DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Occam Global Fills Senior Post for Variant Bio
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Craig T. Basson as chief medical officer and president of R&D of Variant Bio, a genomics-driven AI drug discovery company in Seattle, WA. “Craig’s career uniquely spans deep human genetics, rigorous clinical science, and successful drug development at scale,” said Andrew Farnum, chief executive officer of Variant Bio. “His
ECA Partners Expands Healthcare and Life Sciences Practices
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Ryan March and Allison Chappelle as senior directors within the its healthcare & life sciences practice. “Both appointments reflect ECA’s strategic expansion in the healthcare sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering specialized expertise to private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said. “Together, they strengthen ECA’s
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
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
Diversified Search Leading CEO Search for Girl Scouts of America
[Executive search firm Diversified Search has been retained by the Girl Scouts of America to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The firm’s founder and chairman, Judith M. von Seldeneck, is leading the assignment. Anna Maria Chávez, who has served as CEO of the organization since 2011, notified the national board of directors of her
Odgers Berndtson Expands Technology Practice
[Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has expanded its technology practice in the U.S. with the addition of two new executive search specialists, Kathryn Ullrich and Rod Keller. “A new breed of corporate leader is emerging as disruptive technologies transform industries literally overnight,” said Odgers U.S. managing partner Steve Potter. The firm recently conducted a survey of global executives
McCormack + Kristel Retained by the Secular Student Alliance to Find New Leader
[Executive search firm McCormack + Kristel has been chosen by the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) to lead its search for a new executive director. Managing partner Joseph McCormack and partner Michelle Kristel are leading the assignment. The Position The executive director will provide visionary leadership empowering secular students, including ensuring that its student group programming, organizational culture, community engagement,
DirectEmployers Association Taps New Leader
[DirectEmployers Association has tapped Michael Goldberg to serve as its new executive director. For the last 16 years, Bill Warren has served as its leader. “I want to emphasize that I will forever be grateful to this organization for having granted me one of the greatest opportunities of my life, to be a part of the accomplishments and
Johnson Names Practice Head
[Sydney-based executive search firm Johnson has appointed Gregory Dohnt as partner and leader of its industrial & infrastructure and chief financial officer practices. Mr. Dohnt brings over two decades of experience with listed executive search firms, both in Australia and internationally. He has expertise in capital intensive sectors such as utilities, property, manufacturing and infrastructure. He has
Why Korn Ferry’s CEO Thinks We All Need to Adapt to Change
In a Harvard Business Review article, Korn Ferry’s chief executive Gary D. Burnison once compared a search firm to a hospital emergency room, writing that people only go to the ER – and an executive recruitment firm – in an emergency. “In medicine, big businesses are built around wellness and prevention,” he wrote. “I wanted
Caldwell Partners Posts Solid Revenue Gain for 2016
[Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International posted full year revenues of $58.7 million (Canadian), an eight percent increase from a year ago. Impacting its results: a near 16 percent uptick in its U.S. business and a 25 percent decline in its home territory due to weaknesses in the Canadian financial and oil & gas sectors. “A strong
Gatti & Associates Launches Healthcare Practice
[Executive search firm Gatti & Associates, a GattiHR company, has launched a new healthcare recruiting practice. Senior vice president Richard Fleming has been appointed practice leader. Mr. Fleming brings 25 years of HR search and leadership experience to the role. In addition to leading the firm’s healthcare practice, he will continue servicing clients within life sciences,
Korn Ferry Recruits CAO for Sports Association
[Korn Ferry has placed Alejandro Lesende as chief financial and administration officer of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). CONCACAF brought in Korn Ferry to advise on key qualifications for the position and manage a public search before presenting a list of candidates to the Confederation’s senior management. Mr. Lesende brings over 20 years
KPMG Leading CIO Search for University of Adelaide
[KPMG Executive Search & Selection has been retained by the University of Adelaide to lead its search for a chief information officer. Associate director Kelly Kuras is leading the search. The incoming CIO, according to the organization, will take the university to the next level of excellence in its IT environment and service provision. The executive sought
Partners in Leadership Launches Culture Search
[Global consulting firm, Partners In Leadership, has launched a new recruiting division, Culture Search. Myles Weiner has been tapped to serve as its executive director. The new division provides executive recruiting services with an emphasis on candidate culture fit and accountability for clients’ organizations. Building upon Partners In Leadership’s strengths in accountability, culture management and executive leadership, the division
Cejka Search Leaders Discuss the Election and Its Impact on Healthcare Leadership
Talent management as the U.S. healthcare industry transforms is a high priority. In addition to grappling with a shortage of physicians and other clinicians, healthcare organizations must also fill new and expanding leadership roles to carry out strategic initiatives in response to current reform efforts, and whatever changes may come its way as a result
Heidrick & Struggles Leading President Search for Baylor University
[Baylor University has retained Heidrick & Struggles to embark on a national effort to find the university’s 15th president. Past president, Kenneth Starr, resigned following a sexual assault scandal. Interim president David Garland, Ph.D., former dean of Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and professor of Christian Scriptures, took the helm of Baylor University in June. Since 2011, 17







