DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
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
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,
Why Do So Many M&As Fail? The Talent Factor Could Be Key
Why do 70 percent of all mergers and acquisitions fail? Is it because our due diligence fails to adequately address the all-important issue of human talent? Sumeet Salwan, co-founder of CEO.works argues in a recent article on IMD that the success of any merger hinges on connecting the right talent to future value hotspots. The
Jorgenson Consulting Recruits CEO for Pasco Economic Development Council
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Jorgenson Consulting has recruited William C. Cronin as president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council. He will succeed John Hagen, who served in that capacity since January 2010. Todd Jorgenson, managing director of Jorgenson Consulting, began the search in April. Mr. Cronin’s 25-year career has spanned across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
Top Gun Ventures Names West Coast Leader
Recruiting firm Top Gun Ventures has added Ralph Young as partner and executive in charge of its West Coast search practice. Mr. Young has a background in a variety of vertical markets at Microsoft, including executive leadership positions within multi-billion dollar business units (vice president of both worldwide communications sector and worldwide public sector). Previously, he was president, strategic business
Hunt Scanlon Releases New Trends Report on Executive Recruiting
After an intensive 15-month review of more than 3,000 executive recruiters across the U.S., Europe and Asia, Hunt Scanlon Media has just released its executive report tracking developments in the field. “The recruiting sector is now in its golden age,” said Scott A. Scanlon, founding chairman and the report’s editor-in-chief. “The entire talent industry is at an
Baylor College of Medicine Taps Allen Austin for CIO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has been selected by Baylor College of Medicine to lead its search for a new chief information officer. Leading the assignment are chief executive officer Rob Andrews, managing partner Jim Thompson, and senior partner Brian Johnston. Baylor College of Medicine, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, is a health sciences university. It
Hanover Search Group Adds Senior Consultant
London-based Hanover Search Group (HSG) has named Harry Bromacombe as a senior consultant. He will initially focus on senior and strategic finance and accounting assignments across the U.K. insurance and asset management sectors. During his career he has placed a number of senior hires across the insurance and investment management markets at head of finance, CFO
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Leader for Barack Obama Foundation
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has placed Michael A. Strautmanis as vice president of civic engagement for The Barack Obama Foundation. He will be tasked with developing and leading the execution of outreach efforts and civic engagement relating to the work of The Foundation. Mr. Strautmanis was selected from a pool of candidates and was
Burke • Gillis • Juliano Group Forms Executive Search Practice
Burke • Gillis • Juliano Group (BGJ), a management consulting firm focused on providing solutions for the extended retail value chain, has expanded its practice into executive search with the appointment of Len Okyn as senior search consultant. Mr. Okyn joins BGJ from Lawrence James Associates, where he was president and CEO in charge of managing
Do You Have a Chief Risk Officer Onboard? If Not, You Will Soon…
Despite worrisome breaches in recent years, corporate America has a limited grasp of the growing and continually evolving threat of cyber incursions. Massive security lapses have left companies vulnerable and seemingly defenseless. And the ever-expanding convergence of web, cloud, social, and mobile technology makes the dangers greater than ever. Most companies, according to Jeremy King,
Korn Ferry Recruits Leader for Massachusetts Convention Center
Korn Ferry has recruited David M. Gibbons as executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCAA). He becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over for James Rooney, who left it to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In his role, Mr. Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities,
Coulter Partners Expands In U.S.
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has named Elizabeth McCabe as executive vice president in Morristown, New Jersey. She joins the firm’s U.S. team, while further enhancing Coulter Partners’ international networks. Ms. McCabe joins the firm with a focus on C-level and VP-level assignments across a broad spectrum of functions, for early stage to well-established
Quick Leonard Kieffer Taps CEO for Providence Health Plan
Executive search firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has placed Michael Cotton as chief executive officer of Providence Health Plan in Portland, OR, part of the integrated delivery system of Providence Health & Services. Mr. Cotton brings to the position over 25 years of diverse managed care and healthcare consulting experience, with a background in both operations and strategy. He
Kincannon & Reed Expands In Australia and New Zealand
Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has added Phillip Osborne as a managing director in Australia / New Zealand. Mr. Osborne’s background includes CEO and CFO positions in the FMCG, beverage, food and food ingredients, and agribusiness sectors. In addition, he led turnarounds and recovery efforts on behalf of private equity firms and has consulted in the fields of genomic research, food
Despite Oil Price Declines, Recruiters Look to Middle East for Growth
Russell Reynolds Associates has opened a new office in Dubai. Stephan Schönwälder serves as managing director and area manager of the new location. The firm now has 46 offices in 26 countries. “Our firm was first in our industry to establish a Middle East practice,” said CEO Clarke Murphy. “Our Dubai office is another important step in the global
Advance Auto Parts Taps Spencer Stuart in CEO Hunt
Advance Auto Parts has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its hunt for a chief executive officer. The search will include internal and external candidates, including president George Sherman who has been appointed interim CEO, effective next month. The search process is being overseen by the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, which is comprised of committee chair Jeff
FARO Technologies Turns to Heidrick to Find Next CEO
FARO Technologies has retained Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Dr. Simon Raab, its chairman and co-founder, has been named interim president and CEO, effective immediately, following the resignation of Jay Freeland as president and CEO. “We believe Simon’s leadership through the transition period to a new CEO will provide more effective decision making across
Harvard Group Expands Search Staff
Executive search firm Harvard Group International (HGI) has added two new members to its executive search team. Jeff Doyle, a veteran of the sports consulting and sponsorship sector, joins the firm’s International’s global sports & entertainment practice and will be leading a new practice in the brand marketing and agency space. He has extensive experience working with
Warren Partners Hires Former CTPartners Recruiter
Former CTPartners recruiter Laurence Vallaeys has joined executive search firm Warren Partners as a director where she will augment the firm’s capability in senior executive and non-executive recruitment in the FMCG, retail and leisure sectors. Ms. Vallaeys’s track record spans both executive and non-executive placements including chairs and CEOs. She has more than 20 years of experience in assisting board
New Complexities in Running a Global Search Brand
ZRG Partners represents a new breed of talent management provider – smaller, more intensely focused, with global reach. The firm’s CEO, Larry Hartmann, stands at the forefront of today’s leadership solutions industry, redefining a field once dominated by large, generalist players. Like its mid-sized rivals, ZRG Partners promises more attention to client’s needs and they
Gerry Roche to Retire from Legendary Career at Heidrick & Struggles
Gerard R. Roche, arguably the best known recruiter in the history of executive search, will announce later today his retirement from Heidrick & Struggles. Mr. Roche, 84, will officially step down at the end of the year and will retain the title of chairman emeritus. In a career spanning more than five decades, Mr. Roche specialized in CEO
Toyota Taps Diversified Search for Diversity Advisory Board Directors
Diversified Search has recruited Jyoti Chopra as a member of the North American diversity advisory board for Toyota Motor Corporation. Earlier this fall, Diversified placed Howard W. Buffett, a lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University, to the same board. Both searches were led by Patrick Prout, managing director with responsibility for the firm’s financial services practice.
DHR Adds Specialist Partner In Philadelphia
DHR International has added Kenneth Schwenke to the firm as a partner based in the firm’s Philadelphia office. He becomes a member of DHR’s board & CEO and human resources practice groups. Mr. Schwenke is an experienced consultant in finding executive talent, having conducted more than 400 searches for employers and clients across a wide range of industries and in
Eton Bridge Partners Expands Staff
Executive search and interim management partnership Eton Bridge Partners has made three new additions to its team. Ross Dawson joins the firm as a partner specializing in interim management within the business transformation practice. Ms. Dawson has over 10 years interim recruitment experience and specializes in executive level interim appointments within business transformation. She was previously a business
Korn Ferry Posts 9.7 Percent Revenue Gain
Korn Ferry/ (NYSE:KFY) posted second quarter revenue of $280.6 million, an increase of 9.7 percent compared to $255.7 million a year ago. The company beat analysts’ estimates of $276.3 million. The $24.9 million revenue rise is primarily due to increases of $10.1 million, $7.5 million, and $7.3 million in fee revenue in Futurestep, executive recruitment, and leadership & talent consulting, respectively. The overall increase was
ZRG Partners to Acquire Swiss Recruiter
ZRG Partners has entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets of Pyramid International, a 10-year old executive search firm located in Lausanne, Switzerland. As part of the asset acquisition agreement, AJ Ravenhorst, the firm’s CEO, will join ZRG as a managing director and a member of the firm’s global life science practice. The transaction
Work&Partners to Lead CMO Search for Clarity Solution Group
New York-based Work&Partners LLC has been retained by Clarity Solution Group to identify a new chief marketing officer. Alan J. Work is leading the search on behalf of Work&Partners. “I am very excited to work with Tom Thimot and his leadership team on this critical hire,” said Mr. Work. “Clarity is poised to make a significant impact on
TD Madison Recruits CTO for SCTE
Executive search firm TD Madison & Associates has recruited Chris Bastian as the senior vice president and chief technology officer of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE). After an extensive search into the cable and telecommunications technology industries across the country, TD Madison and SCTE determined that Mr. Bastian, a leader in the cable industry, was the ideal
Tatum Appoints Pacific Northwest Practice Leader
Tatum, an interim services and executive search firm, has added Paul Kruglik as office managing partner for its Pacific Northwest practice. Based in Seattle, he is responsible for leading Tatum’s practice in the region. Mr. Kruglik served as managing director for a professional services firm in the Seattle area. In this capacity, he was responsible for
Uptick In Hiring In 2016 to Be Met With Lack of Quality Talent
A majority of America’s hiring managers and corporate recruiters expect to increase hiring in the next six months, according to the annual hiring survey by DHI Group, Inc., a provider of career data and insights for specialized professional communities. The latest survey found 61 percent of respondents in the U.S. anticipate more hiring in the first
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO For Indochino
Spencer Stuart has recruited Drew Green as chief executive officer of Indochino. Co-founder and outgoing CEO, Kyle Vucko, will continue as a strategic advisor to the company. A high-growth management veteran and iconic Internet entrepreneur, Mr. Green has spent his entire career connecting online audiences with retailers through advertising technology, e-commerce and marketplace platforms in the U.S.,
Caldwell Partners Expands Into New Zealand
Caldwell Partners has expanded into the Australia/New Zealand market by forming a strategic partnership with Simon Monks, Nick Scarlett and their teams, based out of Auckland, New Zealand. Under the affiliation agreement, the team in New Zealand will operate exclusively under the Caldwell Partners brand and will have access to Caldwell Partners’ proprietary search methodology, processes, training and certain other intellectual property.
Hunt Partners Invests In Feelance Consulting
Executive search firm Hunt Partners has invested an undisclosed amount in Feelance Consulting, a yet-to-launch online marketplace that will connect users with part-time resources for consulting projects. Feelance will use the money raised to scale up operations and expand geographically, said co-founder Harshdeep Rapal. The company expects to launch next month. “There is an emerging trend where
