DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
What Talent Acquisition Will Really Demand in 2026
Talent acquisition looks nothing like it did a couple of years ago. A new Korn Ferry report says AI is the headline—84 percent of talent leaders plan to use it next year—but it’s only one piece of the 2026 puzzle. The bigger challenge is connecting AI, skills, leadership pipelines, and workplace policies into a strategy
Executive Search Faces Shrinking Demand
As a search firm owner, you’ve likely had the call by now. “A larger firm reaches out with interest in acquiring your boutique,” said James Abruzzo, managing partner of JGA Partners. “You take the meeting, curious. They make an offer—lower than you expected, maybe far lower. You politely decline, but the seed is planted.” You wonder, did
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
7 Things CEOs Must Do to Boost Team Performance
A CEO’s role in driving team productivity has become increasingly complex, yet it remains more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s no longer sufficient to simply set objectives and expect teams to follow suit. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide employees to operate at their highest potential requires more than just
Penrhyn Adds Leaders & Co. / Davies Park Executive Search In Canada
Penrhyn International has announced a further strategic expansion into North America with a joint venture partnership between Canadian executive search firms Leaders & Co and Davies Park Executive Search. With offices in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, Leaders & Co. / Davies Park Executive Search specialize in board level positions, leadership succession, and executive
David Barrett Partners Leading CEO Search for Harvard Management Co.
Executive search firm David Barrett Partners has been selected by Harvard Management Company (HMC), the investment management arm of Harvard University, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Harvard Management Co. manages the college’s massive $37.6 billion endowment. Past president and CEO Stephen Blyth has resigned for personal reasons. Robert A. Ettl, the organization’s chief operating officer,
Court Throws Out Order for Recruiter to Pay Restitution to Korn Ferry
A panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously threw out an order requiring executive recruiter David Nosal, founding chairman and CEO of San Francisco-based NGS Global, to pay restitution to his former employer Korn Ferry. The deeply divided panel affirmed, however, Mr. Nosal’s convictions for trade secret and CFAA (computer-related) offenses. Mr. Nosal’s
Minnesota Twins Turn to Korn Ferry In Search for Next GM
Korn Ferry has been retained by the Minnesota Twins to replace general manager Terry Ryan. Vice President and assistant general manager Rob Antony will assume GM duties on an interim basis until a full time replacement is named. Mr. Ryan was fired July 18, ending a three-decade stretch with the organization. The Twins started today with the worst
Robert Half Posts 5.7 Percent Revenue Increase
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) posted second quarter revenues of $1.34 billion, up 5.7 percent from a year ago, falling short of Wall Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.36 billion. The Menlo Park, CA-based company recorded net income for the quarter of $92 million, or $.71 per share, compared to $90 million, or $.67 per share, during the second
A Deliberate and Custom Approach to Recruitment
The executive search industry is growing at a record pace, fueled by search work, to be sure — but also by all sorts of related solutions services — from assessment, culture shaping and leadership development to market intelligence, talent mapping and data analytics to name just a few. While the largest industry players are under pressure
Companies Now Anticipate Hiring At Slower Rates In Third Quarter
The National Association for Business Economics’ ‘Business Conditions Survey’ indicates job gains were more common than job losses in the second quarter, but plans for third quarter hiring eased from three months ago. The share of respondents reporting rising employment at their companies over the past three months edged up to 30 percent from 29 percent
Snodgrass Partners Creates Tennis Recruiting and Consulting Division
Executive search firm Snodgrass Partners has established a new tennis recruiting and consulting division. The new sports practice combines more than 60 years of tennis industry experience with decades of executive search, consulting and alternative hiring expertise. The tennis recruiting and consulting arm of Snodgrass Partners matches NCAA Division I tennis programs, racquet clubs and resorts
Harvard Group Recruits CEO for Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has recruited Michael L. Jackson as chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC). He succeeds Donna Ferraro who has led the non-profit organization since 1991. Cyndi Court, managing director with Harvard Group International’s non-profit practice, led the search assignment. Dr. Jackson’s career includes
Heidrick & Struggles Heading Chief Actuary Search for CalPERS
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to lead its search for a new chief actuary. The incoming executive will direct the development and implementation of actuarial policies and procedures, and advise the board of administration and its committees on actuarial issues. The actuarial office at CalPERS prepares separate
Horton Group Appoints Chairman
Horton Group International has elected Andreas Wartenberg as its new chairman of the board. He takes this position over from Robin Billen, who is a managing partner of Horton International in Australia. Mr. Wartenberg is a managing director of Hager Unternehmensberatung / Horton International in Germany and has been an executive search consultant for almost 25 years,
Workforce Dynamics: Wage Growth Slows In Second Quarter
The U.S. labor market maintained its trend of growth in wages in the second quarter but at a slower pace, according to the ADP ‘Workforce Vitality Report.’ Gains in the second quarter were driven by growth in hours worked and employment. The report tracks a set of full-time workers to determine wage growth among those who are
BSG Team Ventures Recruits Chief Learning Officer for Human Capital Institute
Executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has placed Courtney Vital as chief learning officer at Human Capital Institute (HCI). Todd Hand, a managing director at BSG Team Ventures, led the search. In this role, Ms. Vital will lead the growing function that provides professional development, certification, and training to HCI’s individual and corporate members around the world. Her team oversees all aspects of educational strategy,
Korn Ferry Assists CPS Energy In CEO Search
Korn Ferry has recruited internal candidate Paula Gold-Williams as chief executive officer of CPS Energy. Past CEO Doyle Beneby has left the organization to join Chicago-based New Generation Power International. Ms. Gold-Williams, who had served as the company’s group EVP and chief financial officer, assumed the interim CEO role when Korn Ferry began the search. “She
Jorgenson Consulting Opens NY City Office; Names Managing Director
Greensboro, North Carolina-based executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting has named Dianne Reid as managing director of its newly opened New York City office. She will be responsible for business development, executive search and client management. Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal, said the firm opened the new office to further serve its clients with operations in the northeastern and
Signium Expands Into Brazil
Executive search firm Signium has opened a new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Led by Marcelo Apovian, Jorge Kraljevic and Gilberto Lara, Signium Brazil will provide executive search services across industries, including industrial, consumer / luxury retail, financial, as well as business & professional services. The partners of Signium Brazil bring over 55 years of cumulative
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 11.9 Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter net revenues of $148.9 million, an 11.9 percent increase from revenues of $133 million during the same period a year ago, topping Wall Street forecasts. Executive search and leadership consulting net revenue at Heidrick increased 11.6 percent year-over-year, to $139.2 million from $124.7 million in the 2015 second quarter.
Options Group Appoints Head of Its Classified Strategic Initiative
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has named Debbie Freer as head of OGNext, the firm’s classified strategic initiative. Ms. Freer will be establishing the career transformation organization as a new company within the larger organization of Options Group. Her focus will be on executive leadership as well as building a world class career transformation firm. In his
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading Chief People Officer Search for HM Revenues & Customs
Executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been tapped by HM Revenues & Customs (HMRC) to lead its search for a new chief people officer. The CPO will responsible for the people agenda across HMRC. The position is said to be pivotal to delivering the large-scale workforce planning, leadership and skills elements of HMRC’s transformation and
PFM Executive Search Recruits CFO for Capital Regional District
PFM Executive Search has placed Nelson Chan as chief financial officer of Capital Regional District (CRD). In his new role, Mr. Chan will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the board of directors and the finance, audit, and investment committees of the board. Mr. Chan has experience in both the public
Allen Austin Names Global Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Allen Austin has added Paul Moran as managing partner and global technology practice leader. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience in executive search and leadership solutions servicing clients on a variety of projects across functions, including board selection, general management, professional services, sales, marketing, finance,
Contingent Workforce Continues to Expand Globally
New Zealand ranked as the highest-ranked country for contingent workforce operations in 2016, followed by Singapore and the Philippines, according to the fourth contingent workforce index (CWI) released by ManpowerGroup. The U.S. fell to sixth place from second on the list, and Canada dropped to seventh from third. The index measures and tracks the relative ease
Kensington International Names Technology Practice Leader
Executive search firm Kensington International has added David Shpiz as an executive vice president within its executive search division. Based in Chicago, he will lead the firm’s technology practice, focusing on private equity-backed companies. Mr. Shpiz was previously a partner at Kindred Partners, an executive search firm placing executives in high-growth technology companies. In addition to his Kindred experience, his
Spencer Stuart Recruits American Trucking Association’s Ninth President
Spencer Stuart has recruited Chris Spear as the ninth president of the American Trucking Association (ATA). He succeeds Bill Graves, who is retiring after more than 13 years with the organization. Mr. Spear is currently vice president of government affairs at Hyundai Motor Company and has a long career on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, as well
CarterBaldwin Taps Leader for Young Life
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Newton Crenshaw as president of Colorado Springs, CO-based Young Life. The search was led by CarterBaldwin founding partner Price Harding. Mr. Crenshaw is an accomplished leader with a 30-year history of delivering business results, most recently as the vice president of oncology commercial operations / business development / payer at Eli Lilly and Company.
Why Russia Remains a Risk Environment for Search Firms
Executive search firm Boyden has added Moscow-headquartered Zoom Executive Search as part of the firm’s strategy for growth in EMEA and globally. A team of 11 search professionals will join Boyden as part of the firm’s expansion, benefiting clients in Russia and across EMEA. Zoom / Boyden Russia’s new team will be led by managing partners Olga
American Companies Eager to Hire As Second Half of 2016 Kicks In
Hiring managers in the U.S. are prepared to hire more professionals in the year ahead, but the current recruitment environment won’t make their job easy. Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of hiring managers intend to hire more professionals in the next six months, according to the semi-annual hiring survey by DHI Group, a provider of data, insights
The Onstott Group Assists A.I.M. Mutual Insurance In Board Search
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has assisted A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies in the recruitment of Leslie E. Greis to serve on the company’s board of directors. Joe Onstott, managing director, led the assignment. Ms. Greis is the founder and managing member of Perennial Capital Advisors, LLC, an investment firm specializing in evaluating and investing in private real estate strategies worldwide
ManpowerGroup Posts Modest Revenue Gain
ManpowerGroup / (NYSE:MAN) posted second quarter revenues of $5 billion, a three percent increase from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The company’s performance missed Wall Street forecasts which had expected $5.06 billion. Financial results in the quarter were impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar relative to several foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. Net earnings
Polachi Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for ViralGains
Executive search firm Polachi Inc. has placed Cindy Brown as chief revenue officer of ViralGains, a leader in consumer-centric video distribution. As CRO, Ms. Brown will be responsible for driving ViralGains’ business in the $16 billion online video advertising market. She brings an extremely strong and diverse background to her role at ViralGains, from high growth
The Coming of Age of the CHRO
There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently about the expanding role of the CHRO, not all of it complementary. So I decided to seek an objective view from Mark Oppenheimer (pictured), chief commercial & innovation officer at leadership advisory and executive search firm Marlin Hawk. Based in New York, Mark engages







