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Daily Newswire
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Dean as the new CFO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. In this executive leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the association, including fiscal management of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the ESA Foundation, and serving as treasurer of the
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
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 at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Starting Strong in Your New CHRO Position
CHROs’ role and responsibilities are broadening, as the workforce is increasingly seen as an organization’s most important strategic differentiator. Getting the most out of people means finding a common purpose that motivates, inspires, and enables a company to embrace critical change. CHROs today are far more involved with the most senior stakeholders, acting as the
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
Neal Lucas to Find New Leader for IoD
Neal Lucas Executive Search has been retained by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland to lead its search for a new executive director. The incoming leader will develop and be accountable for the delivery of a local strategy to grow the organization’s membership in Northern Ireland. The new director will establish the IoD as
