DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Funk Associates Retained by Clemson University for President Search
Funk Associates has been retained by Clemson University to lead in its search for its 16th president. The university is seeking candidates who possess extraordinary managerial skills, are adept at fund-raising, and are both innovative and visionary. James P. Clements announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2025. “We continue to make outstanding progress in our search
Preng & Associates Assists Pacific Coast Energy with CFO Search
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Travis Thomas as the new president and CFO for Pacific Coast Energy Company LP. Mr. Thomas brings more than 16 years of financial leadership experience in the oil and gas industry, with a proven track record supporting both public and private energy companies across upstream and midstream
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
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
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
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were
AIMS International Names EMEA Regional Leaders
AIMS International has appointed Grégoire Depeursinge, managing partner in Switzerland, as executive vice president with responsibility for the EMEA region. He succeeds Pierangelo Favero, who has held the position since 2013 and has recently been elected president of AIMS. For nearly 10 years, Mr. Depeursinge has served as global practice leader industrial, member global life sciences practice at AIMS. He has held senior
Wendy’s Chief People Officer Adopts Blended Recruiting Strategy
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers (CHRO) play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, it is the chief people officer who typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus, instead, is on building talent as a key
The New York Pops Turns to Greenwich Harbor Partners for Board Directors
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Liz Ritzcovan as a member of the board of directors at The New York Pops. She is the sixth director to be placed on the Pops board by the Greenwich, Conn-based search firm. Ms. Ritzcovan has 20 years of work history increasing profits, building businesses and expanding client and partner bases for
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Korn Ferry’s board & CEO services practice has recruited Robert W. Cook as president and chief executive officer of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He succeeds Richard Ketchum, who served as chairman and CEO since 2009. Mr. Cook will join FINRA in the second half of this year from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he has served
Gerard Stewart Opens New Office In Menlo Park
Executive search firm Gerard Stewart has expanded its services on the West Coast with the opening of a new office in Menlo Park, CA. Sara Boyd has joined the firm to lead the new location as managing director. In addition to overseeing the Menlo Park business, Ms. Boyd will expand the firm’s search capabilities to include EVPs and
CurzonTrinitas Broadens Sector Coverage
Executive recruiters CurzonTrinitas has strengthened its staff with the addition of Robbie Paterson as a partner. Mr. Paterson previously served as partner and head of the renewable energy and utilities practice at Korn Ferry. In that role, he led the placement of CEOs, managing directors and other C-suite roles for businesses across the renewable energy, utilities
Ward Howell, Iconic Search Brand, Returns to U.S. Market
The Hershey Company, the largest chocolate manufacturer in North America with revenues of $8 billion and 22,000 global employees, has expanded its business relationship with executive search firm Ward Howell International. A significant portion of Ward Howell’s recruiting work for Hershey’s has been conducted on a global basis in some 25 far flung markets for more
Robinson Resource Group Recruits Executive Director for Folds of Honor Foundation
Executive search firm Robinson Resource Group has placed William Klinowski as president and executive director of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Managing director, Scott Robinson, led the search. Since its inception in 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has had the singular mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands Into Baltimore
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Randi S. Lewis as a director to launch and lead its Baltimore recruiting office. She will specialize in recruiting and placing law firm partners and associates within the Baltimore market and surrounding areas. In her new position, she also will focus on helping law firms with strategic practice acquisitions and planning. Ms. Lewis joins
Pedersen & Partners Names Consumer Products and Retail Head
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has added Jan Großmann to its German team as a client partner and head of consumer products and retail. Mr. Großmann brings a wealth of expertise to the firm, with more than three decades of substantial management and leadership experience in the executive search, FMCG, retail, and media industries, and
Recruiting Private School Leaders Growing Sector for Search Firms
Executive search firm Brigham Hill Consultancy has placed Dr. Sarah Pelmas as head of the Winsor School, a top 50 girls’ college prep school based in Boston. She succeeds Rachel Friis Stettler, who retired this month after 12 years of service in the position. The search was led by Brigham Hill founder Linc Eldredge and consultant Jessica
Arts Consulting Group Leading CEO Search for Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Dale Hedding, vice president at ACG, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the board of directors and working in partnership with the principal conductor, the top post will likely
McDermott & Bull Names Retail Practice Head
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has named Stu Leibach as principal consultant and leader of its retail practice. Mr. Leibach has over 25 years of executive retail experience in both private and publicly held companies. He began his career as co-founder of eSpecialty Brands, based in Chicago, which he sold to a public company. After that,
David Barrett Partners Recruits First Chief Investment Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
David Barrett Partners, a boutique specialist search firm which recruits senior and C-level professionals for the investment and wealth management sector, has placed Jack Mahler as the first chief investment officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Bethesda, MD-based foundation had more than $3.65 billion in investment assets as of December 31, 2014, according to financial statements. Mr. Mahler most recently served as head of equities
Calibre One Expands In San Francisco
Executive search firm Calibre One has added Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich as vice presidents in its San Francisco offices. “Our selections of Douglas Gladstone and Ryan Polich were the results of extensive search efforts to find the right vice presidents to maintain our momentum as well as add significant insight and value to our
Boyden Adds HR Specialist In Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Boyden has added Tracy Grajewski as a partner in its Pittsburgh office. Ms. Grajewski previously founded Laurel Summit Insights, a consulting firm geared to the business needs of clients undergoing transformation. Before that, she served as senior vice president of human resources at integrated delivery insurer Highmark Health, where she led an
Mike Hammond Resigns as CEO of Sheffield Haworth
After presiding over a three-year rapid expansion at Sheffield Haworth, Michael Hammond resigned recently as its CEO, reportedly over strategic differences he had with the firm’s founding chairman, Tim Sheffield. His decision to leave was based fundamentally upon a disagreement over the valuation concerning a management buyout of the firm. Mr. Sheffield, chairman and now interim CEO,
Folger Shakespeare Library Taps Diversified Search for Chief Advancement Officer
Diversified Search has been retained by the Folger Shakespeare Library to lead its search for a chief advancement officer (CAO). Managing director Gerard F. Cattie is heading the assignment. The Folger Shakespeare Library houses the world’s largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare. The library is home to a world renown collection that supports scholarship
CES Partners Recruits CEO for CAHME
Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners has placed Anthony Stanowski as president and chief executive officer of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Dr. Margaret Schulte recently retired as the organization’s president and CEO. Barry Cesafsky, CES Partners president and CEO, led the assignment. Most recently, Dr. Stanowski served as vice president of Applied Medical Software, where
DHR International Adds Financial Services Specialist
Executive search firm DHR International has added Patrick Slater as a partner in its financial services practice group. Mr. Slater has more than 30 years of experience, including the last 15 years in executive search. He has extensive experience developing and managing client relationships as well as executing senior level executive search assignments. He serves clients in the banking,
Human Capital Group Opens Offices In Austin and Houston
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group has opened new offices in Austin and Houston, TX. Senior consultant Jon Schober has been appointed to lead the Austin office while senior consultant Mike Blake will guide the efforts for the firm in Houston. Mr. Schober has more than 20 years’ experience inside the technology industry and brings large merger and acquisitions experience.
Allen Austin Breaks Ground In Cuban Executive Search Market
Executive search firm Allen Austin has expanded into the Cuban market and assigned search consultants Manuel Corsino and Clement Wigger to lead the firm’s growth in the region. In anticipation of Cuba experiencing robust growth in technology, telecommunications and tourism, Allen Austin’s Latin American search practice is partnering with global companies that are establishing their footprint on the
Russell Reynolds Associates Leading CEO Search for World Education Australia
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by World Education Australia Limited (WEAL) to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The new CEO will replace the group’s founder Guy Winship, who is retiring from his role. Managing director Heidi Mason is the point person for Russell Reynolds. The organization’s CEO is responsible for strategy, business development, operations,
Seiden Krieger Search Underway to Find Board Directors for Covisint
Executive search firm Seiden Krieger Associates has been chosen by publicly traded Covisint Corporation to identify qualified candidates to serve as independent members of its board. “While Covisint has a strong board of directors composed of highly-qualified directors who are proven leaders with solid expertise in a variety of areas that are critical to the
Lois L. Lindauer Names Chief Operating Officer
Executive search firm Lois L. Lindauer Searches (LLLS) has appointed Deb Taft as its chief operating officer. With over 20 years of senior level development experience, Ms. Taft is widely known throughout the profession as a strategic visionary and creative innovator. She will play a key leadership role at LLLS, reporting directly to CEO Lois L. Lindauer. She
An Inside Look at Recruiting In the Global Payments and Big Data Sector
Many executive recruiters work in well-defined and traditional business sectors which have attracted thousands of qualified consultants over the years. But with the advent of technology and its continual expansion, new sectors have emerged that are as much of the organization fabric as any others. One such area is the payments and digital sector. It
Spencer Stuart Offers Up Blueprint for CEO Succession
CEO succession is inherently difficult, and according to executive recruiters, very few boards excel at it, yet investors and other stakeholders expect their boards to have full command of the process. A new report by Spencer Stuart and authored by Jonathan Smith, a member of the firm’s European CEO & board practice, looks at steps boards can take
Buffkin Group Recruits CEO for Tennessee Kidney Foundation
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has placed Heather Corum Powell as chief executive officer of the Tennessee Kidney Foundation (TKF). Roland Lundry, a partner with the firm, led the search. As the TKF’s new CEO, Ms. Corum Powell’s top priority will be to build awareness in Tennessee about the vital kidney care resources provided by the TKF. As the
Egon Zehnder Bulks Up Private Equity Practice
Egon Zehnder has added Justine Gordon to the firm’s New York office as an executive recruitment consultant and talent strategy advisor. With deep experience in private equity and alternative investments, she joins the firm’s private equity practice. Ms. Gordon was most recently a managing director at AlpInvest, a Carlyle Group fund in New York, where she
Lochlin Partners Lands CHRO for Franklin Square Capital Partners
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Ania Mikson as senior vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Philadelphia-based Franklin Square Capital Partners. In her new role, Ms. Mikson will design and deploy innovative and impactful education, performance, recruiting, compensation and benefits programs that will drive growth, change, adaptability and improvement. She joins Franklin Square after
EXEC Adds Partner In Sao Paulo
Brazilian executive search firm EXEC has added Alexandre Zuvela as a partner it its Sao Paulo office. Mr. Zuvela is an actuary and in the last five years has worked for relevant search companies in Brazil, responsible for the insurance and financial services practices. Most recently, he served as vice president and partner with Fesa Global Executive Search







