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Daily Newswire
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
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.
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
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?
WittKieffer Recruits President and CEO for the American Hospital Association
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Steve Walsh as the new president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris led the assignment. “Following a thoughtful national search, the board unanimously selected Steve Walsh to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said Marc L. Boom, chair of the AHA
Egon Zehnder Appoints Global Leader of HR Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Ayşe Güçlü Onur as global leader of its human resources practice. She succeeds Rafael Altavini, who helped expand the practice’s work with leaders, teams and organizations navigating transformation and change. “This appointment comes as companies and boards increasingly look to CHROs to help shape business strategy, lead transformation, build leadership
The Industry’s Profit Conversion Problem — And Why Going AI-Native is the Way Out
The recruiting industry is not short on revenue. Fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. and Americas jumped 11 percent last year, topping $6.69 billion, according to Hunt Scanlon‘s 2026 annual rankings. Across broader staffing, the picture is more muted, but revenue is still flowing. The problem is what happens
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for the National Breast Cancer Coalition
BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Crystal Stephens and Terri Kohan. This is a rare opportunity: to lead one of the most respected and independent voices in breast cancer advocacy, building on three decades of momentum. Reporting
GHP Search Partners with Ascend Learning on Board Member Appointments
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, was recently tapped by Ascend Learning to assist in growing both the Ascend Learning board of directors and the Ascend Charter Schools board of trustees. New members of the Ascend Learning board identified by GHP include Robert Childs, retired EVP, strategic initiatives at American Express and Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, a founding leader of Amazon’s Streaming TV advertising business. Richard Young Jr, director,
FMG Leading Adds Healthcare Strategy and Transformation Expert
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded with the addition of healthcare strategy and transformation expert Doug Van Wie as managing director. The firm explained that the addition further aligns FMG Leading’s capabilities with the needs of investor-backed organizations looking to add value and mitigate risk as they deploy purpose-driven capital into the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Caldwell Launches Global Financial Institutions Group Practice
Toronto-based Caldwell has launch its global financial institutions group (FIG) practice, bringing together the firm’s financial services capabilities under a single, globally coordinated practice. “This is more than a change in name,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer of Caldwell. “It reflects the scale, connectivity, and depth of the practice we have built globally, as well as
M&A in the Search Industry: How Consolidation Is Reshaping Who Wins
M&A activity is becoming an increasingly important force across the executive search sector as investors and larger platforms look for opportunities to expand capabilities, sector expertise, and geographic reach. For independent firms, the trend is placing greater scrutiny on how effectively their businesses are structured, managed, and positioned for the future. Against this backdrop, search
Korn Ferry Completes Acquisition of AMS
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has completed its acquisition of U.K.-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The combined organization brings together two highly complementary organizations across geographies and industries with a shared commitment to drive business performance. The collective firm will have more than 16,000 colleagues. In accordance with the terms of the acquisition agreement and in the
Myers McRae Helps Pensacola State College Select Finalist for President Role
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted Pensacola State College (PSC) with the selection of J. Alex Kelly as the finalist to become it’s next president. The committee’s recommendation followed a national search led by Kenny Daugherty of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. The search attracted 107 qualified applicants from across the country. The committee selected
Potrero Group Recruits CEO for Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has placed Karen Strolia as the next CEO of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) in San Rafael, CA. She succeeds longtime CVNL CEO Linda Jacobs, who led the organization for 25 years. “The board is thrilled to welcome Karen as CVNL’s next chief executive officer,” said Luana Vaetoe,
Marovi Appoints Head of Engineering
Atlanta-GA-based Marovi has expanded with the addition of Ebubechukwu “Don” Enwerem as head of engineering. “Over the past few years, Don has had several engineering terms with Amazon Robotics – work estimated to save millions in operational costs. In between stints, he was building with Marovi. When the opportunity came to continue with Amazon, Don chose
As Executive Search Accelerates, Judgment Becomes the Differentiator
Executive search firms are under pressure to demonstrate value earlier than ever. Clients increasingly expect firms to understand the market, identify credible candidates, and begin calibrating on potential profiles before a search has even formally launched. AI and new data tools are helping firms meet those demands. Tasks that once took days can now be
Fractional vs. Full-Time Executives: The Real Math for Mid-Sized Growing Companies
As mid-sized companies grow, one of the more consequential leadership decisions is determining when fractional executive support is sufficient and when the business requires a full-time leader. A recent ExactSearch.AI report examined the economics behind that decision, finding that the answer often depends less on compensation than on the level of ownership, accountability, and organizational
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for C-SPAN
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Adele Hixon-Day as the first chief development officer of C-SPAN. The search is being led by Lindauer vice president Maureen Huminik, senior vice president Bob Giannino, and senior consultant Taylor Beard. “Adele joins C-SPAN at a pivotal moment,” said C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. “For decades, the cable and satellite, and recently
Pyramind Recruits President and CEO for The SkillSource Group
Following a national search, Falls Church, VA-based executive search firm Pyramind has placed Clifford Yee as president and CEO of The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG), fiscal sponsor of Virginia Career Works – Northern. He succeeds interim executive officer Seema Jain, following a leadership transition supported by SkillSource’s staff, board, and community partners. “Cliff has a strong
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Fortra Search
In an effort to strengthen its venture capital and private equity search capabilities, Buffkin / Baker has acquired Fortra Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused exclusively on executive sales and revenue leadership. The firm has also named its founder Andy Grosso as partner. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to Buffkin / Baker,” said Jackson Ross, partner
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Calibre One Assists Cibus with CEO Search
Calibre One has helped to recruit board member Craig Wichner as the new CEO for NASDAQ-traded Cibus, Inc. in San Diego, CA. Peter Beetham, who has served as the company’s interim CEO, will continue his role as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Concurrently, both Mr. Wichner and Dr. Beetham resigned from the Cibus board of directors as part
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for OneOC
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Bonni Pomush as the new president and CEO of OneOC. She will succeed Tim Strauch, who will remain president and CEO through December 31, 2026, before retiring from OneOC after 19 years of service and leadership. “Bonni’s record of organizational transformation, collaborative leadership, and community engagement makes her exceptionally
NPAworldwide Forms Alliance with Dimensional Search Associates
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanford Rose Associates family of companies, including Dimensional Search. “This partnership brings together two strong organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping independent recruiting firms succeed,” NPAworldwide said. “For NPAworldwide, the agreement represents a meaningful extension of its mission to connect independent recruiting
Scaling Growth Through Transformative Talent
High-growth environments can compress time, magnify decisions, and expose leadership gaps in an instant. As companies move through periods of rapid expansion, the ability to build and evolve the right leadership team becomes increasingly critical to sustaining momentum and creating long-term value. Across private equity, venture capital, and technology-driven businesses, organizations are rethinking how they
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Allstate
Crist|Kolder Associates has recruited Christian Lown as executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Allstate Corporation. “Chris’s leadership and capital markets expertise will enable us to continue increasing Property-Liability market share and expand protection provided to customers,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. With more than 25 years of senior
Protis Global Appoints Co-Presidents
Consumer packaged goods-focused executive search and advisory firm Protis Global has named Skye Miller and Isabel Cosby as co-presidents in a planned generational leadership transition as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Bert Miller, who co-founded the firm in 1995, moves from chairman and CEO of Protis Global to chairman. He will continue as founder
C-Suite Strategy Balancing Short-Term Results with Long-Term Vision
In today’s fast-paced business environment, C-suite executives are under increasing pressure to achieve quick results while also shaping sustainable, future-oriented organizations. This delicate balance between short-term performance and long-term strategic vision has become increasingly challenging as market volatility, technological disruption, and stakeholder expectations continue to intensify, according to a recent report from Slayton Search Partners.
Empowering Women In the Workplace Starts Here
Sheer confidence among nearly 80 percent of female financial advisors is one of the biggest factors impacting leadership, success and fulfillment in their careers, according to a recent study conducted by Edward Jones. Half of those surveyed say confidence is the single most important tool in career advancement. “Confidence in one’s ability to succeed plays a critical role when
Red Lion Hotels Retains AETHOS Consulting for CFO Search
Executive search firm AETHOS Consulting Group has been retained by Red Lion Hotels Corporation to lead its search for a chief financial officer. James Bell, its former CFO, decided to leave Red Lion to pursue another professional venture. The board has appointed David Wright, the company’s vice president of accounting, tax & external reporting, as interim CFO
Brill Neumann Recruits Athletic Director for USC
Executive search firm Brill Neumann Associates has placed pro football hall of fame wide receiver and USC alumnus Lynn Swann as athletic director of the University of Southern California (USC). Pat Haden retired from his position as AD, effective in June, ending his guidance of the Trojans through a tumultuous period in the school’s history. Mr. Swann played at USC in the early 1970s
Ashford Benjamin Launches in Hong Kong
Search industry veteran Ben Cooper has launched executive search firm Ashford Benjamin Ltd., which will initially focus on legal and compliance search mandates. Located in Hong Kong, the firm will serve law firms, financial institutions and multinational companies across a range of industries on middle to senior level search assignments. Ashford Benjamin is currently leading searches for a
NPAworldwide Adds 13 Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 13 new member firms across Asia Pacific and North America. Membership in the network allows independent recruiters to serve their clients and candidates by partnering with other member firms on a split-fee basis. Within Asia Pacific, new member firms include: 1st Executive Pty Ltd, based in Melbourne, provides recruitment services in the areas
Leadership Assessment Coming Soon to An iPhone Near You
There’s a new twist coming to talent assessment — a service pioneered and largely perfected by executive search firm Egon Zehnder decades ago in Europe. What’s on the way is likely to shake up the well-established ‘evaluations’ business popularized by Zehnder and its headhunting rivals and could set off a new wave of competition in the
Caldwell Partners Posts 20 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted second quarter revenues of $14.3 million (Canadian), up 20.3 percent from revenues of $11.9 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 38.8 percent, while Canadian revenues dropped 27.3 percent. The firm reported Q2 net earnings of $764,000 or $0.38 per share. This compares to net earnings of $282,000 or
Korn Ferry Recruits Brixmor Property Group CEO
Korn Ferry has placed James M. Taylor as president and chief executive officer of Brixmor Property Group. He succeeds Daniel B. Hurwitz, who has held the position on an interim basis. Past CEO Michael Carroll resigned from his position in February. Mr. Taylor joins Brixmor with more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. He currently serves as executive vice president, CFO
McCormick Group Lands Executive Director for DirectWomen
The McCormick Group has recruited Christina M. Knowles as executive director of DirectWomen. Ms. Knowles, a leading voice on issues affecting women, has a decade of experience in non-profit and government management. Prior to joining DirectWomen, she served as the inaugural executive director for the Boston Women’s Workforce Council. She has also held a variety of other leadership
Stanton Chase Names Global Supply Chain Sector Leader
Stanton Chase International has added Will Pleva as a partner and sector leader for its global supply chain and strategic sourcing practice. He joins the firm’s New York office. With 25 years of search experience he has conducted more than 500 supply chain and strategic sourcing engagements across a variety of sectors. Since 1983, Mr. Pleva has been
Save the Children Taps Russell Reynolds for Chief People Officer
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Save the Children International (SCI) to lead its search for a chief people officer (CPO). Concurrent with this assignment, Russell Reynolds is also leading the search for Save the Children UK’s chief executive officer. Justin Forsyth, chief executive since 2010, announced that he is leaving the charity. Save the Children is one
Ryan Search Strengthens Leadership Development Offering
Executive recruiter Ryan Search & Consulting has added Ken Smithmier as a senior consultant to focus on strengthening its leadership talent development offering. The expansion allows the firm to offer a broader range of services to its client base. With a 40-year career in healthcare, the last 30 spent in senior leadership positions, Mr. Smithmier has led every size and
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Science Officer for F-star
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has placed Dr. Neil Brewis as chief scientific officer and Michael Davies as vice president of protein science at F-star, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel bispecific antibodies with a focus on immuno-oncology. F-star asked Coulter Partners to conduct global searches to identify experts in the discovery and development of complex biologics.
Korn Ferry Names Canadian Consumer Practice Leader
Korn Ferry has appointed Michael Mundy as leader of its Canadian consumer and retail practice. Based out of the firm’s Toronto office, he will serve as a member of Korn Ferry’s global consumer practice. With extensive executive search experience in consumer, retail, media & entertainment, sports, travel, hospitality & leisure, Mr. Mundy previously spent seven years with Odgers
Eton Bridge Launches Board Practice
Executive search and interim management firm Eton Bridge Partners has launched a new board of directors practice. It will complement the firm’s existing interim and executive search verticals within finance, human resources and business transformation. The practice will be led by partners Louise Chaplin and Jean-Pierre Green and will support listed, privately owned and private equity-backed organizations in the U.K. and internationally. Ms. Chaplin has worked
Salaries to Remain On the Rise In 2016
While most 2016 pay raises will average around three percent, certain engineering, information technology, manufacturing & logistics, and office & administration jobs can expect compensation increases of six to nine percent, according to the just-released Randstad U.S. annual salary guide. Randstad’s guides unveil compensation ranges for top positions in numerous geographic regions around the country
DHR Places Chief Investment Officer At Alaska Fund
DHR International has placed Russell Read as chief investment officer of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. He replaces Jay Willoughby at the Juneau, Alaska-based sovereign fund. The search was led by Carol Hartman, managing partner of the firm’s financial services practice in North America, and partner James Schroeder. Her practice focuses on capital markets, asset management, regional and private
Sports Recruitment International Acquires Munich-Based Executive Search Firm
SRi (Sports Recruitment International) has acquired Munich-based sporting goods and fashion executive search firm, “heads for brands.” Andreas Huber, who served as chief executive officer of the firm, becomes head of sporting goods and fashion for SRi. Mr. Huber has more than 10 years of experience in recruiting for fashion, lifestyle (eyewear, bodywear, accessories etc.) and the sports industry (outdoor and
Lonergan Partners Recruits Chief Product Officer at CloudPassage
Redwood City, CA-headquartered executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Ram Krishnan as chief product officer at CloudPassage. The search was led by Mark Lonergan, founder and managing director. Mr. Krishnan brings extensive experience in product strategy and business execution, from start-ups to global corporations. As general manager for Hewlett Packard’s $900 million Applications Lifecycle Management business
Focus Search Partners Expands Into L.A.
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of Vaco, has added Julia Dupps as a partner leading its expansion into Los Angeles. In her new role, she will recruit nationally for executive level positions in the healthcare and life sciences industry. With more than 14 years of recruitment experience, Ms. Dupps most recently served as a managing consultant
Companies Continue Upbeat Hiring Forecast
U.S. companies in aggregate have added jobs every month for the last six years, and the latest forecast from CareerBuilder shows this trend will continue in the second quarter. One third of employers (34 percent) plan to add full-time, permanent employees during the next three months and 37 percent plan to hire temporary or contract workers.
Heidrick Lands CEO for Tiger Brands
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Lawrence Mac Dougall as chief executive officer of South African-headquartered Tiger Brands Limited. He takes over from interim CEO Noel Doyle who retained that role after the departure of past CEO Peter Matlare at the beginning of the year. With the assistance of Heidrick, the board adopted a rigorous five month process
Coleman + Lew Heading President Search for Lenoir-Rhyne University
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has been selected by Lenoir-Rhyne University to lead its search for a new president. After 16 years, current president Dr. Wayne B. Powell has decided to retire. The search is being led by Coleman + Lew managing director Shana Plott, and consultant Robin Rogers. The school seeks an
Yacoub Elite Search Names HR Division President
Canadian boutique firm Yacoub Elite Search has named Kim Forgues as a member of the executive search team and president of its new Yacoub Elite HR division. As extension of the firm’s executive search practice, the new human capital division will provide end-to-end HR consulting services in talent management, coaching and leadership development, organizational design, change management, total rewards, diversity and inclusion
Major, Lindsey & Africa Launches Managed Legal Services Offering
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has launched a new managed legal services offering, which will provide corporate clients with process analysis, customized action plans and implementation assistance. The managed legal services team will address their clients legal process needs, optimizing resources and creating improved efficiencies around routine legal work. Mark Yacano leads the team, which operates
Leadership Development, Key for Growth, Seen As Stagnating
Leadership development is now seen as a main driver for ensuring delivery of business results (43 percent) and business growth (20 percent), according to the ‘2016 Leadership Development Survey’ just released by Borderless Executive Search. The report captured insights from close to 1,000 senior executives across a range of industries. The high rate of response and
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO for Advance Auto Parts
Spencer Stuart has placed Thomas Greco as chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts. The search included internal and external candidates. Mr. Greco takes over for president George Sherman who had been serving as interim CEO. The search process was overseen by the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, which was comprised of committee chair Jeff Smith, lead independent
NGS Global Launches Agribusiness Search Practice
Executive search firm NGS Global has launched a new agribusiness recruiting practice. The business will consist of partner Melissa Oszustowicz in the Americas, managing director Richard Crux in Europe, managing partner Julian Buckeridge in Asia, and managing partner Grant Nichol in Australia. Agribusinesses worldwide face a host of challenges as they navigate the complicated job of feeding the growing
Kingsley Gate Recruits Ambiq Micro CEO
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners has placed Fumihide (Humi) Esaka as chief executive officer of Ambiq Micro, a provider of ultra-low power semiconductor solutions. He takes over from Mike Noonen who had been serving as interim CEO. Mr. Esaka has 20 years of senior management experience in the semiconductor industry and held CEO roles in his
The Sea Change That Is Digital Transformation
Few industries have not been affected by the digital revolution. Media and communications is obviously no exception. Today, recruiters specializing in finding leaders who can grasp the transformation and implement a smooth transition from the past to the future say these are the most sought after people on the planet. In the following interview, search
Women Gaining Top Jobs at Elite Recruiting Firms
Hiring activity at executive search firms seems to be favoring women these days, especially when it comes to leadership roles within some of the best known global recruiting outfits. One case in point is Isaacson, Miller, which just appointed Vivian Brocard as its new president. In her new role, Ms. Brocard will lead the search firm’s management committee
