DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
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.
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
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?
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
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
The Questions to Ask an Executive Search Firm (That Most Don’t)
Browse a handful of executive search firm websites and they quickly begin to look alike. Every firm makes the same promises about senior expertise and deep networks, a new report from PierceGray. “They all claim to have a proven process and strong track record,” the study said. “There’s just one thing missing: the information you
Alexander Hughes Appoints Global Co-Leaders of Digital & AI Practice
Alexander Hughes has appointed Heather Baker and Pankaj Dutt as global co-leads of its digital & AI practice. “The appointments reinforce Alexander Hughes’ long-standing commitment to supporting clients navigating digital transformation and AI-driven change, strengthening its leadership across major technology markets including India, the United States, and other global innovation hubs in Europe and Asia,” the firm said “Alexander Hughes has
Five Steps to Future-Proof Your Workforce
The U.S. has managed to navigate its recent economic instability surprisingly well. Despite fluctuating tariff policies, stricter immigration measures, the cancellation of numerous government contracts, and rising inflation, the nation has so far avoided a recession. Still, businesses are showing heightened caution, and the labor market has slowed considerably. While the country has not seen
The Value of Confidential Job Postings
As the dynamics of talent acquisition continue to evolve, the traditional approach of openly advertising vacancies is being redefined. Companies are finding that maintaining discretion during key hires not only protects internal stability but also strengthens their competitive position in the market. Confidential job postings, once reserved for executive or sensitive leadership roles, are now
Kirk Palmer Associates Assists Holt Renfrew with CEO Search
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Franco Savastano as president and CEO of Canadian luxury retailer Holt Renfrew. The search was led by Kyle Rudy. He succeeds Sebastian Picardo, who stepped down effective September 30, 2025, after five years at the helm. The appointment is expected to usher in a new
Kincannon & Reed Places CEO at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has placed Eric Fobes as the new CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE). Jon Leafstedt and Patrick Fitzgerald, principals with Kincannon & Reed, conducted a nationwide search for SIRE. Current CEO Mike Jerke will retire at the end of 2025 after seven
Daversa Partners Appoints Partner
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has named Brian Warager as partner. “Brian’s work is redefining what it means to recruit for the frontier,” said Paul Daversa, CEO of Daversa. “He has an exceptional ability to identify leaders who thrive where technology meets mission – whether that’s securing our national defense, advancing the
How Companies Can Retain, Engage, and Empower Talent in a Changing World
One of the greatest challenges faced by many organizations today is retaining and engaging talent, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked the Great Resignation and heightened competition for top talent. Now, companies have an opportunity to create environments where employees feel valued and motivated to stay long-term, according to a recent report from global
Harris Search Associates Retained by Ferris University to Lead Provost Search
Harris Search Associates was recently tapped by Ferris University to lead in its search for a provost and vice president for academic affairs. Ed Christ is leading the assignment. The provost will build on current strengths by continuing to develop the quality and depth of faculty and staff. They will cultivate an environment of belonging that
AGB Search Tapped by Lewis University to Find Next President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Lewis University to lead in its search its 11th president. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech are leading the assignment. The Lewis University board of trustees has announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits CFO for the Port of Seattle
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has helped to recruit Chris Wimsatt as the new CFO of the Port of Seattle. Rod Dinger led the assignment. “The Port of Seattle’s success as an economic engine and job creator is tied directly to our financial management,” said Port of Seattle executive director Steve Metruck. “Chris’s experience in aviation, general purpose
HTP Group Expands in Spain
HTP Group has expanded with the addition of Meritxell Galbas as partner in Spain. “Meritxell’s extensive experience in executive leadership, technology-driven transformation, and business growth makes her a strong addition to HTP Group,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “Her expertise will support our clients in Spain and across the EMEA region in navigating complex
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
Realigning Leadership Values in a Changing Workplace
According to The Conference Board’s The Reimagined Workplace, hybrid work remains stable, recruiting and retention have become easier, and employee well-being indicators continue to improve. In this environment, corporate culture continues to be a priority for visionary leadership. As companies define and reaffirm their corporate values, employees may find their personal values do not always
Klein Hersh Recruits CEO for Newleos Therapeutics
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Timothy Noyes as president and chief executive officer of biotechnology company Newleos Therapeutics in Boston, MA. Mr. Noyes succeeds David Donabedian, founding president and CEO of Newleos and executive partner at Longwood Fund, who will continue
Peña Search Seeking Major Gifts Officer for Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep
Peña Search was recently selected by Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep (Cristo Rey Dallas) to lead in its search for a major gifts officer. Cristo Rey Dallas seeks a major gifts officer to join its advancement team at a pivotal moment in the school’s history. As Cristo Rey Dallas enters its second decade of impact,
International Executive Search Federation Adds Four New Partners to Network
International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has added four new exclusive partners to its international executive search network. “This expansion strengthens IESF’s presence in Latin America, the Nordics, and Central Eastern Europe, and brings fresh expertise and local insight to our global community. We are proud to welcome Alec Allan & Associés, Human Garden, Key Executives, and
Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Funk Associates Recruits Provost for Clemson University
Funk Associates has recruited J. Cole Smith as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Clemson University. This follows approval from the board of trustees compensation committee. He will replace Robert H. Jones, who announced he was stepping down following 11 years serving as the university’s provost. “I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Cole Smith has
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Polaris Electro-Optics
ON Partners’ Bryan Buck and Alex Pelak recently placed Morten Nissov as the new CEO of Polaris Electro-Optics, a developer of next-generation optical modulators for bandwidth- and power-constrained interconnects. The company recently closed its Series A funding round, led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT). KDT is the investment arm of Koch and is renowned for supporting high-growth companies that
Summit Search Group Expands in Winnipeg
Ontario-headquartered executive recruiting firm Summit Search Group has expanded with the addition of Erin Steeves to Prairies team as a recruitment coordinator. Based in Winnipeg, she will focus on recruitment across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Over the past year, Summit Search Group has experienced strong momentum in the Prairies, driven by great client partnerships and increasing demand for
Kestria Appoints Leader of AI Ambassadors Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has named Thomas Suter as the new leader of the AI Ambassadors Group. Under his leadership, the group will continue to innovate, ensuring technology enhances efficiency without compromising personalized, strategic advisory. “At Kestria, we see the thoughtful integration of AI not as a replacement, but as a
With Liquidity And Legacy Looming, A New Paradox Emerges For Founder-Led Firms
Jay Alix, the founder of AlixPartners, has teamed up with veteran PE investor David Tayeh to launch Tayeh Capital Group, a $400 million fund aimed at family-owned professional & business services firms facing generational transition. The bet, said James O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Patrick Morgan, is that “aging founders, lower valuations, and stuck portfolio companies will create
Innovation Fatigue: Creativity & Clarity for Effective Leadership
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer optional—it’s the lifeblood of competitiveness. Yet as organizations race to reinvent themselves, many leaders are discovering that the constant demand for transformation comes at a cost. The expectation to continuously ideate, adapt, and outperform has created a new kind of pressure—one that tests not only creative
San Diego Pride Retains Cooper Coleman to Lead Executive Director Search
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been called in by San Diego Pride to lead in its search for a new executive director. J. Michael Durnil is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as the senior staff member of San Diego Pride, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. This role requires a dynamic leader who can
SPMB Recruits Chief Data Officer for Finastra
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Ali Khan as chief data officer for London-based financial services company Finastra. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Congratulations to Finastra on welcoming Ali Khan as its new chief data officer,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “A multi-industry data & AI veteran, Ali has held senior leadership roles at
Jobplex Strengthens Midwest Healthcare Practice with Acquisition
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Healthcare Management Group and appointed Brooke Wedding as managing partner. This strategic partnership strengthens Jobplex’s healthcare services and solutions practice and expands its reach in the Midwest. Based in Columbus, OH, Ms. Wedding has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare recruitment, leadership development, and talent
Powering Growth Through Precision Dealmaking
In an era defined by rapid consolidation and strategic reinvention, precision dealmaking has emerged as the driving force behind growth in the executive search industry. As firms navigate shifting market dynamics, many are turning to mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships to expand capabilities, unlock liquidity, and gain competitive advantage. The most forward-thinking leaders are
The C-Suite in the Age of Machines
As technology continues to redefine industries, the very concept of leadership is being rewritten. The rise of automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making has shifted the focus from managing processes to leading through complexity and change. Organizations are no longer just seeking executives who can deliver results—they need leaders who can balance digital transformation with human
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief Development Officer for the U.S. Naval Institute
DRiWaterstone Human Capital is currently seeking a chief development officer for the U.S. Naval Institute. The U.S. Naval Institute seeks a development leader of presence and confidence with an authentic passion for the Naval Institute’s mission. The chief development officer will oversee a comprehensive development program, building strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to secure unrestricted,
Muskingum University Taps Academic Search to Help Find New President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by Muskingum University in New Concord, OH, to lead in its search for its 22nd president. Current president Susan Hasseler will retire in June 2026, after a decade of leadership. The search is being led by senior consultants Sharon D. Herzberger and Dan DiBiasio, along with Carly Place, associate consultant.
Massey Henry Expands Leadership Practice
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has created a strategic partnership with industry veterans Sébastien Bélair and Dana Zorbas to expand its leadership practice. “Building on the recent recognition by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies, this collaboration reflects the firm’s continued investment in delivering tailored leadership advisory solutions for financial services
