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Daily Newswire
Bain & Co. Says Building A Value Creation Plan Starts With Building An A-Team
In a recent report, Bain & Company highlights a number that immediately changes the temperature in the room: private equity owners replace 50 percent to 70 percent of portfolio company CEOs during the hold period. It is a stark reminder of how demanding the PE ownership model can be for leaders unfamiliar with the speed and discipline
AI Won’t Replace Retained Search; It Will Reveal Who’s Doing It Well
In executive search, the real AI question is no longer if it belongs in the process, but how it can sharpen human judgment instead of diluting it. “Everyone is piloting AI somewhere in the talent stack,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO of ExactSearch.AI. He explained that the executive tier is where the question shifts
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.
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
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?
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
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
Venture Capital Reinvented: All Roads Lead to Talent
The latest PitchBook NVCA Venture Monitor report offers up a revealing look at how the new year might unfold for a sector that has been under water for three years. According to the company’s analysts, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate investment strategies, accounting for nearly half of total VC deal value. Traditional hubs like the
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
Hanning Recruitment Opens to Focus on Real Estate
A new executive recruitment firm, Hanning Recruitment, has been launched in the U.K. It is headed by Toby Speke and backed by Rory Penn and Thomas van Straubenzee of the London agency VanHan. Mr. Speke previously worked for VanHan as well as global real estate firm Knight Frank. Headquartered in Mayfair, Hanning Recruitment will focus
Workers Continue Taking Side Gigs to Bridge Pay Gap
Got a side gig? You’re not alone. According to new CareerBuilder research, nearly a third of workers (32 percent) do, compared to 29 percent last year. And more women than men have side work — 35 percent versus 28 percent. The national study, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, surveyed a representative sample of 3,696 full-time workers across industries in
Korn Ferry Seeking New UVA Athletic Director
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
Morris & Berger Tapped by Operation Gratitude to Find New CEO
Morris & Berger, a recruitment firm that specializes in searches for non-profit organizations, has been enlisted to help find the new CEO for Operation Gratitude in Encino, CA. Operation Gratitude is a charitable care-package provider. Each year, the group puts together more than 200,000 customized care packages filled with an assortment of goods, including snacks, entertainment, hygiene, and
SRiCheyenne Launches West Coast Media & Entertainment Recruiting Operation
SRiCheyenne has experienced a wave of growth since its creation in January with the merger of the Cheyenne Group and SRi. Among recent changes, the firm announced that Jamie Waldron has joined as a partner and will launch West Coast media and entertainment executive search operations from Los Angeles. Mr. Waldron was previously president of Sucherman Group, a management consulting and executive
Dunleavy White Opens in Barcelona
London-based executive search firm Dunleavy White has expanded with the addition of a new office in Barcelona. “The success of the travel and aviation companies based in the region over the past six months has meant that we have seen a significant increase in demand for senior-level talent,” said the firm’s digital partner Sarah Hanan. “Therefore, we see Barcelona
ExecThread Raises $6.5 Million to Grow Crowdsourced Jobs Platform
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology designed to change the talent management game. ExecThread, a job-sharing network for executives and an aggregator of unpublished executive level job opportunities, has secured $6.5 million in an oversubscribed equity financing. It was led by venture capital investors Canaan Partners and Javelin Venture Partners, with participation from Corazon Capital,
Grace Point Partners and BraddockMatthews Join Forces
Asset management executive recruiters Grace Point Partners and BraddockMatthews have merged. The joint firm will continue to serve clients across traditional and alternative asset management, including hedge fund, private equity, endowment and foundation, and family office organizations. The firm will be known as BraddockMatthews and have offices in midtown Manhattan and Boston. Grace Point founder
Four Corners Group Finds CEO for Southlake Regional Health Centre
Following an extensive Canada-wide search, executive recruiting firm Four Corners Group has placed Arden Krystal as president and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Ontario. Jim Stonehouse, a partner with the recruiter, led the search along with project manager Nevila Xherro. Southlake Regional Health’s board of directors said it was seeking to recruit an accomplished senior leader
Allegis Partners Forms Alliance With Directors Academy
Search firm Allegis Partners is partnering with the Directors Academy to enhance its NextGen Directors Program, a peer-to-peer learning environment offering educational classes and networking opportunities. It is designed to accelerate the development and placement of next-generation board directors. The NextGen Directors Program also aims to accelerate shareholder value creation by building a pipeline of
Acertitude Expands Search Team
Acertitude has expanded with the addition of former PeopleMatter CEO Nate DaPore as managing director. In his new role, Mr. DaPore partners with businesses to recruit board members, CEOs and senior business leaders across private equity, technology and health care. Mr. DaPore brings over 20 years of experience as a private equity investor and operating partner, software
Job Security Climbs, But Worker Confidence Takes a Dip
Despite an uptick in the American labor force’s sense of job stability, the Worker Confidence Index dropped “significantly” by 7.9 percent for the second quarter of this year, according to a quarterly report by HRO Today magazine and Yoh Recruitment Process Outsourcing. The index dipped from 107.6 for the first quarter to 99.7. The decline
CarterBaldwin Seeks CEO for Old Dominion Electric Cooperative
The board of directors search committee of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) has announced its selection of CarterBaldwin Executive Search to assist in the identification, evaluation and transition of its next CEO. Current CEO Jack Reasor will retire at the end of the year, closing out a 19-year tenure. Chris Guiney, partner and head of
Former McDonalds’s Chief Compliance Officer Joins BarkerGilmore
Haydee Ortiz Olinger, who most recently served as global chief compliance officer for McDonald’s, has joined the advisory and coaching division of BarkerGilmore, a New York-based boutique executive search firm specializing in building corporate legal and compliance teams. Ms. Olinger joins BarkerGilmore’s team of former Fortune 500 general counsel and chief compliance officers who provide strategic
Kennedy Strengthens Presence in Norway
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has partnered with Human Assets Consulting Group AS in Oslo, Norway to bolster its presence in Northern Europe. Human Assets Consulting is a boutique executive search firm founded in 2015 by Petter Berg, Truls Mo and Haakon Heskja. Mr. Berg, who started in
