DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Pacific International Adds Former President of Danfoss Power Solutions to Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has appointed Eric Alström to its advisory board. “With the continued expansion of Pacific International’s advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Eric Alström brings world-class insight from the industrial technology, electrification, hydraulics, and climate
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
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,
Executive Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Leadership changes in portfolio companies are intricate processes that play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of these newly acquired businesses, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. What are some key traits for success in C-suite roles, and how can you ensure smooth transitions that minimize disruption and maximize performance?
12 Reasons Why Companies Hire Executive Search Firms
Employers typically use an executive search firm when a top job opening is important enough, senior enough and when discretion is at a premium. These three factors warrant the investment of bringing in a search firm. And an investment it is. Retaining a recruiting firm will likely cost a minimum of $75,000, but that figure
Burtch Works Fills Chief Data Scientist Role for Upside Travel
Executive search firm Burtch Works has placed Adam Holmes as chief data scientist at Upside Travel, Priceline founder Jay Walker’s new startup that uses big data to optimize travel deals for business travelers. Founder and managing director, Linda Burtch, led the assignment. Mr. Holmes will spearhead the company’s use of terabytes of data delivered daily from online hotel and airline reservation
Tyler & Company Leading Chief Medical Officer Search
Executive search firm Tyler & Company has been retained by Chase Brexton Health Care to lead its search for a chief medical officer. Senior consultant Charlotte C. Tinsley is leading the assignment. Chief medical officers have become ultimate decision makers on clinical policy, and often serve as key members of an organization’s senior leadership team engaged in defining overall
Heidrick & Struggles Names Culture Shaping Leader for EMEA
Heidrick & Struggles has named Ian Johnston as managing partner, culture shaping for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “In his new role, Ian will accelerate and expand on the culture shaping work we are doing today for clients across the region to support their strategies for profitable growth,” said Michael Marino, executive vice president and
Alexander Mann Launches Talent Collective
London-based talent acquisition and management services firm Alexander Mann Solutions has introduced its new consulting group, Talent Collective. While the leadership provider has offered a strong and comprehensive consulting segment as part of its talent solutions service platform within Alexander Mann Solutions, the differentiation of a dedicated consulting brand will formally enable it to provide greater end-to-end talent
Korn Ferry Looks At Harnessing Ambitions of High Octane Employees
Ambition is the raw material of success. We see it everyday in every outstanding organization. High performers, no matter what field they’re in, are fueled by an intense desire to succeed — ambition propels them forward and enables them to overcome obstacles and setbacks. But ambition levels differ markedly among individuals — even among high achievers. Some people
Witt/Kieffer Names Andrew Chastain As CEO
After leading one of the nation’s top 10 executive search firms — and the single largest specializing in healthcare, education and non-profit — Charles ‘Chuck’ W.B. Wardell will step down from his role as chief executive officer of Witt/Kieffer at the end of June. Andrew P. Chastain, who has been with the firm since 1997 and currently serves as managing partner and chairman
Schall Executive Search Places CEO At Hennepin Theatre Trust
Schall Executive Search has recruited Mark Nerenhausen as president and chief executive officer of the Hennepin Theatre Trust. He succeeds Tom Hoch, who stepped down as president and CEO last month after serving for more than 20 years. Mr. Nerenhausen is the founding director and professor of practice of the Janklow Arts Leadership Program at Syracuse University. He
DHR Places First Female AD at University of Pittsburgh
Search firms have been tasked to find athletic leadership for universities across the country. In one of the latest, DHR International has just placed Heather Lyke as athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh. She becomes the first woman to take on this leadership role at the school, replacing Scott Barnes. Glenn Sugiyama, DHR’s managing partner and global
Vaco Acquires Managed Services Division of Binary Semantics
Talent solutions provider Vaco has acquired the managed services division of Binary Semantics, a software development and systems integration company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. For more than 30 years, Binary Semantics provided large-scale outsourcing services to technology and media organizations across the globe. Together, the combined companies will form a global powerhouse offering
Robots Are Coming for Your Job. Here’s How, Why and When
The potential for job losses due to advances in technology is not a new concern. But over the past few years, fears of technology-driven job losses have emerged with advances in ‘smart automation’ – the combination of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other digital technologies. The impact of innovation is already visible in driverless cars
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits CEO to Top Human Rights Leadership Post
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has just selected civil rights litigator and advocate Vanita Gupta to assume its senior leadership post. Crystal Stephens, a director at executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting, led the assignment. Ms. Gupta will hold the titles of president and CEO of both The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and
ADK Consulting In Hunt for Chief Development Officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has been retained by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority to lead its search for a chief development officer (CDO). This position offers a compensation package in the range of $190,000 to $220,000, with an attractive range of benefits, including a deferred compensation plan and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System. The incoming CDO
Talent Connections Expands Into Washington, D.C.
Atlanta-based executive search firm Talent Connections, LLC has opened a new metro Washington, D.C., practice. Patricia Hughes, a business development professional, will lead the practice. “We are thrilled to bring our longstanding HR and executive search offerings to the metro D.C. area and in the backyard of the headquarters of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM),”
Talent Shortages In Asia Give Rise to Unique Glass Ceiling
Talent shortages aren’t just a problem in the U.S. Candidate pipelines in Asia are being squeezed as well, and it’s leading women leaders across Asia to feel trapped in regional roles, according to a just-released report by Heidrick & Struggles. “The firm’s study reminds leaders at headquarters to take notice of Asian women leaders as an
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits New President for Auburn
As the academic year starts to wind down, a number of colleges and universities across the country are already preparing for September. For many of them, that means opening searches that, if all goes to plan, will result in new, high profile leaders to take them into the new era of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, more
Elinvar Leading CEO Search for Research Triangle Foundation
Executive search firm Elinvar has been retained by the Research Triangle Foundation (RTP) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Liz Rooks, a longtime Research Triangle Foundation executive, is currently serving as interim CEO. She came out of retirement to take the job shortly after Bob Geolas left for unexplained reasons last September. Elinvar’s president and
Valent Mordan Names CEO, Plans for ‘Growth Phase’
Executive search firm Valent Mordan has appointed John Valenti as its new chief executive officer. Headquartered in Dallas, Valent Mordan was founded in 2015 and provides executive search services to a wide array of sectors. Mr. Valenti previously spent 17 years as a partner with Kenexa, a talent acquisition and employee engagement cognitive HR software business
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Industrial, Energy & Natural Resource Practice Groups
Russell Reynolds Associates has added Lloyd Semple and Dan Hawksworth to the firm’s industrial, and energy & natural resources practices. The additions to the team, both based in Chicago, will build on Russell Reynolds’ expertise in all three sector specializations. Mr. Semple advises and recruits C-suite level executives for clients across a breadth of industrial segments, including
Dunleavy White Continues Expansion
London-based executive search firm Dunleavy White has strengthened its staff with the additions of Sarah Hanan and Danita Waterfall-Brizzi as partners. Ms. Hanan will spearhead growth within the firm’s travel and aviation sectors. She has over 20 years of experience within the travel industry starting her career as an international travel consultant with STA Travel before moving into recruitment.
Talent Leaders Struggling to Keep Up With New Work Culture
Companies are facing a radically shifting context for the workforce, the workplace, and the world of work, and these shifts have already changed the rules for nearly every organizational people practice, from learning and management to executive recruiting and the definition of work itself. Every business leader, no matter their function or industry, has experienced
Herd Freed Hartz Leading CEO Search for Northwest Harvest
Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has been selected by Northwest Harvest to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Past CEO Shelley Rotondo is retiring at the end of June. Search firm partner Fred Pabst is leading the assignment. The incoming executive has big shoes to fill as Northwest Harvest CEO. Under Ms. Rotondo’s 16-year
Kincannon & Reed Lands Chief Commercial Officer for Calyxt
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Manoj Sahoo as chief commercial officer of Calyxt Inc. Mr. Sahoo will work closely as part of Calyxt’s executive team to build a commercial partnership network, execute a go-to-market plan for the company’s products and ensure Calyxt’s integrated commercial success moving forward. Mr. Sahoo joins the company from Cargill, where he spent seven
Kingsley Gate Partners Continues Expansion
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has expanded with the addition of Andrew Blane as a partner. He is located in the firm’s Princeton, NJ office. Mr. Blane brings nearly two decades of experience in executive search, marketing and business development to Kingsley Gate. He has conducted numerous team lift-outs for the buy-side of the asset management sector,
HVS Executive Search Expands Asia Pacific Team
HVS Executive Search has named Florian Kittler as senior vice president, Asia Pacific. He will be based in Hong Kong. Mr. Kittler has over two decades of experience in the hospitality and executive recruitment industry across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He gained his operational leadership know-how with several global five-star hotel chains, including Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental
How Recruiters ‘Close the Deal’ With Job Candidates
With an economy that just keeps rolling along, many employers are faced with a difficult workplace challenge: How to attract talent in a candidate-driven market. In any business cycle, whether it’s up or down, the initial connection with a prospective hire is the easy part. Getting them on board, especially when markets are this robust,
Korn Ferry Makes Leadership Changes As Transition Continues
Korn Ferry has announced several key leadership changes in three areas which the company said further positions it for growth and expansion. The managerial adjustments come on the heels of Korn Ferry releasing 2017 fiscal Q3 revenues of $381.9 million, an 11 percent top line jump over a year ago. “Our firm is growing in both size and
Bialla Partners Land CEO for San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; Adds New Partner
Following an extensive national search, Bialla Partners has placed Tallia Hart as president and chief executive officer of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Partner Jeff Hodge led the assignment. Ms. Hart was selected for her inspiring leadership, in-depth non-profit management experience and passion to advocate for the business community. She is the first woman, minority, and youngest to
Pi Executive Places CHRO at Ajinomoto Windsor
Talent advisory firm Pi Executive has recruited Marco A. Leal as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Ajinomoto Windsor, a top manufacturer of Asian / Ethnic foods. The search was conducted by partner and board member Pierre Trippitelli and assisted by director Katherine MacLane. Mr. Leal brings over 20 years of experience developing world class HR organizations within fast
IRC Continues Asia Pacific Expansion
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has expanded in Korea with the addition of McKinney Consulting Inc. an executive search and leadership consulting firm based in Seoul. Founder and president Steven B. McKinney, an American from North Carolina with extensive leadership, executive search and leadership coaching experience in Korea, established MicKinney Consulting in 2001. His six-member
Why Ambitions Fall As Women Strive to Reach the C-Suite
Young women, it seems, have a healthy sense of ambition. Nearly three quarters of them in the early stages of their professional careers aim to reach the top level of the corporate ladder, according to the recent ‘Leaders & Daughters Global Survey‘ report by Egon Zehnder. The findings, based on an exhaustive seven-country examination of working







