DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How to Improve Your HR Executive Search Process
Securing the right HR leader requires more than a traditional hiring process—it demands the same rigor, clarity, and strategic discipline used for any major business decision. Organizations that consistently make strong HR executive hires treat the search as an enterprise priority, aligning stakeholders early, sharpening evaluation criteria, and building a candidate experience that attracts top
Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
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.
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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?
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
Solving the Diversity Challenge in Executive Recruitment
The goal of executive recruitment is to select the most qualified candidate for the position. Leaders have a huge impact on an organization’s people, health and results. Research from Mercuri Urval (MU) has shown that a failed leader appointment costs, at least, a staggering 30 times their salary and the wrong leader may even prove fatal
TRANSEARCH Launches New European Office
TRANSEARCH International has launched a new office in Strasbourg, France with the addition of consultants from Neuman & Partners France. Marie-Helene Sohler and Gonzalo de Pedro join TRANSEARCH as managing directors, along with their support team of executive search professionals. Ms. Sohler has been an executive search professional for the past 20 years and has a strong focus on
Shifting Demographics Creating New Opportunities for Senior Level Talent
In the not-too-distant past, the majority of CEO and board director roles were almost exclusively filled by white males. But changing social demographics have compelled companies to make drastic modifications to their leadership ranks, and to look more broadly at these seats of power. Today’s chief executives and directors are a growing mix of genders,
Job Motivators Are Changing; What Matters In Your Job Search?
Candidate motivations for changing jobs vary by geography and generation, according to a global study from ManpowerGroup Solutions, part of ManpowerGroup. The new white paper, “Below the Surface: Emerging Global Motivators and Job Search Preferences” reveals that “type of work” is now equal to “compensation” as a motivator for career decisions among candidates globally. So, while money
Collegiate Sports Associates Lands Head Coach for University of Pittsburgh
Executive search firm Collegiate Sports Associates has recruited Kevin Stallings as head coach of the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball program. He replaces Jamie Dixon, who left the Pitt Panthers to become head coach of his alma mater Texas Christian University, despite being under contract with Pitt until 2023. Mr. Stallings has compiled a 455-283 record
Egon Zehnder Names Dallas Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Arun Dhingra as head of the firm’s Dallas office. He assumes the role from Christopher Pfeiffer, who led the office over the past five years. “As head of the firm’s U.S. financial officers practice, Arun has helped dozens of public and private clients find the leaders they need to manage growth in
Radius Partners Recruits CEO for Scully Signal Company
Andover, MA-headquartered executive recruiting firm Radius Partners has placed Eric Kirleis as chief executive officer of Scully Signal Company. Co-founder Jim Poe led the search. “I am pleased to transition the full operational responsibilities to Eric and our new management team,” said Robert G. Scully, who has served as president and CEO since 1964. He
ZRG Partners Continues Expansion
ZRG Partners has added Paul Stefunek to its roster as a managing director. He will support the firm’s technology practice and serve as a member of the firm’s industrial and private equity team. Mr. Stefunek brings over 20 years of senior level search experience to this new role. Previously, he was a partner with DHR International and before that was chairman and managing partner of paul-lawrenceassociates. Earlier he was one
Motivating Leaders: Why Unlocking Their Potential Is Critical
According to a major new global study of senior executives by Egon Zehnder, mounting evidence shows optimal performance comes from the alignment of an executive’s personal values with an organization’s culture and the role’s responsibilities, yet few executives or organizations have made the adjustments necessary to take advantage of this synergy. The report, entitled “Leadership Identity
Habitat for Humanity Taps Miller Black for Chief People Officer
Executive search firm Miller Black Associates has recruited Andrea Carter as chief people officer of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. Managing director Joanna Miller (pictured) led the search. Ms. Carter most recently served as global vice president of human resources at Ralph Lauren, based in Greensboro, NC. She previously held senior HR positions with
Odgers Berndtson Launches In Houston
Odgers Berndtson has opened a Houston office with the addition of three new partners who will service the leadership needs of clients in the energy and industrial space. Jim Thompson, Gary Payne, and Mary Campagnano, all formerly managing partners at Allen Austin, have joined the firm in its new location. Mr. Thompson will serve U.S. industrial
Eastern Michigan University Turns to Witt/Kieffer for Chief Diversity Officer
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to lead its search for a chief diversity officer. Oliver Tomlin, a senior partner in Witt/Kieffer’s education and healthcare practices, is leading the search along with senior associate Jennifer Bauer. The chief diversity officer will serve as advisor to the president, administration, faculty, staff and students
Argyll Scott Adds Sales & Marketing Search Specialist
Executive search firm Argyll Scott has added sales and marketing specialist recruiter Bradley Feller as a director in its U.K. office. He will launch the new specialty practice for the firm. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, Mr. Feller worked for international recruiter Hudson for a decade before joining Hamilton Bradshaw. Most recently, he
Americans Uncertain About the Future of Work
Seventy four percent of employees are open to a new job – despite the fact that many of them are satisfied in their current one, according to the latest 2016 Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Study released by Jobvite. Thirty-nine percent of respondents report that it is more difficult to find a new job this year than in 2015, while 19
University of Minnesota Puts Out Search for Athletic Director
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has been selected by the University of Minnesota to lead its search for a new athletics director. Beth Goetz has served as interim AD since Norwood Teague resigned in August after allegedly sexually harassing colleagues. “We are lucky to have a woman who’s been a good interim AD,” said Eric Kaler,
accelHRate Lands CHRO for Service King
HR executive search and management consulting firm accelHRate has placed Sean Huurman as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Service King. Kimberly Shanahan, president and chief executive officer of accelHRate, led the search. As CHRO, Mr. Huurman will oversee all administrative operations and lead the department’s efforts across Service King’s national footprint. He joins Service
TalentRISE Expands Search Staff
Chicago-based executive search firm TalentRISE has added Deborah Snow Walsh as a managing director. Ms. Walsh has spent more than 25 years in numerous revenue generating consulting roles within insurance, banking and financial services, holding positions of increasing responsibility in client management, business development, talent strategy and talent management. Most recently, she was as a managing director at
Plymouth Search Partners Expands Business Offerings
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Uli Mueller in its Fort Collins, CO and New York City offices. The firm also announced that it has expanded its services to include leadership development, organizational effectiveness and executive coaching. Mr. Mueller brings more than 20 years of progressive HR leadership experience in growth oriented multinational corporations. He joins Plymouth
Pay for Performance: Not Everyone Agrees On CEO Value
Public company directors give CEOs considerable credit for corporate success, believing that 40 percent of a company’s overall results, on average, are directly attributed to the CEO’s efforts, according new research released by Heidrick & Struggles and the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Seventy-one percent of directors polled believe that CEOs are
Adecco to Acquire Penna Consulting for $149 Million
HR solutions company Adecco has acquired U.K.-based Penna Consulting Plc for $149 million as it seeks to strengthen its services outside the U.S. market. The company agreed to pay a 62 percent premium for Penna, according to industry sources. The deal is expected to close sometime later this quarter. Adecco CEO Alain Dehaze said both
Perdue Farms Taps Gaia for Sustainability Chief
Executive search firm Gaia Human Capital Consultants has recruited Stephan Levitsky as vice president of sustainability for Perdue Farms. In his role at Perdue, Mr. Levitsky will be responsible for advancing Perdue’s progress in achieving sustainable growth, fostering working relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders at the federal, state and local level, and serving as Perdue’s
Work&Partners Lands Marketing Chief for Clarity Solution Group
New York based Work&Partners LLC has recruited Mark Lewis as the first chief marketing officer for Clarity Solution Group, LLC. Alan J. Work led the search; he was retained to conduct the assignment in early December. Mr. Lewis was formerly the practice lead at Slalom Consulting where he led marketing and development of the company’s products. Prior to that, he was strategy
Focus Search Acquires Charlson Partners
Focus Search Partners, the executive search division of Vaco, has acquired San Francisco-based search firm Charlson Partners. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move enables Focus Search to expand into the technology sector. Charlson Partners conducts senior executive search assignments for enterprise technology and service companies. Its client base includes some of the largest
Further Signs of Tightening In U.S. Labor Market
The aggregate average amount of job applicants per open job declined from 24 in the first quarter of 2015 to 21 in the fourth quarter of last year, consistent with the tighter labor market indicated by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is according to iCIMS, Inc.’s just released quarterly ‘U.S. Hiring Trends’ report, which
Diversified Search Recruits Chief Nutrition Officer for Herbalife
Diversified Search has placed Dr. John Agwunobi as chief health and nutrition officer for the global nutrition company Herbalife. The search was led by John Mestepey, managing director of the firm’s Miami office, and Lorena Keough, a managing director in its life sciences, chemical, industrial and diversity practices. Dr. Agwunobi brings an accomplished background and a wealth of experience to Herbalife as
American Museum of Natural History Taps Battalia Winston for Controller
Executive search firm Battalia Winston has been retained by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) to lead its search for a new vice president and controller. Dale Winston, Battalia Winston’s chairwoman and chief executive officer, and principal Gwyn Anderson, are leading the search. “As one of the largest natural history museums in the world, it’s critical
Warren Partners Launches Technology Search Practice
Executive recruiters Warren Partners has added Ian Mullett and Sarn Terry as directors to launch the firm’s new technology practice. Both join the firm from Harvey Nash, where they specialized in technology and professional services. Mr. Mullett has amassed more than 20 years of U.K. and international search experience and specializes in enterprise software, telecoms
Boyden Expands Staff in Montreal
Executive search firm Boyden has named Sébastien Zuchowski as a partner in its Montreal office. His focus will be on senior level assignments in the technology, media, telecommunication and industrial sectors. Before joining Boyden Montreal, Mr. Zuchowski worked for over 20 years as a client facing executive at several high tech software, hardware and professional services companies, including GURUS Solutions,
Hiring Outlook Mixed At Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
Shifts in the economic and employment outlooks of America’s small to mid-sized business sector (SMB) have generated a mixed set of market trends, according to a new report just released by executive recruitment firm Lucas Group. The Q4 2015 “SMB Job Generation Outlook’ found that an average of 92 percent of leaders at small to medium-sized companies
Allegis Partners Fills Top HR Post for The Children’s Place
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has placed Leah Swan as senior vice president of human resources at The Children’s Place, a retail chain carrying a range of trendy clothing, accessories & footwear for babies and kids. The position is based in Secaucus, NJ and reports to Jane Elfers, chief executive officer. The search was led by Mike Bergen, managing partner &
Slone Partners Lands Chief Science Officer for Metamark Genetics
Slone Partners, an executive search firm dedicated to the diagnostics, life science tools, healthcare information technology, and laboratory testing industries, has placed Peter Maimonis Ph.D., as senior vice president and chief science officer of Metamark Genetics. Dr. Maimonis brings extensive experience in oncology research and development, as well as specific proficiency in oncology biomarkers in the
Boston Remains Hot Spot for Executive Recruiters
Stanton Chase International has recently added Dickson Smith, John DiBenedetto and Robert Mulligan to its Boston office. The move comes as the city and its outlying suburbs become attractive hubs for companies and the search firms that service their talent needs. Mr. Smith, who becomes managing director, has 25 years of executive search experience specializing in the recruitment of
