DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Dean as the new CFO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. In this executive leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the association, including fiscal management of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the ESA Foundation, and serving as treasurer of the
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.
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
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?
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
EMA Partners India Acquires Recruitment Process Outsourcing Services Provider Taggd
Executive search and leadership recruitment platform EMA Partners India has acquired recruitment process outsourcing services provider Taggd in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 113 crore. The all-cash acquisition aims to create an integrated talent recruitment platform offering executive search, professional search and AI-powered recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions at scale. Taggd will continue to
NGS Global Expands in London
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has expanded with the additions of Daniel Yeates and George Balfour as managing directors in London. “Daniel and George are accomplished executive search professionals with deep expertise in the technology and digital sectors,” said David Nosal, chairman and managing partner. “They each bring outstanding client and candidate relationships built over decades
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
Marovi Assists Congruex with CFO Search
Working in partnership with Atlanta-GA-based Marovi, Congruex, a provider of digital infrastructure engineering and construction services, appointed Jim Stanley as CFO. He reports to Congruex’s co-founder, president, and CEO, Kevin O’Hara. The appointment comes amid strong and sustained growth at Congruex as it plans to continue to capitalize on macro tailwinds, including AI and data center
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
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,
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of seven percent, compared to $1.03 billion in 2023. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a
Options Group Acquires MCL Search
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has acquired MCL Search Ltd, an executive search firm based in London specializing in electronic markets (trading and distribution), prime brokerage/clearing and financial trading technology with a focus on currencies and fixed income. Since 2012, MCL Search has developed
NGS Global Opens in Delhi
Executive search firm NGS Global has expanded its presence in India with the opening of a new office in Delhi, which will be overseen by managing partner Soumitra Agarwal. He will work closely with client partner Kamna Vij. As an executive search professional with years of experience, Mr. Agarwal has conducted a number of C-level and senior leadership
Your Playbook for Better Collaboration In Executive Search
In the business world, talent is king. More than 80 percent of talent and HR leaders say talent is the No. 1 priority at their company or organization, according to LinkedIn’s 2017 Global Recruiting Trends report. And more than half of talent and HR leaders believe hiring will increase in the U.S. and across the globe in
WinterWyman Fills CHRO Role for Hollingsworth & Vose
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers (CHRO) and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? According to executive recruiters, corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they
Russell Reynolds Selected to Find CEO for Tenet Healthcare
As the healthcare industry continues its transformation, talent management remains a top priority. A 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 Congress may produce. This has created a high
Odgers Berndtson Opens Washington, D.C. Office
Search firm Odgers Berndtson has acquired the former Boyden licensee in Washington, D.C., adding five people to the firm, including Tim McNamara and Derek Wilkinson, former Boyden partners with more than 45 years’ combined management consulting and recruiting experience. Judy Whitaker, Diana Farmer and Kelly Crittenden, also from the Boyden licensee, will be joining the
NPAworldwide Adds 10 New Member Firms Across Asia Pacific
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 new member firms across Asia Pacific. NPA now has 500 member offices across six continents. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining
Eight Trends for Recruitment Firms to Heed In Changing Times
The executive search industry is in flux, and as a result search firms have been uncertain or wary about what their next move should be. To what extent will digitalization affect the industry? How best to price and stay competitive? Should one offer diversified services? These are just some of the landmines top recruiters today
Noetic Search Fills CEO Post for National Children’s Museum
Executive search firm Noetic Search has recruited Crystal Bowyer as the president and CEO of The National Children’s Museum (NCM). Rhyan Zweifler, president of the Chicago recruitment firm, led the assignment. In this role, Ms. Bowyer will oversee and manage all aspects of NCM’s redevelopment, design and exhibition planning as the museum prepares to reopen in Washington,
Heidrick & Struggles Seeking New President for the Ohio Business Roundtable
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by the Ohio Business Roundtable to lead in its search for a new president. Richard A. Stoff, who was a founder of the Roundtable and its only president in its 25-year history, is retiring at the end of the year. “The public-private partnerships fostered by some 400 Roundtable CEOs, spanning
Gilman Partners Forms Talent Advisory Practice
Executive search firm Gilman Partners has appointed talent management executive Mary Morand to lead its newly formed talent advisory practice. Ms. Morand brings more than 30 years of leadership development and talent management experience to her new role. Most recently, she served for nine years as senior vice president of leadership and talent management for U.S. Bank, where
Greenwood/Asher & Associates Adds New Leadership
Executive search firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates has expanded with the addition of Susanne Griffin as vice president and managing director. Based in the company’s headquarters in Miramar Beach, FL, Ms. Griffin works closely with the partners Dr. Jan Greenwood and Dr. Betty Asher to oversee financial management of the firm, supervision and development of consultants and team
Korn Ferry Records Seven Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) posted 2018 fiscal first quarter revenues of $401.3 million, an increase of 6.8 percent from $375.6 million during the same period last year. This topped Wall Street forecasts, which expected revenues of $389 million. Korn Ferry’s executive search revenue was $161.2 million for the quarter, an increase of 10.1 percent compared to last year. By region, search revenues
JDG Associates Leading CEO Search for Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by the Schaumburg, IL-based Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) to find its next president and CEO. Principal Paul Belford is leading the assignment. The position is described as an opportunity to lead a financially sound organization in the construction industry that is highly regarded for the strength of its research and
Parker Finds Athletic Director for University of New Mexico
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
Tolan Group Names Behavioral Health Practice Leader
The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has appointed seasoned behavioral healthcare executive Diana Ramsay to lead its behavioral health, human services, family services and substance abuse practice. “Behavioral health and the other segments we will offer services to are all areas that can have immense health, economic, and quality of
AMM Communications Launches Executive Search Division
AMM Communications LLC, a St. Louis-based public relations, communications skills training and marketing firm, has launched an executive search division to help clients identify talent for management positions in sales, business development, marketing, finance, accounting, operations and administration. Ed Mayuga, a partner at AMM Communications, will manage the new division while overseeing the talent acquisition
Here’s the Single Biggest Challenge Facing Diversity Leaders
Those who step into a new job as chief diversity officer tend to carry a heavy load. Theirs is an increasingly vital role. The challenges they face are complex and the demands of the position are many, with pressure coming from all sides. Naturally, institutions want strong, well-versed leaders in this area. But diversity chiefs
O’Rourke & Associates Seeks Chief Lending Officers for Three Credit Unions
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, these financial cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior
Centennial Taps CEO for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Brent Cooper, an entrepreneur, small business owner and longtime leader in the regional business community, has been named president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The organization enlisted Cincinnati-based executive recruitment firm Centennial Inc. to conduct the search. Mr. Cooper is founder of C-Forward Information Technologies and a two-time interim chamber president. The opening
Slone Partners Expands Into California
Executive search firm Slone Partners has created a corporate Western division and related expansion activities throughout California. The strategic initiative, overseen by Slone Partners president Tara Kochis-Stach, is designed to better allow the firm to service dozens of California-based clients, develop relationships with next generation start-ups, and capitalize on California’s continued growth as a healthcare innovation
Signium Continues Expansion
Executive search firm Signium has expanded with the additions of partners Felipa Xara-Brasil and Joana Proença de Carvalho in Portugal and Alberto Chico in Spain. Ms. Xara-Brasil was one of the founders of Heidrick & Struggles in Portugal, where she was responsible for starting the firm’s office in Angola, leading business development in Mozambique and managing the Lisbon
Modest Job Gains Occur In August
Employers added 156,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly, to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed stood at 7.1 million. August marked 81 straight months of job growth in the U.S. Economists had forecast payrolls increasing by 170,000 jobs last
Spencer Stuart to Replace Outgoing Quinnipiac President
As the new academic year gets 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. To that end, Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn has enlisted
BridgeStreet Partners Finds CFO for J.W. Logistics
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one recent assignment, BridgeStreet Partners placed Tony Cossentino as CFO of J.W. Logistics. Dave Westberry, managing director of the search firm, led the search. Mr. Cossentino brings a wealth of financial
Ardlinn Set For U.S. Expansion
Ireland-headquartered executive search firm Ardlinn, part of the Cpl Resources Group, is opening a new office in Boston following a strong first year of performance. “Within developed markets such as the U.K. and the U.S., there is uncertainty around short and longer-term growth prospects,” said Áine Brolly, founder and director of Ardlinn. “Ireland in particular
Strawn Arnold & Associates Expands
Life science and healthcare executive search firm Strawn Arnold & Associates has expanded with the additions of Tony Yost and Barry Duke as executive vice presidents. Mr. Yost has more than 30 years of pharmaceutical and diagnostic experience in both large and small companies. Most recently, he was chief commercial officer for Otonomy, a specialty pharmaceutical company, after
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Top Marketing Roles for Sonic Corp.
Greenwich Harbor Partners has made four key placements in a significant buildout of the marketing team for Sonic Corp., a $4.5 billion company and the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants. The roles filled were chief marketing officer, vice president of national marketing, vice president of digital strategies and chief brand officer. The searches were
CES Partners Finds New Leader for CAHIIM
Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners has placed Dr. Angela Kennedy as chief executive officer for the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), effective in October. She replaces Dr. Claire Dixon-Lee, who announced her retirement last fall after serving as the organization’s leader since 2003. Barry Cesafsky, CES Partners’ president and CEO, led
Phillips, DiPisa & Associates Opens Office in Philadelphia
Executive search firm Phillips, DiPisa & Associates has expanded with the opening of an office in Philadelphia. Founded in Boston in 1994, Phillips, DiPisa has since opened offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and now Philadelphia. The firm is known for its portfolio of healthcare leadership contacts across the country. Its expansion into Pennsylvania is
For Executive Search Firms, Analytics Can be a Game Changer
Big data is rewriting the script for how companies around the world do business. The market for big data and business analytics is expected to grow to $203 billion in the next three years, according to the International Data Corporation, a marketplace intelligence provider. It only makes sense that analytics should become an increasingly vital
