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Daily Newswire
2026: A Year of Intentional Growth for HR Leadership
Global markets are moving out of a period defined by uncertainty and into one that favors disciplined execution. Organizations are no longer waiting for perfect conditions before acting; instead, they are recalibrating how they grow, where they invest, and which leaders they rely on to deliver results. In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly
Eastward Partners Fills CEO Positions for Aropha and General Trucking
New York-based Eastward Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of CEOs for Aropha and General Trucking. The firm placed Tammy Deblock as CEO of Aropha, a Comeback Capital backed company. “Congratulations to the team for a great outcome and for entrusting us with this important search,” Eastward Partners said in a LinkedIn post. The assignment was led
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.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
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?
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
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
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for ERYTECH Pharma
[Executive search firm Coulter Partners has recruited Dr. Alexander Scheer, Ph.D. as chief scientific officer of ERYTECH Pharma. The search was led by director Dr. Kay Wardle, working with managing partner Arnaldo De Lisio. “Coulter Partners was asked to recruit a successor to the founding CSO,” said Dr. Wardle. “This is a critical hire for the organization, requiring someone to
Morris Bixby Names Head of Executive Search Division
Morris Bixby Group, an agribusiness focused search firm, has appointed Allen Smith as managing partner of its new executive division, Morris Bixby Executive. Mr. Smith has an extensive background in the field of agriculture, having managed business units in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Now based in St. Louis, he will lead
NPAworldwide Adds Eight New Member Firms
[Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member firms in Australia, the Philippines, United Kingdom, India, and the U.S. This past September, the organization also gained a number of member firms, including SERH, Phillip Reilly, Bertram Resource, MConsulting Solutions, Excelerate Resources, Kites Consulting, BSI People Pty Ltd., Max Populi, LLC, TDM & Associates, LLC, and Acavi. NPA now has
Failure to Develop, Engage and Retain Talent Is Growing
[Businesses are not in tune with their employees’ perceptions of engagement, training and career development, according to a just-released survey of human resource executives conducted by talent management solutions provider Saba. The survey indicated the need for consistent employee feedback across age groups and genders in order to gain an accurate measure of engagement across an entire
Eastward Search Partners Building Out Leadership Team for Oliver Wyman
[Eastward Search Partners is teaming up with management consulting firm Oliver Wyman on a special search project. The recruitment provider is currently assembling leadership profiles for Oliver Wyman’s digital practice buildout (partner/principal positions). Partner Joseph Carbone is leading the searches. Mr. Carbone is beginning with creating a number of leadership profiles that will span cross-industry. Once completed,
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits Chautauqua Institution President
[Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Michael E. Hill as the 18th president of The Chautauqua Institution. Current president Tom Becker previously announced he planned on retiring at the end of the year after nearly 32 years of service. The search was led by Russell Reynolds Associates’ Washington, D.C., and Boston offices. Following Mr. Becker’s retirement announcement earlier this year, the Chautauqua
Grace Blue Snags Chief Talent Officer As Asia Pacific CEO
[Executive search firm Grace Blue Partnership has named Jean-Michel Wu as its Asia Pacific chief executive officer to lead the firm’s expansion across the region. He will be based in Grace Blue’s regional head office in Singapore alongside APAC chairman Michael Maedel, partners Helen Duffy and Hilda Ng. In addition, he will join the global board of
Conselium Appoints Partner
[Executive search firm Conselium has appointed Steve Harrison as partner. He comes to Conselium with over 12 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on placing compliance professionals in the financial services industry in the New York City and London markets. Prior to joining Conselium, Mr. Harrison was a compliance recruiter at Michael Page Executive
The High Cost of Picking a Wrong Leader
[Selecting a CEO is arguably one of the most vital decisions a board makes. Companies that choose the wrong leader can suffer hits to their stock price and market capitalization and lose in a variety of areas — momentum, opportunities, reputation, customer goodwill and, perhaps most importantly, trust within the organization, which can take years
Eurasia Group Taps DES Recruitment to Find CIO
[Executive search firm DES Recruitment has been selected by Eurasia Group to lead its chief information officer search. John Hodge, managing partner at DES Recruitment, is heading the assignment. “Our client is looking for an innovator and someone to help them create a digital transformation,” he said. The right CIO, said Mr. Hodge, will add more value and become more
Vanderbloemen Search Group Recruits Head of School for Westminster Christian Academy
[Executive recruiting firm Vanderbloemen Search Group has recruited Scott Davis as the new head of school for Westminster Christian Academy. Merida Brooks stepped down in June after 28 years of service to the academy as a teacher, lower school director over three campuses, founding principal of Westminster’s Lafayette Campus, instructional supervisor and, for the last nine years as head of School of
Turnkey Search Launches Executive Coaching Division
[As executive recruiters deepen their relationships in the sports and entertainment field, they’re finding clients receptive to helping them identify all sorts of talent. To that end, sports recruiter Turnkey Search has just launched an executive coaching division. Tony Ponturo, a pioneer of modern sports marketing and president and CEO of Busch Media Group, has joined
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Russia
[AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Russian executive search and leadership consulting firm Excelion Partners International as its newest member firm. Excelion has been operating in Moscow since 2010 and is a niche player for international companies moving to, or operating in, Russia and for Russian companies and /or
How Employers Can Recruit and Retain Veterans
[ On this Election Day our sights turn to country, duty, and of course, voting. But we wouldn’t have what we do, and live under the protections that we have, if it wasn’t for our military service men and women. To that end, military service is probably the greatest honor that any American we can
Howe-Lewis Tapped to Lead Two Chief Advancement Officer Searches
[Executive search firm Howe-Lewis International has been chosen by Friends of the High Line and the Sundance Institute to lead their searches for chief advancement officers (CAO). Howe-Lewis, a boutique recruiting firm based in New York, serves the not-for-profit and healthcare sectors with clients ranging from education, cultural arts, healthcare, and human services organizations to membership and
