DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Pacific International Adds Former President of Danfoss Power Solutions to Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has appointed Eric Alström to its advisory board. “With the continued expansion of Pacific International’s advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Eric Alström brings world-class insight from the industrial technology, electrification, hydraulics, and climate
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
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
Navigating the Complexities of Hiring for an Inaugural Position
Recruitment is a challenging process that demands a thorough understanding of your organization’s mission and objectives, a strategic vision for growth, and the flexibility to adapt to an evolving job market. However, the process can be especially delicate when you are hiring for an inaugural position, according to a new report from Lindauer’s Faith Montgomery.
Berkhemer Clayton to Lead CEO Search for Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Berkhemer Clayton has been retained by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association (The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game) to recruit its next executive director and chief executive officer. William Flinn, current association executive director, will retire next year after more than three decades with the organization. Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, the search firm’s president and corporate board practice leader,
JDG Associates Recruits Executive Director for Marine Technology Society
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has placed Kevin Traver as executive director of the Marine Technology Society (MTS). Principal Paul Belford led the search. Mr. Traver will lead MTS in its mission to promote awareness, understanding, advancement and application of marine technology. He will report to the board of directors, primarily through the MTS president, apprising the board on matters critical
Korn Ferry Posts 40 Percent Q1 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2017 fiscal first quarter revenues of $392.9 million, a 40 percent increase compared to revenues of $279.3 million a year ago. The growth was primarily due to increases in fee revenue in Futurestep and the company’s recently acquired Hay Group segments. During the quarter, Korn Ferry substantially completed its fiscal 2016 restructuring
Lucas Group Names Manufacturing Practice Leader
Executive search firm Lucas Group has expanded its presence in Southern California with the addition of Jennifer Bowers as managing partner and leader of its manufacturing practice in San Diego. She joins a tenured team of manufacturing recruiters. Ms. Bowers has served in various recruiting roles with Adecco and Eastridge Workforce Solutions. Across California, manufacturing is experiencing a boom as the local economy
As Labor Market Tightens, Hiring Mistakes Take Center Stage
Within the executive, managerial and professional sector, hiring authorities are frequently making key mistakes that are hampering not only their ability to hire, but also their employer brand and retention rates, according to an employment landscape survey just completed by MRINetwork. The report reveals that lengthy hiring practices and misconceptions about what motivates top candidates to make a job
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for TESSCO Technologies
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Murray Wright as president and chief executive officer of TESSCO Technologies. He assumes the role from founder and past CEO Robert B. Barnhill Jr., who will assume the role of executive chairman and continue to serve as the chairman of the board. The appointment of a new CEO comes amid declining revenues and earnings which
AGB Search Leading President Search for Central Connecticut State
Executive search firm AGB Search has been selected by Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to lead its search for a new president. Robert Holyer Ph.D., senior consultant at AGB Search, is leading the assignment. Founded in 1849 as New Britain Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest publicly funded university. It is made up of four schools: the Ammon College
Ward Howell Appoints Global Leader of Insurance / Alternative Investments Practice Groups
Executive search firm Ward Howell International has appointed Theodore ‘Ted’ Petrara as partner and global leader of its insurance and alternative investments practice groups. He is based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Petrara’s team will deliver executive search and leadership advisory services to insurers, reinsurers, hedge funds, and other originators and investors in the alternative
DHR Names Global Board & CEO Practice Leader
Executive search firm DHR International has named Mike Magsig as managing partner and leader of the firm’s global board & CEO practice group. He replaces Jay Millen, who stepped down late last year; he now holds the same role at Caldwell Partners. Mr. Magsig brings more than 16 years of executive search experience to DHR. During his career, he has
Pay Raises to Hold Steady in 2017
Pay raises for U.S. employees are expected to hold steady at three percent in 2017, according to a survey released by Willis Towers Watson. The survey also found that employers will continue to reward their best performers with significantly larger pay raises as they look for ways to retain their top talent and strengthen existing pay-for-performance
Russell Reynolds Associates Lands CEO for Help for Heroes
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Melanie Waters as chief executive officer of Help for Heroes. Founder Bryn Parry had previously announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the year. The company sought an experienced, forward-thinking and progressive leader to pilot the organization through a growth and expansion phase. Russell Reynolds was brought in last spring to
WinterWyman Leading CTO Search for Rockets of Awesome
Executive search firm WinterWyman has been retained by Rockets of Awesome to lead its search for a chief technology officer. The search firm’s senior vice president and partner, Mike Fitzgerald, is leading the assignment. Rockets of Awesome’s CTO will be responsible for direct management and growth of its engineering team, as well as the overall success of its ROA platform. He or
Michael Bergen to Lead Allegis Partners in the U.S.
Michael Bergen, global practice leader of Allegis Partners’ human resources practice, will take on additional responsibility as managing partner of the firm’s U.S. operations. Mr. Bergen has more than 17 years of experience placing executives across all industries, geographies and functional areas of expertise within the HR profession. Prior to joining Allegis Partners in 2015, he
Ducatus Partners Names EMEA Partner
Executive search firm Ducatus Partners has appointed Michael Diamond as partner for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Mr. Diamond brings nearly a decade’s experience to the role and joins Ducatus from executive search firm Diamond Cooper, of which he was a co-founder and managing partner. He will oversee business origination, senior client relations and project management for
Why Millennials Crave In-Person Collaboration
Despite popular belief, 41 percent of Gen Z’s say corporate offices are their workplace preference, according to a global study released today by Future Workplace, an HR executive network and research firm dedicated to the future of learning and working, and HR services company Randstad US, which recently acquired Monster Worldwide for $429 million. As a follow-up
Heidrick & Struggles Leading CEO Search for National Cybersecurity Center
The National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs has retained Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. A four-person search committee from the National Cybersecurity Center’s 12 directors will conduct interviews and make final candidate recommendations to the board. The Cybersecurity Center hopes to have a CEO selected by mid to late September, said
Odgers Berndtson Recruits CFO for Valeant Pharmaceuticals
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has placed Paul S. Herendeen as executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. John Hawkins, vice chairman and director in Odgers Berndtson’s life sciences practice, led the assignment. As Valeant CFO, Mr. Herendeen will oversee all of the company’s finance functions, including controllership, tax, and treasury, reporting directly
Kennedy Executive Search Partners With Frisenberg J. & Associates
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a partner network of executive search boutique firms, has partnered with Frisenberg J. & Associates, a recruiting boutique based in Monaco founded in 2001 by Caroline Frisenberg. “Frisenberg J. & Associates is very happy and proud to join Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting this year. For us to be part
NPAworldwide Adds New Member Firms In Brazil, Australia, France, U.K. and the U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 10 new member firms in Brazil, Australia, France, the U.K., and the U.S. This past June the organization gained Martin & Conley Limited, AME Recruitment, RSP Recruitment and The Digital Academy, Cascade Recruiting, Murdoch Mason Executive Search Group, and Select Resources, as new partners. NPA now has close to 500 member offices
New Officer Titles Continue to Flood the C-Suite
A handful of new C-suite titles have been cropping up at businesses around the globe, according to a new report by search firm Odgers Berndtson and authored by business journalist Gary Mead. According to the report, executives climbing the corporate ladder are in hot pursuit of titles that include the words ‘chief’ and ‘officer.’ Among them: chief
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading CEO Search for Parkinson’s Foundation
Executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been tapped by the Parkinson’s Foundation to lead its hunt for a chief executive officer. Formed by the merger of National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), the organization’s mission is to invest in scientific research that will end Parkinson’s disease and improve the lives of people
Seattle Mariners Taps Reffett Associates for HR Head
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has been retained by the Seattle Mariners to lead the organization’s search for a new senior vice president of human resources, succeeding Marianne Short, who has announced her retirement. The Mariners will conduct a nationwide search for a senior executive who possesses experience in the entertainment, hospitality, and sports industries. Managing director, Marshall Reffett,
Ventura Appoints Bob Damon As Partner
Executive search firm Ventura Partners has named Bob Damon as a partner in its Beverly Hills office. With more than 30 years of executive search experience, Mr. Damon has been a senior strategist recruiting for boards and C-suite executives on organization and talent management issues. He has consulted and found top-tier talent for every industry including many of the
How Investing In Workplace Learning Can Unlock Potential
As recruiting chief Jeff Kaye points out in the following interview, the barriers to entry in the search profession are lower than almost any other line of work. Many industry leaders, like Mr. Kaye, therefore see a developing need to step up training efforts for newcomers to the field as well as for those that
DHR Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Under Armour
Executive search firm DHR International has recruited Andy Donkin as chief marketing officer of Under Armour. Carlos Cata, a DHR managing partner in charge of the firm’s global CMO practice, and retail and consumer sector managing partner Frank Spencer, along with partner Julie Eakers, led the search. Mr. Donkin joins Under Armour from Amazon, where he served as head of
Korn Ferry Recruits President for Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Korn Ferry has recruited Michael Murphy as president of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. He replaces longtime Shea’s president Anthony Conte, who has decided to step down from the post. Mr. Murphy is currently managing director of The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, CA. Prior to joining there in 2003, he worked as managing director of Austin
Centerstone Executive Search Opens In Philadelphia
Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting has opened a new office in Philadelphia. Ann Gratz, managing director, and Lynne Leger, senior vice president, will lead the new office. Together, they bring a combination of retail, consumer products and service sector knowledge to the new location. “Clients demand that an executive search firm understand their aspirations, share their values and appreciate
Caldwell Partners Expands In Latin America
Executive search firm Caldwell Partners International has opened a new office in Buenos Aires and added four new partners. Adilson Parrella and Pedro Folque de Almeida have joined the Sao Paulo office, Eleonora Cajiao has joined the Bogota office and Estanislao Peña has opened the firm’s new office in Buenos Aires. Mr. Parrella has extensive experience executing
IRC Adds Cabot and EA Hughes as Member Firms
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has added Cabot Consultants and E.A. Hughes as its newest member firms. Founded in 1991 by Elaine Hughes, E.A. Hughes serves clients in the retail and consumer apparel, home furnishings, beauty, digital, e-commerce, footwear and other industries. The firm is based in New York City. Cabot Consultants is based in McLean, VA and led by managing partner Tom
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires Leadership Consultancy Philosophy IB
Heidrick & Struggles has acquired Philosophy IB, a leadership consultant based in Florham Park, NJ. Philosophy IB was established in 2000 by founding partners Christine Lotze and Kaveh Naficy and today serves Fortune 100 companies focused on assisting clients execute their strategies by changing how people work. Philosophy IB has particular expertise with life sciences clients, having advised executive
Collegiate Sports Recruits Athletic Director for University of Missouri
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) has recruited Jim Sterk as athletic director for University of Missouri. According to sources, Missouri paid the recruiting firm $75,500 plus expenses to handle the assignment. Todd Turner, CSA president and founder, and a former AD himself, led the search. Missouri had previously used Korn Ferry in the search that produced







