DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Creating Predictable Recruitment Firm Revenue in an Unpredictable Industry
In a market where deal flow can shift quickly and client priorities change just as fast, many boutique recruitment firms find themselves operating without a clear line of sight on future income. What separates firms that consistently grow from those that stall isn’t just performance—it’s the ability to build structure around uncertainty and turn activity
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.
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
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?
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Inside a Model CEO Transition
The transition of a CEO in non-profit organizations should ideally resemble the precision and coordination of a relay race. Just as runners synchronize their movements for a seamless baton handoff, non-profit boards, outgoing leaders, and incoming CEOs must work in tandem to ensure a smooth transition. A successful handoff requires timing, trust, and preparation –
Kincannon & Reed Lands CEO for Willowood USA
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Tony Arnold as CEO of Willowood USA in Broomfield, CO. He replaces Brian Heinze, who founded the company and led the business since its inception in 2009. Managing partners Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs led the assignment. “I want to welcome Tony to the Willowood team,” said Kevin Mitchell,
Boyden Expands Global Social Impact Recruiting Practice
Executive search firm Boyden has strengthened its global social impact search practice with the addition of Jessa Chupik and Nick Chambers as partners. Ms. Chupik is a higher education and public-sector recruitment expert. She has made hundreds of senior placements, primarily in the public and not-for-profit sectors, having recruited across Canada’s top universities and colleges, governments and
Russell Reynolds Associates Acquires Zygos Partnership
Russell Reynolds Associates has acquired London-based Zygos Partnership, a U.K.-based board and CEO advisory firm. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. Founded by Julia Budd in 2002, Zygos Partnership specializes in the appointment of chief executives, chairmen, chief financial officers and non-executive directors for listed companies or the equivalent privately, family or mutually owned businesses. “Zygos and
Human Capital Leaders Turning to Flexible Workforce in Record Numbers
More than half of human capital leaders from around the world expect to transfer one third of their permanent positions to contingent roles in the near future, according to Randstad Sourceright’s new Talent Trends report. Based on a survey of more than 700 global human capital leaders, Randstad Sourceright found that 61 percent of employers plan to
The Hawkins Company Appoints EVP
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. The latest: Los Angeles-based executive search firm The Hawkins Company has promoted Brett Byers to executive vice president. She will continue to provide executive search services to clients in the corporate, government, non-profits and education sectors. “Brett is a proven leader
Coulter Partners Finds Chair for Cell Medica
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Annalisa Jenkins as chair for Cell Medica, a leader in next generation cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. “Everyone talks about board and sector leadership diversity – here we see another excellent female chair appointed and are proud to have been involved in this transatlantic search,” said Bianca Coulter,
Gans, Gans & Associates Tapped by Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
Executive search firm Gans, Gans & Associates has been retained by the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) in Toledo, OH, to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Executive recruiter Ernest Barefield is heading the assignment. At LMHA, the CFO role essentially directs all financial and accounting operations and internal and external audits. The CFO will assist
Signium Expands Into Seoul
Executive search firm Signium has continued its expansion with the opening of a new office in Seoul, South Korea. The office will provide search and leadership consulting services for Korean local conglomerate and multinational corporations. Mann-Hyun Han has been named managing partner of Signium Korea. “Throughout the last two decades, Korea has successfully achieved rapid economic growth with traditional
Hiring to Ramp Up Quickly Heading Into 2018
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the first quarter of next year, with 21 percent planning to add staff between January and March, according to the latest “Employment Outlook Survey,” released today by ManpowerGroup. Employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors expect headcount to grow. The upbeat forecast indicates that the uncertain political
Egon Zehnder Lands CEO for Infosys
India-based IT company Infosys has appointed former Capgemini executive Salil S. Parekh as managing director and CEO. The company enlisted Egon Zehnder to work with its nominations and remunerations committee to find its next leader. He replaces Vishal Sikka, who abruptly resigned in August. Mr. Sikka was the first outsider in the company’s history to hold the top leadership post.
Alexander Whitehead Places Artistic Director at Arts Club Theater
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alexander Whitehead Executive Search has placed Ashlie Corcoran as the new artistic director at Vancouver’s Arts Club Theater Company. Bill Millerd, who helped lead the organization for more than 40 years, will step down as
Odgers Berndtson Opens in Dublin
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has continued its growth and expansion plans with the opening a new office in Dublin. The move will enhance the firm’s capacity to support global companies looking to establish new centers of operation in Europe in readiness for Brexit, according to Odgers. The new location will be led by Damian Ringwood, who
Bó Lè Associates Appoints New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments this past year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Hong Kong-headquartered search firm Bó Lè Associates has announced that Pierre Zhuang has resigned as CEO and the board named David Chan, managing director and its Shanghai office head, as its new
Artificial Intelligence to Transform Workplace Sooner Than Expected
We are entering a massive workplace shift that will be marked by rapid advances in automation and artificial intelligence. New research from McKinsey & Co. finds that between 75 million and 375 million workers globally will have to switch occupational categories and learn new skills in just the next 12 years because of automation and the
Korn Ferry Lands GM for the Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited John Dorsey as the new general manager of the Cleveland Browns. Jed Hughes, a Korn Ferry vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to have John Dorsey lead our football operations,” said owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “John has been immersed in the NFL for 26 years, won
Human Capital Consultants Places CHRO at Henry Jackson Foundation
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 is there such pent up demand for top
Ward Howell International Launches Private Equity Recruiting Practice
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has launched a private equity search practice which includes partners Asad Haider, Hank Flores, John Pothin, Mark Bradley and Sonia Prais. Collectively, the team has experience in consumer, industrial, technology, energy, luxury and Omni channel retail businesses. Mr. Flores is a partner at Ward Howell, where he co-leads the CPG practice for the
Stanton Chase Names Three Practice Leaders
With an increasing global presence, Stanton Chase International continues to fortify its supply chain, logistics & transportation practice group. It recently named three new global sector leaders: Alvaro Gazda (Toronto, supply chain), Gregory Nazarian (Dubai, warehousing), and Robert Frei (Zurich, freight forwarding). “We have assembled industry leaders who understand the ever-increasing importance of getting products
Unemployment Rate Remains at 17-Year Low
Employers added 228,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at a 17 year low of 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was essentially unchanged at 6.6 million. Wall Street economists were forecasting nonfarm payroll gains of 195,000 in November. Employment continued to trend up
AETHOS Consulting Group Places President and CEO at WATG
Hospitality advisory and executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has recruited Anthony Mallows as president and CEO of WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated design firms. He replaces Mike Seyle, who left the global architectural design firm earlier this year. Ken Greger, an AETHOS Consulting Group partner based in Portland, OR, led the global assignment. “AETHOS conducted
Machine Learning Company Infinia ML Turns to Goodwin Executive Search for CEO
Raleigh, NC-headquartered Goodwin Executive Search has placed Robbie Allen as CEO at Infinia ML, an advanced machine learning company that delivers transformative automation solutions and predictive analytics to Fortune 500 businesses. Managing partner Bill Goodwin led the assignment. Mr. Allen, who will be based out of the company’s Durham, NC office, rounds out a founding team of AI experts with experience
Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co. Joins Forces with Deans Executive Search & Consulting
Recruiting firms Zingaro, Fidler, Wolfe and Co., and Deans Executive Search & Consulting have formed a strategic alliance. Larry Deans, president of Deans, has extensive healthcare industry experience in senior-level leadership roles in human resource and general management with Baxter Healthcare, BASF Pharma, Beverly Enterprises, US Oncology, Golden Living and Avalon Healthcare. “The alliance with
AIMS Expands in Singapore
AIMS International has recently expanded with the addition of Jonathan Khoo as managing partner for AIMS Singapore. Mr. Khoo brings a wealth of experience in executive search as well as executive management across the industrial sectors, notably transport and engineering and IT & telecommunications and life sciences, among others. “Jonathan has a comprehensive understanding of clients’ challenges across the region,” said Adarsh Matta,
Korn Ferry Posts 10 Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2018 fiscal second quarter revenues of $443 million, a 10 percent increase compared to $401.9 million a year ago. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected $421.1 million. Growth was achieved in all thee major lines of business: Futurestep (16.7 percent) executive search (13.2 percent) and Hay
Options Group Names Former Heidrick CEO as Vice Chairman
New York-based global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has named former Heidrick & Struggles CEO L. Kevin Kelly as vice chairman. Mr. Kelly is currently chief executive of Halo Privacy, a cyber security and consulting firm focusing on advanced secure communications. He has been instrumental in growing Halo’s footprint and projecting its reputation in the cybersecurity space. In
TalentRISE Names Director of Executive Search
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has promoted search associate Beth Gordon to director of executive search. “Time and again across multiple industries, even with our toughest searches, Beth always finds a way to identify the top talent to fill critical organizational roles for our clients,” said J. James O’Malley, TalentRISE partner and executive search practice leader. “Her
Polachi Finds New CFO for TimeTrade
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 Sean Bridgeo as senior vice president of operations and CFO of TimeTrade in Tewksbury, MA. “Sean is a highly motivated executive and we are thrilled
IIC Partners Reappoints Vice Chairs
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has reappointed three vice chairs to its board during its global conference held in London. Bhavishya Sharma was reappointed as board director and vice chair for Asia Pacific. Mr. Sharma is managing director of Athena Executive Search & Consulting in New Delhi and has served on the IIC Partners board of
Hiring for Potential or Experience?
It’s one of the biggest questions asked by first-time hiring managers: Is it better to hire people based on their experience or their potential? A cursory Google search reveals that the most popular answer to this question is “potential.” Most hiring experts seem to think that hiring someone for what they could do in the
Noetic Search Seeks New Leadership for Santa Barbara and Treehouse Humane Societies
Executive search firm Noetic Search has been tapped by the Santa Barbara Humane Society in California and Tree House Humane Society in Chicago to lead their respective searches for new executive directors. Rhyan Zweifler, Noetic’s founder and president, and Jane Luiso, vice president, are leading both searches. The Santa Barbara Humane Society (SBHS) is looking for
Myers McRae Chosen by the University of Charleston to Find Next President
The University of Charleston (UC) in West Virginia has launched a national search for a new president. Edwin Welch, the school’s current president, announced that he will retire effective next June. The school has enlisted the services of executive search firm Myers McRae. David Gring, senior vice president of the Macon, GA-based recruiters, is heading the
