DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Reimagining Executive Search: Ezekia and HelloSky Bring AI-Powered Precision to Talent Sourcing
Artificial intelligence is redefining how executive search firms identify, engage, and assess top talent. By combining smart data tools with human expertise, firms are building faster, more precise, and more inclusive sourcing strategies. AI-powered platforms are now able to surface insights that were once hidden in fragmented data, helping recruiters make smarter, evidence-based decisions. As
GHP Search Partners with Christel House International to Add Seven Cabinet Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently engaged by Christel House International to assist in expanding its Expansion Campaign Cabinet. New cabinet members identified by GHP Search include: Rushi Amin, COO, Post Trade Engineering at Citadel; Joahne Carter, chief marketing officer at Semaine Health; Derek Koecher, vice president corporate strategy at T-Mobile; Elena Pinakatt, former global VP, marketing
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.
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
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?
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
2025 Talent Trend: New Leaders Focusing on Team Alignment and Impact
A leadership trend that has emerged over the past few years is coming to a head, bringing with it a new set of recruitment and talent engagement challenges and opportunities in 2025, according to a new report from Lindauer. Findings from a study by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources say that
Patina Solutions Names Life Sciences Practice Leader
Professional services firm Patina Solutions recently expanded with the addition of Jodi Brendel as managing partner in Minnesota where she will lead the firm’s life sciences search practice. “Jodi will be an excellent addition to the Patina leadership team,” said Tom McBride, Patina chief operating officer. “Her leadership experience in life sciences is impressive and we look forward to
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds Former Egon Zehnder Consultant In Paris
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Marc de Leyritz as managing director in its global board and CEO practice. Based in Paris, Mr. de Leyritz works with multinational clients across a range of C-suite and board-related endeavors, including CEO search and succession, leadership development, organizational transformation and board effectiveness. “Marc has spent his career building businesses and advising leaders on complex leadership issues,”
How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong People
Constructing a company’s recruitment process almost always begins with the clarity, accuracy, and compelling nature of job descriptions. These documents, which formally detail the responsibilities, skills, and competencies a hiring manager seeks, lay the foundation for how efficiently the entire recruitment process will run. Hiring managers use job descriptions to help clarify the needed role,
Vetted Solutions to Fill Top Post for International Accreditation Service
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has been tapped by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to find its next president. Chuck Ramani announced he will retire as the organization’s president in 2018. Vetted Solutions president and founder, Jim Zaniello, and executive recruiter Michelle Smith are leading the assignment. The IAS, a member of the International Code Council (ICC) Family of Companies,
McAleer Gray Lands CEO for The Space Foundation
Denver-based executive search firm McAleer Gray has recruited retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas Zelibor as chief executive officer of The Space Foundation. Founding partners Terrance McAleer and Brad Gray led the five-month national search assignment. Past CEO Elliot Pulham resigned in October and was replaced on an acting basis by the Colorado Springs-based non-profit’s chief operating officer, Shelli Brunswick. In his
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands In Texas
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has expanded with the addition of George J. Hittner in its Houston office as a managing director in the firm’s partner practice group. With his wealth of market knowledge, Mr. Hittner will enhance MLA’s foothold in the Texas legal industry. “George has spent practically his entire life in the Texas legal
IIC Partners Expands Into Eastern Europe, Adding 45th Member Firm
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added CEO Search into membership. The firm, located in Sofia, expands IIC Partners’ global reach into Bulgaria, an emerging market for the executive search industry. Bulgaria has an emerging market economy in the upper middle income range, where the private sector accounts for more than 80 percent of GDP. Its labor force is comprised of
Heidrick & Struggles Names Interim Leader; CEO Takes Medical Leave
Heidrick & Struggles’ CEO Tracy Wolstencroft will take a three month medical leave of absence from the nation’s No. 3 executive search outfit. He is undergoing treatment of a benign lung condition. The Chicago-headquartered recruitment concern has appointed Krishnan Rajagopalan as acting CEO. Mr. Rajagopalan is an executive vice president and managing partner based in Heidrick’s Washington, D.C.
Korn Ferry Recruits Head Basketball Coach for Georgetown
Basketball legend Patrick Ewing is returning to his alma mater, Georgetown University, to serve as head coach of its men’s basketball team. He was recruited into the position by Korn Ferry. He replaces John Thompson III, the son of Mr. Ewing’s college coach, John Thompson, who was fired after 13 years as head coach. Mr. Ewing comes back
Wheless Partners Names Indianapolis Office Leader
Executive search firm Wheless Partners has strengthened its search staff with the addition of former corporate leader Dr. Juan Suarez to lead its Indianapolis office as a senior partner. He will focus on higher education and the industrial sectors. Dr. Suarez brings a unique blend of global experience in marketing and communications, corporate responsibility, information technology and strategic
Accelent Lands CEO for JOOR
JOOR, a leading online global marketplace for wholesale fashion buyers, has tapped longtime retail, e-commerce and marketplace executive Kristin Savilia as its new chief executive officer with the assistance of executive search firm Accelent. She replaces Mona Bijoor, who is moving on to pursue other opportunities. Accelent managing director, John Boehmer, led the assignment. Ms. Savilia previously spent 11 years
Boyden Expands In Sweden
In an effort to further strengthen its capabilities in the Nordic region, search firm Boyden has announced an expansion in Stockholm. Peter Krenander, Rickard Ericson and Michael Rooslien will join Boyden Sweden managing partners Katarina Brixéus, Ulf Bergström, Marie Corell and Per Fornander as part of the firm’s continued expansion in Northern Europe. In addition, an expanded research team
Why Companies Remain Indifferent to Millennials In the Workplace
New data from the 2017 ‘Millennial Hiring Trends Study,’ by MRINetwork indicates that among the executive, managerial and professional ranks misconceptions about what is important to Millennials, and a lack of urgency about their roles in the workplace, are preventing many employers from gaining traction with this younger generation. Despite these shortcomings, the study reveals that
Fairfield University Turns to Russell Reynolds Associates to Find New Leader
A number of top schools around the country have announced they are looking for new, high profile leaders to take them into the future. In just about every case, executive recruiting firms have been involved in some aspect of the search and selection process. Fairfield University turned to Russell Reynolds Associates last fall to find its ninth president. Rev. Jeffrey
USA Swimming Picks Two Search Firms for CEO Hunt
Chelsea Partners and Reffett Associates have been selected to find USA Swimming’s new president and chief executive officer. The nationwide search to replace Chuck Wielgus, who is retiring, is being led by Andy Knox, managing director at Los Angeles-based Chelsea Partners, and Bill Reffett, managing partner at Reffett Associates in Seattle. The search is expected to be completed
ALSpective Expands Leadership Consulting Business
Executive search firm ALSpective has expanded with the addition Debray Sandelin as a partner and advisor. Her appointment reinforces the development of the firm’s leadership consulting business, including the launch of the first ALSpective Executive Assessment Center. With 12 years of experience in career coaching, with a strong focus in the distribution and consumer products sector,
AltoPartners Expands In Australia
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has announced that Camden Partners has merged with two other independent search firms to begin trading in Australia as AltoPartners. The merger, according to the international consortium, enhances the practice group and sector coverage of its Australia team, and establishes the foundation for future offices in Melbourne
Bridging the Skills Gap With Insiders
Since the financial crisis of 2008, there has been an emergent skills gap that has plagued almost every industry. While organizations have implemented a series of measures to improve oversight of labor costs and value returns, they have focused more on improving the quality of talent acquisition than they have on sustaining employee performance. And
Spencer Stuart Brings Lawsuit Against Recruiter and Korn Ferry
On Friday, Crain’s reported that Spencer Stuart filed a lawsuit against its former global automotive practice leader, Francois Truc, who left the firm in December, and the rival search firm he joined last month, Korn Ferry. According to the suit, Mr. Truc and Korn Ferry “are attempting to dismantle Spencer Stuart’s global automotive practice and move that business lock, stock
Caldwell Recruits Cybersecurity Expert From Russell Reynolds Associates
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has named Matt Comyns as managing partner of its cybersecurity search practice. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford, Conn office. Mr. Comyns has a distinct and well-regarded focus on recruiting chief information security officers and next-level-down top lieutenants in information security for large global corporations and fast growing private companies,
crawfordconnect Leading Foundation CEO Search
Executive search firm crawfordconnect has been retained by The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation in Ontario to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Past CEO Rosemary Smith recently stepped down from her post. Senior search consultant Liz Latimer is leading the assignment. “Based on community stakeholder feedback, The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation
Goodwin Executive Search Lands CEO for Field2Base
Raleigh, NC-headquartered Goodwin Executive Search has placed Tom Bright as chief executive officer at Field2Base. Managing partner Bill Goodwin led the assignment. In his new role, Mr. Bright will be responsible for leading an existing team and aggressively growing revenues through the building of a robust marketing and sales team. A primary task will be to ensure
AIG Selects Egon Zehnder to Find Next CEO
American International Group (AIG) has tapped executive search and leadership solutions firm Egon Zehnder to find its next chief executive officer. Peter D. Hancock, president and CEO, recently informed the board of directors of his intention to resign. Shares of the company were up 1.75 percent in trading after AIG released the news. The incoming CEO will be its sixth since 2005. As
DHR International Leading CIO Search for the State of Alaska
Recruiters specializing in the investment function continue to report that demand for executive level ‘high impact’ investing talent is on the rise. Against that backdrop, DHR International has just been retained by the State of Alaska to lead its search for a new chief investment officer (CIO). Carol Hartman, the search firm’s managing partner of financial services North America,
Executive Recruiter Joins Hunt Club
Veteran search consultant Ali Smith has joined referral recruiting service Hunt Club, where she will oversee Midwest operations, regional go-to-market initiatives, account management, and the customer service / delivery function for the firm. “We’re all really excited to have Ali join the team,” said Nick Cromydas, Hunt Club CEO. “I know she’ll add immediate value to our
Momenta Partners Expands With Three Recruiters
Executive search firm Momenta Partners has expanded with the addition of three new recruiters. Emma Valdivia, who joins the firm as a partner, has more than 12 years of experience leading high profile client searches across the industrial and technology markets. She has executed more than 40 Fortune 100 placements, while supporting critical leadership hires for
Atkinson Macleod Executive Search Opens In Scotland
Search industry veterans Ian Macleod and Paul Atkinson have joined forces to form Atkinson Macleod Executive Search. The firm will focus on board and senior executive level searches for the private and public sectors. While the firm is opening its doors during a period of economic and political uncertainty across the U.K., Mr. Macleod said
A CHRO View on Building Great Teams, From Inside and Out
Managing a large workforce at any company is no easy task. But when that workforce is 32,000 strong, it requires the steady hand of a top human resource leader who will keep everyone motivated, engaged, intact and forward thinking. And that’s across 160 countries encompassing every cultural nuance imaginable. This is the domain of Michael
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for Alexion Pharmaceuticals
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed Ludwig N. Hantson Ph.D., as chief executive officer of Alexion Pharmaceuticals. He replaces David Hallal who recently resigned for personal reasons. Dr. Hantson brings to Alexion a strong record of developing diverse rare disease pipelines and commercializing innovative and life-transformative therapies at industry-leading companies. Most recently, he served as president and
HVS Launches Outpost to Serve African Hotel Industry
Tourism’s importance as a driver of the South African economy is increasing and that has led global hospitality consulting firm, HVS, to launch HVS Executive Search Africa, based in Cape Town. The new outpost will focus on corporate positions, general managers and department heads in the hotel industry across the continent. “One of the challenges of
Kennedy Executive Search Names Technology Practice Leader
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a network of independent executive search firms, has named Wayne Redovian as leader of its technology search practice. In his new position, he will coach and guide Kennedy’s executive search operations around IT leadership roles across North America and Europe. Mr. Redovian, managing partner and vice president of operations and marketing, has been with
