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Daily Newswire
CEO Turnover Surges as Boards Bet on First-Time Leaders
According to Spencer Stuart’s S&P 1500 CEO Transitions Report, 168 new chief executives were named across the index last year, the most since 2010. The surge reflects mounting board impatience with weak growth, activist pressures, AI-driven disruption, and a market environment that rewards speed over tenure. Turnover was broad-based but especially pronounced among smaller companies, with SmallCap
How AI Is (and Isn’t) Changing Search
In boardrooms and talent discussions alike, the conversation around AI has quickly shifted from curiosity to expectation. Organizations are no longer asking whether to use AI in executive search, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. This shift is forcing firms to rethink not just their tools, but their philosophy—how they evaluate leadership, 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.
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
PitchBook Data Shows PE Outlook Is Shifting Fast
According to PitchBook’s Q1 2025 U.S. PE Breakdown Report, private equity entered the year with positive momentum. Deal activity totaled 2,263 transactions worth $259.7 billion, representing an 11.8 percent increase in volume and 36.1 percent increase in value year over year. Much of the quarter’s value was driven by large take-privates, notably Sycamore Partners’ $23.7 billion
Diversified Search and AltoPartners Form Alliance With Special Olympics
Diversified Search and its international affiliate, AltoPartners, are partnering with the Special Olympics to recruit and build a pipeline of talent and provide long-term leadership stability for the charitable group. “The Special Olympics movement offers exciting career opportunities where you can make positive and life-changing impact throughout the world,” said Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special
Talent Source Group Opens Doors
Talent Source Group (TSG), an executive search firm and recruitment agency focused on placing finance and accounting professionals, has recently opened for business in Connecticut and the New York metropolitan area. TSG partners with Fortune 500 and middle-market companies to attract, deploy and develop their talent base. The firm also works with accounting and finance
Job Growth Picks Up Pace In June
Employers added 222,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed dropped to seven million. June marked the 79th straight month of job growth in the U.S. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls increasing
Universities Look to Search Firms to Fill CIO Positions
West Virginia University (WVU) has appointed Barbara Dawson as associate provost for information technology and chief information officer. The firm enlisted Next Generation Executive Search to fill this top IT role. The university’s previous CIO, Dr. John Campbell, was named vice provost of WVU in January. Mary Beth Baker and Phil Goldstein, managing partners at Next Generation,
Caldwell Partners Posts Five Percent Revenue Increase
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has posted third quarter revenues of $14.5 million (Canadian), a five percent increase from a year ago when the firm recorded revenues of $13.8 million. U.S. professional fees rose 6.6 percent as increases in the number of assignments per partner and average fee per assignment were partially offset by a lower
Alexander Whitehead Seeking New Artistic Director for Arts Club Theatre Company
Theatrical, film and music organizations have been turning to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. The latest: Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company has enlisted Alexander Whitehead Executive Search to lead its search for a new artistic managing director. The goal is to have the role filled by September. Bill Millerd, who
Carrington & Carrington Names Business Development Leader
Sydney L. Parks has joined executive search firm Carrington & Carrington as its new senior director, strategic search operations and business development. Reporting directly to Willie and Marian Carrington, principals of the Chicago-based firm, Mr. Parks is charged with managing executive search engagements, business development and executing strategic operational projects. Mr. Parks is expected to play a
Security Threats Create Talent Challenges, Opportunities
Cybersecurity might well might the greatest challenge facing corporate America today. The threat to reputation, private information and dollars — both from immediate theft and the cost of repairing the damage of a cyber-attack — can be staggering. Yet too few companies have taken adequate measures to protect themselves. No one can deny that it is
Heidrick & Struggles Names President and CEO
Heidrick & Struggles has named Krishnan Rajagopalan as its new president and CEO. Mr. Rajagopalan, who has served as acting CEO since Tracy Wolstencroft took a medical leave of absence in April, will also become board member. Mr. Wolstencroft, who is on the mend from what is described as a benign lung condition, has been
Search Solution Group Lands Chief Technology Officer for Sonavex
Demand for top technology executives continues to gain momentum. CTO hiring, in fact, is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It’s a trend that has kept executive search firms well occupied. To that end, Search Solution Group has placed Dr. Harish Hiriyannaiah as chief technology officer of
Parker Executive Search to Find New AD for University of New Mexico
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go it
The Barton Partnership Expands Into the U.S.
As the fallout deepens from Brexit, more London-based search firms are turning to the U.S. to expand their global search platforms. The latest: The Barton Partnership has launched a new office in New York, which will be led by veteran recruiter Victoria Montagu. “This year the Barton Partnership is marking its 10-year anniversary and I can’t
Associations Progress on Diversity, But Work Remains
Across America, many organizations say they are looking to change the makeup of their workforce in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and age, but in the end many fall far short. Eighty-one percent of respondents to a recent survey of trade associations and professional societies, in fact, said they view the concept as part
Spencer Stuart, Nasdaq and Boardroom Resources Launch Next Gen Board Leaders
Major investors are demanding that more younger people be named to boards of directors in an effort to take advantage of their digital knowhow and the perspective they can bring to emerging areas of board oversight, including e-commerce, digital marketing and cybersecurity. To help equip these younger, often first-time directors to be effective in the
Isaacson, Miller Seeking New Leader for the Forsyth Institute
The Forsyth Institute, an independent not-for-profit research institute dedicated to improving oral health and overall wellness, has asked executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to find its next president and CEO. Vice president Dan Rodas is leading the search along with managing associate Phillip Petree and associate Michael O’Shea. The incoming leader will join the organization at
Wheless Partners Heads Search for President of Fort Hays State University
Wheless Partners, an executive recruitment firm in Birmingham, AL, has been selected to help find the next president for Fort Hays State University (FHSU), one of six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The search is being led by Michael J.R. Wheless, senior partner and division president responsible for engaging boards of
Amrop Continues Global Growth
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 80 offices in 52 countries throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas remains in growth mode. It recently added New York-headquartered Industrial Search Partners (ISP) as a member firm. ISP will lead Amrop’s retained executive search services in the industrial, infrastructure and energy sectors for the U.S. “Under
10 Reasons Why Some Candidates Fail to Land the Job
It is no secret that the job search process has a lot of moving parts. Crafting resumes, practicing your pitch or planning for questions and answers for your interviewer are just a few matters you are responsible for. Unfortunately, it can be easy to overlook “small” things that can torpedo your candidacy. As a result,
Korn Ferry Finds New Board Member for Mutual of America
Korn Ferry has assisted Mutual of America Life Insurance Company in adding Dr. Ellen Ochoa to its board of directors. Alan Guarino, vice chairman in the firm’s CEO and board services practice, led the search along with senior client partner Maureen Ryan. “I am delighted that Dr. Ochoa has joined Mutual of America’s board of directors,” said Thomas J. Moran, chairman
MarketPro Taps CMO for Sono Bello
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services, to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, according to recruiters. But executive search firms have no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. In one example of this growing
Stanton Chase Names North America Tech Practice Leader
Steve Caliger, a director with the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices of Stanton Chase International, has been named the firm’s North America regional practice leader for the technology industry practice group. “Steve has distinguished himself as a leader in our growing technology practice,” said Jan-Bart Smits, global practice leader for the technology practice group
Allen Austin Appoints Head of Life Sciences and Healthcare Practice
Executive search firm Allen Austin has expanded operations in Houston by selecting Katherine Beal-Roblin to head its life sciences and healthcare practice. Ms. Beal-Roblin brings to the firm more than 20 years of healthcare consulting experience and an extensive professional network. Previously, she served as client partner with Kirby Bates Associates. She started her career at a Phoenix
Speaking Truth, for the Most Part, to Power
In executive recruitment, as in life itself, individuals from every part of the hiring equation – recruiters, clients, and candidates – sooner or later face the tough question of how truthful they should be under certain circumstances. Usually, such issues arise when what one wants stands to be road-blocked by an uncomfortable or awkward reality.
DHR International Taps CEO for Jamaica Public Service Company
Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) has appointed Emanuel DaRosa as its president and CEO succeeding Kelly Tomblin. The company enlisted Chicago-based search firm DHR International to fill its top role. Rich Fisher, a partner at DHR’s Jobplex subsidiary, and partner Don Kilinski led the search. For the last six years, Mr. DaRosa was CEO of
AETHOS Consulting Group Finds President for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Hospitality advisory and executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has completed its search for the president of the Americas for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group (CRHG) with the placement of hospitality executive Ken Greene. Partners Keith Kefgen, Andrew Hazelton and Chris Mumford led the assignment. In his new role, Mr. Greene is responsible for the Americas’ development, full
ZRG Partners Continues Global Growth
ZRG Partners, the fastest growing search firm in the U.S., has opened an office in Hong Kong, adding David Greenfield as head of the global insurance practice. The firm, which is continuing its recent expansion, also named Kevin Jones as leader of its global commercial real estate search platform as well as the Pittsburgh regional office. Mr.
Kingfisher Talent Adds Life Sciences Veteran
Kingfisher Talent, the Boston-based consortium for biotech executive search and leadership development, has expanded with the addition of Merle Kummer, a leading figure in life science research and development leadership. “Merle brings a unique value proposition, specifically in biotech innovation, that will bring immense value to our clients as we continue to push the boundaries of traditional
Workforce Summer Fling Could Set Up Race for Workers This Fall
While employee retention is hardly a new concern for employers, the race to keep top workers in-house has escalated significantly in the past year. In fact, new findings from the 2017 Emerging Workforce Study (EWS) commissioned by Spherion Staffing indicate that employees are more willing than ever to test their options, to the point that
HVS Executive Search Launches Onboarding Service
Search firms continue to break out new solutions platforms, be it through acquisition, alliance or start up. The latest example: HVS Executive Search has launched an executive onboarding service, a holistic approach of ensuring that new executives have the tools and information needed to quickly become an integrated, effective and contributing member of their new
ThinkingAhead Seeking New Leader for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has chosen ThinkingAhead Executive Search to lead its hunt for a president. Recruiters Chris Spagnola and Jessica Martinez are leading the assignment. Reporting to a 15-member board of directors, the president of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is charged with providing strategic leadership and vision to 60 professional staff, ensuring that
TRANSEARCH Finds CFO for Greenberry Industrial
Chief financial officers continue to be in high demand and hunting them down is keeping many of the nation’s top recruitment operations busier than ever. In one example of this growing appetite for finance leaders, TRANSEARCH International recently recruited Jarrett Pugh as the chief financial officer of Greenberry Industrial LLC. The search was led by consultants Mike
