DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
HTP Group Expands in Spain
HTP Group has expanded with the addition of Meritxell Galbas as partner in Spain. “Meritxell’s extensive experience in executive leadership, technology-driven transformation, and business growth makes her a strong addition to HTP Group,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “Her expertise will support our clients in Spain and across the EMEA region in navigating complex
EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.
The latest EY Merger Monthly report shows that the total value of large transactions rose 25 percent in Q3, propelling year-to-date U.S. deal value to $1.78 trillion – up 36 percent from the same period in 2024. September alone delivered 151 large deals totaling $257.6 billion in value. Technology, oil and gas, and life sciences led the surge, signaling
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.
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
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?
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Top 10 Interview Questions for CEO Candidates
Today’s CEO role involves setting the strategic vision of the company, ensuring long-term growth and stability, and driving organizational culture. They serve as the primary decision-maker and spokesperson, balancing the needs of stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, and society. With the increasing pace of technological change and global challenges, CEOs must also demonstrate adaptability A
Egon Zehnder Offers 7 Steps to Improve Diversity
Many boards are now looking for concrete suggestions for making diversity an integrated part of their agenda. There is now broad consensus that having a diverse board, where directors are drawn from both genders and from an array of races and ethnicities, provides the breadth of perspective that is essential in today’s global dynamic environment. But
Spencer Stuart Tapped to Lead CFO Search for Entercom
[Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by Entercom Communications Corp. to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Steve Fisher will be stepping down as executive vice president and CFO of the company effective in 90 days. “Steve has been an outstanding leader at Entercom, playing a major role in our success over the 18
AETHOS Recruits Chief Asset Merchant for Extended Stay America
[Executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has placed Jim Alderman as executive vice president and chief asset merchant at Extended Stay America and its subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Alderman will be responsible for executing the company’s previously-announced “ESA 2.0” asset merchant strategy, including development of its next-generation product through new construction
Norman Broadbent Names Interim Practice Leader
[U.K.-headquartered executive recruiter Norman Broadbent has named Angela Hickmore as managing director of Norman Broadbent Interim. Ms. Hickmore has over 25 years in the recruitment industry and an in-depth knowledge of the senior level interim management sector. She previously served as a partner with BrightPool, the sister company to Interim Partners, a specialist recruitment firm operating
Calibre One Adds Partner In San Francisco
[Executive search firm Calibre One has appointed Tom Crawford as a partner in its San Francisco office. Mr. Crawford specializes in the digital media, healthcare, financial services, and software industries and has placed numerous senior level candidates, including CEO, CIO, CTO and VP-level executives, into both publically traded and privately held organizations. He is the co-founder of OTG Partners, a
Building a Better Search Firm
When Julie Ford started Ventura Partners, she wanted to create a search firm that left behind the traditional approach that most executive recruiters employed. Her mission was to jettison the competition between partners and build an environment in which they worked together to best serve their clients. It wasn’t an outlook for everyone in a field that is slow to embrace change, but with
This Feeder Function Puts HR Leaders on Fast Track to CHRO
[In building Tower Consultants, Ltd. into a leading executive search boutique dedicated to human resources with an emphasis in the total rewards sector, Donna Friedman and Chris Rose never deviated from an original blueprint first laid out in 1988. As their specialized recruitment brand expanded, they both have remained true to its roots. Today, a significant portion of Tower Consultants’
Nolan Partners Leading GM Search for San Jose Earthquakes
[The San Jose Earthquakes has hired Nolan Partners, a leading sports dedicated search firm, to help identify the club’s next general manager. Technical director Chris Leitch is currently serving as the Quakes’ interim general manager. In late August, the Earthquakes announced that they had terminated long-serving GM John Doyle after the team made the playoffs only
B.E. Smith Tapped by St. Lawrence Health System to Find Chief Nursing Officer
[Healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith has been retained by St. Lawrence Health System to lead its search for a new chief nursing officer. Serving as a mentor for clinical leaders, the incoming CNO will be a servant leader and create a culture of accountability and transparency. The executive will be responsible for all activities and functions
ZRG Names Financial Services, Private Equity & Consumer Practices Managing Director
[Executive search firm ZRG Partners has named Sharon Stein as a managing director in its financial services, private equity and consumer recruiting practices. She will work from the firm’s New York office. Ms. Stein brings over 20 years of experience and has recruited leaders in general management, strategy, marketing and analytics. She has served clients across a broad
Cordia Resources Names Executive Search Director
[Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Cordia Resources (formerly Cordia Search) has tapped Marc Zeid to serve as an executive search director and a senior member of the firm’s management team. Based in Rockville, MD, he will be responsible for expanding Cordia Resources among the finance and accounting community. With over 20 years of experience helping clients find
MLB Ends Minority Hiring Partnership With Korn Ferry
[Korn Ferry‘s high profile alliance with Major League Baseball has come to an unceremonious end. On Friday, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who was recruited into his position by Korn Ferry, said his organization’s relationship with the world’s largest talent provider “really shifted.” As a result, the search firm has been sidelined in its efforts to
Heidrick & Struggles Replaces Culture Shaping Leader
[Heidrick & Struggles has said that Jim Hart will retire as head of its culture shaping division Senn Delaney. He will serve as a senior advisor to Heidrick’s leadership team at the beginning of the new year. Michael Marino will succeed Mr. Hart as president and CEO. “Jim has led the growth of the world’s first dedicated culture shaping firm
McDermott & Bull Places Chief People Officer at New Century Health
[Executive search firm McDermott & Bull has recruited Chris Casler as chief people officer at New Century Health. The assignment was conducted by principal consultants Bill Brewer and Scott Meyer, along with senior recruiting consultant Laurie Henderson. Mr. Casler spent the past nine years with Broadcom where he served as vice president of human resources supporting a $4.5
O’Neill Consulting Group Recruits Greater Providence YMCA Chief
[Executive search firm O’Neill Consulting Group has placed Steve O’Donnell as chief executive officer of the Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA). The search was co-led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner in Providence, and Doug Rosen, a partner in New York, together with the GPYMCA’s board of directors. Mr. O’Donnell joins the YMCA following a long and
Parker Remick Opens New Office In Portland
[Seattle-based executive search firm Parker Remick has added two new directors, Kelley Pecis and Jeff Markham, to help establish its new office in Portland, OR, a rising hub for global entrepreneurship and technology. “Parker Remick’s Portland office strengthens our Pacific Northwest roots. Kelley and Jeff’s depth of experience with senior executive searches, as well as tech industry knowledge, make them natural
Koya Leading CFO Search for Barack Obama Foundation
[Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has been retained by The Barack Obama Foundation to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Alison P. Ranney, managing director and Chicago office head, is leading the assignment on behalf of Koya. Koya has been advising the Obama Foundation informally and formally since early 2015. Once the Obamas decided to
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Oddly enough, LinkedIn has been embraced by search firms even as it threatens them. The dirty little secret in the search business is that LinkedIn has made most proprietary databases somewhat redundant. But while LinkedIn has disintermediated and demystified initial candidate identification, it has also accelerated the recruitment process. And it has actually opened up the possibility
DHR International Acquires Calgary-Based Search Firm
[Executive search firm DHR International has acquired Calgary-based executive search firm BluEra. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal brings more than a dozen new employees to DHR and its Chicago-based partner company Jobplex. Founded in 2008, BluEra focuses on executive search, team transformation and executive coaching. It serves a wide array of industries with a
Tyler & Company Appoints President
[Executive search firm Tyler & Company has named Preston Smith as its new president. Janet Jones-Parker and Associates led the search assignment. Tyler & Co is the healthcare executive search arm of Jackson Healthcare. It specializes in recruiting leadership talent for healthcare, academic medicine, and health & life sciences organizations. Since 1978, the firm has placed thousands of C-suite
Baylor Picks Eastman & Beaudine to Find Head Football Coach
[Executive search firm Eastman & Beaudine has been selected by Baylor University to lead its search for a new head football coach. Coach Art Briles was fired by Baylor in May in the wake of a sexual assault scandal that also cost school president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw their jobs. Mr. Briles went 65-37 during his eight seasons
Why the CEO / CHRO Relationship Is Essential
[In partnership with CEOs, chief human resource officers (CHROs) are playing increasingly critical roles to ensure companies win the war for talent and maximize employee motivation across the globe, according to the ‘Executive Monitor’ report newly released by search firm Boyden. Boyden’s report, “The Rise of the CHRO,’ explores the many challenges CHROs face on
Parker Executive Search Assists MSU in AD Search
[Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed John Cohen as the 17th director of athletics at Mississippi State University (MSU). The current MSU head baseball coach and two-time Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year replaces Scott Stricklin, who was named athletic director at the University of Florida in September. Mr. Cohen will take over an athletic department that has recently
Arts Consulting Group Taps Leader for Seattle Film Festival
[Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has recruited Sarah Wilke as executive director of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). Most recently, Ms. Wilke held the position of managing director at On the Boards, a contemporary performing arts organization based in Seattle. Throughout her 12-year tenure there, she was responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations
Amrop Names Head of Global Life Sciences Practice U.K.
[Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 76 offices in 54 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has named Tom Bradley as head of its life sciences search practice U.K. Based in London, Mr. Bradley focuses on executive level searches across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors on a national and international level. With over
Charles Sterling Group Names Distribution Practice Leader
[Executive search firm Charles Sterling Group, LLC has appointed Mike Fitzgerald as managing director and distribution search practice leader. He joins the firm’s asset management practice. In this role, Mr. Fitzgerald will assume responsibility for the delivery of Charles Sterling Group’s executive search and management consulting services to new and existing clientele. He brings over 30
Why Talent Engagement Is More Important Than Ever
[To say that competition for talent is high is an understatement. In today’s candidate-driven hiring climate, companies big and small are all vying for the same limited resource: quality candidates. And while candidate experience and employee value proposition certainly influence an organization’s ability to hire top talent, the more immediate challenge is something most recruiters haven’t had
David Barrett Partners Retained by Dartmouth to Lead CIO Search
[Executive search firm David Barrett Partners has been selected by Dartmouth College to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. After more than six years as Dartmouth’s CIO, Pamela Peedin will step aside as the school year winds down in 2017. David Barrett Partners has a growing practice in the function, having recently placed investment officers for Harvard
Herd Freed Hartz Lands CEO for Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
[Herd Freed Hartz Executive Search Partners has recruited Chad Vincent to serve as chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. He succeeds James Robson, who resigned in April. Mr. Vincent is a seasoned executive with experience taking startups, turnarounds, family owned brands and Fortune 50 divisions to record levels of sales and profitability. But he brings to
Handler & Associates Launches Technology Practice
[Executive search firm Handler & Associates has added global IT executive Lee Panosian to its staff as a partner to launch and lead its technology practice. Mr. Panosian’s career encompasses 33 years of executive leadership at multinational technology companies, including expertise in global sales management, IT strategy, go-to-market initiatives, change management and enterprise information management. Most recently, Mr. Panosian
Witt/Kieffer Expands Sports Leadership Practice
[Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has named Katy Young as a senior associate in its expanding sports leadership practice. Based in Dallas, she will focus on the firm’s recruitment of university and college coaches. Experienced in both collegiate and professional sports recruiting, Ms. Young has supported over 40 searches for Division I head coaches and athletic directors. She has worked with
