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Daily Newswire
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
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.
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
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?
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
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Cultural Humility Primer: Connecting Knowledge with Authentic Engagement
Diversity is a cornerstone of the American experience. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the United States will become a majority-minority nation by 2045. A diverse population creates both opportunities and challenges, especially in fields like business, government, education, and social services, where understanding difference is critical for successful communication and productive workplaces, according to
Healthcare Leader Joins Witt/Kieffer
In recent months, executive search firms have been plucking talent from the corporate ranks in a wide array of sectors. Just recently, Witt/Kieffer named Bonnie Panlasigui, former chief administrative officer with Alameda Hospital in California, as a consultant in the firm’s healthcare practice. Based in Emeryville, CA, Ms. Panlasigui brings vast experience as a senior executive spanning
Bedford Executive Search Names Head of Western Canada Office
The Bedford Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of John Marshall as partner, covering Western Canada. Based in the firm’s new Vancouver office, he will lead executive search and talent advisory services for clients of all industries in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Mr. Marshall has over 20 years of experience as a
Egon Zehnder Starts CEO Hunt for Infosys
India-based IT company Infosys has appointed Egon Zehnder to work with its nominations and remunerations committee to find its next CEO and managing director. Heidrick & Struggles International and Korn Ferry also sought the assignment, reaching out to Infosys’s co-chairman Ravi Venkatesan regarding the search, according to reports, but Egon Zehnder prevailed. “On the CEO
Lois L. Lindauer Leads Philanthropy Search for Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island has retained Boston-based recruitment firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches to spearhead its hunt for a new vice president of philanthropy. Faith Eutsay is leading the assignment. Reporting to the CEO, the VP of philanthropy is expected to enhance and lead a comprehensive development program as Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island continues
Academic Career & Executive Search Opens to Serve Higher Education Sector
Veteran executive recruiter Jennifer Muller has launched Academic Career and Executive Search (ACES), a higher education search firm focused on high precision, flexible executive search services, career planning and candidate coaching. “Over the years I’ve learned institutions need more flexible search services,” said Ms. Muller. “Our new model offers six unique levels. For even greater
Barton Executive Search Names Talent Developer
Boutique recruiting firm Barton Executive Search has promoted Ismail Muhammad to vice president. Mr. Muhammad will lead and manage senior searches for the firm’s strategic client relationships and help to develop top talent and leadership. Mr. Muhammad has progressive understanding of ecommerce and the omni-channel lens to the consumer-facing marketplace, the firm said. In addition, he has a
Harvey Nash Expands, Names Leadership Services Head
London-based search firm Harvey Nash has expanded with the addition of Simon Drake as managing director of leadership services in the U.K. He will oversee Harvey Nash Executive Search and Impact Executives. In his new role, Mr. Drake is responsible for the strategic development of the business, providing organizations with a professional services offering to ensure that their
As Retailers Prepare for Holiday Hires, Pay Growth is on the Rise
According to jobs website Glassdoor, the annual median base pay in the U.S. grew two percent year-over-year last month to $51,556. The pay growth ended a six-month stretch of deceleration. The Glassdoor Local Pay Reports show pay growth ticked up slightly from a revised 1.7 percent growth last month, ending a six-month stretch of deceleration. Pay growth
Aspen Leadership Group Tapped to Find Advancement Officer at National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) in Jackson Hole has commenced a search for a chief advancement officer. The non-profit recently enlisted Aspen Leadership Group, an executive recruitment firm based in Aspen, CO, to lead the search. The chief advancement officer, said the firm, will guide NMWA’s advancement strategy, manage day-to-day operations and make
Hanold Associates Places CHRO at Harvard Maintenance
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resources officers (CHRO) and other senior level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as integral strategic advisors to the C-suite and the ones in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why such pent up demand for top flight
Korn Ferry Names Co-Leader of Global Pharmaceutical Search Practice
Korn Ferry has expanded with the addition of Mark Broer as senior client partner in its global life sciences practice and managing director of pharmaceuticals where he will co-lead the global pharmaceutical sector. He will work in both the firm’s Zurich and London offices. “We are pleased to have Mark join our global life sciences
Momenta Partners Expands Into New Silicon Valley Leadership
Zurich-based executive search firm Momenta Partners has announced that Danny Yu has been named partner, Silicon Valley and Western U.S. He will lead Momenta’s expansion into Silicon Valley and the Western U.S. and focus on executive search assignments for clients in the area. The firm also has locations in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta
CEOs Share Confident Outlook in Economy and Hiring
Chief executive officers report higher expectations for sales and hiring over the next six months, according to the latest Business Roundtable ‘CEO Economic Outlook Survey.’ The overall results suggest continued economic growth, albeit at a slow pace. The Outlook Index, a composite of CEO projections for sales and plans for capital spending and hiring over
Isaacson, Miller Leading Three Provost Searches
With the new academic year underway, a number of colleges and universities across the country are opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will provide high-profile leaders to take them into a new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, more often the case, globalization. Among the latest, Seattle University, the American University of Paris and
Polachi Finds New CFO for Inseego Corp.
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. One recent example is Polachi Inc.’s recent placement of Stephen Smith as executive vice president and CFO of Inseego Corp. in San Diego. “Stephen Smith’s previous track record in finance and operations within
TalentRISE Appoints Managing Director
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has expanded with the addition of Jose Martinez as managing director. “Jose brings a special skill set, deep industry knowledge and unique perspective to this critical role,” said chief executive officer Rick Gray. “His early experience as a chief information officer combined with 20-plus years of large-scale strategy and business transformation consulting to
Norman Broadbent Bolsters Growth Efforts With New Appointments
Norman Broadbent Group, a London-based executive recruitment and advisory firm, is continuing to strengthen and expand its operations with the appointment of two key leaders. Dr. Paul Aldrich was recently named managing director of financial services within the firm’s executive search practice. And Gary Browning was appointed strategic adviser to the group CEO and PLC
Global Labor Market Weighted Heavily In Employees’ Favor
Employees feel more confident than ever in the business environment and in their ability to get a new job, giving them the upper hand in the labor market, according to CEB, a talent management advisory firm recently acquired by Gartner Inc. New data from the latest CEB Global Talent Monitor report showed that global employee confidence in the
Kittleman & Associates Seeking New CEO for National Endowment for Financial Education
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been retained by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) to find its next president and CEO. Principal Raylene Decatur is leading the assignment. NEFE’s incoming leader is expected to shape, guide and execute the organization’s vision for the future. This is an opportunity to build on the organization’s legacy,
Diversified Search Adds Renowned Physician as Senior Advisor
In recent months, executive search firms have been plucking talent from the corporate ranks in a wide array of sectors. The latest: Diversified Search has brought aboard a renowned physician-leader, Dr. Steven Altschuler, as senior advisor. Dr. Altschuler will specialize in work in academic medicine within Diversified’s healthcare services search practice, the firm said. He is
Myers McRae Places Major Gifts Officer at Claflin University
Executive search firm Myers McRae has recruited Barbara Steadman as the major gifts officer of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. Kenny Daugherty, president for the Macon, GA-based recruiters, led the assignment. “We are pleased to welcome Ms. Steadman to Claflin’s fundraising team,” said Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for institutional advancement at Claflin. “Her primary responsibility will
Heidrick & Struggles to Acquire Amrop Denmark, Creating Market Leader Position
Acquisitions continue to make news within the executive search industry. Among them, Heidrick & Struggles recently entered into an agreement to acquire Amrop Denmark. The deal is estimated at $8.4 million, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The acquisition is expected to close Dec. 31. All five Amrop Denmark partners are expected to
DHR International Places Chief Marketing Officer at IHOP
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. In one example of this growing
Koya Leadership Partners Taps Executive Director for Hubbard Street Dance
Executive recruitment firm Koya Leadership Partners has helped place the new executive director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. David McDermott, who currently serves as first deputy commissioner for Chicago’s cultural affairs and special events department, joins the professional dance company effective October 16. Anne McCarthy, principal – executive search, and Alison Ranney, managing director who heads
Former People and Culture Leader Joins Centennial in Strategist Role
Brenda Gumbs, former executive vice president of people and culture of Perfetti Van Melle, has joined Cincinnati-based executive recruitment firm Centennial Inc. as executive strategist. Ms. Gumbs has been a human resource practitioner for 30 years, chiefly as a senior executive. Her primary responsibilities have included building the capability of the organization, participating in strategic planning, partnering with
Gibson Consultants Merges with Enterprise Recruiters
Search firms continue to join forces. The latest: Gibson Consultants, a recruiter that serves healthcare payers and digital health companies, has merged with its affiliate, Enterprise Recruiters, a recruiting firm also focused on digital health companies. The combined company, which will keep the Gibson Consultants name, has also opened an additional office in Wilmington, NC. Both
Pedersen & Partners Names Country Manager for Canada
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed Keith Labbett as a client partner and the country manager for Canada. He will be based in Toronto. Opened in 2008, the Canadian office of Pedersen & Partners provides talent solutions and senior management placements for the local market. The team largely focuses on the industrial and technology sectors, particularly the
Human Capital Report Sheds New Light on Worker Potential, Income Inequality
Nations around the world are fostering inequality by failing to develop people’s talents, according to the World Economic Forum’s recently released ‘Human Capital Report 2017.’ A lack of opportunities and access to quality work, the report said, is hindering both individuals and entire countries. “Efforts to fully realize people’s economic potential – in countries at
The Chason Group Tapped by Augusta Economic Development Authority
Executive search firm Chason Group has been selected by the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) to lead the search for its next president. Tim Chason, the recruiter’s president, is spearheading the assignment. Walter Sprouse, who has led the authority since 2003, recently announced that he is stepping down effective Dec. 31. The president is considered the CEO
D. Hilton Associates Leading CEO Search for Chevron Federal Credit Union
These are critical days for credit unions. The U.S. has nearly 6,000 of them, with more than $1.2 trillion in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration. But with the steady retirement of Baby Boomers, among other factors, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
Caldwell Partners Names Chief Operating and Financial Officer
Search firms have seen a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. Among them, executive search firm Caldwell Partners International recently named Chris Beck as chief operating and financial officer. “Chris is a collaborative and energetic leader with the vision to grow our organization, ensure
