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Daily Newswire
Why Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking Recruitment as a Core Investment Strategy
Talent is one of the most reliable yet often overlooked factors driving portfolio performance. Its influence on private equity investment outcomes is substantial. The people within portfolio companies are the ones who ultimately turn the firm’s vision into value, which puts having the right PE firm hiring strategy on par with financial modeling, operational planning,
Reimagining Executive Search: Ezekia and HelloSky Bring AI-Powered Precision to Talent Sourcing
Artificial intelligence is redefining how executive search firms identify, engage, and assess top talent. By combining smart data tools with human expertise, firms are building faster, more precise, and more inclusive sourcing strategies. AI-powered platforms are now able to surface insights that were once hidden in fragmented data, helping recruiters make smarter, evidence-based decisions. As
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.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
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?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Christian & Timbers Reports a 2.1 Percent Increase in C-Suite Compensation Among PE- Backed Tech Companies
Christian & Timbers has released its report titled Analysis of C-Suite Compensation Trends at Private-Equity Backed Tech Companies, part of its executive pay in focus series. This analysis is based on proprietary compensation data from 2024, encompassing over 100 PE-backed companies and more than 400 executives. The data includes information on base salaries, bonuses, and
Matteson Partners Expands Recruiting Staff
Atlanta-based executive search firm Matteson Partners has added Tom Shull as a new partner and practice area lead. His focus will include supply chain management, production / operations management and engineering positions within manufacturing and distribution organizations for domestic and international clients. Mr. Shull has over a decade of experience in corporate recruiting and over 25
Investors Continue Pouring Money Into HR Technologies
Namely, an all-in-one HR software platform, has raised an additional $30 million in funding led by existing investor Sequoia with support from Matrix Partners, True Ventures and Greenspring Associates. The funding follows Namely’s Series C round last June and brings the total funding raised to $107.8 million. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rapidly changing regulations at local,
Ryan Search Partners With Center for Creative Leadership
Executive recruiter Ryan Search & Consulting has formed a partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) to provide clients with a deeper array of leadership development resources. A global provider of leadership development, Greensboro, NC-based CCL works with individuals, teams, organizations and companies to help them achieve their objectives through leadership development & organizational
Caldwell Partners Recruits CFO for Prime Risk Partners
Caldwell Partners has placed Robert Schneider as EVP and chief financial officer of Prime Risk Partners. Peter Reed, managing partner in Caldwell’s global insurance practice, led the assignment along with consultant Eric Roeloffs. Mr. Schneider has held senior financial executive roles, including CFO, at Ascension Insurance, USI Holdings, Anthem, and Acordia. He has managed the financial function
Alameda Health Taps Witt/Kieffer for Chief Medical Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been selected by Alameda Health System (AHS) in Oakland, CA, to lead its search for a new chief medical officer. William T. Peruzzi MD, stepped down from the position in August. The search is being led by consultant Steve Yamada and associate Sue LeGrand. AHS is seeking a collaborative, inclusive physician leader to
PRATT Names HR Leader As Director In Miami Office
Boutique executive search firm PRATT has appointed José G. Hernández as managing director in its new Miami office. In this role, he will leverage his experience and relationships in the region to fill executive search needs of businesses in the area. “Bringing our expertise in finding and developing high potential talent, combined with our know-how of the region, is
Q2 Hiring Plans Moderate Among U.S. Employers
Expect to see stable, but moderating hiring plans among U.S. employers for the second quarter of 2016, this according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, just released by ManpowerGroup. Taking into account seasonal variations, the net employment outlook is up, making anticipated hiring in the second quarter relatively stable compared to the first quarter and unchanged from last
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by RAPS to Find Executive Director
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) to lead its search for a new executive director. Past director Sherry Keramidas recently retired. She will help facilitate the transition by working with the search committee to provide support on specific key initiatives. Stephanie Tomasso, head of Russell Reynolds’ trade & professional association practice group based in
DHR and Boyden Name Financial Services Recruiters
DHR International has named Jeanne Branthover to the firm’s financial services practice in New York as a partner. Ms. Branthover is a 25-year veteran in the financial services industry. She comes to DHR from Boyden, where she has been for the last 13 years. At Boyden she served as global financial services practice leader, where
Bespoke Partners Recruits CEO for Model N
Executive search firm Bespoke Partners has recruited Edward Sander as chief executive officer of Model N, Inc. Founder and current chairman and CEO, Zack Rinat, has assumed the newly-created role of executive chairman of the company. Kristie Nova, founding partner of Bespoke Partners, led the search. Mr. Sander brings a decade of experience running high growth,
Non-Profit Sector Opens Up New Career Path for High Performing Leaders
One of the fastest growing sectors within executive search today can be found in non-profit. Presently, close to 150 recruiting firms specialize in some form of talent acquisition in this sector, which includes foundations, cultural institutions, and academia, to name a few. One of the leaders in this burgeoning field, Koya Leadership Partners, has moved
Search Firm Launched to Serve Black Colleges
Four former black college presidents have launched TM2 Education Search, which provides executive recruiting and leadership development services targeting historically black colleges & universities and predominantly black institutions. The firm will focus on filling C-suite leadership positions, including presidents, chancellors and their cabinet-level direct reports, and board directorships. The firm is the brainchild of former black college
O’Rourke and Associates Recruits Credit Union Association CEO
San-Francisco-headquartered executive search firm O’Rourke and Associates has placed Brad Douglas as chief executive officer of the Heartland Credit Union Association (HCUA). HCUA is the result of the consolidation of the Kansas Credit Union Association and the Missouri Credit Union Association. Both Marla Marsh, CEO of Kansas and Don Cohenour, CEO of Missouri, are retiring
Howard Fischer Associates Places Chief Marketing Officer at Entercom
Executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates (HFA) has placed Ruth Gaviria as chief marketing officer of Entercom Communications. Ms. Gaviria was previously executive vice president of corporate marketing at Univision (UCI), where she structured an integrated marketing organization, directed the brand strategy and architecture for the company’s portfolio of brands, developed an audience strategy and
Erevena Opens First U.S. Office
London-based executive search firm Erevena has opened its first U.S. office, establishing a new location in San Francisco. The office is being led by partner Terry Shaw and principal consultant Max Levy, who relocates from London. Further additions the office are expected in coming months. Mr. Shaw has led C-suite and strategic go-to-market searches for enterprise software
Steven Douglas Associates Expands to Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale-based executive search firm Steven Douglas Associates has opened a new office in Baltimore. Managing director Matthew Beck has transferred from its Florida office to lead the new location. In his new role, Mr. Beck will continue leading the firm’s national sales, marketing and operations executive search practice as well as launching a local finance and accounting
Korn Ferry Reports Solid Q3 As Hay Acquisition Ponies Up
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) posted third quarter revenue of $272.3 million, a nine percent gain (14 percent gain on a constant currency basis) from $249.5 million in the third quarter of last year. Including revenues related to its Hay Group acquisition, revenues totaled $344.2 million. The acquisition of Hay Group was completed on December 1. The third quarter increase was driven
Parker Executive Search Recruits Athletic Director for UConn
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has recruited David Benedict as athletic director at the University of Connecticut. Warde Manuel has left the school to take on the athletic director position at the University of Michigan. Mr. Benedict, who was one of nine candidates to interview, is now responsible for the stewardship, management, coordination and supervision of UConn’s intercollegiate athletics program, which includes 24 sports, more than
FaithSearch Partners Lands Foundation President
FaithSearch Partners has placed Edward Ammon as president of the Central Valley Health Foundation (CVHF). Mr. Ammon has held fundraising leadership roles for the last 25 years. Most recently he served as executive director of the Foundation for Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. In addition, for eight years he served as mayor of College Place, WA. “Ed is an
HVS Adds VPs In Las Vegas and San Diego
HVS Executive Search has added Mike Young and Rachel Hoffheimer as vice presidents based out of its Las Vegas and San Diego offices, respectively. Mr. Young brings more than 20 years’ experience in securing talent, which includes domestic and international industry leaders inclusive of Fortune 500 companies within the casino, gaming, hotel, restaurant, and information technology
Bialla Partners Expands Recruiting Staff
Sausalito, CA-based executive search firm Bialla Partners has added Jeff Hodge and Diletta D’Onofrio as recruiting partners. Mr. Hodge has conducted board director and C-suite search assignments for more than three decades. He has worked with leading companies in most industries from the Fortune 50 to private equity-backed portfolio companies. He previously led Hodge Partners, which became
Empowering Female Leaders One Country at a Time
Egon Zehnder today is launching a unique global dialogue around the opportunities and challenges faced by young women in the modern business world. Marking International Women’s Day, the search firm is hosting a global event series, “Leaders and Daughters: Cultivating the Next Generation of Women,” bringing together renowned leaders and their talented daughters in 16 locations –
New Recruiting Gig: Finding Culture Leaders Who Transform Companies
To help theme park and resorts company SeaWorld Entertainment grapple with a number of business and brand challenges, as well as help drive its equity valuation, CEO Joel Manby brought in DHR International last year to recruit a head of global investor relations. “When a company is in a turnaround situation, it is even more critical
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Feed The Children
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed J.C. Watts as president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based Feed the Children. Bill Peterson, co-leader of the firm’s non-profit and academic search practice, led the assignment. With a background in politics and business, the board of directors found Mr. Watts to be an ideal candidate. His experience serving others domestically and abroad,
JW Michaels & Co. Enters Atlanta Market
New York-based executive search firm JW Michaels & Co. has expanded into the Atlanta market through a majority investment in executive recruiter ExecuSource, Inc. Since 1998, ExecuSource has placed more than 5,000 accounting, finance and IT professionals with over 200 mid-sized to billion dollar organizations in the Atlanta area. Its local experience and resources will
Heidrick Names U.K. Financial Services Practice Leader
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Jenni Hibbert in London to lead its financial services practice in the U.K. In her new role, Ms. Hibbert will have responsibility for managing the firm’s U.K. financial services business, overseeing a team of approximately 40 individuals with a focus on providing executive search and leadership counsel to top-tier financial institutions.
Companies Continue Adding Jobs; Unemployment Rate Unchanged
Employers added 242,000 jobs in February as the U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 4.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This caps 72 months of uninterrupted job gains, the longest streak on record. U.S. companies have now added 14.3 million jobs over six straight years. Currently, there are 7.8 million
Indiana Taps Korn Ferry In Hunt for Chief Investment Officer
Korn Ferry has been tapped by The Indiana Public Retirement System to lead its search for a new chief investment officer. David Cooper, the organization’s previous CIO, recently left to become CIO of the $2.8 billion Purdue Research Foundation. Scott David, the system’s deputy CIO and director of public equity, is serving as interim CIO until the search
BSG to Lead Texas Teachers CRO Search
Boston-headquartered executive search firm BSG Team Ventures has been selected by Texas Teachers to lead its search for a chief revenue officer. Managing partner Todd Hand is leading the assignment along with search consultant Alison Thompson. The chosen candidate will report directly to the CEO and will be a member of the senior executive team and an active
ZRG Partners Names Managing Director in Frankfurt
ZRG Partners has added Alexander Spielberg as a managing director and member of the firm’s global industrial and life sciences practice in its Frankfurt, Germany office. Mr. Spielberg previously spent six years with Korn Ferry in its global industrial search practice. Most recently, he was a partner at European boutique search firm Exgeniam Executive Search Personalberatung
Quick Leonard Kieffer Adds Healthcare Recruiting Specialist
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has named Scott Sammon as partner in Chicago. Mr. Sammon works with clients to manage C-level search assignments in the healthcare provider and not-for-profit sectors and has served as a consultant to both association and hospital boards and has acted as a facilitator to companies for board retreats. For the past five years,
