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Daily Newswire
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
Klein Hersh Recruits CHRO for Disc Medicine
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Lisa Amaya Price as the new chief human resources officer of Disc Medicine, Inc. in Watertown, MA. “As we move towards commercialization, we have meaningfully increased hiring to support these efforts and Lisa will play a central role in
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
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
Job Seeker Confidence Rises as Market Shows Signs of Growth
Despite ongoing challenges and frustrations in the job market, job seekers and employees remain resilient, prioritizing growth opportunities by pursuing roles or turning to nontraditional arrangements like contract and freelance work to meet their needs and career goals. The Vaco Talent Pulse Report measures employee and job seeker confidence levels in three core areas—job security,
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
Industrial Search Partners Acquires Ference Partners
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has acquired Ference Partners, a Virginia / metro Washington, D.C.-based recruiting firm founded by Patrick Ference. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mr. Ference brings over 25 years of corporate leadership and senior executive search expertise focusing on assignments largely in the industrial sector to Industrial Search Partners, where he
Carrington & Carrington Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for UPMC
Executive search firm Carrington & Carrington has placed James Taylor PhD as chief diversity and inclusion officer of UPMC – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Taylor will lead UPMC’s efforts to continue as an employer, provider and insurer that reflects and embraces the rich diversity of the Pittsburgh region in both employment and in
Furst Group Recruits ACHP CEO
Executive search firm Furst Group has recruited Ceci Connolly as president and CEO of Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP). She succeeds Patricia Smith who retired at the end of 2015. In her new role, Ms. Connolly will work with some of the most innovative executives in the health sector to provide high-quality, evidence-based, affordable care. Since 2012,
Allegis Partners Forms HR Advisory Board
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has formed a new human resources advisory board, which will provide guidance on services and strategies for the firm’s human resources practice. Advisory boards have come into vogue at a number of executive search and talent acquisition firms where informal, strategic advice has come to be valued by organizations seeking to expand
Employee Confidence Soars As Workers Gain Leverage
Employee confidence in the first quarter is up across the board — the job market, job security, pay raises and future business outlook all remains strong, according to Glassdoor’s first quarter ‘Employment Confidence Survey,’ conducted online by Harris Poll. The Glassdoor survey monitors four key indicators of employee confidence: job market optimism / re-hire probability, pay
HM Long Global Partners Merges With RSVP Group
HM Long Global Partners Ltd has merged with RSVP Group, a global boutique recruiting outfit that focuses exclusively on the life sciences and chemical sectors. The combined firms will give the newly-merged entity a broad global presence in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, Boston, Wiesbaden, Washington, D.C., Princeton, Austin, Shanghai and Singapore. “I am very excited to
Ithaca College Taps Spencer Stuart for Next President
Ithaca College has retained Spencer Stuart to lead the search for its ninth president. Current president Tom Rochon will be retiring in July 2017. Heading the search will be Michele Haertel, who leads the higher education practice for Spencer Stuart, and consultant Mary Gorman. Their most recent searches include recruiting new presidents for Colgate University and Middlebury
Crist | Kolder In CFO Hunt for Myers Industries
Executive search firm Crist | Kolder Associates has been selected by Myers Industries to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Tom Kolder, president of Crist | Kolder Associates, is leading the assignment. Corporate secretary, EVP and CFO Greggory W. Branning has left the company to pursue other interests. Kevin Brackman, VP and Controller, will be acting
10 Traits of Transformational CEOs
Jeff Christian, CEO of RevenueNOW and head of executive search firm Jeff Christian & Co, has placed CEOs at HP, F5 Networks, Hyperion and many early stage start ups. As founder and CEO of Christian & Timbers (which later became CTPartners), Mr. Christian has enjoyed a storied career finding leaders throughout the technology sector. His focus today is
Employers Add Jobs In the U.S. As Workforce Expands
Employers added 215,000 jobs in March as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently, there are eight million people unemployed in the U.S. This report follows the addition of 242,000 jobs in February when the U.S. unemployment rate held at a low of 4.9
Options Group Names Chief Growth Officer
Global financial recruiting specialist Options Group has appointed Richard Stein to the newly created role of chief growth officer at the firm. As part of his expanded duties, Mr. Stein will develop and implement programs and management processes designed to accelerate Option Group’s revenue and profitability growth globally. Mr. Stein joined Options Group 18 months ago as a
Colby College Taps Opus Partners to Recruit CIO
Executive recruiting firm Opus Partners has been retained by Colby College to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Katie Dean, an Opus principal, is leading the assignment. Colby’s CIO will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of information technology planning, including program and policy development, managing key projects, and coordinating the delivery
Manhattan Resources Places Corporate Controller at Carlson Products
Houston-based executive search firm Manhattan Resources has placed Kirsten Vassalli as corporate controller at Carlson Products. Ms. Vassalli previously served as controller of Fabpro Orientated Polymers. Prior to that she served in a variety of roles at retail company Sheplers, Inc. and agricultural solutions provder AGCO Corporation. “Carlson Products is a unique company with a great story
Toft Group Opens In San Francisco
Toft Group, an executive search firm focusing exclusively on the life sciences and healthcare sectors, has opened a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area to support continued growth and customer demand. The new office is strategically situated in South San Francisco, among neighboring biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health companies. According to
Scrambling for Cybersecurity Leaders is Big Business for Recruiters
In the mid-1990s, when Joyce Brocaglia took on her first assignment to help build an information security operation for Citibank, it was a very different world. No one knew how much the Internet would grow and ultimately transform society. Technology was more primitive. Data was less accessible. And the massive connectivity we now taken for
Employee Engagement at Critically Low Levels
A critical need exists to improve employee engagement, according to a new survey released by the Hay Group division of Korn Ferry. The survey, which includes data from more than 7,500 business and HR leaders in 107 countries, found that across all leadership levels an average of only 36 percent of employees are “highly engaged.” The report
Association Strategies Recruits Association President
Executive search firm Association Strategies has placed Matthew E. Croson as president of The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). He is replacing Joe T. Franklin Jr., who is retiring in June after leading the organization for 25 years. Mr. Croson has more than two decades of leadership and communications experience in manufacturing trade associations and
Acertitude Lands General Counsel for Chassix
Executive search firm Acertitude has placed Iwona Niec Villaire as vice president and general counsel for Chassix, Inc. The search was led by Kevin O’Neill, founder and managing partner, and supported by partner Geoffrey Votta. In her new role, Ms. Villaire will lead all legal affairs for the company and serve as member of the senior
eg.1 Opens First U.S. Office
London-headquartered executive recruiting firm eg.1 has opened is first office in the U.S., establishing a new location in New York City. The firm will be led by Victoria Gumbley, who will assume the title of vice president of North America. She will relocate from London to New York. The new office will bolster eg.1’s presence in North
Amrop Expands With Five New Partners
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 80 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has expanded its staff with the additions of five new partners to its global team of executive search consultants. The search consultant additions give Amrop broadening coverage in four countries: Denmark, Ecuador, Italy and Romania: Sandra de
Companies Lacking In Career Development & Succession Planning Efforts
Managers are ill-equipped to have career conversations with their direct reports, with nearly a third (31 percent) saying their organization doesn’t provide people management training for managers, this according to research released by global talent management provider Penna. When asked how satisfied they are with the level of career development they are receiving, employees gave only five
Russell Reynolds In Hunt for New Leader at Chautauqua Institution
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by The Chautauqua Institution to find its next president. Current president Tom Becker has announced he is retiring this fall after nearly 32 years of service. The non-profit adult education center and summer resort hopes to have a successor in place by then. The search will be led by Russell Reynolds
J. Gregory Coleman Group Fills HR Post for NLMK Group
Executive search firm The J. Gregory Coleman Group LLC has recruited Tom Taborek to lead HR for NLMK Group in the U.S. The search was conducted by Greg Coleman, managing principal, along with principal MaryAnne Denniston. This is a new position reporting to NLMK US president Bob Miller. Mr. Taborek is charged with building, implementing, branding and
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







