DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Klein Hersh Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Zag Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited Jan Hillson as chief medical officer of Zag Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering thymus-targeted medicines in Cambridge, MA. “Jan joins Zag at a pivotal moment as we transition from research into clinical development,” said Jason Cole, CEO of
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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
Private Equity’s Leadership Imperative: Driving Impact with Agility and Vision
As the private equity landscape becomes increasingly dynamic and complex, the demand for transformative leadership has never been greater. PE firms are no longer just seeking financial expertise—they want seasoned executives who can deliver alpha through strategic insight, operational excellence, and cultural leadership. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that these leaders must demonstrate a clear
Caldwell Partners Lands Chief Marketing Officer for ADP
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. Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International recently recruited
Parker + Lynch Legal Names Managing Director of Retained Search
Special Counsel, a full-service provider of legal staffing and eDiscovery solutions, has announced that its executive search division, Parker + Lynch Legal, has named Lisa Goldstein as managing director of retained search. In her new role, Ms. Goldstein will focus on helping corporate legal departments improve business processes, functionality and diversity by filling key positions, including
EMA Partners Opens in Dubai As Middle East Expansion Continues
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new partner office in Dubai, expanding its presence in the Middle East. The office will be led by A Ramachandran (Rama). Rama is managing partner of EMA Partners UAE. He has 10 years of experience in executive search and serves concurrently as senior partner
Employers Looking to Add Workers in Fourth Quarter; Wages Rising
Whether you are looking for permanent employment or a seasonal gig around the holidays, CareerBuilder‘s Q4 2017 Job Forecast predicts an uptick in both jobs and pay. Forty three percent of employers said they plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the fourth quarter, up from 34 percent last year, and 73 percent plan to
Utah and Louisville Tap R. William Funk Associates for President Searches
College and universities across the countries are facing new and growing challenges. Financial woes, enrollment concerns, and debates over free speech, among other issues, are all keeping leadership at institutions of higher learning on edge these days. For some schools, survival is even on the line. Recruitment of the right leaders, and choosing a search
Southerland Partners Leading CEO Search for Medical Center Hospital
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
Lois L. Lindauer Searches Names New CEO
Executive recruitment firms have made a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its new CEO. The carefully planned changeover comes as the firm celebrates its 20th anniversary. Chosen by founder Lois
Greenwich Harbor Partners Opens in San Francisco
Fifty two percent of San Francisco Bay Area executives say it is “somewhat” or “very challenging” to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions, according to the San Francisco Bay Area Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers plan to hire for open roles in the next six months. Recruiters say highly skilled
Want to Enhance Employability? Refresh Your Skills
Ninety percent of global respondents to a recent Randstad Workmonitor survey said that regularly refreshing skills and competencies will enhance employability. Seventy one percent, in fact, reported that they have done so within the past year. This belief was highest in China (98 percent) and lowest in the Netherlands (67 percent). On average, 74 percent
Higher Talent Names President
Non-profit executive recruiters Higher Talent has appointed Mindy Cohen as president and managing partner. Ms. Cohen has been instrumental in establishing the firm’s dedication to educational institutions and non-profits across the country over the past 15 years. She has recruited senior executives, nationally and internationally, for non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, public/private partnerships and
HVS Executive Search Finds New Leader for Rita’s Franchise Company
HVS Executive Search has placed Linda Chadwick as CEO and president of Rita’s Franchise Company. Ms. Chadwick comes to the Trevose, PA-based Italian ice and frozen custard chain from Dessange Group North America. The search, conducted for Argosy Private Equity and MTN Capital Partners LLC, was led by HVS Executive Search CEO Court Williams and
Alford Executive Search Finds New Leader for International Music Foundation
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Among them, Alford Executive Search recently placed Mark Riggleman as executive director of the International Music Foundation (IMF) in Chicago. Ann Murray, the current executive director, is retiring after 26 years. Mr. Riggleman brings more than
Catalyst Advisors Adds New Partner
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill-sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies for the foreseeable future, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook on life sciences. Navigating this new world of work requires a dramatic change in strategies for leadership, talent and human
Why Leadership is Key to Making Diversity and Inclusion Plans Work
Committed leadership, from the top down, is the key to companies having effective diversity and inclusion strategies, according to a newly released report by Russell Reynolds Associates. The survey, “Diversity and Inclusion Pulse: 2017 Leader’s Guide,” illuminates the challenges that businesses face and steps leaders can take to achieve D&I success. “Our new research shows
The McCormick Group Finds COO for REMADE
Arlington, VA-headquartered executive search firm The McCormick Group has recruited Michelle Schlafer as chief operating officer of the Reducing Embodied-energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute. Principal Tim Ward led the assignment. Ms. Schlafer has worked in a variety of leadership positions for Xerox Corp. over the past 24 years. Most recently, she served as a global program manager,
CES Partners Leading CEO Search for AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) has enlisted Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners to lead a nationwide search to find its next CEO. Barry Cesafsky, president and CEO of the recruitment firm, is spearheading the assignment. A search committee has been established, which includes past AHIMA board members and members of the association’s community. The
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has continued its aggressive expansion with the opening of a new office in Milan and the appointment of a new global practice leader for its non-profit and education sector. Dr. Gabriele Ghini will open the Milan office. He will be a member of the firm’s industrial and
Harvey Nash Acquires Crimson Limited
Acquisitions continue to make news in the executive search industry. In one of the latest, London-based search firm Harvey Nash has acquired Crimson Limited. Crimson, founded in 2000, is a U.K.-based IT solutions and recruitment company that specializes in digital and technology transformation solutions as well as offering a full range of IT recruitment services. Under the terms
Jobs Report Falls Short of Expectations
For the first time in seven years employers lost 33,000 jobs last month, but the U.S. unemployment rate still fell to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During September, the number of workers unemployed declined by 331,000 to 6.8 million. Economists had forecast that payrolls would increase by 80,000 jobs last month
SearchWide Leading CEO Hunt for Visit Syracuse
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has been retained by Visit Syracuse, a tourism promotion organization, to find its new CEO. Vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the search. Visit Syracuse focuses on building the tourism industry for Syracuse and Onondaga County, NY. It is an affiliate of CenterState CEO, an economic development group for central New York state,
Simon Pollock & Co Opens to Serve Media & Entertainment Sectors
An array of new recruiting firms have opened around the world this year. The latest: Industry veteran Simon Pollock has launched Simon Pollock & Co in London, specializing in senior level executive search in global media and entertainment. Mr. Pollack most recently served as head of the media & entertainment practice at Heidrick & Struggles.
The Risch Group Recruits CFO for Dynasty Financial Partners
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand. Finding them is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment teams busier than ever. In one of the most recent cases, New York-based executive search firm The Risch Group placed Jason Emerson as CFO of Dynasty Financial Partners. Mr. Emerson will be based in the firm’s New
NPAworldwide Adds Nine New Member Firms
Executive recruiters are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet the demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide, for example, has added nine new member firms as it continues
Five Strategies to Making the Right Hire
You have spent hours crafting the job description, outlining the ideal skillset, interviewed countless candidates and picked what you thought was a winner. Three months in, you start to have some doubt; by month six you can’t believe you have missed some glaring gaps; and nine months later you make the tough decision to replace
Bridge Partners Finds Chief Diversity Officer for Gallaudet University
Executive recruitment firm Bridge Partners LLC has helped to place the new chief diversity officer at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Elavie Ndura comes to the renowned institution for the deaf and hard of hearing from George Mason University, where she led implementation of the school’s diversity and inclusion strategic goals and was a
Ward Howell International Continues Expansion
Global recruiter Ward Howell International has named John Pothin as a partner in its consumer and industrial practices. Based in the firm’s New York office, Mr. Pothin joins with over 30 years of combined business and leadership experience including several senior global leadership roles in human resources at the GTECH Corporation and at Hasbro Inc. Mr. Pothin
Sterling Martin Associates Land Executive Director for APRO
Executive search firm Sterling Martin Associates has recently placed Jill McClure as the executive director of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) in Austin, TX. She replaces Bill Keese who retired in July. Managing partner David S. Martin, along with senior recruiters Leigh Beal and Kahti Motley, led the assignment. The selection was made after a
The Tolan Group Acquires Discover Biopharmaceutical Search and Placement
Acquisitions continue to make news within the executive search industry. The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, recently acquired Charleston, SC-based Discover Biopharmaceutical Search and Placement, a boutique search firm dedicated to the biopharmaceutical field. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. The transition is effective immediately. “This is a very strategic opportunity for
Google for Jobs Looks to Be a Game Changer
Whether you’re a student looking for a part-time job, an electrician seeking work closer to home, or a teacher moving to another state to be close to family, finding a job can be difficult. With job postings scattered across the web, newspapers and help wanted signs, it’s not always easy to find the ones that
The Dingman Company Seeks Senior Pastor for United Church of Chapel Hill
Executive recruiting firm the Dingman Company is seeking a senior pastor for the United Church of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. Rev. Dr. Rich Kidd of the Dingman Company is leading the search. The recruiters will explore a broad network to identify potential candidates, the firm said. After exchanging preliminary information with Dr. Kidd, potential candidates will
RSA Group Lands CEO for Biotec Pharmacon ASA
Persistent talent shortages and the need to develop and retain employees with critical business and technology skill sets will continue to challenge global life sciences companies as they try to navigate a new world of work, according to Deloitte’s global sector outlook report on life sciences. This will require a dramatic change in strategies for







