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Daily Newswire
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
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.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Daversa Partners Appoints Managing Director
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has announced a strategic leadership expansion with the promotion of Brian Warager to managing director. Primarily working across B2B software, AI, and frontier technology, Mr. Warager focuses on placing executives in sales, marketing, customer success, and operations roles; at times building the full GTM leadership teams for his
EY Signals M&A Momentum Is Rebuilding
The June 2025 edition of EY’s Merger Monthly report presents a cautiously optimistic picture of the U.S. deal environment. According to Mitch Berlin, EY Americas vice chair, “M&A in the U.S. bounced back in May, buoyed by easing trade tensions that boosted deal momentum, including several large transactions.” While overall deal volume saw a 6.2 percent year-over-year decrease,
HTP Group Launches Leadership Consulting Practice
Hightech Partners (HTP Group) has launched its enhanced leadership consulting practice. This expanded offering equips organizations to address urgent leadership challenges, improve team dynamics, and prepare for digital and AI-driven change through tailored, high-impact solutions. “Today’s leadership challenges demand more than experience, they require insight, agility, and cohesive teams ready to adapt and innovate,” said Raffaele
Solomon Page Fills Senior Role for Echo Design Group
The fashion, beauty, and consumer products division of New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has assisted in the recruitment of Patrizia Ciccarelli as managing director of Echo Design Group. Managing director Sue Lamoreaux led the search, along with Julie Stern, vice president, using a highly consultative and customized strategy—aligning the process with specific goals of
Executive Hiring Tightens Across Healthcare IT and Life Sciences
In the evolving landscape of healthcare IT and life sciences, executive hiring is undergoing a transformation marked by elevated expectations and tighter scrutiny from private equity investors and growth-focused organizations. With an increased demand for leaders who not only bring a track record of successful exits but also embody a “player-coach mentality,” companies are seeking
Myers McRae Assists Florida A&M Recruit 13th President
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified finalists. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. “Congratulations to Marva Johnson on her confirmation as the
Essenta Names Partner
London-headquartered Essenta Partners has expanded with the addition of James Kenyon as a partner. “James brings with him more than a decade of international consulting and leadership advisory experience, with a strong focus on the private equity sector,” said James Howells, founder and CEO of Essenta. “He has a well-established track record of working with
The AI Imperative: What HR Leaders Must Do to Drive Transformation
AI is reshaping organizations, industries, and functions, and human resources is no exception. HR leaders find themselves at the center of the AI capability gap; they must not only ensure that the workforce adopts AI across their organization but also upskill themselves and drive the AI enablement of the HR function, according to a new
NU Advisory Partners Assists Paciolan with President Search
NU Advisory Partners has helped to recruit Brendan Lynch as the new president of Paciolan in Irvine, CA. “Brendan is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in driving operational excellence, innovation, and customer engagement in the ticketing industry,” said Ben Mathan, chief strategy officer at LEARFIELD, the company that acquired Paciolan
Harris Search Associates Recruits CIO for Northwest State Community College
Following a national search that included a highly competitive, diverse candidate pool, Harris Search Associates has recruited Darin Seiler as chief information officer of Northwest State Community College. Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ led the assignment. Mr. Seiler has over 25 years of technology experience, driving data-informed decision-making and leading transformative IT initiatives. He most recently served as chief information
Leveraging Succession Planning to Drive Organizational Growth
As industries face unprecedented levels of disruption and innovation, organizations with deliberate and forward-thinking succession strategies are best positioned to secure long-term growth. At N2Growth, they have observed that companies treating succession planning as a core business strategy protect their operational continuity and build resilience. This article explores the multifaceted value of succession planning and
University of Michigan Calls in Spencer Stuart to Find 16th President
Spencer Stuart has been retained by the University of Michigan to lead in its search for a new president. The school noted that Spencer Stuart brings to the search more than 65 years of experience in leadership consulting, including deep expertise in the higher education industry. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Biomia
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Frederick Westhorpe as chief scientific officer of Biomia. “We are excited to welcome Frederick to Biomia, and confident that his extensive small molecule drug discovery and development expertise will complement the team and guide our company’s next phase of strategic growth,” said Michael Krogh Jensen, Biomia’s co-founder and CEO.
Rethinking The Leadership Pipeline
In a recent LinkedIn post that gained wide attention across the executive search community, Shawn Cole laid out his forecast for the decade ahead: intense demand for talent, shrinking candidate slates, partner retirements, industry consolidation, and surging compensation. His message was clear – the model is shifting, and search firms that don’t evolve risk being left behind.Mr. Cole brings
Lochlin Partners Assists the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation with Chief Development Officer Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Lancaster as chief development officer of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), a non-profit corporation formed in 2015 to honor the service and sacrifice of all individuals who have contributed to global counterterrorism efforts since September 11th, 2001. Ms. Lancaster most recently served at the U.S. Naval
Health Advocates Network Secures Over $15.6 Million in Growth Capital
Health Advocates Network, a provider of innovative healthcare workforce solutions, has completed its oversubscribed debt and equity offerings, securing a combined total of $15,625,000 in growth capital. The offerings attracted strong demand from investors, demonstrating confidence in the company’s strategic vision, strong operational performance and growth trajectory. Proceeds will be used primarily to fuel organic
Caldwell Posts Q3 Revenue Decline
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q2 revenues of $23.2 million (Canadian), an decrease of 5.4 percent from the same period a year ago. “We’re encouraged by our third quarter results, which reflect both resilience and momentum,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “Professional fees rose 24 percent sequentially, a strong showing in line with historical seasonal patterns, and
Why Talent Strategy Is the Ultimate Lever for Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity (PE) firms face more pressure than ever to create value. They’re holding companies longer and paying premium prices in an uncertain market with weak liquidity, according to a new report from DHR Global’s Keith Giarman. The study explained that intensifying trend means PE firms must work harder than ever to create tangible and sustainable value
TalentRise Assists SWBR with Chief People Officer Search
TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Shannon Struzik as the new chief people officer of SWBR in Rochester, NY. “Wishing Shannon Struzik greater responsibilities and exciting challenges in this impressive new chapter,” the organization said. “SWBR has warmly welcomed Shannon Struzik as new chief people officer, marking a significant step in the firm’s ongoing commitment
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) Tapped by the American Cancer Society to Recruit Chief Development Officer
The field of advancement is an extension of development/fundraising. Over the past two decades, educational institutions and charitable groups have shifted toward more integrated models of collaboration between communications, marketing, branding and development. Advancement represents the full integration of these functions under a single leader, the chief advancement officer. According to recruiters who specialize in
Bryant Group Recruits CHRO for Boise State University
Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Katie Thomas as the new chief human resources officer of Boise State University. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Katie Thomas as Boise State University’s next chief human resources officer,” said Lauren Griswold,
The Barton Partnership Appoints Leader of Independent Consulting Practice
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed BJ Clinton as North America director and senior vice president to lead its independent consulting practice. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome BJ to our team,” said Mike Doud, EVP, North America. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in a previous chapter
Power Shift: How Employer Control and Employee Expectations Are Shaping the Future of Work
Employees’ needs can feel like a moving target, changing with new trends, technologies, and values. But in the past year, companies have made tough decisions—mandating office returns, flattening management layers, tightening salary increases—all in the name of stability and growth. The push and pull of power between employer control and employee expectations is rewriting common
The Wilderness Land Trust Taps BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
The Wilderness Land Trust has retained executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior director Crystal Stephens and senior associate Terri Kohan are leading the assignment. The ideal candidate will join a mission-driven organization with deep roots and proven impact, leading strategic initiatives that balance conservation urgency with practical partnership development. The role
Slayton Search Partners Appoints Senior Vice President
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Dan Plourde as senior vice president and principal. He will focus on supporting the firm’s industrial and consumer practices, bringing nearly two decades of executive search and recruitment experience to the team. “Dan’s extensive experience in executive search, combined with his proven track record of building
Accelerate Growth in Private Equity with Smarter Talent Strategies
The private equity (PE) landscape has significantly transformed, marked by longer hold periods and more roll-up deals due to rising borrowing costs and fewer mid-sized companies available for acquisition. The traditional approach of quick three to five year exits through financial engineering and C-suite changes is no longer viable. Through this transformation, leadership and talent
Unemployment Rate Falls Slightly to 4.1 Percent
Employment rose by 147,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment dropped to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Job gains occurred in state government and healthcare. Federal government continued to lose jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little over the month. Both the unemployment rate, at
Resource Management Group Assists Belk with CFO Search
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of Vince Phelan as executive vice president and CFO of Belk. Kevin Cooke, Jonathan Gould, and Lauren LaPolice led the assignment. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Belk leadership team Shaina Hall CHRO and Don Hendricks CEO for the
Seizing The Shift – Bain’s Midyear Take On Private Equity
2025 opened with promise. The first quarter brought strong deal activity and favorable credit markets. But by April, new tariff announcements upended sentiment. The policy shock sent ripples through global markets, and deal momentum quickly faltered. According to Bain & Company’s Midyear Private Equity Report, “tariff turmoil has held back deals and exits while investors digest
The Christopher Group Recruits HR Leader for Adapt Community Network
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Louie Shapiro as the new senior vice president of HR for Adapt Community Network in New York City. Pam Noble led the assignment along with Carrie Longmire. “Louie Shapiro’s extensive experience in human capital management and passion for fostering inclusive,
HARTZ Search Helps Arizona Center for Cancer Care Recruits Chief Administrative Officer
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Tara Lock as the chief administrative officer of the Arizona Center for Cancer Care (AZCCC) in Scottsdale, AZ. Reporting directly to the chief managing officer, Ms. Lock will work in dyad leadership to oversee all aspects of operations, finance, legal, strategy, and business development. She will
