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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.
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
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?
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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
How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Private equity is experiencing a shakeout, where scale and specialization are becoming defining factors for success. The industry is seeing capital consolidate among top firms, making it increasingly difficult for mid-sized and emerging managers to raise funds. Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2025 highlights that “capital will continue to consolidate in the hands
Harvard Group International Recruits Chief Development Officer for After-School All-Stars
Executive search firm Harvard Group International has placed Mandy Nelson as the first ever chief development officer (CDO) of After-School All-Stars (ASAS). Managing director and non-profit practice leader Cyndi Court led the search. Ms. Nelson is a seasoned non-profit development professional with more than 20 years of experience leading campaigns, programs, and people. She was a
Ward Howell Adds Retail & Lifestyle Practice Group Partner
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has named Sonia Prais as a partner in the firm’s retail, beauty & lifestyle practice group. Based in Orange County, she will be working out of Ward Howell’s California and New York offices. Ms. Prais brings 20 years of experience in executive search, having worked in the U.S. and across Europe and
Preston & Partners Expands South Charlotte Office
Executive search firm Preston & Partners has expanded with the addition of three new executive recruiters in its South Charlotte office. “We are very pleased to be expanding both location and services as new team members come onboard. Our clients and candidates will benefit from the depth and experience of these team additions,” said Gary
Goldbeck Recruiting Forms Alliance with Merc Saudi
Vancouver, BC-based executive search firm Goldbeck Recruiting has formed a partnership with Merc Saudi, an international recruitment firm headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico with extensive recruiting operations throughout Latin America and the Middle East. MERC provides recruiting services to an expansive number of sectors, including accounting & finance; automotive; banking; business support; constructive & engineering; facilities management; financial services;
Board Director Outlook Remains Bullish
A strong majority of board directors (68 percent) have a ‘very definite’ optimistic look on the future, anticipating their company’s financial outlook to improve over the coming two years compared to the past two. Fifty six percent expect their businesses to perform better than their rivals in the coming two years, while a third (35 percent) expect
Residential Mortgage Services Taps WinterWyman for Chief Accounting Officer
Executive search firm WinterWyman has been retained by Residential Mortgage Services (RMS) to lead its search for a chief accounting officer (CAO). Senior vice president and partner Ken Martin is leading the assignment. The incoming CAO will provide financial insight to RMS in order to drive better strategy formulation, decision making and tactical execution. He or she will also collaborate
Chrisman & Company Finds CEO for First NBC Bank
Executive search firm Chrisman & Company has placed Carl J. Chaney as chief executive officer of New Orleans-headquartered First NBC Bank. Longtime leader and founder, Ashton Ryan Jr., recently stepped aside as CEO. The bank is using the opportunity to separate the roles of CEO and president; Mr. Ryan will continue on as president. Founding search firm partner
EMA Partners Forms Partnership With Decision Dynamics
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has formed a joint venture with Decision Dynamics AB, a global provider of solutions for leadership and talent management. EMA will get access to Decision Dynamics’ tools, which it will deploy across all of its leadership search engagements and also through its leadership consulting practice, to offer solutions
Talengo Expands Healthcare Practice
Executive search firm Talengo has named Rosa García-Tizón as director of its healthcare recruiting practice. Ms. García-Tizón began her professional career in the healthcare sector, where she occupied different positions in Abbott’s hospital and pharmaceuticals divisions. In 2005 she led the business and human resources strategy for the Hospira project, the first spin-off from Abbott. Over
Why Amazon Remains Prime Hunting Ground for Headhunters
Egon Zehnder has assisted BAMTech, the $3.5 billion live digital streaming service, in naming Michael Paull as its new chief executive officer. The company is a recent spin-off of MLB Advanced Media in which Disney acquired a $1 billion stake to launch ESPN’s multi-sport subscription streaming service. He replaces Bob Bowman, MLB’s president of business and media,
ZRG Partners Fastest Growing Search Firm In the Americas
ZRG Partners posted revenues in its Americas region of $18.6 million last year, a 67 percent rise and a large enough increase to make it the fastest growing search firm in the region, according to the latest statistics report soon to be released from Hunt Scanlon Media. ZRG currently has 42 consultants across 14 offices global offices, with global
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped to Find Center for Human Drug Research CEO
The Center for Human Drug Research (CHDR) has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to lead its chief executive officer search. Jacques Bouwens, leader of the search firm’s global healthcare practice, is currently on the hunt for candidates with proven scientific track records. Reporting to the organization’s board of trustees, the chosen CEO will be the key member of
Focus Search Partners Names Technology Practice Partner
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of talent solutions provider Vaco, has named Steve Finder as managing partner of its global technology and financial officers practice. Based in San Francisco, he will lead a team of consultants and add new market sectors, including additional depth in enterprise software, space/frontier technology and cybersecurity. Mr. Finder has more than 20
Johnson Executive Search Adds Former HR Executive to Its Ranks
Johnson Executive Search has expanded with the addition of former human resources executive Stephanie Owens as a recruiting advisor. Ms. Owens specializes in placing middle and senior level marketing, business development and communications talent in law firms across the U.S. She has spent the majority of her career as a human resources and people operations executive
Private Equity Firm In Talks to Acquire CareerBuilder
Private equity firm GTCR LLC is in exclusive talks to acquire CareerBuilder for more than $1 billion. The sale would allow CareerBuilder’s owners – TV station operator Tegna Inc., broadcasting company Tribune Media Company and newspaper group The McClatchy Company – to cash out from a non-core business. GTCR has prevailed in an auction for CareerBuilder,
Witt/Kieffer Tapped by University of Illinois to Lead Provost Search
Academic institutions continue to turn to executive recruiters for leadership guidance. The latest: the University of Illinois has selected Witt/Kieffer to lead its search for a new provost for its Urbana campus. The recruiting firm, one of nine under contract by the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative to perform administrative, academic and medical searches, will be paid $121,600
Sterling Martin Associates In Hunt for Two Association Leaders
Executive search firm Sterling Martin Associates is currently seeking new leaders for The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations and The International Safety Equipment Association. Managing partner David S. Martin, along with senior recruiters Leigh Beal and Kahti Motley, is leading both assignments. The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) has retained Sterling Martin to
Rowe Global Names Technology & Healthcare Practice Partner
Dallas-based executive search firm Rowe Global, LLC has appointed Dru George as managing partner of its technology and healthcare practice. Mr. George brings to the firm extensive experience in executive search, working primarily with Fortune 500 companies, venture capital concerns and private equity-backed portfolio companies. He has recruited executive leadership throughout North America in the software, services,
Bailey Fisher Executive Search Enters France
U.K.-headquartered Bailey Fisher Executive Search has entered the French market with a partnership with Agnes Babule, who will serve as a business partner. She is based in Paris and works in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Ms. Babule is an experienced executive search professional with a track record covering a wide range of sectors that reflect Bailey Fisher’s
U.S. Job Growth Slows As Fewer Jobs Are Added
Employers added 98,000 jobs last month as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. During the month, the number of workers unemployed also dropped to 7.2 million. March marked the 76th straight month of job growth in the U.S. But economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Pier 1
Korn Ferry has recruited former Kmart executive Alasdair James as president and chief executive officer of home furnishings retail company Pier 1 Imports. Past CEO Alex Smith left the company at the end of the year. Mr. James was most recently with Sears Holdings Corporation, where he served since 2014 as president of Kmart. During his tenure, he transformed
Association Strategies Leading CEO Search for ASPPH
Non-profit recruiting specialist Association Strategies has been tapped by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. Search firm president Pamela Kaul is leading the assignment. The chosen CEO will develop and implement ASPPH programs, policies, and practices as well as the organization’s strategic plan. The association
Patina Solutions Names Life Sciences Practice Leader
Professional services firm Patina Solutions recently expanded with the addition of Jodi Brendel as managing partner in Minnesota where she will lead the firm’s life sciences search practice. “Jodi will be an excellent addition to the Patina leadership team,” said Tom McBride, Patina chief operating officer. “Her leadership experience in life sciences is impressive and we look forward to
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
