DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Spencer Stuart has recruited Kent Syverud, chancellor and president of Syracuse University, as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. He becomes the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be appointed president. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and Alexis Stiles, a University of Michigan alumna and a
The Key Gaps in Hiring for AI
Artificial intelligence is progressing more quickly than most organizations can keep pace with. From predictive analytics to generative models, companies everywhere are racing to establish their AI strategies. But while many are investing heavily in data, technology, and infrastructure, one critical piece of the equation is being overlooked: the human one, according to a recent
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
Transforming Executive Transitions into Opportunities
Leadership changes are inevitable, but they don’t have to shake an organization’s foundation. A recent report from DHR Global reveals, C-suite departures have a significant effect on employees’ trust, morale, and sense of direction. In fact, half of respondents experienced the departure of a senior executive in the past year, with 55 percent questioning whether
Why is There No Room for Hispanics On Corporate Boards?
For the seventh consecutive year, the percent of directors of Hispanic origin elected to Fortune 500 boards was sharply lower than the overall representation of Hispanics in the U.S. population, according to the Heidrick & Struggles 2016 board monitor. Of 399 new directors appointed by Fortune 500 companies in 2015, only 16 were Hispanic — a measly four percent.
BSG Team Ventures Retained By GEMS Education for CFO Search
Boston-headquartered executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has been selected by GEMS Education to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. Based in New York City, the incumbent CFO will help drive all financial management decisions for the company. The ideal candidate will oversee all company accounting practices, including accounting, budgeting, financial reports, taxes
Fox Rodney Search Appoints Internal Finance Chief
As we have seen, finance chiefs are in hot demand in corporate America, but they’re also a much-needed intellectual boost at executive search firms that are either undergoing unprecedented growth or considering outside financing to augment coming expansion plans. Fox Rodney Search (FRS) is the latest recruiting concern to name such a leader, bringing in Jerry Harris as
Spencer Stuart Lands Boston Public Library President
Spencer Stuart has landed Jill Bourne to fill the president position at the Boston Public Library (BPL). Interim library president David Leonard had also been a final candidate along with Andrea Sáenz, first deputy commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, who withdrew from the interview process for personal reasons. Spencer Stuart contacted and reviewed approximately 215 individuals for the
Steven Douglas Associates Names Managing Director
Fort Lauderdale-based executive search firm Steven Douglas Associates has named Vivian Gonzalez-Padilla as managing director, search division, for central Florida. Ms. Gonzalez-Padilla brings over 13 years of experience in executive search with a specialty in accounting and finance recruiting. She focuses on providing search services for mid-market to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of accounting, financial reporting, treasury, and
How Predicting CEO Success Can Impact the Corporate Bottom Line
Companies relying on more advanced forms of CEO assessment may see significant gains as high as 80 percent in market cap alone, according to new research from Korn Ferry. The results are just the latest example of companies around the globe turning to more innovative, sophisticated methods for hiring their most valued — and typically highest paid
Koya Lands Leader for Field Foundation of Illinois
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has recruited Angelique Power as president of The Field Foundation of Illinois. She replaces Aurie Pennick who recently announced her retirement. Managing director Alison P. Ranney, senior manager of executive search Anne B. McCarthy, and senior associate Anny K. Chou led the assignment. The position called for a leader with a true passion for the
Coulter Partners Recruits Apollo Therapeutics Chief
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Richard Butt as chief executive officer for Apollo Therapeutics, an investment fund focused on driving therapeutic innovation through university collaboration. “We are delighted to appoint a CEO of Richard’s caliber and industry experience to drive Apollo’s program forward,” said Dr. Ian Tomlinson, chairman of the Apollo Therapeutics investment
Harvey Nash Names South East Asia Leader
Global search firm Harvey Nash has named Audrey Moreau as associate director and leader of the firm’s industry practice in South East Asia. She is based in the firm’s Singapore office. Ms. Moreau has worked in Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore, and is a search specialist focused on the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors across the South East Asia region. With almost a
Centerstone Opens In Washington, D.C.
Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting has opened a new Washington, D.C. office serving Fortune 500 and mid-market companies in the consumer products and services sector. “As we continue to grow our national footprint, Washington, D.C. is an area of focus for us with its fertile landscape of businesses that operate in the consumer sector,” said Centerstone
Duke University Picks Isaacson, Miller to Find Next President
In what is turning into a rapid wave of transition at top universities around the country, Isaacson, Miller has been chosen by Duke University to find its 10th president. Current president Richard H. Brodhead is stepping down in 2017 after 13 years. The search firm’s president, John Isaacson, is personally spearheading the assignment along with vice president Jane
Greek Bail Out Fund Taps Spencer Stuart for Bank Board Review
The Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF), Greece’s bank bailout fund, has picked Stuart Spencer to undertake a review of the boards of the country’s four big banks, part of a drive to crack down on how members are chosen. The HFSF currently owns stakes in National Bank, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank and Alpha Bank, after taking part in their
Stanton Chase Opens New Office in Detroit
Stanton Chase International has opened a new office in Detroit to serve its corporate clients in the manufacturing, automotive, commercial vehicle, and defense industries. Rich Kolpasky, a veteran search consultant and former senior executive in the automotive sector, will head up the office as managing director. Metro Detroit has propelled Michigan’s national ranking in emerging technology fields, including life
Lucas Group Names IT Practice Leader
Executive search firm Lucas Group has appointed Laura Kesler as managing partner for its information technology offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix. As managing partner, Ms. Kesler will manage a team of five tenured recruiters between San Diego and Las Vegas with team growth projected to reach 10 in the immediate future. Previously, Ms. Kesler was a
Leadership DNA: What Is It and How Can I Find It?
Identifying the best candidate for a senior level position is only half the battle when choosing professionals to lead an organization. Understanding their personal leadership DNA is now seen as a critical assessment step in separating out an average-to-good candidate from a star performer whose game changing talents can drive a company to new heights.
Why Finding Effective Leaders Remains a Challenge
Existing methods of identifying and developing leaders are failing, creating a gap between traditional ideas of leadership effectiveness and what it actually takes to drive sustained business performance, according to ManpowerGroup‘s Right Management just released ‘Most Likely to Lead’ report. Astoundingly, 87 percent of employers surveyed said they do not believe they have the future
ON Partners Records 32 Percent Revenue Increase
Executive search firm ON Partners has posted U.S. revenues of $14 million, an increase of 31.8 percent, for 2015. The firm now ranks as the 19th largest search firm in the Americas region, according to the latest statistics report released from Hunt Scanlon Media. ON Partners currently has 16 consultants working from offices in Atlanta, Baltimore / Washington, D.C., Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Minneapolis,
Russell Reynolds Associates Heading CFO Search for VAALCO Energy
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by VAALCO Energy, Inc. to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Don McCormack, the company’s current CFO, has resigned to spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities. According to recent reports, about one fifth of companies change their CFOs annually, and the market for financial officers talent has become
Webber Kerr Associates Providing Services to City of Spartanburg
Executive search firm Webber Kerr Associates has been retained by the City of Spartanburg, SC to attract corporate organizations through the firm’s talent and market research services. Spartanburg is looking to draw global attention to businesses to its growing downtown and nearby surroundings. The area has a history in manufacturing and as a cost friendly
TRANSEARCH Strengthens Melbourne Office
TRANSEARCH International has added Michael Catlow as a senior consultant in Melbourne, Australia. He has 30 years of experience in operational and strategic management. Prior to joining TRANSEARCH, Mr. Catlow was managing director of Boyden in Australia, where he completed and led executive searches across the APAC region, focusing mainly on board positions. He chaired both the firm’s global compliance committee
Why Korn Ferry’s CEO Thinks We All Need to Adapt to Change
In a Harvard Business Review article, Korn Ferry‘s chief executive Gary D. Burnison (pictured) once compared a search firm to a hospital emergency room, writing that people only go to the ER – and an executive recruitment firm – in an emergency. “In medicine, big businesses are built around wellness and prevention,” he wrote. “I wanted to
The Up Group Receives Private Equity Funding
U.K.-headquartered executive search firm The Up Group has secured investment from mid-market private equity firm Livingbridge as the recruiting firm targets further domestic and international growth. Exact terms of the funding were not disclosed. Founded in 2007 by Clare Johnston, Up Group has become one of a growing number of search firms focused on finding digital leaders for their
680 Partners Recruits Head of Customer Success for Celtra
New York City-based executive search firm 680 Partners has placed Christopher Contreras as senior vice president of customer success at Celtra, a user experience platform for digital display, native and video advertising. Ross Freeman, 680 Partners CEO, led the search. Mr. Contreras served as SVP of Operative Media’s customer success group, where he was responsible for
Bespoke Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Personify
Executive search firm Bespoke Partners has recruited Scott Adkins as chief revenue officer of Personify. Founding partner, Kristie Nova, led the search. Mr. Adkins brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the software industry, extensive expertise in enterprise software sales management, and an abundance of experience working with non-profit organizations. He most recently served as
ChampionScott Partners Opens Office in New York City
ChampionScott Partners has opened a new office in New York City as part of its effort to develop and expand in strategic business centers globally. Stephanie McGuire, a principal in the firm, has relocated from Boston and will spearhead client engagement, executive search activities and business development in New York. Ms. McGuire is responsible for the qualification, assessment
What Companies Are Looking for In Younger Workers
As Millennials continue to populate workplaces around the country, hiring and then developing this latest generational talent demographic has not been a straightforward process for hiring managers at many companies around the nation. What Millennials seem to value over pay, it seems, is experience — but according to a number of recent studies they’re unwilling, generally-speaking, to
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Hanover Insurance Group
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Joseph M. Zubretsky as president and chief executive officer of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. He succeeds Frederick H. Eppinger, who announced his intention to retire. Mr. Zubretsky is an accomplished leader with more than 35 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries. He joins The Hanover after almost nine
Calibre One Posts 28 Percent Revenue Gain
Executive search firm Calibre One has posted U.S. revenues of $11.5 million, an increase of 27.8 percent, for 2015. The firm now ranks as the 21st largest search firm in the Americas region, according to the latest statistics report released from Hunt Scanlon Media. Calibre One currently has 10 consultants working from offices in San Francisco, Menlo Park, Stamford,
Reffett Associates Recruits COO for HAC
Executive search firm Reffett Associates has placed Marc Jones as chief operating officer of HAC, Inc., parent of Homeland Grocery Stores. This is a new position within the organization. The search was conducted by Reffett Associates team members Angel Rodriguez, managing director of the firm’s Dallas office, and Marshall Reffett, managing director in its Seattle office.
NPAworldwide Adds Nine Member Firms Across Asia Pacific and U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added nine new member firms across Asia Pacific and the U.S. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these recruitment firms
HR Leaders Remain Optimistic About Hiring Plans for 2016
Eighty-four percent of HR leaders say they are hiring for full-time positions, according to the recent industry trends report released by recruiting services company LaSalle Network. The survey also found that 70 percent of respondents feel optimistic about the economy for the remainder of 2016. While most industries reported plans to hire, leaders within the healthcare,
