DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
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.
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
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?
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
BarkerGilmore Names Strategic Advisor and Executive Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has appointed Bjarne Tellmann as a strategic advisor and executive coach. “Bjarne is widely regarded as one of the most innovative legal leaders in the U.S. and the world,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “His experience guiding a FTSE 20 company through the largest
What Is Succession Planning and Why Does Your Company Need It Now More Than Ever?
Succession planning is no longer optional—it’s essential. With shifting demographics, talent shortages, and constant change, companies must prepare for leadership transitions now. By developing future leaders today, organizations protect stability, preserve knowledge, and ensure long-term growth. Yet many organizations still treat succession planning as an afterthought, failing to recognize its vital role in ensuring a company’s long-term
The Lancer Group Fills Board Position for Liquidity Services
According to recruiters interviewed by Hunt Scanlon Media, the executive search process for board directors is inherently complex and demands a customized approach. Firms specializing in board recruitment typically start with a thorough evaluation of the organization’s existing board structure, strategic objectives, and industry dynamics. This assessment helps shape the ideal candidate profile, which often includes
Rokos Group Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Alameda Health System
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has placed Lisa Laurent as the new chief medical officer of Alameda Health System (AHS) in Alameda, CA. “It was an honor to work with James Jackson, CEO, and his team throughout the search process,” said Greg Rokos, managing partner of Rokos Group. “We wish them a long and successful
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory Adds Partner
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory recently expanded with the addition of Kristin Fry as a partner. In her new role, she will work with managing partner Sonia Prais, focusing on expanding the firm’s executive search capabilities in the retail sector. “We are thrilled to announce that Kristin Fry has joined the Avant Executive Search
Leathwaite Appoints New Partner
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has named Tim Dunn as a partner, based between New York and Philadelphia. “Tim brings deep experience and a strong track record of building world-class leadership teams in the high-pressure, high-growth portfolio company environments where our private equity clients invest,” said Hypatia Kingsley, president of the Americas. “His arrival adds tremendous horsepower
How AI Is Reshaping the Talent Pyramid
The professional services talent pyramid is collapsing from the bottom, and AI is forcing the collapse, according to a recent report from Clark R. Beecher, managing partner and co-founder at Beecher Reagan. “For decades, professional services firms have followed the traditional leverage model to deliver work and maximize profitability,” the report said. “The few partners
The Millard Group Recruits CEO for Turnberry Solutions
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has recruited Bill Ravenscroft as the new CEO of Turnberry Solutions in Philadelphia. “I’m thrilled to announce a significant leadership placement that will reshape the IT services landscape: The Millard Group has successfully partnered with Abry
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists The Massachusetts Port Authority with Recruitment of Chief People Officer
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Taylor Casey as chief people officer of The Massachusetts Port Authority. The assignment was led by Gale LaRoche and Christine Santiago. In this position, Ms. Casey will report to the CEO, leading the Authority’s HR efforts, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, workforce
August Leadership Names Partner
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has appointed D. Lee Holliday as its newest partner, based in Florida. Mr. Holliday is a seasoned executive search leader with nearly two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations on building world-class strategic leadership teams. He specializes in placing high-impact talent— namely current and former top-tier strategy consultants and investment
Veteran Search Consultant Euris Belle Dies
Executive search veteran Euris Belle died on September 8, 2025. “Euris was a top professional and exceptional human being,” said Christopher Hunt, president of Hunt Scanlon Media. “She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.” “I reflect on the passing and life of Euris Belle, my esteemed former colleague at Heidrick & Struggles and
Wall Street’s Summer Deal Surge Redefines Talent Demands
According to The Wall Street Journal, the first week of August marked the highest-volume week for U.S. M&A in nearly four years. Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion purchase of Norfolk Southern led the spree, alongside deals from Alphabet, Global Payments, Charter Communications, and Constellation Energy. Bankers attribute the resurgence to a resilient economy, expectations of lower interest
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park
After a national search, TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Brian Luallen as the new CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. “We are proud to have partnered with the board of directors at the Naval Park to identify a leader who will honor the park’s legacy while positioning it
McDermott + Bull Places CEO for Collective Waste Solutions and MWM Environmental
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Ahmed Taha as CEO at Collective Waste Solutions (CWS) and MWM Environmental (MWM). The search was led by McDermott + Bull managing partner Paul Gibbons, principal Colin Dolson, principal Brittany Stansfield, and lead consultant, executive search + talent development Jennifer Ness. “Ahmed brings deep industry knowledge and grounded leadership style that aligns with our values
Bryant Group Assists Whatcom Hospice Foundation with Executive Director Search
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Loran Zenonian as the new executive director at Whatcom Hospice Foundation, PeaceHealth System in Bellingham, WA. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “I am very excited to welcome Loran as a member of the leadership team as our new executive director for Whatcom
Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in New Delhi
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has opened a new office in office in New Delhi. Heading the New Delhi office is Dorota Cagiel, Friisberg’s managing partner in India. Ms. Cagiel brings a wealth of international and local expertise, specializing in consumer goods, alcohol/beverage, financial and professional services, private equity, and the industrial sector. Her insight into
Toronto’s Executive Search Market Heats Up Amid Talent Shortage
The Canadian job market in 2025 is showing signs of resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While higher interest rates and slowing consumer demand have created challenges in sectors like real estate and retail, the country continues to experience steady demand for workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Immigration remains a key driver of labor
Riviera Partners Acquires Board and Technology (BaT)
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Board and Technology (BaT). The firm’s founder Olof Pripp has joined Riviera as a partner. Board and Technology will continue to operate under its name, co-branded as “Board and Technology – Powered by Riviera Partners.” Financial terms of
ZRG Recruits CEO for ALIGN Precision
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has recently placed Eric Ellis as CEO at ALIGN Precision in Tempe, AZ. Samantha Foster, managing director, and Carolina Siekierski, associate, led the assignment. The leadership appointment positions ALIGN Precision to capitalize on the increasing demand for its capabilities, strengthen and expand customer partnerships, and realize its long-term growth ambitions. “We
Lochlin Partners Assists Music for All with CEO Search
After a nationwide search, Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of James Weaver as president and CEO of Music for All in Indianapolis, IN. “As a board, we were attracted by James’ experience and understanding of the musical ecosphere,” said Doug Pileri, chairman of the board of directors. “But we were equally impressed by the
WittKieffer Appoints IT Practice Leader
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Sturman as managing partner and information technology practice leader. He takes over from Hillary Ross, who has led the practice since 2017. Ms. Ross will shift her full-time priorities to client engagements and working alongside Mr. Sturman to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to WittKieffer,” said
Recruiting for Private Equity & Venture Capital: Driving Growth Through Talent
The demand for exceptional talent has never been greater in private equity and venture capital, where growth and innovation depend on the ability to build high-performing teams. As firms face rapid change and intense competition, scaling leadership and adopting forward-thinking talent strategies have become mission-critical priorities. For these organizations, finding and developing the right talent
Headhunter vs. Recruiter: Clarifying the Roles in Hiring
The language of hiring can be confusing, especially when different terms get tossed around as if they all mean the same thing. Add to that the distinction between in-house and external roles, and it’s no wonder job seekers and employers alike can feel unsure about who does what. That is why some HR leaders say
Crist|Kolder Associates Leads CEO Search for The Timken Company
Crist|Kolder Associates has helped to recruit Lucian Boldea as the new president and CEO of NYSE-traded The Timken Company in North Canton, OH. He will succeed Richard G. Kyle, who has been in an interim role since March after having previously served as president and CEO from 2014 to 2024. “Following a comprehensive search, the board
CAA Executive Search Assists Newcastle United with the Recruitment of New CEO
CAA Executive Search has assisted Newcastle United with the recruitment of David Hopkinson as its new CEO. He replaced outgoing CEO Darren Eales, who steps down from the position for health reasons. Asher Simons, co-founder and president of CAA Executive Search, led the assignment along with partner Alexander Cooke. “We are delighted to welcome David to
Korn Ferry Appoints Chair of the Board and CEO Practice in the U.K.
Korn Ferry has named Dominic Schofield as chair of the board and CEO practice in the U.K. Under Mr. Schofield’s leadership, Korn Ferry will continue to strengthen its unique position, combining board advisory and executive search for boardrooms. “I am pleased to announce that Dominic Schofield will assume the role of chair of our U.K. board and CEO practice,” said Daren Kemp,
Beyond Traditional Executive Search: Human Insight, AI Power
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological breakthrough—it is transforming industries, redefining economies, and reshaping how organizations create value. To keep pace, leaders must combine business acumen with adaptability, foresight, and AI fluency, guiding their companies through both the opportunities and complexities this new era brings. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping our landscape and enabling
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for Equality Illinois
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Channyn Lynne Parker as the new CEO of Equality Illinois. Her selection follows a thorough and competitive process led by McCormack + Kristel. All candidates were evaluated equitably through the same fair and transparent process, and Ms. Parker emerged as the clear choice based on her experience, leadership, deep ties to
Kaye/Bassman Grows Higher Education Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International recently expanded with the addition of Lou Stark to its higher education practice. “We are extremely proud to have Lou join our higher education practice,” said Eric Dickerson, managing director of Kaye/Bassman’s academic leadership division. “His years of experience working in tier-one research institutions give him excellent insight into the
Alexander Hughes Names Managing Partner of Paris Office
Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-Marie Simon as managing partner of the Paris office. “His appointment as managing partner of the Paris office follows his successful tenure as a client partner at our firm for several years, where he played a key role in managing our relationships with key clients, leading strategic initiatives and developing a
The Strategic Imperative for Unified Platforms in Executive Search
Executive search is at an inflection point. Firms are drowning in disconnected tools, fragmented data, and outdated workflows that make it harder—not easier—to identify transformational leaders. Many executive search consultants tell Hunt Scanlon Media that what the industry needs is a unified platform powered by point-in-time intelligence, one that surfaces executives when they were most
