DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
The University of Alabama System Taps ZRG for President Search
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Building a Culture of Collaboration Between HR and Talent Acquisition
Hiring the right people requires more than just filling open positions—it demands a strategic partnership across the organization. When HR aligns closely with department leaders, the result is a hiring process that not only meets immediate needs but also drives long-term success. By integrating insight from every corner of the company, HR can identify candidates
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
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
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
Burnout in the Workplace: What the Latest Research Tells Us
Imagine a workplace where 80 percent of employees are experiencing burnout, with younger generations feeling the strain the most. How would this affect productivity, morale, and the overall success of the organization? New research reveals that this scenario is not far-fetched, serving as a wake-up call for executives. Employee burnout has become a widespread challenge,
Recruiter crawfordconnect Finds CEO for Canadian Community Foundation
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has placed Elizabeth Heald as president and chief executive officer of the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) in Ontario. Past CEO Rosemary Smith stepped down this spring. Senior search consultant Liz Latimer led the assignment. The foundation sought an individual with a history of success in a senior executive role with an innovative, outcomes-oriented
Kingfisher Talent Forms Partnership with Virdis Group
Kingfisher Talent, a Boston-based consortium for biotech executive search and leadership development, and Virdis Group, global executive search specialists in the life science and healthcare sectors, have created an alliance that enables clients to leverage the expertise and reach of both organizations. Lucy Watson-Baker, president of Kingfisher Talent, said the partnership offers clients greater opportunities for top
Heidrick & Struggles Lands Outsider to Lead Mondelez International
Mondelez International, known for brands like Oreo cookies, Trident gum and Ritz crackers, has appointed Dirk Van de Put as its new president and CEO. The company enlisted Heidrick & Struggles to fill its top post. With the snack-food producer’s revenues declining in recent years, activist investors have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with longtime CEO and chairman
Southerland Partners Leading CEO Search for Baptist Health
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
Stanton Chase Names Aviation & Aerospace Leader
Stanton Chase International has appointed Hans Nilsson as aviation & aerospace global sector leader. He will work out of the firm’s offices in Zurich and Miami. “Miami has emerged as one of the world’s leading aviation centers,” said Juan D. Morales, global practice leader for the executive search firm’s supply chain, logistics & transportation practice
Personio Raises $12 Million In Funding
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management game. Personio, the German HR management and recruiting platform, has raised $12 million (€10.5 million) in a series A round from investor Northzone. With the influx of new money, Personio is looking to push its software-as-a-service (SaaS) product in an effort
Elinvar Lands CEO for Research Triangle Foundation
Executive search firm Elinvar has placed Scott Levitan as CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation, which manages an eminent North Carolina research park known as Research Triangle Park (RTP). He succeeds Bob Geolas, who left the organization last September. Elinvar’s president and CEO, Patti Gillenwater, led the search along with strategic search partner Jim Ahlerand researcher Pattie Steigerwald. In outlining
CDI Corp. Posts 25 Percent Q2 Revenue Decline; Acquisition Pending
CDI Corp. / (NYSE:CDI) posted second quarter revenues of $169.5 million, a decrease of 25.2 percent from revenues of $246.8 million a year ago. The revenue decline was impacted by the sale of CDI AndersElite Ltd., which was sold in 2016. For the quarter, MRINetwork, the company’s executive search subsidiary, reported revenues of $11.1 million, an 8.6 percent decline, compared to prior-year
Indeed Acquires HR Technology Company
Job-site leader Indeed has acquired Interviewed, an HR technology company that streamlines how employers identify and evaluate candidates. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. As part of the acquisition, all of Interviewed’s employees, including CEO Darren Nix and co-founders Daniel O’Shea and Chris Bakke, will become Indeed employees. “Indeed’s mission is to help people
DHR Taps Wealth Management Head for Gibraltar Private Bank
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has placed the new head of wealth management for Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, a private banking and wealth advisory firm in Coral Gables, FL. Leading the search was Carol Hartman, the search firm’s managing partner of financial services North America. Doug Moffitt comes to Gibraltar Private from U.S. Trust,
Russell Reynolds Associates Taps Rival Spencer Stuart for Education Practice Leader
Former Spencer Stuart recruiter Charles Falcone is taking over as the new leader of Russell Reynolds Associates’ U.S. education practice, which includes higher learning, academic medicine and digital education. He also becomes a member of the firm’s healthcare services team. Based in Chicago, Mr. Falcone specializes in executive search and succession planning for senior leadership across
Companies Losing Candidates From Poor Background Checks
Background checks are designed to validate candidate resumes and protect employers from negligent hiring risks, but employers should make sure they are not losing candidates because of a poor background-check experience. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, more than a third of employers (38 percent) have seen candidates turn down a job because they had
ON Partners Finds SVP Human Resources for Nvidia
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Shelly Cerio as senior vice president of human resources for Nvidia Corp., a Santa Clara, CA-based visual computing technology firm. Partner Bryan Buck led the international search. Nvidia, considered among the hottest firms in the technology sector, was recently rated first in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s rankings
Norman Broadbent Continues Expansion
U.K.-headquartered Norman Broadbent Group has further expanded its executive search practice with the addition of Dr. Paul Aldrich as managing director, financial services. Tim Hammett, managing partner of Norman Broadbent Executive Search, said Dr. Aldrich brings a combination of talents that will serve the firm and its clients well. “Paul has a huge amount of experience working
DHR International Looks at the Rise of Robotics and Its Effect On the Workplace
Will your company survive the workforce disruption triggered by the rise of the robot, powered by a new wave of artificial intelligence? The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, “4IR” as it is known, is upon us, and it’s the advent of robotics that promises to reshape global manufacturing as we know it. Steve Stine, DHR International’s
Berkhemer Clayton Places Head of Finance at Harry & David
Los Angeles-headquartered executive search firm Berkhemer Clayton has recruited former Lowe’s executive Ned Ford as senior vice president and head of finance at Harry & David in Medford, OR. Shai Phillips, vice president and head of the recruiter’s corporate practice, led the search. “The search was nationwide,” said Mr. Phillips. “And despite the scenic environs of South
Focus Search Partners Acquires Taylor Winfield
Focus Search Partners (FSP), the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has acquired the Dallas, TX-based recruiters Taylor Winfield. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. With the acquisition, FSP gains a team of professionals who all have enterprise operating experience across multiple industries, including Internet/ digital media, technology/ SaaS software, consumer/ retail/ food service and business
How Job Seekers Can Cultivate a Social Media Presence and Win Big Opportunities
A growing number of employers are using social media and Internet searches to screen candidates before hiring, according to a recent poll. But that doesn’t mean job seekers should abandon their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Many of those doing the hiring, in fact, consider it a deal breaker if a prospect has no online presence,
Odgers Berndtson Lands CEO for David Suzuki Foundation
Odgers Berndtson has placed Stephen Cornish as chief executive officer of the David Suzuki Foundation. A highly respected non-governmental organization, the foundation seeks to conserve the environment and find solutions to create a sustainable Canada through science-based research, education and policy work. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mr. Cornish will join the organization in November. He succeeds
IIC Partners Continues Global Expansion
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from all over the world. To meet the demand, they are continually developing new practices, hiring new recruiters and opening new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. For instance, IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has made five new consultant
ENGAGE Research Identifies Top 2017 Employee Tenure Trends and a Tightening Labor Market
An already tight labor market has likely only continued to tighten over the past 18 months, an analysis of ENGAGE Talent tenure data shows. The study by ENGAGE data scientists, which covered 50 million US workers and professionals, concluded that the current median job tenure is 3.67 years. That’s six months less than the Bureau of
CDI Corp. to be Acquired by Private Equity Group
Recruitment firm CDI Corp. has agreed to be acquired by AE Industrial Partners, a private equity investor specializing in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies. AEI will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the company’s stock for $8.25 per share in an all-cash offer and follow-on merger. The agreement was unanimously approved by
Wheless Partners Leading President Search for Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University (CSU) president Ronald Berkman, who since his arrival in 2009 has transformed what was predominantly a commuter school into a campus with strong partnerships, has announced his retirement. The college has enlisted Wheless Partners to find its next leader. The search will be managed by Mike JR Wheless, managing partner and division
U.S. Job Growth Continues Through Summer
Employers added 209,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate fell slightly, to 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed remained at seven million. July marked the 80th straight month of job growth in the U.S. Economists had forecast payrolls increasing by 180,000 jobs
Caldwell Partners Lands Chief Development Officer for JDA Software
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has placed Desikan Madhavanur as executive vice president and chief development officer of JDA Software in Scottsdale, AZ. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and co-leader of Caldwell’s TMT & IT services and information security practices, led the search. Mr. Madhavanur will be responsible for the company’s product solution strategy, development and delivery.
Hudson Global Posts Small Second Quarter Revenue Gain
Hudson Global Inc. / (NASDAQ:HSON) posted second quarter revenues of $113.6 million, up 3.6 percent in constant currency from a year ago. By region, Hudson Americas led the way, recording a revenue gain of 13.7 percent while Hudson Asia Pacific had a revenue increase of 11.6 percent. Hudson Europe, meanwhile, continues to struggle, posting a revenue decrease of
Increasing Demand for Talent Spurs Steady Wage Growth
The U.S. labor market posted steady growth in wages in the second quarter, according to the newly released ADP Workforce Vitality Report. Overall, wage growth increased by 2.3 percent year over year across all industries in the second quarter of 2017 and is higher than the 1.8 percent growth in wages reported by the U.S.
HVS Executive Search Finds Three Top Leaders for Shashi Group
HVS Executive Search has placed three top-level executives for Shashi Group LLC, a hotel development and ownership company in the San Francisco Bay Area. The searches were led by HVS vice presidents Erica Arnold, who is based in Denver, and Rachel Levitt, who works out of San Diego. The assignments were for chief investment officer,
PFM Executive Search Taps New Leader for Junior Achievement British Columbia
PFM Executive Search has placed Sheila Biggers as the president and chief executive officer of Junior Achievement British Columbia. Partner Shelina Esmail led the search along with senior consultant Jennifer Madden. Ms. Biggers brings over 25 years of experience working in the not-for-profit and public sectors. Her most recent role was associate dean, development and
5 Recruitment Trends Changing the Talent Acquisition Landscape
Talent acquisition has always been an important part of the hiring strategies and recruitment practices for any organization. But in the last few years, it’s become more critical than ever. After the economic downturn, there was a surge in unemployed professionals; there simply weren’t enough jobs for them to fill. Now, with the economy and
William Funk & Associates Seeking New Provost for Rutgers
As the new academic year approaches, 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. Rutgers University has enlisted R. William Funk & Associates to help
