DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
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.
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
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?
Talentfoot Grows HR Practice
Talentfoot Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Gabe Peacock as associate partner, helping drive the continued growth of the firm’s human resources practice. “With Gabe joining the team, Talentfoot is continuing to expand our ability to support clients in finding HR leaders who can solve complex people challenges, strengthen culture, scale people operations,
Artico Search Founders Reflect on Five Years of Growth and Lessons Learned
Five years after its founding, Artico Search has grown from a two-person venture into a boutique executive search firm serving venture capital, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies. Founded in 2021 by Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO and co-founder, and Matt Comyns, president and co-founder, the firm has built its business around emerging technology, with particular depth
Caldwell Sells IQTalent Partners to WinMil for $4.7 Million
Toronto-based Caldwell has completed the sale of substantially all of the net operating assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, IQTalent Partners, Inc., to WinMil, Inc. WinMil will continue to operate the business under the IQTalent name and brand. In 2020, Caldwell acquired IQTalent to broaden its service offerings into technology-enabled recruiting solutions at the professional level.
WittKieffer Selected by Park University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Park University to lead in its search for a new president. Consultant Alejandra Gillette-Teran, principal Melody Rose and associate Sarah Seavey are spearheading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to an engaged board of trustees, the president will be expected to grow the University into the future. The president provides leadership in
NPAG Leading Executive Director Search for SEAL
Executive search firm NPAG was recently retained by SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Allison Kupfer Poteet, managing partner, is leading the search along with Alejandra Villa, managing associate. The organization seeks a strong enterprise leader with strategic and financial acumen, experience leading through change, and genuine credibility
August Leadership Appoints Senior Advisor in Tokyo
August Leadership has named Paul Dupuis as senior advisor in Tokyo. “We are delighted to have Paul join August Leadership,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “His experience will add significant depth as we aim to strengthen our presence and relationships in Japan, alongside our broader APAC capabilities.” With more than 30 years of leadership
C-Suite Volatility Reshapes Talent Market, Creating Expanding Role for Search Firms
Crist|Kolder Associates’ latest 2026 Mid-Year Volatility Report provides a detailed look at leadership trends across 665 Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies. Tracking executive changes through July 31, the research examines CEO, CFO, and COO turnover, career paths, diversity, and the emergence of new leadership positions as organizations adapt to an increasingly complex business environment.
The McCormick Group Completes Searches for Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
The McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the federal health policy practice of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor. The search was led by principal David
Krauthamer & Associates Selected by Regional Transportation District for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO, to lead in its search for a new CEO. “RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long‑range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery and the
BrainWorks Grows Legal Practice
Warren, NJ-based executive search firm BrainWorks has named Rachel Chandler as director of legal recruitment. “With nearly two decades of experience spanning law, legal recruitment, and business development, Rachel brings an exceptional depth of expertise and a unique perspective to our team,” Brainworks said in a LinkedIn post. “From practicing corporate law to leading legal recruiting teams,
Boyden Forms Alliance with South African firm Tuesday Consulting
Boyden has formed a partnership with South African firm Tuesday Consulting, an executive search and advisory firm helping clients drive growth through sustainable human capital resourcing practices. The partnership will be led by seasoned industry executives Wendy Spalding and Tsholofelo Nketane, along with a team of nine professionals from Tuesday Consulting. “Partnering with Tuesday Consulting represents an
Leadership in Uncertain Times: How Executives Adapt
Leadership has always required navigating change, but today’s executives operate in an environment where geopolitical developments, economic uncertainty, and evolving market expectations can quickly reshape business priorities. This places renewed attention on how leaders set direction, strengthen organizational resilience and prepare their businesses for an uncertain future. According to the latest Kestria Global Leadership Barometer, geopolitical
Excel Search & Advisory Leading Search for Next WNBA Commissioner
The WNBA has begun the search for its next commissioner as the league prepares for a leadership transition at the end of the year. The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, formerly Nolan Partners, to identify a successor to Cathy Engelbert, according to The Athletic. The assignment comes as the league continues to experience
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for Wabash College
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has placed Tyler J. Wade as dean for enrollment management at Wabash College. Mr. Wade, a 2012 Wabash graduate, has served as interim dean since June. This follows a nationwide search led by the firm’s president Chris Bingley. “One of the things that made him stand out in the field
Leathwaite Continues Partnership with St Marylebone School
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite is continuing its long-standing partnership with St Marylebone School in London, supporting students as they prepare for the next stages of their academic and professional journeys. The firm said the program is part of its community engagement efforts and reflects its commitment to social mobility and widening access to opportunity. St
Hunt Scanlon Media and Simsola AI Launch Survey on the Last Mile of Executive Search
Executive search firms are under growing pressure to bring greater consistency and transparency to how finalists are evaluated and recommendations are made. As AI and new technology move deeper into the search process, firms are also rethinking how interview feedback is captured, how candidates are compared, and where experienced consultant judgment should carry the most
Investigative Diligence Moves Earlier in Executive Search
Executive hiring decisions increasingly carry reputational, financial, and governance consequences that extend well beyond a candidate’s resume. As a result, boards, investors, and search committees are placing greater emphasis on understanding the broader context behind an executive’s track record before making a final decision. That shift is giving investigative diligence a more prominent role in
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Spirax Group’s Electric Thermal Solutions Division
Carpenter Legal Search, Inc. has recruited Matthew Simonds as general counsel of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax Group, a global industrial engineering company. “Matt stood out throughout the search process because of his combination of legal sophistication, strong business judgment, and ability to serve as a true strategic partner to leadership,” said Lori Carpenter,
Kincannon & Reed Assists Stokes Seeds with Chief Commercial Officer Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Andy Paston as chief commercial officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial growers across the United States and Canada. “Andy brings a strong combination of agricultural expertise and commercial leadership,”
Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Eagle Bancorp
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Curley as president and chief executive officer of Eagle Bancorp, Inc., the Bethesda-based holding company for EagleBank, one of the largest community banks in the Washington, D.C. area. The appointment followed an extensive board evaluation and search of internal and external candidates.
Egon Zehnder Examines the Great AI Divide Reshaping Private Equity Leadership
Private equity firms are moving quickly to determine where AI can create the greatest advantage across portfolio operations and investment strategy. As adoption accelerates, firms are rethinking what kind of AI leadership they need and where those roles should sit. That shift is beginning to reshape talent strategies across the PE market. Over the past
DHR Global Acquires Life Sciences-Focused Discovery Search Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has acquired Discovery Search Partners, a retained executive search firm focused on the life sciences industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bill O’Callaghan of Discovery Search Partners will join DHR as managing partner and Don Evans will join as partner, while Brian Evans will help build out the life sciences vertical
The Lancer Group Recruits CHRO for Liquidity Services
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm The Lancer Group recently assisted in the recruitment of Karen Fascenda as chief human resources officer of NASDAQ-traded Liquidity Services. Chairman and CEO Bill Angrick highlighted Ms. Fascenda’s strong track record of aligning talent strategies with business growth. Ms. Fascenda, in turn, described Liquidity Services as a proven market leader with significant
SearchWide Global Recruits Chief Sales Officer for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
SearchWide Global has placed Cahal Mowery as chief sales officer of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). Kellie Henderson, global head of destinations, led the assignment. “Cahal brings the experience, leadership and energy we need to continue Nashville’s success as a leading meetings, group and events destination,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO. “His work in
Riviera Partners Expands in APAC Region
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded it the APAC region with the addition of Gaurav Dev Burman as a partner based in Bengaluru. In this role, Gaurav will advise boards, CEOs and investors on technology leadership searches across India and the APAC region. “Gaurav
Developing Future Leaders: Executive Readiness and Succession Planning
Leadership changes can shape the future of a business. With challenges ranging from unexpected vacancies to planned retirements, having a robust succession plan is a strategic priority for companies of all sizes, according to a just released report from DHR Global. “Succession planning is more than just identifying potential successors. It’s about building a sustainable
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,
Marlin Hawk Adds Associate Partner In Asia
Executive search firm Marlin Hawk has added Marc Baloch as associate partner for Asia. He will focus on leadership advisory and executive search services across Asia within the insurance, consumer & wholesale banking and private wealth management sectors. Mr. Baloch’s intercontinental executive search experience covers Germany, Central & Eastern Europe and Asia. He has been based
Employers Add Fewest Jobs In More Than Five Years
Employers only added 38,000 jobs in April as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. While this sharp slowdown marks the fewest number of jobs created in more than five years, the unemployment rate now stands at its lowest mart since November 2007. The number of
Staples Taps Korn Ferry to Find Next CEO
Office supplies retailer Staples has selected Korn Ferry to find its next chief executive officer. Current chief executive Ron Sargent announced that he is stepping down. He has been with Staples for 27 years and served as CEO for the past 14 years. Shira Goodman, Staples president of North America operations, will become interim CEO while the search takes place. She has been with
Lochlin Partners Places Chief Development Officer for Catholic Charities USA
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Anthony Sciacca as chief development officer for Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), one of the nation’s largest charities representing a national network of agencies serving poor and vulnerable people and families. In his new role, Mr. Sciacca will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and development program
Eliot Partnership Appoints Executive Chairman
Global insurance sector executive search firm Eliot Partnership has elected George Davies as its executive chairman. He will be based in the firm’s London office. In this newly-created position, Mr. Davies will work with Eliot Partnership’s global management team to grow its footprint through its three hubs in London, New York and Singapore. He will also be
Partners in the Process: Improving the Search / HR Relationship
Many executive search consultants active in the industry today first maintained successful careers on the corporate side — holding rank in the very disciplines they now recruit for. In fact, a good number of them held positions in human resources and now bring the added value of being able to see the search business through that
What It Takes to Make the Right Match
Although 76 percent of full time, employed workers are either actively looking for a job or open to new opportunities, nearly half (48 percent) of employers can’t seem to find the workers they need to fill their job vacancies, according to CareerBuilder‘s just released ‘2016 Candidate Behavior’ study. “Job seekers may have more of an edge
Choice Hotels Taps Spencer Stuart for CFO Hunt
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Choice Hotels International to lead its search for a new chief financial officer. David L. White is leaving the company to pursue other professional opportunities. The company has selected controller Scott Oaksmith to oversee the finance team while Spencer Stuart conducts the search. Choice Hotels is one of the world’s largest lodging companies. With more
Alexander Hughes Opens In Dubai; Names Managing Partner
Global executive search firm Alexander Hughes has reinforced its presence in the Gulf countries by adding a new office in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Based in Dubai, Thomas Duret has been appointed managing partner for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. One of the world’s fastest growing economies, Dubai’s current gross domestic
Kincannon & Reed Lands CEO for Calyxt
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has recruited Federico A. Tripodi as chief executive officer of Calyxt, Inc., a Minnesota-based company developing healthier food products to benefit both consumers and growers. He takes over from Luc Mathis, who will continue his role as an advisor to the company. Mr. Tripodi will work closely with Calyxt’s executive
Egon Zehnder Strengthens New York Office
Egon Zehnder has added Lee Wrubel M.D., to its New York office as a consultant and strategic talent advisor. Dr. Wrubel has more than 20 years of experience working across healthcare delivery, management consulting and venture capital. As a member of Egon Zehnder’s global health and private equity practices, he will provide strategic counsel on executive
As U.K. Vote Nears, Uncertainty Looms Over Recruiting Sector
With a referendum on British membership in the European Union now just three weeks away, the rate of job growth in the U.K. is easing amid reports of increased hiring uncertainty, according to a report released by The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). “The U.K. labor market is going through an unsettled patch,” said REC chief
ON Partners Recruits Rent-A-Center CIO
Executive search firm ON Partners has placed Angela Yochem as senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer (CIO) of Rent-A-Center, Inc. Partner Andy Hickman led the search assignment. Ms. Yochem is charged with developing and executing a transformative technology strategy that will support Rent-A-Center’s growth. Her responsibilities include developing Rent-A-Center’s IT talent; expanding recently developed technologies;
Chasm Partners Taps CEO for Remedy Partners
Executive search firm Chasm Partners has recruited Carolyn Magill as chief executive officer of Remedy Partners. Ms. Magill joins Remedy from Evolent Health, where she served as executive vice president of payer strategy and operations. Prior to that, she held various leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare and Medicaid businesses. “Carolyn is the perfect fit for Remedy,”
Recruiters Acquire Equity Stake In Stanton Chase Los Angeles
Stanton Chase International’s managing director Edward Savage has announced that Sadovnick Partners’ CEO Mark Sadovnick along with Stanton Chase director Peter Deragon have acquired an equity interest in the Los Angeles office of the firm. Both will form a significant part of its new leadership team. In a joint statement, Messers Sadovnick and Deragon said: “Ed provides the leadership of
AltoPartners Adds Member Firms In Korea and Switzerland
AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent executive search firms and leadership consultants, has added Seoul-based Korean search firm Pathfinder and Swiss executive recruiters MPB Recruitment Group AG, as its newest member firms. The organization now has a presence across 53 offices in 33 countries. AltoPartners said the business development opportunities that exist in both Korea and
Establish a Diversity Baseline and the Money Will Follow
The new ‘Women Count’ report by The Pipeline and executive search firm Ridgeway Partners has established a baseline for the number of women who hold executive positions at FTSE 350 companies in the UK. The study also looks at whether there is any financial benefit for companies from having women on executive committees. Short answer: there is, and
Russell Reynolds Recruits President for Stratford Hall
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited John S. Bacon as president of Stratford Hall. In this capacity, Mr. Bacon will be responsible for raising the profile of Stratford Hall’s mission, directing operations on site, representing the institution in the community and, more broadly, leveraging its property and programming to increase visitation and financial support. Stratford Hall, a historic house museum in Westmoreland
Southerland Partners Taps CEO for Intermountain Healthcare
Dallas-based executive search firm Southerland Partners has placed Dr. A. Marc Harrison as president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Healthcare. Dr. Charles W. Sorenson is retiring from the CEO post in October. Dr. Harrison has had a distinguished career in pediatric critical care, and most recently held positions as chief of international business development for Cleveland
Invenias Appoints Head of Americas
Invenias, a U.K.-headquartered global cloud-based platform for executive and strategic hiring, has appointed Jim Duddy to head up its operations in the Americas. As vice president of the Americas, he will be responsible for ensuring that the company continues its growth trajectory in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, and growing the Invenias team located on
Sapeare Executive Search Names HR Practice Head
Atlanta-headquartered Sapeare Executive Search has added Jim Thorsten to its team to lead the firm’s human resources practice division. Mr. Thorsten has over 25 years of experience in the search, sales and management industries. He was previously with recruiting firm firstPRO where he focused on attracting talent within the supply chain and engineering sectors. Before that,
