DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
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.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
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
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
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
AI Meets Executive Search: The New Algorithmic Era
Artificial intelligence is transforming how executive search is conducted, from sourcing and shortlisting to delivery and client engagement. In today’s competitive landscape, AI isn’t just a tool to speed up the process, it’s fast becoming a critical edge for winning mandates and enhancing outcomes. “The hype is over,” said Andrew Quinn, CTO of Ezekia and
Wray Executive Search Recruits CEO for Twin Hospitality Group
The hospitality industry continues to see strong demand for proven leadership as brands expand, innovate, and compete for market share. Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, recently assisted in the recruitment of Kim Boerema as the new CEO of Twin Hospitality Group
The Energists Strengthens Brookside Energy Leadership with Key CFO and Investor Relations Appointments
The Energists is a boutique executive search firm focused on the energy sector. Its client list is diverse across the energy industry, geographies, and business scenarios. A boutique, high integrity firm established in 1979, The Energists operates exclusively within the energy industry. Its staff comprises accomplished industry professionals and leaders, each with their own area
Signium Expands into Athens, Greece
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded in Athens, Greece with the additions of Artemis Miropoulos and Dimitris Papanikitopoulos. They are the founders of Linkage, a SHRM company that offers leadership development resources focused on producing effective and purposeful leaders. “Artemis and Dimitris bring a depth of expertise and human understanding that resonates with Signium’s core values,” said Annelize van
Clarity Over Charisma: How Great Leaders Truly Communicate
Effective leadership communication isn’t about eloquence, charisma, or having the loudest voice in the room—it’s about connection. The most impactful leaders understand that words are only a small part of the equation. True influence comes from clarity, empathy, and the ability to listen as much as you speak. When leaders shift their focus from how
U.S. Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent as Healthcare Gains Offset Government and Energy Losses
Employment rose by 22,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. A job gain in healthcare was partially offset by losses in federal government and in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Advancement Officer for the Taft School
Nicole Poe, Maureen Perry, and Ryan Cheung of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller have recruited Kathleen Cleary as the new chief advancement officer of the Taft School. The appointment follows a nationwide search led by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller, with guidance from an advisory committee that helped shape the position description, review candidate materials, and interview
NU Advisory Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for M-Files
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Debbie Umbach as chief marketing officer of M-Files, a Austin, TX-based provider of AI-native document management. “We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie to the team,” said Jay Bhatt, CEO of M-Files. “Her deep expertise across the entire marketing lifecycle, from building growth engines to elevating global brand
Tempting Talent Opens New Office in Miami
Tempting Talent, a global provider of recruitment-to-recruitment, search-to-search and building talent teams within investment sectors, has opened a new office in Miami. “Since inception, Tempting Talent has developed deep partnerships with executive search firms, staffing agencies, and PE/VC funds across North America, the opening of a Miami office reinforces its commitment to growth in the
Agile Leadership Strategies: 6 Ways to Lead with Flexibility and Focus
Today’s organizations are navigating an environment of almost constant disruption and change. From ongoing economic uncertainty and rapid advances in digital transformation, to shifting workforce demographics and rising employee expectations, businesses are being challenged to adapt faster than ever before. Traditional leadership models, which often emphasize stability, hierarchy, and predictability, are no longer sufficient to
SPMB Recruits Chief Product Officer for Menlo Security
SPMB Executive Search recently placed Ramin Farassat as chief product officer of Menlo Security, Inc. The search was led by Sean Lucq from SPMB’s engineering and product practice. “Ramin’s deep commitment to innovation and his passion for building high-performing teams make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Menlo Security’s mission of fundamentally shifting how organizations secure users and data in
The Moran Company Recruits Eighth Executive Director for the American Philatelic Society
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted in the recruitment of Kirk Gillis as the eighth executive director of the American Philatelic Society (APS). Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. Mr. Gillis replaces outgoing executive director Scott English, who announced his departure in November 2024, completing almost
Spencer Stuart Names Co-Leader of Board Advisory Practice
Spencer Stuart has expanded with the addition of Rebecca Thornton in New York as co-leader of the board advisory practice. She will lead the practice alongside George Anderson, who is based in Spencer Stuart’s Boston office. Julie Daum, a longtime firm leader in board advisory, will serve as chair of the practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca back
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Tokyo
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded in Japan with the addition of FocusCore Group K.K. in Tokyo as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome the FocusCore team to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “With their stellar reputation and deep expertise in the Japanese market—particularly in finance and accounting
Six Strategies to Get Ahead of Geopolitical Business Risks
For businesses operating in today’s volatile marketplace, geopolitical risks have moved from background noise to boardroom priority. Whether it’s trade wars, military conflicts, new regulatory regimes, or diplomatic breakdowns, international business leaders are finding that geopolitical factors now influence everything from supply chain continuity to investor confidence, according to a recent report from Signium’s Angela
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for iOnctura
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Steven Sciuto as the new CFO of iOnctura. “Following our successful initiation of a number of Phase II studies for our lead asset, roginolisib, we are committed to building a world-class leadership team that not only delivers on the promise of this asset but also strengthens our entire portfolio,” said Catherine
BoardWalk Consulting Assists the Lumpkin Family Foundation with Executive Director Search
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the placement of Heidi Dusek as executive director of the Lumpkin Family Foundation. Founder Sam Pettway and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. Bruce Karmazin, the foundation’s executive director since 2001, told the board of his intention to retire this summer. “Deep appreciation is also given to the search committee, chair Steve Shirar,
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Airport Director for Addison Airport
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has recruited Jaime Edrosa as airport director of Addison Airport (ADS), one of the largest general aviation airports in the United States. Senior project manager Kenneth Gwyn led the search team. “Jaime Edrosa’s broad experience across airport operations, construction, and security, paired with his collaborative leadership style, makes him an outstanding fit to
Dexian Acquires Conga Technologies to Boost AI and Workplace Solutions
Dexian, a global provider of talent and technology solutions, has acquired Conga Technologies, an innovator in AI-powered managed services used by technology enterprises in search, cloud, storage, social networking, semiconductor, and enterprise software (SaaS) solutions. Financial terms of the deal were not included. The acquisition along with the formation of its new ByteMethod.ai subsidiary is part
Why Talent Is The Primary Success Lever in M&A Deal Making
Dealmakers say people matter. But when it comes to execution, most still overlook human capital where it counts. That is the main finding from The Say Versus Do Divide in M&A, a 2025 report from Mercer and the Transaction Advisors Institute. The study, based on insights from corporate development and HR leaders involved in more than 1,200
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Uplift Education
After a robust succession planning process led by the board and in partnership with global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates, Uplift Education has appointed Remy Washington as its next CEO beginning in January 2026. Longtime CEO Yasmin Bhatia will retire from her role at the end of December 2025. Dr. Washington, currently president of Uplift,
The Christopher Group Recruits CHRO for The CAR Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Kandi Gongora as chief human resources officer of The CAR Group in Dallas, TX. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “It’s been an honor to partner with Taylor Conant and his team on the search for
CarterBaldwin Recruits Chief Legal Officer for Feed the Children
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has recruited Nil Loy as the first chief legal officer of Feed the Children. Partner Bill Peterson and search consultant Rodney Anderson led the assignment. “Feed the Children is gaining a tremendous strategic leader in Nil Loy, and we all look forward to collaborating to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry,” said Emily
WittKieffer Names Five Senior Partners
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has appointed five new senior partners. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership from within, WittKieffer elevates individuals based on demonstrated leadership qualities, expertise in the search and advisory professions, and commitment to company values, the search firm explained. “For 56 years, WittKieffer has flourished due in large part to
Reshaping the Talent Playbook in the Age of AI
In the age of AI, rapid technological advancements are revolutionizing the way organizations are approaching talent management. Heightened levels of automation are already reshaping recruitment, assessment, and team building while improving workforce optimization – all while balancing the critical need for ethical, human-centric decision-making. Hunt Scanlon Media is convening over 250 chief talent officers, CHROs,
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Power Integrations
ON Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Jennifer Lloyd as the new CEO of NASDAQ-traded Power Integrations in San Jose, CA. Partners Tim Conti, Mike Lynch, and Cher Murphy led the assignment. She succeeds Balu Balakrishnan, who has served as CEO since 2002. A former member of Power Integrations’ board of directors, Dr. Lloyd has been reappointed
Slone Partners Appoints President and Partner, Hospitals & Healthcare Delivery Solutions
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named Kyle Kinzie as president and partner, hospitals & healthcare delivery solutions. “Kyle Kinzie is a remarkably dynamic and innovative strategic leader with a penchant for driving growth across key business verticals – from healthcare to talent management. I’m impressed with his track record and entrepreneurial mindset,” said Leslie Loveless, co-CEO and
DHR Global Appoints First Woman, Nonfamily Member as CEO
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first nonfamily CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward
Boyden Recruits Chancellor for the University of Technology Sydney
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Kirk Palmer Associates Places Chief Commercial Officer at PetSmart
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has recruited Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of PetSmart. Dana Levine, Suzannah Brown, and Jennifer Riemer led the assignment. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” said Ken Hicks, president and CEO of PetSmart. “She has
Hiring for Impact: Aligning Talent with Your Organization’s Mission
Your non-profit is more than an organization—it’s a mission-driven movement with a purpose. So why are you hiring people who only punch the clock, asked ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall. “The days of simply checking off a resume for the right years of experience are over,” he said. “You’re not just looking for a new employee; you’re
