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Daily Newswire
Why Organizational Performance Is Becoming the New Competitive Edge
McKinsey & Company’s The State of Organizations 2026 report highlights a business environment undergoing structural transformation. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 leaders across 15 countries and 17 industries, the research identifies three interconnected forces reshaping organizations: technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and workforce shifts. The pressure on organizations is intensifying from multiple directions at once. Companies
Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus to
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
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
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
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,
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
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
WittKieffer Names Leader of Board Advisory Solution
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has appointed Laura Orr to expand and lead the firm’s board advisory solution. “Boards that are engaged, effective, and strategically aligned have a significant impact on organizational success,” said Susan M. Snyder, executive partner for leadership advisory at WittKieffer. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura to our team to develop these high-impact boards. Laura’s background, expertise,
DHR Global Appoints Leader for Houston Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Tony Hazen as managing partner, leading the Houston office. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with private equity sponsors and operating teams to help them find the right leaders for moments that matter – turnarounds, integrations, and aggressive growth strategies,” said Mr. Hazen. “DHR brings the right platform, network, and culture to continue
Bridging Talent Gaps Across HR, Private Equity, Higher Education
In today’s complex talent environment, organizations across industries are facing a growing (and increasingly urgent) challenge: navigating critical talent gaps. Whether you’re scaling a portfolio company in private equity, rebuilding your human resources function, or filling a leadership void in higher education, the stakes are high, according to a new report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben
How Recruitment Researchers Help Access Top Candidates
Hiring top-tier talent is one of the most critical—and challenging—tasks for any growing business. While job boards and traditional recruiting methods often yield familiar candidates, the true advantage comes from partnering with an executive search firm that leverages dedicated recruitment researchers to uncover exceptional, often untapped talent. These specialists go beyond the surface, uncovering high-caliber
Cowen Partners Assists United American Indian Involvement with CEO Search
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of John R. Reeves as the new CEO of United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII). This follows a national executive search led by Cowen Partners in partnership with UAII’s executive search committee, which included board members, staff, and community stakeholders. Sam Torres, managing director, led the
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Provost for Dartmouth
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has recruited Santiago Schnell as the new provost of Dartmouth College. John Muckle, Becky Piper, Stephen Kalogeras, and Ethan Thomas led the search. “Santiago Schnell is a brilliant, multidisciplinary scientist, a humanistic and humane thinker, and a talented administrator with deep experience of what it takes to lead a world-class research university,” said Sian Beilock, president of
Russell Reynolds Associates Launches Strategy Decode and Activation to Bridge Leadership Gaps in Business Transformation
Russell Reynolds Associates has launched Strategy Decode and Activation, a distinctive advisory capability that positions CEO and C-suite leadership as the central driver of successful business transformation. “Russell Reynolds Associates has been at the forefront of helping the world’s largest organizations solve their most pressing leadership issues for decades,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO. “Today, transformation is at the
