DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
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.
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Assists WJCT Public Media with CEO Search
DRiWaterstone Human Capital has assisted in the recruitment of Karen Feagins as president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. “Karen represents exactly what we were looking for as the next leader for WJCT Public Media,” said Bill Hendrich, chair of the WJCT Public Media board
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?
Wilton & Bain Expands Interim Management Business
Global executive search and interim leadership firm Wilton & Bain has named Oliver Bentley as partner within its interim management business. He will focus on senior interim appointments across consumer markets in business transformation, technology and digital. “I am delighted to welcome Oliver to Wilton & Bain,” said James Humphreys, managing partner at Wilton & Bain.
Boards Weigh Internal vs. External CEO Candidates in Succession Planning
Choosing between an internal and external CEO candidate is rarely as simple as favoring continuity or change. For boards and executive search firms, the more important question is whether the succession process is anchored to the company’s future mandate and the leadership capabilities required to deliver it. The internal-versus-external CEO debate often starts with a
Pyramind Places New Leader for The International Institute
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Chad Leahy as the next director of The International Institute. “Chad came to Madrid on September 1 and has begun meeting with Institute staff, familiarizing himself with his new duties, and following the completion of this summer’s improvement projects in the Institute building,”
NPAG Recruits CEO for Dream.Org
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Janos Marton as the new CEO for Dream.Org in Oakland, CA. The search was being led by Phuong Quach and Sharon Gertsman. Mr. Marton joined Dream.Org as CEO after spending the past five years leading advocacy work at the organization, where he helped build coalitions and advance
Stevenson Search Partners Expands
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has expanded with the addition of Jim LoSapio to its on-demand talent solutions team as director, business development. “Jim has developed a strong understanding of the unique talent, consulting, and resource challenges facing life sciences organizations
TriSearch Expands Through Strategic Partnership
TriSearch has entered into a strategic partnership with Northwest Talent Solutions founder Nikita R. Steals, who has joined the firm as vice president, client success. The arrangement combines Northwest Talent Solutions’ workforce transformation expertise and entrepreneurial agility with TriSearch’s national recruiting platform, scalable delivery capabilities and highly customized approach to client partnership. Northwest Talent Solutions
Private Equity Takes a Harder Look at Leadership Assessment
Private equity firms examine every line of the financial model and pressure-test the commercial thesis from multiple angles. However, an assessment of the leadership team is often the least rigorous part of diligence. Deal teams will spend weeks validating a revenue forecast and only a matter of hours forming a view on the CEO expected
The Succession Crisis Extends Beyond Small Business
Succession planning has become one of the most pressing leadership issues facing boards as a growing number of senior executives move closer to retirement. For executive search firms, that is creating increased demand for earlier engagement, deeper assessment of internal talent, and more deliberate planning around critical leadership transitions. The challenge is especially acute when
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits General Counsel for MassArt
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Jeannie Barrett as general counsel at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Ms. Barrett brings more than 25 years of legal experience in higher education, advising institutions and senior leaders on a wide range of complex legal, operational, governance, and
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
Buffkin / Baker Strengthens Healthcare Technology Practice
Executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Mark Farrington, a well-known health information technology industry executive and entrepreneur, as partner in its healthcare technology practice. “Mark has more than 35 years of experience in successful high growth private equity backed companies in healthcare, technology and e-commerce, and he will be a great asset
Rinalytics Advisors Names New Leader
Bangalore-headquartered executive search firm Rinalytics Advisors has appointed search veteran John Irudayaraj as managing partner. In his new role, Mr. Irudayaraj will both head the firm and steer it towards the next level of growth in analytics leadership hiring across global markets. Mr. Irudayaraj, an executive search veteran, has over two decades of market experience
Heidrick & Struggles Leads CEO Search for Avon
With retail undergoing major shifts, businesses increasingly want CEOs who can lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer and are unfazed by ambiguity. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to Omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in consumer behavior all have an influence on the changing face of
Vetted Solutions Finds New Leader for NAPHSIS
Executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has assisted in placing Shawna Webster as the executive director of the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS). The recruitment firm’s vice presidents Nancy Green and Evelyn Savage led the assignment. In her new role, Ms. Webster oversees governance and business operations for a $2.2 million organization representing
ZRG Expands Recently Launched London Office
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has expanded its recently launched London office with the additions of Tim Kemp and Christophe Mille. Mr. Kemp joins ZRG Partners with solid search experience from several global firms. Most recently, he was with Korn Ferry, where he led the professional services search practice in the
O’Rourke and Associates Names President
Search firms have seen a number of top leadership appointments since the start of the year, many focused on strategy, growth, branding efforts and operations. The latest: San-Francisco-headquartered executive search firm O’Rourke & Associates has appointed Rebecca Bower as president. Ms. Bower is widely regarded as a top leadership advisor with a career that spans nearly 25
Odgers Interim Announces Expansion
The pressure has never been greater for organizations to deliver strong business results in less time and with fewer resources while mitigating the risk of hiring the wrong leaders. To that end, a number of companies have been turning to temporary leaders to fill their C-suite needs and executive search firms are stepping up. Odgers
Employee Burnout Sabotaging Workforce Retention
The biggest threat to building an engaged workforce in 2017 is employee burnout. The newest study in the “Employee Engagement Series” conducted by Kronos Incorporated and Future Workplace found that 95 percent of human resource leaders admit employee burnout is sabotaging workforce retention. It’s now being seen as a widespread problem with no obvious solution in sight. In
Workey Secures $8 Million in Funding, Opens New York Office
Investment dollars continue to pour into new technology that is designed to change the talent management game. Workey, the next-gen AI solution for career development and recruitment, has launched in the U.S. after closing an $8 million Series “A” funding round, led by PICO Partners and Magma VC. The funding was immediately put to use, with Workey opening
Hanold Associates Finds Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Live Nation
Leaders at the best companies know that diversity matters. Not only are the firms that pay attention to such matters rewarded with better financial returns, but they gain perspectives and insights that would otherwise be lost to them. The recruitment of diversity and inclusion executives continues to be critical for companies. In the latest instance: Hanold
Diversified Search Fills CEO Post for Telecommunications Industry Association
Diversified Search has recruited Wes Johnston as the chief executive officer of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). John Keller, managing director and leader of the firm’s technology and innovation practice, led the search along with Michel Deschapelles, managing director in the Miami office. Mr. Johnston comes to TIA with more than 25 years of experience leading and
Taplow Group Expands Into Africa
The economy of Africa consists of trade, industry, finance, construction and agriculture. According to recruiters expanding in the region, business is booming, and a number of search firms therefore have continued their migration to the continent. With the region primed for growth, the international search firm Taplow Group has launched Taplow Africa. This new team was brought together by
13 Rules for Getting the Most Out of Your Executive Search Firm
In many organizations, recruitment for top echelon positions is time-consuming, expensive and often even contentious when decision-makers aren’t on the same page. For most businesses, retained search firms offer the best answer to filling senior level positions. The retainer-based model commits the search firm to focus their resources in a proactive, systematic search to find
CarterBaldwin Lands CEO for Corporate Chaplains of America
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Larry Griffith as the chief executive officer of Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA). The board’s selection comes after an extensive search that involved reaching out to more than 1,000 potential candidates. The assignment was conducted by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. “The search attracted a very large number of interested, qualified candidates from
Chaloner Tapped by Wikimedia to Find Chief Communications Officer
New York-based executive search firm Chaloner has been retained by Wikimedia Foundation to spearhead its search for a chief communications officer. Amy Segelin, president of Chaloner, is leading the search. The foundation is seeking a creative, collaborative, forward-thinking chief communications officer to join it executive team in San Francisco. The organization is looking for a leader
WilsonHCG Appoints Leader of Executive Search Offering
Global talent solutions provider WilsonHCG has added Jonathan Edwards to its leadership team as vice president of executive search. He will be responsible for leading the organization’s global executive search efforts, talent development and continuous process improvement to cultivate the company’s global offering. “We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan to WilsonHCG in such a pivotal
Amrop Expands Leadership Consulting Team
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 74 offices in 52 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, continues to be in growth mode. It recently added Francis Lam as senior partner in Shanghai, spearheading the firm’s leadership consulting practice in China. Amrop defines leadership assessment / consulting as a structured, comprehensive and objective evaluation of current competences and
Why American Workers Remain Confident
Led by significant increases in perceived likelihood of a promotion and perceived likelihood of a raise, American workers’ confidence increased for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to the national Worker Confidence Index, a survey of U.S. workers from HRO Today Magazine and talent and outsourcing company Yoh. The index gauges workers’ perceptions of the four
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Elwyn
Healthcare is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, according to analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media, which tracks trends in the executive search and leadership solutions space. This has led to an increased need for recruiting firms to deliver top-drawer leaders throughout the sector. The latest: The Tolan Group, a member of the Sanford Rose Associates network, has placed
Fogler Consulting Finds Head Basketball Coach for Ohio State
Executive search firm Fogler Consulting has recruited Chris Holtmann as the 14th head men’s basketball coach of Ohio State University. He replaces Thad Matta. Last year’s team missed the NCAA tournament after finishing 17–15. It was Mr. Matta’s first Ohio State team not to win at least 20 games. The Buckeyes, however, clearly felt it was time to go
Jobplex Names Leader of Atlanta Office
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR International, has expanded with the addition of Mark Mayleben as partner and leader of its Atlanta office. He was brought aboard to be a catalyst in the company’s growing apparel, consumer goods, food and beverage, leisure, and retail sectors. With deep expertise and experience leading senior executive searches across
IMD International Adds Partner in Czech Republic and Slovakia
With assignments increasingly coming in from around the globe, executive recruiters are developing new practices, hiring recruiters, and opening new locations. While the uptick in business has proven to be good for virtually every search firm, global recruiting consortiums seem well-placed and well-anchored to take advantage of some geographic areas that once seemed to be
Hiring Pace Accelerates Heading Into Summer
U.S. employers expect hiring to pick up in the third quarter, with 24 percent planning to add staff between July and September. 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 continues to
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for J. Crew
Korn Ferry has assisted apparel retailer J. Crew in placing James Brett as its chief executive officer. A leader with more than 25 years of retail experience, Mr. Brett most recently served as president of specialty home furnishing company West Elm, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio. He will assume the CEO position in July, succeeding Millard
Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette Recruits Chief Librarian for Ryerson University
Nova Scotia-headquartered executive search firm Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette has assisted Ryerson University with the appointment of Carol Shepstone as its new chief librarian. Anna Stuart, managing partner and leader of the firm’s academic search practice, led the search. Ms. Shepstone has been working in academic libraries for more than 18 years. As university librarian at
Heidrick & Struggles Names Head of Leadership Consulting for Americas
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Andrew LeSueur as head of leadership consulting in the Americas. He will continue to support his executive search clients and the industrial and supply chain practices as he transitions into his new role. “Andrew’s success in accelerating the performance of our clients will bring immense value to our leadership consulting business as
TRANSEARCH Opens Office in Bulgaria
TRANSEARCH International is continuing its expansion with the opening of an office in Sofia, Bulgaria. Krasen Vladimirov will lead the new office as managing partner of TRANSEARCH Bulgaria. Mr. Vladimirov has more than 15 years of experience in human resources and operational executive leadership positions and focuses on technology, professional and financial services. He has previously worked as
Human Capital Consultants Places Chief People Officer for ONE Campaign
Human Capital Consultants, LLC has placed Anchal Gupta as chief people officer for ONE Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy and campaigning organization. The search was led by senior search consultant Katherine Emery. “Anchal Gupta has over 15 years of HR experience in the international non-profit arena, including advocacy environments and with organizations with a large population
Koya Leadership Partners and Neumann Executive Search Merge
Since the start of the year, the search industry has seen a number of mergers. Some involve national expansion, while others are about global reach. Many of the consolidations provide greater solution possibilities for customers who want a full suite of talent management services. The latest: Koya Leadership Partners is merging Neumann Executive Search Partners
Chelsea Partners and Reffett Associates Place USA Swimming CEO
Chelsea Partners and Reffett Associates have assisted USA Swimming in selecting Timothy Hinchey as its president and CEO. He becomes the organization’s third leader, replacing the late Chuck Wielgus. The search was led by Andy Knox, managing director at Los Angeles-based Chelsea Partners, and Bill Reffett, managing partner at Reffett Associates in Seattle. The USA Swimming shootout was
Search Firms In Europe Continue to Make Acquisitions
Belgian-based search firm Pauwels Consulting has acquired healthcare and life sciences recruiters Vandycke & Partners and its sister company Mediconsult. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined firm now has more than 490 employees in the fields of life sciences, engineering and IT. For more than 27 years, Vandycke & Partners has
