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Daily Newswire
Why Executive Hiring in 2026 Must Be More Strategic Than Ever
As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer
Academic Search Retained by Henry Ford College to Find Next President
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been tapped by Henry Ford College (HFC) to lead in its search for a new president. Russ Kavalhuna left the school last year to become the president of Western Michigan University. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins are leading the assignment. Candidates will have a career that reflects the following
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.
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
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?
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,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
Redefining Talent Management for the Modern Age
The workplace has undergone a permanent transformation. Today’s talent leaders navigate an environment shaped by economic disruptions, demographic shifts, and rapid technological advancements. This new reality is not only different but increasingly complex. To succeed in this era, organizations must embrace a comprehensive, future-focused approach to talent management, according to a new report from Egon
Benchmark Expands Board Director Practice As Hunt for Cyber Security Leaders Intensifies
Benchmark Executive Search has launched a newly expanded board of directors practice which will now serve Fortune 1000 clients. In coming months, the firm will be adding new recruiting consultants to the practice group. Founded by Jeremy King eight years ago, Benchmark focuses on helping startups, emerging growth and mid-cap companies recruit leaders with government or private/public sector
Witt/Kieffer Recruits CEO for International Association of Fairs and Expositions
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has placed Marla Calico as president and chief executive officer of International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Past IAFE CEO Jim Tucker had announced his retirement after 15 years at the helm. Jennifer Biehn, a consultant in Witt/Kieffer’s not-for-profit practice, and Gregory R. Santore, principal and sports leadership practice leader, led the search. IAFE sought a leader who appreciates
CES Partners Retained by CAHME to Lead CEO Search
Chicago-based executive search firm CES Partners, Ltd. has been selected by the Washington, D.C., area Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. The announcement was made by Daniel J. West Jr., PhD, chair of the CAHME board of directors, following the notice that current
TRANSEARCH Expands In the Middle East
TRANSEARCH International has added Vanessa Fisk and Jack Khabbaz to its Middle East team as search consultants. Ms. Fisk, who joins TRANSEARCH in Dubai, has extensive experience across the financial services sector, holding a variety of C-suite positions in a number of global institutions in both advanced financial centers as well as emerging and underdeveloped markets. She is also an
Employers Remain Confident on Hiring Plans for 2016
U.S. employers remain confident in their hiring plans as they embark on a new year, with 36 percent of employers planning to add full-time, permanent employees in 2016, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. Nearly half of employers (47 percent) plan to hire temporary or contract workers. Workers can also expect to see higher starting salaries,
Curry College Taps Isaacson, Miller for CHRO Search
Curry College has retained Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Vice president Alan Wichlei is leading the search with managing associate Liz Vago. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the college’s senior leadership team, the CHRO will implement an innovative and comprehensive HR program and systems.
Egon Zehnder Appoints Boston Office Leader
Egon Zehnder has named Lisa Blais as leader of the firm’s Boston office. She is assuming the role from Jamie Satterthwaite, who has led the office for the past five years and oversaw significant growth for Zehnder in the New England market. Ms. Blais has served as head of the firm’s North American industrial practice, where
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Paul Wiedefeld as general manager and chief executive officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Managing director Patrick Friel led the search. Mr. Wiedefeld brings to the WMATA 30 years of public and private sector transportation management experience, formerly serving as CEO of the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where
Kincannon & Reed Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Alan Temple as a managing director where he will serve clients in the produce and food sectors. Mr. Temple’s background includes a two decade long career with B&W Quality Growers, Inc., a producer and distributor of branded and wholesale leafy greens with international distribution. As president and CEO of
2015 Was Second-Best Year for Hiring Since 1999
The labor market continued to grow at a healthy pace in December as employers added 292,000 jobs and the U.S. unemployment rate remained at five percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Currently there are 7.9 million people unemployed in the U.S. For the year, total job growth totaled 2.7 million, the second-best year
SR Group Acquires Maximum Management Corp.
London-based specialist recruiter The SR Group has acquired Maximum Management Corporation (MMC), a boutique HR recruitment firm based in New York. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition gives SR Group its first office in the U.S. and complements global offices in the U.K., Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. As well as expanding the
Polachi Taps CFO for NewStore
Executive recruiter Polachi Inc. has placed Joel Abdinoor as chief financial officer of NewStore, Inc. He will oversee finance and operations while working across the organization to optimize the business for growth. Charley Polachi, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Abdinoor is an experienced leader in building, restructuring, transforming and increasing the profitability of companies in a diverse
ZRG Partners Expands Industrial Search Practice
ZRG Partners has added Leslie Sharp as a managing director and member of the firm’s industrial recruiting practice. She brings expertise in the utilities and energy sectors. Ms. Sharp brings more than 15 years of executive search experience to ZRG. For the past six years, she has been supporting clients in the sector as practice leader,
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Energy / Natural Resources Practice
Russell Reynolds Associates has expanded its Houston office with the appointments of Brian Bayne and Stuart Vardaman. They join the firm’s energy and natural resources search practice. In addition to serving in the energy and natural resources practice, Mr. Bayne will also serve as a member of the firm’s corporate officers practice. With more than 17 years of experience
Success In Recruiting Now Depends On Change and Innovation
A great shift is underway in the executive search field – and few industry professionals have witnessed more change than Steven B. Potter. As managing director of U.S. operations at Odgers Berndtson, the sixth largest international search firm, Steve has captained numerous C-suite and board director searches, with a special expertise in financial services. He
Caldwell Posts 13 Percent Revenue Rise
Caldwell Partners International posted first quarter revenues of $13.9 million (Canadian), up 12.7 percent from revenues of $12.4 million a year ago. Revenue in the U.S. for the quarter rose 22.5 percent, while Canadian revenues dipped 20.8 percent. “Despite absolute revenue growth, we are disappointed in our first quarter results,” said CEO John Wallace. “Our revenue was
CarterBaldwin Recruits VP HR for Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Jim Matte as vice president of human resources for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated. Managing partner David Clapp led the search. Based in Charlotte, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. Mr. Matte has 25-plus years of experience in human resources leadership and labor law. At Coca-Cola Consolidated he will have responsibility
AMN Healthcare Services Finalizes Acquisition of B.E. Smith
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has completed its acquisition of healthcare-focused executive search firm B.E. Smith for $160 million in cash. The transaction is immediately accretive to AMN’s earnings and is structured to allow AMN to realize tax benefits having an estimated net present value of approximately $25 million. The purchase price is being
Heidrick & Struggles Names LA Office Leader
Carlos Garcia has been named head of the Los Angeles office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s supply chain & operations search practice and work with clients in its healthcare and life sciences practice sectors. Mr. Garcia recruits senior leaders in sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, distribution, customer service, and integrated supply chain areas. He joined Heidrick
More Workers Looking to Switch Jobs In 2016
More than one in five employees (21 percent) say they will leave their current employers in 2016, a five percent increase since last year (16 percent), according to a survey by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder. Among younger workers, the numbers are starker. Three in 10 employees ages 18 to 34 (30 percent) expect to
Allen Austin Launches Clean Tech Practice As Sector Demand and Funding Soar
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new power & clean technology practice. Managing partner Jim Thompson will lead the new practice and he will be joined by fellow managing partners Mary Campagnano and Gary Payne. Allen Austin’s new sector orientation will be focused on critical growth areas, including solar, wind, fuel cells, energy storage,
Diversified Search Taps President for Triple/S Dynamics
Diversified Search has recruited Chris Rippee as president of Triple/S Dynamics. The search was led by managing director Lauren E. Smith. Triple/S Dynamics, headquartered in Dallas, is a manufacturer of equipment for the process industries, including the Slipstick Horizontal Motion Conveyor and the Texas Shaker Vibrating Screen. It is part of the KMC Global group of companies. Mr. Rippee began his
Allegis Partners In Hunt for CHRO
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by Aleris Corporation to find its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in suburban Cleveland and will report to the president and chief executive officer of the company, Sean M. Stack. Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader (human resources), and Matt Healey, managing
Korn Ferry Expands Aerospace & Defense Search Practice
Korn Ferry has added John F. Weigold as senior client partner in its aerospace & defense practice. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Weigold currently serves as a reserve Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He focuses his efforts on the aerospace, defense, government and aviation sectors, and conducts specialized work in
Cleveland Browns Turn to Korn Ferry for Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns are the latest professional sports team using the services of an executive search firm, this time Korn Ferry, to find its next head coach. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, is heading the assignment. The new hire will be the 16th full time head coach in the organization’s franchise history. Mike Pettine was
Russell Reynolds Taps CEO for Zensar Technologies
Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Sandeep Kishore as chief executive officer of India-headquartered Zensar Technologies, a provider of technology services to global clients in the manufacturing, retail and financial services verticals. It offers end-to-end capabilities in Oracle implementation and maintenance. Known as a results-driven, innovative leader, Mr. Kishore served as corporate vice president of life sciences healthcare and
Heidrick & Struggles Names Chicago Office Leader
Lyndon A. Taylor has been appointed head of the Chicago office of Heidrick & Struggles. He will continue to be active in the firm’s financial services and CEO / board practices. Mr. Taylor rejoined Heidrick & Struggles in 2014. He had spent the previous decade at Russell Reynolds Associates, where he focused on C-level executive search and assessment assignments at
Catalyst Advisors Elects Partner; West Coast Office Expands With New Hires
Executive search firm Catalyst Advisors has named Sara Hagar as a partner. In addition, the firm has added Amy Bottoms as director and Steve Aeby as senior associate in its Los Angeles office. Ms. Hagar joined Catalyst in 2008 as a director in charge of recruiting board directors, CEOs and other senior executives for a range of biopharma
Erevena Adds Former CTPartners Recruiter as Senior Partner
Former CTPartners recruiter Lilian Poilpot has joined London-based executive search firm Erevena as a senior partner to further strengthen its European, Middle Eastern & African divisions. He specializes in telecommunications, information technology, consulting and private-equity or venture-backed companies. Mr. Poilpot joins Erevena from CTPartners where he led the firm’s technology, media and telecom service sector practices across the Middle East and North
Employees Confident Heading Into 2016
Fifty-eight percent of global employees believe the economic situation in their country will improve in 2016, according to the latest findings of the Randstad Workmonitor survey. Employees in Australia are the most positive (90 percent) while those in Chile and Greece are the least hopeful (35 percent and 19 percent, respectively). Although expectations are high, only 51 percent
Spencer Stuart Heading President Search for Emory University
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Emory University to lead its search for a new president. Current Emory president James W. Wagner has announced that he will step down from the presidency post at the end of August. He has led the school for more than a decade. “Following consideration of several highly respected search firms, the committee has selected Spencer
