DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Wilson Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has named Spiro Papanicolaou as chief marketing officer. Reporting directly to CEO Jean-Francois Vezina, Mr. Papanicolaou will lead Wilson’s global marketing and revenue operations, with accountability for go-to-market strategy, demand generation, brand, and commercial performance across the business. “As we continue shaping the future of Wilson, marketing leadership will be critical to how
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.
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
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?
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
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
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
The Barton Partnership Expands Professional Services Practice
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jane Harley as director within its professional services practice. Based in London, Ms. Harley will play a key role in strengthening The Barton Partnership’s professional services business, partnering with consulting and advisory firms to deliver senior-level talent solutions that support growth
Private Equity’s Winners Play a Different Game
A recent AlixPartners study, Leading Practices in Private Equity – How a PE Firm Can Stand Out from the Crowd, surveyed experienced PE executives on 57 practices spanning the fund lifecycle, from design to exit. While the practices themselves are familiar, the leaders in the field are distinguished by how deliberately and consistently they execute them. In
Jensen Partners Acquires Baier Associates
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has acquired global executive search and consulting firm Baier Associates (UK). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Joining Jensen Partners will be Nishika Samaratunga, the firm’s co-founder and CEO, who spent that last half-decade
Occam Global Recruits Chief Business Officer for A-Alpha Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lionberger as chief business officer of biotechnology company A-Alpha Bio. “Troy brings a rare blend of deep technical fluency and commercial creativity,” said David Younger, co-founder and CEO of A-Alpha Bio. “His track record speaks for itself—from inventing platform applications to
Cook Silverman Search Seeking Executive Director for Ability Now Bay Area
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. The executive director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for leading all staff, overseeing organizational strategy, and ensuring alignment between programs, mission, and financial sustainability. Ability Now Bay Area seeks
August Leadership Expands in Singapore
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Melvin Lee as a partner in Singapore. Mr. Lee is a seasoned leadership advisor with more than 20 years of experience across Asia Pacific and North America. He specializes in senior executive and board appointments in the industrial, semiconductor, and technology sectors, bringing deep expertise in manufacturing, supply
Why Boards Keep Selecting Yesterday’s Leaders for Tomorrow’s Problems
Boardrooms across America keep hiring the familiar. The CEO who worked miracles at the last company, the leader with the spotless resume, the safe bet. Yet, the uncomfortable truth is that yesterday’s corporate savior often becomes tomorrow’s expensive mistake, according to a recent report from Shawn Cole, founder and president of Cowen Partners Executive Search.
SearchWide Global Places CEO for Visit Estes Park
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has placed Sarah Leonard as the new CEO of Visit Estes Park (VEP) in Colorado. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson led the assignment. “After conducting an extensive nationwide search, the board was thrilled to select Sarah for this critical leadership role,” said Sean Jurgens, chair of the Visit Estes Park board of
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 49th President for Georgetown University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has recruited Eduardo M. Peñalver as the 49th president of Georgetown University. John Isaacson, Anita Tien, Berkley Braden, and Jane McInerney led the assignment. Mr. Peñalver will succeed interim president Robert M. Groves, who has led Georgetown for the past year after former president John J. DeGioia stepped down from his role in
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Position for Elwyn
The Tolan Group (TTG) has helped to recruit Marlah Bonner as senior vice president of advancement for Elwyn. “Marlah’s expertise in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic planning will support Elwyn’s mission by expanding philanthropic support, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing programs across the organization’s multi-state network,” The Tolan Group said. Ms. Bonner is an accomplished fundraising
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
