DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
BoardWalk Consulting Recruits COO for Deep South Today
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Hollis R. Towns as the first chief operating officer of Deep South Today. Founder Sam Pettway, director Cynthia Moreland, and senior research associate Lysondra Somerville led the assignment. His appointment is the result of a national search conducted over the last six months by BoardWalk Consulting. “Hollis Towns is bringing precisely
Flatiron Search Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer at TRUEWERK
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed Emily Sly as chief marketing officer of Stride Consumer Partners-backed TRUEWERK in Denver, CO. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Stride and TRUEWERK for several years now, helping to assemble an incredibly talented leadership team, and we’re excited to welcome,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As TRUEWERK continues to
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.
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
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?
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Christopher Group Selected by Penn Highlands Healthcare for CHRO Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by Penn Highlands Healthcare to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Managing partner, Molly Mangan, and partner, Carrie Longmire, are leading the assignment. “The chief human resources officer will play an important role in helping Penn Highlands
Where AI Belongs in Executive Search—and Where It Doesn’t
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the executive search profession, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency while raising important questions about where technology should—and should not—play a role in the hiring process. As firms continue to integrate AI into their workflows, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether to adopt these tools to how
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Virginia Tech to lead in its search for a new president. Current president Tim Sands announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti are leading this search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its
Parker Remick Appoints Partner of Firm Operations
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick recently named Jena Gibson as partner of firm operations. This is part of the executive search firm’s expansion of operational infrastructure and AI-enabled delivery capabilities. The firm noted that all in response to rising demand for senior technology and AI leadership. Ms. Gibson joins Parker Remick with more than 15 years
Building an Employer Brand That Attracts Top Executive Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, where organizations are vying for top talent, a strong employer brand has become an essential strategic advantage. It plays a critical role in attracting and retaining high-quality candidates while also contributing to an organization’s overall success. A recent report from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) delves into the importance of a
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair
2025 Hiring Trends: How Strategic HR Management is Shaping the Future of Work
The future of corporate hiring is unfolding rapidly, with 2025 shaping into a transformative year for workforce strategies. As businesses navigate a landscape defined by strategic human resources management, emerging trends such as skills-based hiring, AI-powered recruitment, and hybrid work models reshape how organizations attract and retain talent, according to a new report from Talento. “Strategic human
Witt/Kieffer Names Board Services Chair
Witt/Kieffer has transitioned Jena Abernathy to lead the firm’s board services practice as managing partner/chair of board services. She also serves on the firm’s board of directors. Jim Gauss formerly led the practice. As a senior partner, Mr. Gauss will remain involved with the firm’s board services practice, as well as its healthcare practice. Ms. Abernathy, based in Witt/Kieffer’s Atlanta office, began
Are We Approaching a ‘Tipping Point’ In Gender Leadership Equality?
Women at Canadian companies only account for 8.5 percent of chief executive positions among the country’s top 100 companies, but advocates are optimistic that number will rise in coming months. Canada’s new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set a milestone in Canadian politics recently when he unveiled a new cabinet with equal numbers of men and women. When asked
CPS Energy Taps Korn Ferry To Find Its Next CEO
CPS Energy has selected Korn Ferry to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Doyle Beneby is leaving the organization to join Chicago-based New Generation Power International. Paula Gold-Williams, currently its group EVP and chief financial officer, has assumed the interim CEO role as Korn Ferry conducts the search. “We have made great progress,
Talentsoft Receives Funding From Goldman Sachs
Talentsoft, a global, privately held leader for cloud-based talent management solutions, has completed a funding round of $27 million. The round was led exclusively by Goldman Sachs’ merchant banking division. The company’s software application suite provides an end-to-end talent management solution, ranging from recruiting to learning, and from compensation to performance management. Talentsoft targets both mid-market and
Coleman Lew Heading Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Search
Executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates has been selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte to lead its search for a chief executive officer. The CEO will report to the board of directors and lead the BBBS agency to ensure that the mission, strategy, values, and goals of the organization are achieved. Big Brothers
Conroy Ross Partners Expands Executive Search Practice
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has named Terry Stein as vice president with the firm’s executive search practice. He has an extensive background in recruiting and talent management for organizations in the energy, professional services, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and property development industries. Prior to joining Conroy Ross, Mr. Stein was a partner in a boutique search
The Specialist Global Boutique: Challenges and Opportunities in Life Sciences
One of the hallmarks of outstanding companies is that they have a knack for being one step ahead of others in understanding where the market and the innovations that drive it are headed. Bianca Coulter has built a career out of staying ahead of that curve. After a successful 10-year stint with Korn Ferry in
Russell Reynolds Taps Outsider to Run L.L. Bean
Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Stephen Smith as president and chief executive officer of Maine-headquartered L.L. Bean. He replaces Chris McCormick who has served as president and CEO since 2001 and is retiring in three months. He will be the fourth president in L.L. Bean history and the first outsider to lead the company. Mr. Smith
Allegis Partners to Recruit CHRO for The Children’s Place
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has been retained by The Children’s Place to recruit a chief human resources officer (CHRO). The position is based in Secaucus, NJ, and will report to Jane Elfers, chief executive officer. Leading the search is Mike Bergen, managing partner & global practice leader, HR, and Cher Murphy, managing director, human resources. Demand for
Judith von Seldeneck Receives 2015 William Penn Award
Diversified Search founder and chairman Judith M. von Seldeneck has been honored as this year’s recipient of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce William Penn Award. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia. Awarded annually since 1949, recipients are chosen for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the region,
Executive Search Firms Continue Expansion to Latin America
Executive recruiting firm Proco Global Group has opened a new office in Mexico City and appointed Gabriela Bautista to lead the new location. She will reports to Girado Suarez, managing director of the firm’s New York office. The new office will cover recruitment in the automotive, aerospace, food & beverage and processing chemicals sectors. Ms. Bautista will be supported
Penna Plc Reports 20 Percent Net Revenue Spike
Penna Plc, a provider of executive search and interim management services across the public and private sectors, has announced significant increases in six-month revenue, its best half year performance since the Great Recession began. The firm’s interim unaudited financial results for the six months ended September 30 shows a 15 percent increase in gross revenue to £47 million and
DHR Lands CEO for Tampa Bay Partnership
DHR International has recruited Rick Homans as president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership. The search was completed by David Smith, partner – economic development, and Tina Winner, a partner at DHR’s Jobplex. The Partnership conducted a nationwide search and interviewed candidates in Florida and throughout the U.S. Mr. Homans previously served as president
Spencer Stuart Recruits Barclays CEO
Spencer Stuart has recruited James Staley as chief executive officer of Barclays Plc. Executive chairman John McFarlane ousted CEO Antony Jenkins and had pledged to tackle a “cumbersome and bureaucratic” bank. Mr. Staley has nearly four decades of experience in banking and financial services. He worked for over 30 years at J.P. Morgan initially training as a commercial banker, and
Tatum Adds Integration Specialist In Houston
Tatum, a Randstad company and leading interim services and executive consulting firm, has added Eric Marin as a client service partner in the firm’s Houston office. He will be responsible for developing Tatum’s business in the Houston market with a specific focus on CFO and CIO services. “Throughout the course of his career, Eric has earned
Appointed Partners Launches to Serve Private Equity and Fortune 1000 Companies
Appointed Partners, a leadership advisory solutions firm, has been launched by Marci Nigro. The firm was created to connect private equity and Fortune 1000 companies with qualified board director and C-level leaders. The new plans to focus on board diversity, next generation leadership, and cross-functional board expertise. Ms. Nigro brings 25-plus years of experience in
Social Media Now No. 1 Global Platform for Finding Talent
Nearly two-thirds of companies (65 percent) found new hires through social media in the past year, according to a just-released Society for Human Resource Management survey entitled The Importance of Social Media for Recruiters and Job Seekers. The report was produced in collaboration with Ascendo Resources. Fifty-seven percent of organizations reported finding new employees through LinkedIn, 30
Life Sciences Specialist Expands to Pharmaceutical Capital
Global life sciences search specialist Coulter Partners has expanded into Switzerland with the appointments of Graham Johnson as executive vice president and Helene Johnson as executive assistant in its new Basel office. They join Toby Ernberg, who serves as EVP in Basel. The Swiss chemical industry operates largely from here. But the city also boasts a large pharmaceutical industry, hence its
ON Search Partners Recruits CFO for Tesla Motors
ON Search Partners has placed Jason Wheeler as chief financial officer of Tesla Motors. The search was led by partner Larry Ormsby. Mr. Wheeler previously served as vice president of finance at Google where he oversaw global financial operations for the company including FP&A, accounting, internal audit, treasury, tax and financial operations. He joined Google in 2002
Trilogy Search Taps Director for Pivot Learning Partners
Trilogy Search Non+Profit has recruited Michael Hopkins to serve on the board of directors of Pivot Learning Partners. He will support the work of Pivot and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. Chuck Pappalardo, managing partner, led the assignment for Trilogy. Mr. Hopkins is the chief executive officer of Ice Energy, a provider of thermal energy
Dice Posts Four Percent Revenue Decline; Looks to Europe for Growth
Dice Holdings, Inc./(NYSE:DHX) posted revenues of $65.1 million, a decrease of four percent from $67.6 million in the comparable quarter of 2014. This was due primarily to revenues from businesses acquired over the past year, which contributed $13.2 million of growth in the quarter. The company’s net income for the quarter totaled $6.5 million, or 12 cents
Boards Seek Diversity With Help of Executive Recruiters
Sixteen percent of new corporate board directors are 49 or younger according to the annual Korn Ferry Market Cap100 (KFMC100), a study of board practices at the largest U.S. companies by market capitalization. On boards as a whole, while just four percent are 49 or younger, youth nevertheless seems to be trumping long time experience. “The
Witt/Kieffer Taps President for Robert Morris University
Witt/Kieffer has placed Dr. Christopher B. Howard as the eighth president of Robert Morris University. Dr. Howard was previously president of Hampden-Sydney, a private college for men in Hampden-Sydney, Va., one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. He was formerly vice president for leadership and strategic initiatives at the University of Oklahoma and has worked for General Electric’s Corporate Initiatives Group and
Heidrick Recruits Outsider As DuPont CEO
Heidrick & Struggles has placed Edward D. Breen as chairman and chief executive officer DuPont. This is the first time in 213 years the chemical maker will be led by someone who isn’t a Du Pont or has a long history at the company. Mr. Breen has served as interim chair and CEO of DuPont since October; he joined the company’s
Webber Kerr Associates Expands in Europe
Executive search firm Webber Kerr Associates has named Victoria Leonard as a senior consultant in its London office. She will help contribute to the firm’s growing engagements in Western Europe within the engineering and manufacturing sectors, in addition to helping with the firm’s overall strategic direction. Ms. Leonard has more than 18 years of recruitment experience, including 10 years
Executive Search Firms Continue Migration to South Africa
MRINetwork, a global executive search and recruitment organization, has launched offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg Fourways. Lynn Kleinsmith has been named president of MRINetwork Cape Town while Nina Axt will lead the offices as managing director in Johannesburg Fourways. With a background in talent acquisition and HR leadership, Ms. Kleinsmith previously served as head
Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Level Since 2008
The labor market bounced back in October as employers added 271,000 jobs and the U.S. unemployment rate dropped to a flat five percent according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The unemployment rate stands at its lowest mark since April 2008. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg estimated 182,000 new jobs were created, according to
Diversified Search Recruits CIO for Aurora Health Care
Diversified Search has placed Preston T. Simons as chief information officer for Aurora Health Care. The search was led by managing director Tony Leng, practice leader for the firm’s chief information officer/IT practice and head of Diversified’s technology and private equity practices. Mr. Simons most recently served as vice president of information technology and chief information officer at Abbott
Caldwell Partners Appoints CEO & Board Practice Leader
Caldwell Partners has added Jay Millen as a managing partner, leader of the firm’s CEO & board practice and member of its industrial practice. Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, he joins Gerard Cameron, a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Mr. Millen joins Caldwell Partners from DHR International, where he served as a vice chairman and
Slone Partners Places Chief Medical Officer at Signal Genetics
Executive recruiters Slone Partners has placed Dr. Richard Bender as chief medical officer at Signal Genetics, a commercial stage, molecular genetics diagnostic company located in Little Rock, AR. Dr. Bender has spent 25 years in clinical practice the majority spent serving as the medical director for oncology / hematology for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. In 2002 he
Search Firms Look To Latin America For Expansion
Talengo, a global leadership consulting and executive search firm, has opened a new office in Mexico and named Borja Díaz-Pache as director. This opening is part of the firm’s expansion plan in the markets where Talengo already operates, including Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Mr. Díaz-Pache has more than 15 years of experience in sales
