman Sachs where she focused on lateral hiring as vice president, global head – experienced hires. Ms. Wilson will take on the role
Cummer Museum Taps Koya Leadership Partners for Executive Director
Executive recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners is seeking a new executive director for the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. Managing director Michelle R.S. Bonoan is heading the national search, with support from principal Sheila Hennessey, as well as Koya’s research and support team. The search for
Bob Murray & Associates Launches Search for San Diego Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation, facing an array of challenges that range from changing public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale, complexity
Former Bayer Executive Joins JBK Associates
In recent months, executive search firms have been plucking talent for their own ranks from a wide array of corporate sectors. The latest: Former Bayer executive Timothy Hayes has joined New Jersey-based JBK Associates International as managing director of consumer and leadership services. He will oversee the firm’s executive search business in the consumer sector and head leadership
Social Media Continues to Play Big Role in Recruiting
New research from Totaljobs Group has revealed that three quarters (74 percent) of interviewers will check candidates’ social media as part of their interview preparation. This is in contrast to the expectations of candidates, however, as only a third (36 percent) expect their social media to be screened, meaning many could be caught short online.
Shelli Herman and Associates Begins CFO Search for Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has retained Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates to find its next chief financial officer. Shelli Herman, president of the recruitment firm, will lead the search along with her associate, Krista Haley. MOCA is seeking an experienced, results-oriented CFO for the strategic financial health, operational management and administration of the museum,
Caldwell Partners Lands Chief Marketing Officer for ADP
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International recently recruited
Parker + Lynch Legal Names Managing Director of Retained Search
Special Counsel, a full-service provider of legal staffing and eDiscovery solutions, has announced that its executive search division, Parker + Lynch Legal, has named Lisa Goldstein as managing director of retained search. In her new role, Ms. Goldstein will focus on helping corporate legal departments improve business processes, functionality and diversity by filling key positions, including
EMA Partners Opens in Dubai As Middle East Expansion Continues
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new partner office in Dubai, expanding its presence in the Middle East. The office will be led by A Ramachandran (Rama). Rama is managing partner of EMA Partners UAE. He has 10 years of experience in executive search and serves concurrently as senior partner
Employers Looking to Add Workers in Fourth Quarter; Wages Rising
Whether you are looking for permanent employment or a seasonal gig around the holidays, CareerBuilder‘s Q4 2017 Job Forecast predicts an uptick in both jobs and pay. Forty three percent of employers said they plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the fourth quarter, up from 34 percent last year, and 73 percent plan to
Utah and Louisville Tap R. William Funk Associates for President Searches
College and universities across the countries are facing new and growing challenges. Financial woes, enrollment concerns, and debates over free speech, among other issues, are all keeping leadership at institutions of higher learning on edge these days. For some schools, survival is even on the line. Recruitment of the right leaders, and choosing a search
Southerland Partners Leading CEO Search for Medical Center Hospital
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a high priority. The shortage of physicians and other clinicians is one matter. But healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to reform efforts, and whatever changes Republicans in Washington, D.C. may deliver. This has
Lois L. Lindauer Searches Names New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its new CEO. The carefully planned changeover comes as the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary. Chosen by founder Lois
Greenwich Harbor Partners Opens in San Francisco
Fifty two percent of San Francisco Bay Area executives say it is “somewhat” or “very challenging” to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions, according to the San Francisco Bay Area Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers plan to hire for open roles in the next six months. Recruiters say highly skilled
Want to Enhance Employability? Refresh Your Skills
Ninety percent of global respondents to a recent Randstad Workmonitor survey said that regularly refreshing skills and competencies will enhance employability. Seventy one percent, in fact, reported that they have done so within the past year. This belief was highest in China (98 percent) and lowest in the Netherlands (67 percent). On average, 74 percent
Higher Talent Names President
Non-profit executive recruiters Higher Talent has appointed Mindy Cohen as president and managing partner. Ms. Cohen has been instrumental in establishing the firm’s dedication to educational institutions and non-profits across the country over the past 15 years. She has recruited senior executives, nationally and internationally, for non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, public/private partnerships and
HVS Executive Search Finds New Leader for Rita’s Franchise Company
HVS Executive Search has placed Linda Chadwick as CEO and president of Rita’s Franchise Company. Ms. Chadwick comes to the Trevose, PA-based Italian ice and frozen custard chain from Dessange Group North America. The search, conducted for Argosy Private Equity and MTN Capital Partners LLC, was led by HVS Executive Search CEO Court Williams and
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for International Music Foundation
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alford Executive Search recently placed Mark Riggleman as executive director of the International Music Foundation (IMF) in Chicago. Ann Murray, the current executive director, is retiring after 26 years. Mr. Riggleman brings more than
Catalyst Advisors Adds New Partner
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human
Why Leadership is Key to Making Diversity and Inclusion Plans Work
Committed leadership, from the top down, is the key to companies having effective diversity and inclusion strategies, according to a newly released report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The survey, “Diversity and Inclusion Pulse: 2017 Leader’s Guide,” illuminates the challenges that businesses face and steps leaders can take to achieve D&I success. “Our new research shows
The McCormick Group Finds COO for REMADE
Arlington, VA-headquartered executive search firm The McCormick Group has recruited Michelle Schlafer as chief operating officer of the Reducing Embodied-energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute. Principal Tim Ward led the assignment. Ms. Schlafer has worked in a variety of leadership positions for Xerox Corp. over the past 24 years. Most recently, she served as a global program manager,
CES Partners Leading CEO Search for AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has enlisted Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners to lead a nationwide search to find its next CEO. Barry Cesafsky, president and CEO of the recruitment firm, is spearheading the assignment. A search committee has been established, which includes past AHIMA board members and members of the association’s community. The
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its aggressive expansion with the opening of a new office in Milan and the appointment of a new global practice leader for its non-profit and education sector. Dr. Gabriele Ghini will open the Milan office. He will be a member of the firm’s industrial and
Harvey Nash Acquires Crimson Limited
Acquisitions continue to make news in the executive search industry. In one of the latest, London-based search firm Harvey Nash has acquired Crimson Limited. Crimson, founded in 2000, is a U.K.-based IT solutions and recruitment company that specializes in digital and technology transformation solutions as well as offering a full range of IT recruitment services. Under the terms
Jobs Report Falls Short of Expectations
For the first time in seven years employers lost 33,000 jobs last month, but the U.S. unemployment rate still fell to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During September, the number of workers unemployed declined by 331,000 to 6.8 million. Economists had forecast that payrolls would increase by 80,000 jobs last month
