DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
Vetted Solutions Acquires BlochReed Association Advisors
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has acquired BlochReed Association Advisors, an association management company (AMC) selection firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition strengthens Vetted’s capacity to assist association boards and mission-driven organizations nationwide by bringing both deeper expertise and a more seamless experience as clients navigate change and growth. The combined team will
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.
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
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?
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
Is Your Organization Driving Away Top Female Talent? Learn How to Retain Them
The corporate world is facing a concerning trend—women in leadership roles are leaving at a higher rate than their male counterparts. In some cases, this shift is an unexpected consequence of existing workplace policies. As the trend continues, it is crucial to understand the drivers behind this phenomenon and devise strategies to reverse the tide,
McDermott & Bull Expands Healthcare Practice
Irvine, CA-based executive recruiter McDermott & Bull has added Jennifer Laratonda as a principal consultant. She will be responsible for assisting in the expansion of the firm’s national healthcare practice. “McDermott & Bull’s healthcare practice is one of the largest and most important practice areas of our firm,” said Rod McDermott, managing partner. “Jen’s experience in the industry, as
EFL Associates Recruits MCTA Executive Director
Executive search firm EFL Associates has placed Andrew Blunt as executive director of the Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association (MCTA). Mr. Blunt is a partner at the Jefferson City, MO-based law firm of Schreimann, Rackers, Francka & Blunt, LLC, and leads the public policy and lobbying division there. As a founding member of the firm, he has been a Missouri Bar
People Data … and Winning the Battle for Top Talent
Sixty-seven percent of HR professionals report they lack data and analytics capabilities required to gain a ‘big picture’ of company talent, according to the 2016 SilkRoad State of Talent Management report. The research is intended to provide analysis of the issues that matter most to HR professionals and forecasts the top talent management trends in 2016. Alarmingly, 44
Cleveland Institute of Music Turns to Isaacson, Miller to Find Next Leader
Cleveland Institute of Music has selected Isaacson, Miller to lead its search for a new president. Its most recent president, Joel Smirnoff, recently announced his retirement. Gary Hanson, retiring executive director of The Cleveland Orchestra, has been named interim president of the organization while the search is being conducted. Isaacson, Miller vice president Sheryl Ash and principal Rebecca Swartz are leading the search
Egon Zehnder Leading CEO Search for Piraeus Bank
Egon Zehnder has been retained by Piraeus Bank to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Stavros Lekkakos will be interim CEO while the bank looks for a full time replacement for Anthimos Thomopoulos who recently resigned. Mr. Thomopoulos’s resignation followed a stand-off between the bank and Greece’s left wing government, with the lender seen as
Strawn Arnold & Associates Expands Search Staff
Life science and healthcare executive search firm Strawn Arnold & Associates has added Jim Alexander as an executive vice president. With his practice focused in the pharma/biotech sector, Dr. Alexander is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and consumer products business, including significant experience at Pfizer and Warner-Lambert in business
IIC Partners Names Consumer and Retail Practice Group Leader
IIC Partners has appointed Giuseppe Milito as the new leader of its consumer and retail search practice group. He succeeds Jean-Marc Danton of Progress Search in Paris, who served as practice group leader since 2011. Mr. Milito is managing partner of Stones International in Hong Kong. He previously held several senior management roles specializing in the
Leadership Void: Change Agents Sought for Life Sciences Sector
Given the integration of technology into all facets of everyday life, the healthcare industry is not alone in facing technology-related issues. These take on increased importance when they impact health, disease diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, human longevity. Having the right leaders in place to sort through these complex challenges, say recruiters serving the sector, is
Prince Houston Recruits Chief Investment Officer for Commonfund
New York-based executive search firm The Prince Houston Group has placed Mark Anson as chief investment officer of Commonfund, a leading manager for endowments and foundations. In his new role, Mr. Anson will serve on Commonfund’s operating committee and will chair the investment policy and asset allocation committees. He will report to Catherine M. Keating, Commonfund president and chief
L.T. Famulary Executive Search Consultants Opens Doors
Lucille T. Famulary has launched L.T. Famulary Executive Search Consultants, specializing in executive recruiting for healthcare, financial services and law enforcement professionals. The Long Branch, NJ-based search firm was established to match healthcare and financial services companies with professionals in those respective fields. Additionally, the firm assists individuals in law enforcement transition into private-sector careers. “Whether
Major, Lindsey & Africa Expands New York Office
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has added Stacey Breen and Peter Van Son as directors in its partner practice group in the firm’s New York office. Ms. Breen is a litigator with over 15 years of experience. She was previously a partner at law firm Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz in New York where she focused on
AETHOS Consulting and Greger / Peterson Associates Merge
Executive search firms AETHOS Consulting Group and Greger / Peterson Associates have combined forces to serve the hospitality industry. Greger / Peterson will begin operating immediately under the AETHOS Consulting Group name. “Greger / Peterson has a sterling reputation in the hospitality industry, as well as in leisure, entertainment and media,” said AETHOS managing director and CEO Keith Kefgen.
Companies Failing to Develop High-Potential Talent
Organizations are at risk of losing key talent by failing to recognize their potential or doing little, if anything, to develop it, according to a recent survey released by Penna Plc, providers of executive search and interim management services across the public and private sectors. The report, which surveyed 1,000 employees and 1,000 managers, found that a mere
Elliott Group Lands CEO for Jamba
Hospitality search sector specialist The Elliott Group has placed David A. Pace as president and chief executive officer of Jamba, Inc. James D. White is retiring as the company’s CEO after seven years at the helm. The board was seeking a CEO who had a strong track record of success, financially and operationally, as a leader in a
Reinsvold & Associates Launches to Serve Industrial & Energy Sectors
Executive search consultant Chris Reinsvold has launched Reinsvold & Associates, LLC, an executive search and strategic consulting firm dedicated to serving the industrial and energy sectors. The firm, based in Houston, plans to name recruiting consultants in coming months. Mr. Reinsvold has more than 25 years of management experience primarily in roles dealing with strategy, leadership, business transformation, engineering
Human Capital Group Recruits CHRO for West Virginia University
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group, Inc. has placed Cris DeBord as vice president of talent and culture (CHRO) at West Virginia University. Steve Hayes, founder and senior partner at the Human Capital Group, led the search. Founded in 1867, WVU is a public university with a total enrollment of more than 29,000 students. Previously, Mr. DeBord was
Optimum Talent and Conroy Ross Form Alliance
Executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners has formed an alliance with Optimum Talent, a privately owned integrated talent management firm. Through the partnership, the companies have acquired the Vancouver office of career transition services provider Toombs Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The venture between the two firms is seen as a strategic move that solidifies an existing partnership
The Challenges of Recruiting Big Talent to Small Companies
Enlisting talent for small and emerging companies is a balancing act. Delay can be costly on many levels. But jumping too soon has its hazards as well. Companies must be able to gauge when and where their hiring needs will arise, then act. At smaller companies, hiring decisions are oftentimes amplified and carry big consequences,
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Riddell
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has placed Sharon Quiles as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of Riddell. Partner Kile Hanold led the search. Ms. Quiles was previously an HR leader at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) where she built out the entire HR infrastructure following a consolidation of three global business units that had 1,400 total employees. Prior to that she served
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Citrix
Heidrick & Struggles has recruited Kirill Tatarinov as president and chief executive officer of Citrix. He replaces Mark Templeton who stepped down as president and CEO after serving in that position since 1998. With 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Tatarinov has a long track record overseeing product strategy and commercial operations in software and services.
Plymouth Search Partners Names New York Managing Director
Plymouth Search Partners – Signium has named Mark S. Fogel as managing director in its New York City office. He will add a suite of human resources consulting, coaching and assessment services to his search practice which is focused on manufacturing, financial services, retail, and education sectors. Mr. Fogel formerly served as chief human resources officer (CHRO) for
Taylor Strategy Partners Appoints Managing Director
Executive search firm Taylor Strategy Partners (TSP) has expanded its staff with the addition of Ken Amicon as managing director in its executive and professional search practice. Mr. Amicon brings over 20 years of executive and professional search experience to TSP in the payer, provider, health and property & casualty insurance sectors. He has conducted a
Succession Planning an ‘Urgent’ Concern of Top HR Leaders
Seventy-four percent of HR leaders have identified leadership succession and speed of development as the primary internal challenges they face, according to a just-released survey by talent solutions provider Lumesse and research company Loudhouse. The identification of tomorrow’s leaders is crucial to mitigate against the loss of critical talent in the future, something that 73 percent of
DHR International Recruits CEO for Tata Motors
DHR International has recruited Guenter Butschek as managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Motors. Frank Smeekes led the assignment along with Amélie Bonneville, director talent acquisition (Europe), and Lorenz Pestinger, vice president of talent acquisition (Asia-Pacific). The search involved 300 candidates, representing 17 nationalities. Mr. Butschek will lead all operations of Tata Motors in India
Vetted Solutions Taps CEO for SOCAP International
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has placed Brian Costanzo as president and chief executive officer of SOCAP International. He replaces Matthew D’uva, who spent nearly a decade with the organization and announced his decision to move on in June. The search was led by Vetted Solutions president James Zaniello and search partner Richard Green. Together, Messrs.
Russell Reynolds Expands Pharmaceutical and Non-Profit Practices
Russell Reynolds Associates has strengthened its global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and non-profit practices with the addition of Waseem Noor as a consultant. He will assess and recruit senior executive leaders and board members for client organizations in his industries of focus. Based in the firm’s New York office, he specializes in the assessment and recruiting of senior
AC Lordi Forms Stand-Alone Recruiting Practice
AC Lordi, a provider of accounting and risk management consulting and executive search, has split-off of its recruiting practice into a new stand-alone company, Xplora Search Group. AC Lordi Search leaders Jeff Olshin and Kevin Vesci will take the management reins as co-owners of Xplora, exchanging their interests in AC Lordi for 100 percent ownership of the
New Money Pouring Into Talent Management Metrics
Randstad Holding, a firm specializing in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services, is leading a seed financing in Focus Orange Technology through its Randstad Innovation Fund (RIF). Randstad’s service offerings range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placements to in-house, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions. The investment is centered around
Pillar Search to Hunt for WildAid U.S. Operations Director
Boston-based Pillar Search has been retained by WildAid to lead its search for a new managing director, U.S. operations. Pillar Search founder, Cindy Joyce, is leading the assignment. Reporting to the chief executive officer and the managing director programs in his absence, the managing director for U.S. operations will primarily be a manager, overseeing all U.S. staff. The
Third Street Partners Names Principal
Boutique executive search firm Third Street Partners has added Amanda Grant as a principal. She comes to Third Street Partners with considerable leadership experience, having served as the managing director and head of institutional client service at Columbia Management, a global asset manager where she helped facilitate the firm’s sale from Bank of America to Ameriprise Financial. During her
Furst Group Recruits COO for Regional Health
Executive search firm Furst Group has placed Paulette Davidson as chief operating officer of Regional Health. In this position, she will focus on clinical operations and strengthening corporate culture to benefit patient care and services. She will also oversee several key leaders within Regional Health. Ms. Davidson, a certified medical practice executive (CMPE), comes to Regional
