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Daily Newswire
Why AI in Executive Search Demands Judgment, Not Just Speed
Executive search has always balanced rigor with discretion, speed with judgment, and data with human insight. As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in professional services, search firms and hiring organizations are increasingly testing where technology can enhance outcomes—and where it risks undermining the very qualities that define effective leadership hiring. The challenge is not whether
Coulter Partners Recruits CFO for Trevi Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed David Hastings as the new CFO of NASDAQ-traded Trevi Therapeutics, Inc. in New Haven, CT. “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the leadership team as we enter an important chapter of growth at Trevi,” said Jennifer Good, president and CEO of Trevi Therapeutics. “His proven track record
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
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
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
Executive Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Leadership changes in portfolio companies are intricate processes that play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of these newly acquired businesses, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. What are some key traits for success in C-suite roles, and how can you ensure smooth transitions that minimize disruption and maximize performance?
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Healthcare and Life Sciences Specialist
Heidrick & Struggles has strengthens its healthcare and life sciences practices with the addition of healthcare leader Alan Milinazzo as a partner. He will be based out of the firm’s Boston office. “This is a rare hire — Alan brings more than two decades of executive management experience in the life sciences sector. His complex experience in the boardroom and
ERSG Continues Expansion In Europe
U.K.-based executive search firm ERSG has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany and appointed Taimur Malik as country manager. Mr. Malik brings with him a wealth of recruitment experience gained at S3 Recruitment. During his time with S3 he successfully opened and developed four divisions, playing a highly significant part in the overall growth of the
Microsoft to Buy LinkedIn for $26.2 Billion
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash. LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO
Phillips Oppenheim Leading CEO Search for YouthBuild USA
Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm dedicated to the non-profit sector, has been retained by YouthBuild USA to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Paul Spivey is leading the search. YouthBuild is a non-profit organization which provides education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young adults (between ages 16 and 24), generally high school dropouts. There are 273 YouthBuild programs in
Herbert Mines Recruits President for Abercrombie & Fitch
Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Stacia Andersen as president of Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids and Kristin Scott as president of the Hollister Co. brand. Managing director Gene Manheim led the search. Mr. Manheim’s executive search practice focuses on retail, fashion, and consumer products & services. Ms. Andersen most recently served as senior vice president responsible
Russell Reynolds Associates Open Office In Montreal
Russell Reynolds Associates has opened an office in Montreal. Brigitte Simard, a managing director with international executive search experience, has been appointed to lead the firm’s new operations. The Montréal office is the firm’s third office in Canada after Toronto and Calgary, and its 46th office worldwide. The new office further strengthens the firm’s commitment to the Québec
Harvey Nash Expands Financial Services Practice In Asia
Global search firm Harvey Nash has added Heather Grayson as director of the financial services practice in Asia. As part of the company’s expansion plans she is based in the firm’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. In her new role, she reports directly to Nick Marsh, managing director of Harvey Nash Executive Search Asia and is responsible for working
How Companies Plan to Compete for Talent In the 21st Century
After struggling to drive employee engagement & retention, improve leadership pipelines, and build a meaningful culture, executives now see a need to redesign the organization itself. According to the just released Deloitte Consulting ‘Global Human Capital Trends’ report, 92 percent of survey participants rated this as a critical priority. To lead the shift toward a new
Isaacson, Miller Places Five Women Presidents At Cal State
Isaacson, Miller has recruited Ellen N. Junn Ph.D. as president of California State University, Stanislaus. This marks the fifth woman the firm has placed to lead a campus in the largest university system in the nation. Cal State now has 11 women serving as presidents, more than at any time in the system’s history. David Bellshaw led
Heidrick & Struggles Leading a Double Search for Illinois State Universities Retirement System
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles has been retained by Illinois State Universities Retirement System (SURS) to lead its search for a new executive director. Current position holder W. Bryan Lewis is leaving SURS for a top job with the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System effective at the end of June. Former SURS executive director William
Shilton Sharpe Quarry Opens New Office In Dubai
Shilton Sharpe Quarry (SSQ), an international legal search consultancy, has opened an office in Dubai. Senior manager Matthew Bold will be responsible for the new location. Mr. Bold has over eight years of legal search and recruitment experience in the Middle East and has been with SSQ since 2013. He previously served as managing consultant, legal
Applying Lean Practices to the Senior Executive Recruiting Process
In the world of high-end recruiting there are many ways to score professional level talent. One of the more interesting approaches is what a small group of search consultants term lean executive recruiting. Adam Zak, principal and co-founder of Adam Zak Executive Search, was one of the very first to embrace lean recruiting more than two decades ago. “Lean
Glassdoor Secures $40 Million In Funding From T. Rowe Price
Glassdoor, a job and recruiting marketplace, has closed a $40 million investment round led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates. Existing investors Battery Ventures, Google Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures and Tiger Global also participated in the round. The company has raised approximately $200 million since it was founded in 2007. While best
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruits General Counsel for Enterprise Holdings
Executive recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has recruited Mike Andrew as senior vice president and general counsel for Enterprise Holdings Inc. The search was led by Paul Williams and Heather Fine from the firm’s Chicago in-house search practice group. As head of Enterprise Holding’s legal team, Mr. Andrew will be responsible for managing the
Spencer Stuart Taps CEO for Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed Kim Keck as president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. She will be the seventh president and CEO of the 77-year old company and succeeds Peter Andruszkiewicz who is retiring. Ms. Keck, a seasoned veteran of the health insurance industry, was with Aetna
Battalia Winston Adds CHRO to Retail Practice
Executive search firm Battalia Winston has appointed Frederick Lamster as a partner in the firm’s retail practice. Mr. Lamster is a veteran human resources and staffing professional whose career spans more than 25 years. He has worked across all retail apparel and fashion segments, including department and specialty retail, e-commerce, and catalogue retailing. Mr. Lamster was
IMD International Adds New Member Firm In Brazil
IMD International Search Group has strengthened its presence in South America with the addition of Osser & Osser. Headquartered in São Paulo, Osser & Osser is led by Anna Luiza Osser and Patricia Osser Sales who founded the firm in 2002. It provides search services to medium and large-sized national and multinational companies, start-ups, family companies and
Key Activities to Drive Diversity and Inclusion Strategies
Randstad Sourceright has released ‘Turn Diversity and Inclusion into a Talent Strength: A Six-Pack Strategy for Driving Measurable Improvements,’ a report providing an in-depth look at what companies can do to create a successful diversity and inclusion strategy. While diversity and inclusion initiatives have become a ‘must-have’ for 21st century employers, successful ones are often contingent upon having
Korn Ferry Recruits Director for Milwaukee Art Museum
Korn Ferry has recruited Dr. Marcelle Polednik as director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. She succeeds Dan Keegan, who is retiring this month. Naree Viner led the assignment along with Charles Ingersoll, co-leader of Korn Ferry’s non-profit search practice. Ms. Viner is an expert in museum leadership recruitment and has placed directors in the last six months at
Overture Group Launches Compensation Consulting Practice
Executive search firm The Overture Group has launched a compensation consulting practice and added Mark Reilly to lead it as managing director. Mr. Reilly brings expertise in compensation, including short term and long term incentive compensation plan design, expert testimony, and performance measurement to a wide range of companies from start-ups to the Fortune 500. Most recently,
TalentRISE Recruits CEO for Chicago House
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has placed Scott Ammarell as chief executive officer of Chicago House. He replaces Rev. Stan Sloan, who previously announced his resignation effective at the end of the month. The search was conducted by Carl Kutsmode, partner, and Jennifer Chapman, director of executive search. “Throughout the selection process, Scott stood out with his depth of
ManpowerGroup to Acquire Ciber for $25 Million
ManpowerGroup has signed a purchase agreement with Ciber, Inc., a global information technology consulting, services and outsourcing company, to acquire its Dutch business. Transaction terms include a $25 million cash purchase price, which is subject to a purchase price adjustment six months after closing with respect to the retention of certain Ciber Netherlands customers, as well as
CEOs Take Lowest Pay Increase In Five Years
In determining CEO compensation at top public companies, economic uncertainty, slowing revenue growth and negative shareholder returns are driving nearly flat compensation for CEOs, according to the recent Korn Ferry Hay Group CEO compensation study. CEOs received the lowest pay increase in five years and for the first time also in five years, shareholders experienced a negative
Diversified Search Taps Director for Boston Public Library Map Center
Diversified Search has recruited Connie C. Chin as executive director for The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library. The search was led by Andrew Wheeler, managing director and practice leader of the firm’s education and not-for-profit practice. Ms. Chin is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of operational and management experience. She was most recently chief
McDermott & Bull Recruits Credit Union CHRO
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has placed George Myers as chief human resources officer (CHRO) with Golden 1 Credit Union, the nation’s sixth largest Credit Union with $10 billion in assets. The search was led by Brandon Biegenzahn, co-chair of the firm’s financial institutions practice, along with Michelle Davis, associate consultant. McDermott & Bull’s search process
Kennedy Executive Search Adds First U.S. Partner
Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting, a partner network of executive search boutique firms, has partnered with Integrated People Solutions (IPS), a Denver-headquartered boutique executive search firm founded in 2000 by Eric Pringle. Integrated has earned long term client relationships in a diverse array of industries. From animal pharmaceuticals to telecom technologies, from non-profits to waste services providers,
Johnson Expands Consumer & Life Sciences Practice
Sydney, Australia-headquartered executive search firm Johnson has added Hakan Alac as a director in its consumer and life sciences practice. Mr. Alac focuses on executive search and board succession, and has deep experience across consumer, healthcare, life sciences and media sectors. He also has a track record of developing highly targeted and effective succession programs for organizations
Executive Recruiters Say Employer Brand More Important Than Ever
More than half (56 percent) of job seekers across the globe say an employer’s brand and reputation is more important today than it was five years ago, according to a global study of job seekers conducted by ManpowerGroup Solutions, the RPO provider of ManpowerGroup. The new white paper, ‘Brand Detectives: The New Generation of Global Candidates,’
Heidrick & Struggles Names Defense Sector Head
Heidrick & Struggles has expanded its industrial expertise with the addition of Patrick Gray as a partner and head of its aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors in the Americas. He joins the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Gray provides talent and leadership consulting solutions to clients spanning aerospace, defense, industrials, & government services (technology, professional services, technical
Emory Healthcare Taps Witt/Kieffer for Chief Nursing Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Atlanta-headquartered Emory Healthcare to lead its search for a system chief nursing executive (chief nursing officer). Karen Otto, managing partner and practice leader, academic medicine and health sciences, is leading the search along with associate Hans Henson and senior partner Rachel Polhemus. The incoming executive will be charged
Turnkey Search Recruits Athletic Director for University of Minnesota
Following a nationwide recruiting effort by Turnkey Search, Mark Coyle has been named director of athletics at the University of Minnesota. The University paid Turnkey Search $150,000 plus expenses to recruit and vet candidates for the position. To find the new candidate, the school used a 16-person search committee comprised of faculty members, current and former athletes,
