DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Creating Predictable Recruitment Firm Revenue in an Unpredictable Industry
In a market where deal flow can shift quickly and client priorities change just as fast, many boutique recruitment firms find themselves operating without a clear line of sight on future income. What separates firms that consistently grow from those that stall isn’t just performance—it’s the ability to build structure around uncertainty and turn activity
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet 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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
New 2025 Report Highlights Tech Executive Pay Trends
Executive compensation goes beyond negotiation—it’s a strategic tool for driving growth, retaining talent, and maintaining a competitive edge. Understanding your executives’ value can be the key to securing top talent instead of losing them to rivals. Riviera Partners’ 2025 Executive Compensation Report, exclusively available to Riviera’s client and partner network, offers valuable insights into the
Quick Leonard Kieffer Finds Chief Nurse for Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital
As the life sciences sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer (CNO) has traditionally been
Sheffield Haworth Acquires NBI Consulting
London-based executive recruitment firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired nbi Consulting, a specialist global executive search and talent management firm in the business and professional services sector. “Our businesses share a common capability and passion to solve clients’ talent needs in the areas of executive search, interim consulting and talent advisory,” said Tim Sheffield, executive chairman
Carmichael Fisher Bolsters Industrial Search Team With Nine Hires
London-based executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has added nine new hires to its industry and manufacturing practice in the last three months. Jan Bieberbach, David Rodriguez, Gwenael Inarejos, Benoit Prevedi, Samuel Day, Jessica Bengtsson, Delicia Sequeira, and Katharine Horsburgh will be based in London. Annie Noorani joins the firm’s Los Angeles office. “I am delighted
Close the Book on Searches and Hire the Best Candidates Quickly
Here’s a storyline that – unfortunately – plays out far too frequently: After interviewing all three final candidates for a senior level position, the members of the hiring team can’t come to a conclusion on which is best for the job. The hiring managers meet at the appointed hour, share their “gut feelings,” study organizational
African Wildlife Foundation Taps Phillips Oppenheim to Find New Leader
Executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been selected by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Search consultants Mark Tarnacki and Addie Jones are heading the assignment. The CEO role, according to Phillips Oppenheim, is expected to provide strategic direction, management and thought leadership for AWF and pursue a compelling
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO for BioAmber
Recruiting firm Spencer Stuart has placed Richard P. Eno as the CEO of BioAmber Inc. in Montreal. He succeeds Jean-Francois Huc who resigned earlier this year for personal reasons. Mr. Huc remained with the company as a member of the board of directors and also assumed an advisory role with the management team to help ensure a smooth
PRAXI Alliance Adds Member Firm In Australia
Global executive search consortium PRAXI Alliance Worldwide Executive Search has added Six Degrees Executive as its latest member firm. The PRAXI Alliance global network now spans four continents, with more than 30 countries and 70 offices worldwide. Six Degrees Executive, which has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, provides in-depth specialist recruitment, talent consulting and C-suite appointments
Recruiters Face a Double Threat from Automation, But There’s Good News
Automation is already heavily impacting many jobs, especially those in manufacturing and agriculture. Of five million manufacturing jobs lost since 2000, machines have replaced 4.4 million of them, according to researchers at Ball State University. Experts expect these same forces to hit white-collar jobs. After all, technology is cheaper than human labor, increases productivity, and
DHR International Acquires Fashion Boutique Search Firm Cooper+Logan
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: DHR International has acquired boutique executive search firm COOPER+LOGAN. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. With the addition of two new managing partners, Susan Cooper and Tricia Logan, the acquisition strengthens DHR’s retail/fashion industry and functional expertise. COOPER+LOGAN, which was founded in 2008, specializes in
Crist|Kolder Places Ex-Uber President As CEO at H&R Block
Global consumer tax services provider H&R Block has named Jeffrey J. Jones, the former president of Uber, as president and CEO. The firm enlisted executive recruiting firm Crist|Kolder to help fill the top post. Mr. Jones succeeds Tom Gerke, who had been serving in the role on an interim basis. “Our task was to introduce to the board of
Arts Consulting Group Seeking New CEO for Cape Arts & Entertainment
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Arts Consulting Group (ACG) was recently tapped by Cape Arts & Entertainment (CA&E) to recruit its new president and CEO. ACG president Bruce D. Thibodeau is leading the search. CA&E is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial visionary
Former Johns Hopkins University Vice Provost Joins Witt/Kieffer
Philip Tang has joined executive search firm Witt/Kieffer as a consultant in its education practice. He brings to the job nearly 15 years of university administration experience at one of the nation’s leading universities. Mr. Tang previously served as vice provost for academic services at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he led online and digital
Boutique Search Firms Step In Where Big Recruiters Falter
The biggest selling points for large search firms – the depth of their recruitment manpower and the diversity of their services – are the very elements that are causing many clients to turn to boutique recruiters. Craig Lapham, chief executive officer of the Lapham Group, a New York-based executive recruitment firm that specializes in insurance and
Conroy Ross Partners Leading CEO Search for Canadian Credit Union
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, the cooperatives are facing the loss of more than 4,000 chief executive officers and senior managers
McDermott & Bull Expands Interim Division
Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has expanded with the additions of James Hickey as senior managing director and Tamra Solis as vice president of talent acquisition to its interim leaders division. Mr. Hickey previously served as national managing partner, private equity services, at Tatum, concentrating on helping private equity firms improve operational performance and respective
AE Industry Partners Completes Acquisition of CDI Corp.
Recruitment firm CDI Corp. has been acquired by AE Industrial Partners, a private equity investor specializing in aerospace, power generation and specialty industrial companies. The transaction was effected through a previously announced cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CDI followed by a merger. As a result of the transaction, which
Erevena Appoints Senior Partner In Financial Services
London-based executive search firm Erevena has bolstered its financial services expertise with the addition of John Burr as a senior partner. Mr. Burr has over 20 years of search experience across EMEA, the Americas, and APAC in B2B financial services. Previously, he served as partner and global head of financial services at Boyden. Before that he worked
The New Role of the Human Resources Leader In Business Today
In today’s very competitive business landscape, HR experts must wear multiple hats and help their employers adapt to a quickly changing workforce. The days where HR professionals are viewed strictly as administrative paper pushers are finally gone. “While today’s HR leader probably has the most stressful job in recent years, the opportunities are the greatest
McCormack + Kristel Finds New Leader for PFLAG National
Executive search firm McCormack + Kristel has placed Jaime M. Grant, Ph.D. as the executive director of PFLAG National, the nation’s largest and oldest organization uniting families and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ). Dr. Grant, a longtime social-justice leader and innovator, assumes leadership of an organization with over 200,000 members and
Michael Kelly Associates Partners With Change, Development & Leadership Consulting
Executive search firm Michael Kelly Associates (MKA) and Change, Development & Leadership Consulting (CDL) have formed a strategic partnership to focus on employee engagement to foster team building and a united corporate culture for maximum effectiveness. The alliance focuses not only on applying MKA’s knowledge of executive search, but also on enhancing culture through CDL Consulting’s leadership coaching and executive consultation
Miles Partnership Announces Expansion
The Miles Partnership, a London-based recruitment firm, has appointed two new partners. Julia Roberts joins the firm’s public sector practice and Steve Rutherford becomes part of the executive interim practice. Noel O’Curraoin, meanwhile, was named a principal for the firm’s financial services team. “The Miles Partnership is committed to being the most innovative and dynamic
Stanton Chase Names New Logistics Practice Leader
Peter Deragon, the managing director of the Los Angeles office of Stanton Chase International, has been named global sector leader for the carriers, third party & contract logistics practice. He succeeds John Gradek, a director of the Stanton Chase Montreal office, who recently joined McGill University to establish a master’s degree program in aviation leadership.
Why Search Firms Must Adjust and Adapt to Changing Times
The executive search industry, and the business world it serves, continues to undergo a transformation that no one would have predicted even a decade ago. According to one industry leader, recruitment firms that respond quickly to those changes, make adjustments and adapt will not only survive the years ahead but thrive. Some of those responses
Ward Howell Continues U.S. Expansion With Acquisition; Names Corporate Development Head
With two key moves in recent weeks, global recruiter Ward Howell International has shown that it has no intention of slowing down in its plans to establish a major presence in the U.S. and expand its offerings to clients. At the end of August, the firm acquired Curran Partners, a Stamford, Conn-based executive search firm
Opportunity Resources Taps New Leader for Columbia Museum of Art
Executive search firm Opportunity Resources has placed Della Watkins as the new executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA). Karen Brosius informed board members and staff late last year that she was leaving to become president of Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. Ms. Watkins currently is executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, VA.
Bowdoin Group Recruits Chief Growth Officer for Evariant
Executive search firm The Bowdoin Group has placed health IT executive Thomas Schultz as chief growth officer at Evariant, an active client and the leading healthcare CRM data analytics platform. This is the second executive search Bowdoin Group has completed for Evariant in the last 90 days, the first being Michael Stevenson as vice president of product management. In
SRi Appoints Leader of Media, Content and Digital Practice in EMEA
Executive search firm SRi has named Ashling O’Connor as a partner and leader of the media, content and digital practice in EMEA. Her focus will be to continue SRi’s work in these areas, while ensuring that the growing links between the disciplines are developed in a global context. She will work with partners in the U.S. and
U.S. Hiring Trends Remain Steady Heading Into Year End
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the final quarter of 2017, with 21 percent planning to add staff between September and December. According to the latest ‘Employment Outlook Survey,’ released today by ManpowerGroup, employers in all U.S. regions and industry sectors expect headcount to grow. The upbeat forecast indicates that the uncertain political climate
Turnkey Search Fills Senior Role for Ilitch Holdings
Turnkey Search has placed Chris Granger as group president, sports and entertainment at Ilitch Holdings. Turnkey president and CEO Len Perna led the assignment. On the search and placement, Mr. Perna remarked that “working with Ilitch Holdings is a dream job. I mean that for us at Turnkey, as the search firm, and also for Chris Granger, who
Herbert Mines Associates Recruits President for Macy’s
Cincinnati-based retail giant Macy’s has named an eBay executive as its new president. The company tapped the services of New York-based retail-focused executive recruiter Herbert Mines Associates. As president, Hal Lawton will be responsible for all aspects of the Macy’s brand, including merchandising, marketing, stores, operations, technology, and consumer insights and analytics. He will report to Jeff Gennette,
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
