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Daily Newswire
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Portugal
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Thrive Partners in Portugal as its newest member firm. “In Thrive Partners, we’ve found a partner that allows us to strengthen our portfolio by adding the important Portuguese market,” said Stepan Motejzik, Kestria’s global alliance director. “From our very first interaction, we’ve felt a mutual
Top 10 Executive Search M&A Deals for 2025
M&A activity in the human capital sector is holding up well despite a choppy macro backdrop, with deal interest staying steady even as founders weigh risk more carefully. In Hunt Scanlon Media’s latest polling, a majority of executive search firm owners signaled they would consider a transaction, underscoring how succession planning, scale pressures, and shifting
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.
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
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?
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
Slone Partners Makes Senior Appointments
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Sona Stroud and Kim Wilson as senior partners. Ms. Stroud has been promoted to the position following nearly 15 years with the firm, while Ms. Wilson returns to the organization, further strengthening its leadership team with nearly 17 years of experience with the firm. “Few things are more rewarding than recognizing exceptional leaders
The Evolution of Tech Leadership in Europe: 40 Years of Transformation
As technology continues to reshape every sector of the economy, executive search firms are seeing a fundamental shift in the profile of leaders organizations need to remain competitive. Companies are no longer seeking executives with deep technical expertise alone—they are prioritizing transformational leaders who can navigate disruption, lead enterprise-wide change, and align emerging technologies with
Changing the DNA of Growth-Stage Recruiting
As growth-stage companies accelerate expansion under private equity ownership or new investment, leadership teams are placing greater emphasis on the organizational structures that support long-term value creation. While executive search has traditionally focused on identifying transformative leaders, many organizations are also rethinking where the talent acquisition function belongs within the enterprise to ensure hiring strategy
TalentoHC Acquires R2 Global
Talento Human Capital has acquired R2 Global, a highly respected technology recruitment and staffing firm known for its niche expertise across cloud & data, business systems, and e-commerce. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor on the deal. This strategic move will expand TalentoHC’s existing footprint in the technology sector and launch,
Kincannon & Reed Assists National Biodiesel Board in CEO Search
[Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Donnell Rehagen as chief executive officer of National Biodiesel Board (NBB). Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs, managing partners with Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and renewables sectors, conducted a rigorous national search and assisted in evaluating a strong slate of
Wakerobin Partners Opens Doors
[Executive search firm Wakerobin Partners has been launched in The Woodlands, TX, by Rick Lowry. As a boutique firm, Wakerobin will specialize in recruiting corporate and regional leadership throughout the U.S., working in a myriad of industries and disciplines. Mr. Lowry has more than 15 years in the search industry, as well as many years in
Robert Half Posts Small Revenue Gain; Falls Short of Wall Street Forecasts
[Robert Half International Inc. / (NYSE:RHI) posted third quarter revenues of $1.34 billion, up two percent from a year ago, falling short of Wall Street forecasts. Six analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.35 billion. The Menlo Park, CA-based company recorded net income of $91 million, or $.71 per share, compared earnings of $97 million, or $.73 per share, last
4 Reasons Why Companies Aren’t Bridging the Talent Gap
Employers across the globe are facing the most acute talent shortage since the recession, according to the latest ‘Talent Shortage Survey’ released by ManpowerGroup. Of the more than 42,000 employers surveyed, 40 percent are experiencing difficulties filling roles, marking the highest level since 2007. As skills needs change rapidly, employers are looking inside their organizations for
Cal State University Picks Academic Search to Land Provost
With the new school year well underway, education-focused recruitment specialist Academic Search has been retained by California State University Channel Islands (CI) to lead its search for a provost. Senior consultant Dr. Ann Die Hasselmo is leading the assignment. The CI provost position opened up when former provost Gayle Hutchinson, Ed.D., was appointed president of California State University,
JM Search Expands With Addition of New VP
Executive search firm JM Search has named Jerry Fong as vice president; he will be focused on leading the build-out of the firm’s presence in Southern California. The search and subsequent selection of Mr. Fong was managed by Rochelle Schumer of R&L Associates. With a combination of management consulting and executive search experience, Mr. Fong has completed more
Southerland Partners Leading CHRO Search for Intermountain Healthcare
Dallas-based executive search firm Southerland Partners is seeking candidates to fill the chief human resources officer (CHRO) position for Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. Managing partner Keith C. Southerland is leading the search. The non-profit health system is looking for an executive to lead a system-wide HR leadership team of approximately 25 leaders. Reporting to the CEO, the
Buffkin Group Opens In Chicago; Expands Digital Practice
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has opened a new office in Chicago and tapped Kristin Luu to lead the new location. She will also serve as partner in the firm’s digital recruitment practice. Previously, Ms. Luu served as the founding partner at Red Wagon Search, where she performed executive search and consulting for client brands, including Razorfish,
Generational Shift: Succession of Older CEOs Slows
The rate of succession of older CEOs of large U.S. public companies slowed significantly this past year, bringing to a halt a generational shift in business leadership that had been observed since the financial crisis, according to a new report by The Conference Board. The report, ‘CEO Succession Practices: 2016,’ annually documents and analyzes succession events
DHR Completes Top Search for World Gold Council
Executive search firm DHR International has placed Joseph Cavatoni as managing director, U.S., and officer of World Gold Trust Services for the World Gold Council. The search was led by Carol Hartman, managing partner of the firm’s financial services practice in North America. Mr. Cavatoni will lead the development of new gold-backed financial solutions that complement investors’ core portfolio
Spano Pratt Takes On CEO Search for Green Bay Foundation
Spano Pratt Executive Search has been selected by the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Current president and CEO, David Pamperin, plans to retire in February. “Greater Green Bay is a special place for many reasons and a major reason is because the people who call it
Carmichael Fisher Expands Across Asia Pacific
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has named Josh Hollway as principal and leader of the firm’s industrial practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Hollway brings more than 12 years of experience dedicated to executive search and talent consulting at local and international levels. His client portfolio includes organizations in the commercial and industrial sectors, including manufacturing, energy, oil & gas,
How to Increase the Odds of a Successful Hire
Increasing the odds of successful hires – and then finding ways to retain them for longer periods of time – is now the holy grail of talent management leaders. One top industry expert, Russell Riendeau, who also happens to be a behavioral scientist, is convinced that objective-based interviewing is one key way to get there.
Companies Reshaping Work Strategies to Adapt In Gig Economy
Nearly two thirds of all businesses are actively reshaping how work is completed across their enterprise, blending a mix of contingent workers and payrolled employees to better leverage talent as a business differentiator, this according to the ‘The State of Contingent Workforce Management 2016-2017: Adapting to a New World of Work’ report released by research
Ward Howell Appoints Global Marketing Practice Leader
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has named Henry ‘Hank’ J. Flores as a partner and global practice leader based out of the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Flores will co-lead Ward Howell’s consumer packaged goods practice for the Americas and head its global marketing leadership practice. With more than 20 years of executive search and senior leadership
Toft Group Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for Rosetta Genomics
Executive search firm Toft Group has placed Mark R. Willig as chief commercial officer of Rosetta Genomics Ltd. In this newly created position, Mr. Willig will be responsible for sales, marketing and market access for Rosetta Genomics’ entire portfolio of high-value diagnostic assays. Throughout his career Mr. Willig has developed and executed global commercial and business
Rambus Taps Lonergan Partners for CFO
Executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Rahul Mathur as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Rambus. The search was led by partner Dotty Schaffer. In his new role, Mr. Mathur will be responsible for the overall financial direction of the company. Prior to joining Rambus, Mr. Mathur served as SVP of finance at Cypress Semiconductor where he
Stark Brooks Launches Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics Practice
Executive search firm Stark Brooks has expanded its range of specialist services with a new division focusing on senior positions in the fields of supply chain, procurement and logistics. The firm has appointed Richard York to head the practice. Mr. York has more than 20 years of recruitment experience. Most recently, he was head of Liverpool-based executive
What Drives a Strong Culture & Effective Board?
Nothing is more important to a company than driving culture. What is sometimes overlooked is where this effort truly begins — in the boardroom. Corporate boards, therefore, need to be recognized, shaped and fostered for maximum effectiveness. Jack ‘Rusty’ O’Kelley and his corporate governance team at Russell Reynolds Associates recently set out to capture the essence
Polachi Recruits CEO for Progress
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Yogesh Gupta as chief executive officer of NASDAQ-traded Progress. Phil Pead, the company’s CEO since 2012, is retiring but will continue to serve on the Progress board of directors. Mr. Gupta was previously president and CEO of Kaseya, Inc., a leading IT management cloud software company, where he served from 2013 until
Buffkin Group Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Youth Villages
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Jennifer Jones as chief marketing officer of Youth Villages. Roland Lundy, a partner with the firm, led the search. Ms. Jones joins Youth Villages from Hilton Worldwide, where she served in various roles, including senior director brand marketing luxury and lifestyle brands as well as director of brand marketing and communications.
ManpowerGroup Posts Two Percent Q3 Revenue Gain; U.S. Down Six Percent
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted third quarter revenues of $5.1 billion, a two percent increase from revenues of $5 billion a year ago. The company’s performance exceeded Wall Street forecasts which had expected $4.93 billion. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. Net income
Allen Austin Taps New Leader for Asia Pacific
Executive search firm Allen Austin has named Michael Catlow as managing partner of the firm’s business in Asia Pacific. In this role, he will lead the firm’s activities across Asia Pacific with an immediate focus on the key hub markets of China, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. Mr. Catlow has over 25 years of experience working across APAC
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Flat Revenue Growth In Americas
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) posted third quarter net revenues of $143.5 million, an increase of 3.7 percent increase from revenues of $138.4 million during the same period a year ago, falling short of Wall Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $145.6 million. This comes on the heels of a
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Fellowship of Christian Athletes
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Shane Williamson as president and chief executive officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. After a far-reaching search, the board selected Mr. Williamson, currently the FCA executive director of field ministry who has been involved with FCA for 24 years. FCA’s current president
Herbert Mines Associates Lands CEO for Coach Brand
Executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Wendy Kahn as chief executive officer and brand president of Stuart Weitzman, a high-end shoe company owned by Coach Inc. She succeeds Wayne Kulkin, the brand’s current CEO, who will become a consultant to Coach. In the past, Herbert Mines has filled various roles for Coach Inc. including president
Futurestep Launches Healthcare Technology & Services Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has launched a dedicated healthcare technology & services practice. It will bring broad capabilities and expertise across the entire health tech market, serving payors, providers and healthcare technology companies. The practice will be a direct extension of Korn Ferry’s healthcare technology executive search practice group,
IMD International Continues U.K. Expansion
IMD International Search Group has added London-headquartered Caton Search as a member firm. Founded by Bob Caton in 2008, the executive search firm focuses on industrial and services companies in the infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and environmental sectors. The firm consists of three partners who have an average of 16 to 17 years of experience in the executive search
Women Rise to Dominate CHRO Roles, But Falter On Path to CEO
Even though an analysis of the top 1,000 U.S. companies by Korn Ferry finds the percentage of women in most C-suite positions is dramatically lower than their male counterparts, the chief human resources officer (CHRO) position is the only C-suite role where there is gender parity. A full 55 percent of CHROs across industries are women, according to
Monster Posts Stunning Loss; Bidding War Underway for Struggling Job Site
Monster Worldwide on Friday reported a stunning third quarter loss of $180.5 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. The Weston, MA-based online job search company, seen at one time as a daring pioneer in the race to bring a new digital dynamic to the recruiting sector, posted revenue of $144.8
Emory University Taps Two Search Firms for Top Posts
Heidrick & Struggles and Neumann Executive Search Partners have been retained by Emory University to fill the college’s provost/chief academic officer and EVP business & administration positions, respectively. Emory’s search committee is looking for visionaries to make it the go-to place for policymakers, students and researchers. The provost search advisory committee — co-chaired by professors Carol
