DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Sheffield Haworth Acquires Tony O’Leary’s Executive Search Business
Global Leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has acquired Tony O’Leary’s executive search business, O’Leary and Partners, as part of the firm’s continued investment in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. As part of this acquisition, Mr. O’Leary recently joined Sheffield Haworth to lead and expand
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
7 Critical Competencies to Help HR Leaders Manage Change
For every international business, the stakes are high. Today, many global companies are embarking on their own journey forward, leaving behind the effects of the recession and setting sail for growth again. Management and HR leaders, however, know the game has changed and, if anything, uncertainty looms larger than ever. More and more, according to
PFLAG National and Bailey House Tap McCormack + Kristel to Find New Leaders
Executive search firm McCormack + Kristel has been chosen by PFLAG National and Bailey House to lead their searches for new leaders. Managing partner Joseph McCormack and partner Michelle Kristel are spearheading the assignments. Washington, D.C.-headquartered PFLAG is looking for a new executive director after Jody Huckaby stepped down this past December. Elizabeth Kohm, currently COO,
Egon Zehnder Lands New CEO for AIG
Egon Zehnder has recruited Brian Duperreault as the new CEO for American International Group (AIG). He replaces Peter D. Hancock, who recently informed the board of directors of his intention to resign, and becomes the company’s sixth CEO since 2005. AIG shares were up 1.7 percent at $62.01 upon release of the news. AIG is nearly three quarters of the way
Major, Lindsey & Africa Latest Search Firm to Launch Consulting Services
Search firms continue to break into new areas, be it through acquisition, alliance or providing new services. It’s a trend being seen at large recruiters and small boutiques alike as recruiters look to provide clients with services for finding, assessing, onboarding and retaining their senior-level talent. The latest: Major, Lindsey & Africa has launched a
True Search Adds Partners In New York, San Francisco
Executive recruiter True Search, which was recently recognized as one of the top 50 search firms in the Americas as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, has added Thor Bucy, Jennifer DeCastro, Ryan Hall and Barry Wahlberg to its roster of partners. “Thor, Jennifer, Ryan, and Barry are among the most talented consultants in the industry and with the brightest futures,” said Brad Stadler, founder and managing
CHROs Reveal Serious Gap In HR Talent
Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers (CHRO) and other senior level HR leaders across the nation. The best HR chiefs are seen as strategic advisors to the C-suite, and the ones most in demand are those who are sounding boards for CEOs. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR
Goldsmith & Co. Leading Investment Officer Search for NY Public Library
Demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and in the years ahead it is expected to soar. Recruiters say the need for chief investment officers (CIO) across the asset allocator spectrum, including endowments and foundations, and corporate, public and state plans, have significantly increased in number over the last five years
DRI Offers Money Back Guarantee On Candidates
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), which focuses on the talent needs of small to mid-sized companies, is backing up its executive searches with a retention guarantee of its placements for one to two years. Direct Retention, as the firm calls its new product offering, revolves around a thorough evaluation of candidates by DRI as
Janssen & Associates Seeks New Leaders for Non-Profits
The economic strength of the non-profit field has increased in recent years, making it the third largest employer in the U.S. Nearly two million not-for-profits employ 10.7 million people and produce more than $1.9 trillion in revenue. In the past decade, employment in the sector grew by 17 percent. With demand for non-profit talent at an all-time
SearchWide Names Hotel and Resort Practice Leader
Executive recruiting firm SearchWide has brought aboard John Brich, former director of sales for the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau, as a vice president. Mr. Brich takes the lead in managing the recruiter’s hotel and resort practice. He is charged with opening a new regional office in the Cincinnati area, the sixth location for the firm. Mr.
Morgan Hunt Appoints London Office Leader
London-based executive search firm Morgan Hunt Executive Search has named Maria Yankovskaya as head of its London office. Ms. Yankovskaya has over 18 years of experience in executive search, including 10 years as a consultant in the banking practice of Ward Howell International in Moscow and six years as a lead consultant and partner with a major
What Can Companies Do to Create An Inclusive Culture
Diverse organizations outperform their peers, and in the process embed inclusion strategies into almost all their management decisions, according to new research by advisory firm Bersin by Deloitte. That may be a key reason why 78 percent of those responding to the firm’s latest survey believe diversity and inclusion is a competitive advantage. Even so, only 12
DHR International Forms Partnership to Ease Clients’ Digital Struggles
DHR International, Ogilvy & Mather and International Data Corporation (IDC) have launched a partnership to help their customers in the Asia-Pacific market overcome the challenges of digital disruption. Typically, businesses view digital transformation as an IT issue. But for a company to successfully make the change, multiple functions within the organization must be brought into the fold. That’s where
AlbertHall&Associates Lands Artistic Director for Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) board of directors has named David Ivers as its new artistic director. Executive recruitment firm AlbertHall&Associates conducted the nationwide search. ATC’s current artistic director, David Ira Goldstein, will remain with the company the end of June, when his 25-year tenure officially ends. Mr. Ivers served as artistic director at the Utah Shakespeare
Acquisitions Continue to Make Headlines In Recruiting Industry
The wave of M&A activity among executive search firms continues. The latest deal: Solon, OH-headquartered Torch Group has acquired Selker Leadership, a search firm that places candidates in the technology and software fields. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Selker Leadership’s president, Gregory L. Selker, will join Torch Group as senior vice president and search operations leader,
Recruiting Industry Game Changer On the Horizon
One year from now, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into effect. The law will have a tremendous impact on how companies, government agencies and, yes, executive search firms across the E.U. — including the U.K. — handle personal data. Ignore the law and you can expect tough penalties for failing to comply.
Credit Union Resources Leads CEO Search for Carolinas Credit Union League
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
Buffkin / Baker Merges WTW Associates Into Its Expanding Search Platform
Search firm Buffkin / Baker has merged New York-based WTW Associates into its expanding executive recruiting platform. WTW, a talent provider focused on the media, entertainment, technology and law industries, will integrate its operations into the Buffkin / Baker New York office. Terms were not disclosed. “We have greatly enhanced our entertainment/media practice this year, and are excited to have
Carmichael Fisher Lands CEO for CEPI
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has recruited Dr. Richard Hatchett as chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Principle consultant Tarquin Bennett-Coles led the assignment along with managing director Justin Hobday. Dr. Hatchett joins the organization from the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Penrhyn Forms Technology, Media & Telecoms Practice Group
Penrhyn International, a global network of executive search firms, has launched a new global technology, media & telecoms practice group, led by Yanouk Poirier, managing partner of Montreal-based search firm Leaders International. It brings together search consultants who specialize in the technology, media & telecoms space throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, Japan, the Philippines,
What Matters Most to Today’s Well-Informed Workers
Historically, the balance of power between employers and candidates has favored employers. Candidates had few sources of information about open positions, corporate culture or company vision, let alone compensation and benefits. But the talent market is changing. Big time. Candidates today report a dramatic increase in the amount of information they have about a company
How One Recruiter’s Board Participation Is Paying Off
For executive search firm leaders, serving in a board capacity for outside companies can be rewarding on several levels. There’s service to a company, of course. But a lot of valuable learning also goes on in such work, be it about emerging trends, the latest ideas or the hottest businesses and their talent. It also
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Kymab
Executive search firm Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Sonia Quaratino as chief medical officer of Kymab Group, a human monoclonal antibody biopharmaceutical company. She will manage the clinical development of the organization’s expanding therapeutic antibody portfolio. Dr. Quaratino is an immunologist and joins Kymab from Novartis, where she served as global clinical program leader – transitional clinical oncology, responsible for
Atlanta Hawks Turns to Turnkey Search for New GM
The Atlanta Hawks has retained Turnkey Search to lead its hunt for a new general manager. The team fired past GM Wes Wilcox after the Hawks record dipped to 43-39 this past season and the team lost to the Washington Wizards in the opening round of the playoffs. “As we have said from the beginning, we are committed to
RSR Partners Appoints Head of Risk Practice
Executive search firm RSR Partners has named Talal Debs as a managing director and head of its risk practice. With a strong combination of risk management, finance, and academic experience, Mr. Debs will focus on recruiting senior executives and directors to navigate new risk, regulatory and compliance issues for clients. His areas of concentration will include insurance, investment banking, trading and
7 Ways to Evaluate Your Executive Search Firm
When businesses have high profile, top leadership roles to fill, executive search firms can provide indispensable service. The best recruiters walk alongside a client at every stage of the hiring process. They know the questions to ask that help define the requirements of the role. They take the time to thoroughly understand company culture. And
Spelman Johnson Leading Hunt for University of Chicago Police Chief
The University of Chicago has enlisted search firm Spelman Johnson to find its next chief of police. Vice president Mark A. Hall is leading the assignment. The school is looking to have a new leader in place by July. The role calls for a range of skill sets, including planning, organizing, directing and administering the policing initiatives of
SearchWide Recruits CEO for Visit Aurora
Visit Aurora has appointed Bruce Dalton as president and chief executive officer following a search led by recruiting firm SearchWide. He succeeds Gary Wheat, who established the organization in 2010. Senior vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. Mr. Dalton is a second-generation leader in the hospitality industry. He comes to Visit Aurora with 29 years of industry experience,
Ratliff & Taylor Appoints President
Executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has appointed Beth Sweeney as its new president. An accomplished leader with deep industry experience, she has been widely recognized for her work in sales and marketing throughout a 20-plus year career. As president, Ms. Sweeney will have full profit-and-loss responsibility for each of the company’s three practices: executive search, leadership
Focus Search Partners Continues Expansion
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has brought aboard Richard D’Antoni as managing partner of the firm’s healthcare and private equity practices. Mr. D’Antoni has more than 20 years of experience in matching high-performing executives with leading healthcare companies, ranging from venture capital and private equity-backed portfolio companies to publicly held organizations.
Executive Search Industry Leaders Offer Up Bold Predictions
Predicting the future could practically be its own business sector. Whether the prognostications are coming from the Magic 8-Ball, Punxsutawney Phil or CNBC’s Jim Cramer, people want to know what lies ahead. So it was that Hunt Scanlon Media rounded up a collection of soothsayers from the search industry to provide their insights about the changes that
