DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Herbert Mines Assists Designer Brands with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sheamus Toal as executive vice president, chief financial officer and principal financial officer of NYSE-traded Designer Brands Inc. Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer during the transition period, will return full time to his position as
SPMB Executive Search Expands Private Equity Practice
SPMB Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Rawlins Heaton as a partner and member of the firm’s private equity practice. “Rawlins brings a rare combination of deep private equity expertise, exceptional judgment, and a thoughtful, client-centric approach to executive search,” said Mike Doonan, SPMB managing partner. “She has earned the trust of some of
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
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
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
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,
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
Newport Group Opens Office in Texas
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has opened a new office in Wichita Falls, Texas. The location will serve to augment the recruiting and consulting efforts of the firm’s Texas operations, while providing additional resources to its offices across the country. Recently promoted vice president Brad Ellis will be charged with managing the day-to-day operations at
Korn Ferry Taps New Head Coach for Cleveland Browns
Korn Ferry has recruited Hue Jackson as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He becomes the team’s 16th head coach and replaces Mike Pettine who was fired following a 3-13 season. Jed Hughes, the firm’s vice chairman and global sports sector leader, led the assignment. Mr. Jackson is a 29-year coaching veteran with 15 years of NFL experience. He comes
Life Sciences Sector Seeks Change Management Leaders
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has launched a new search practice in the burgeoning field of life sciences and healthcare. Brian A. Johnston and Steve Leatherman have been named co-sector practice leaders. “Our life sciences & healthcare practice addresses the demand for a new generation of talent to transform life science and healthcare’s ever-changing landscape. I am
MRINetwork Names President
MRINetwork, the executive search subsidiary of CDI Corp., has appointed Jill Albrinck as its new president. “Jill will drive a new phase of strategic growth for MRINetwork,” said Scott J. Freidheim, president and CEO of CDI Corp. “Jill’s leadership experience and track record of successfully growing businesses makes her the right person to leverage MRINetwork’s 50 years of innovation in talent solutions.”
D. Hilton Associates Recruits Marketing Head for East Idaho Credit Union
The Woodlands, TX-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates has placed Tracy McCord as vice president of marketing at East Idaho Credit Union. Ms. McCord comes to East Idaho C.U. from Mid Missouri Credit Union, where she most recently was SVP of marketing. Over 16 years, she served in multiple roles at Mid Missouri, including VP of marketing and marketing
HVS Executive Search Expands In Europe
Karl Schorman has joined HVS Executive Search as a director in Europe. He will be based in the firm’s London office. Mr. Schorman has over 25 years of experience in executive search in the travel, hospitality and leisure industries, across all management disciplines for hotel companies, restaurant chains, food service providers, hospitality & event caterers, and other
CHROs Undervalued by CEOs Despite Growing Influence
While boards consistently rank human capital as a top priority, two thirds of HR professionals believe the chief HR leader is undervalued by the CEO, this according to a just-released Harvey Nash ‘Human Resources Survey. The report tallies the views of 1,253 HR leaders from over 30 countries. Almost half believe the HR leader is considered less important
Egon Zehnder Recruits TGI Fridays CEO As Demand Soars for Sector ‘Visionaries’
Egon Zehnder has placed Robert Palleschi as president and chief executive officer of TGI Fridays. He replaces Nick Shepherd who stepped down from the company in October. Mr. Palleschi has spent the past 12 years at global hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide. He currently serves as global head of full service brands, where he oversees all franchise
Slayton Search Partners Adds Veteran Recruiter
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has added Kevin Duffy as an executive vice president. During his 25-year career in executive search, Mr. Duffy has focused on the consumer sector, partnering with retailers, multi-unit consumer service companies and consumer food and product manufacturers. He has filled the executive hiring needs of Fortune 500s, Fortune 50s, private equity portfolio
Carmon Group Lands President for Global Cleveland
Cleveland-headquartered executive search firm The Carmon Group has recruited Joe Cimperman as the next president of Global Cleveland. Chris Carmon, founder and president, led the assignment. Currently serving his seventh term and 18th year on the Cleveland City Council, Councilman Cimperman is a senior member of the body and highly regarded by his constituents. He currently represents Ward 3, one of the most
Major Lindsey & Africa Names Veteran Global Marketing Head
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has named Jennifer Silver as executive director and global head of marketing and communications. She will be based in the firm’s Boston office. In her new role, Ms. Silver will be responsible for the strategic marketing direction for both MLA and Allegis Partners, its sister company focused on executive search. She has
Companies Adapting to Candidate-Driven Job Market In 2016
Sixty-six percent of employers plan to hire additional staff in 2016, according to the ‘2016 Hiring Outlook: Strategies for Adapting to a Candidate-Driven Market’ report just released by The Execu | Search Group. The study is intended to provide insights into how companies can attract and retain talent and how they can effectively hire and manage their current employees on
Cejka Executive Search Strengthens Recruiting Team
Cejka Executive Search has added healthcare executive Joyce Tucker as an executive vice president responsible for senior-level healthcare search services and recruiting consultation. In her role, she will work in collaboration with healthcare boards and senior executives at healthcare organizations nationwide to assist them in acquiring senior talent. During her more than 30 years as a healthcare executive,
Heidrick to Search for Technology Chief
Heidrick & Struggles has been selected by Siluria Technologies to lead its search for a chief executive officer. Ed Dineen has announced he is stepping down from the CEO role. Erik Scher, currently executive vice president and company co-founder, is serving as interim CEO. Siluria Technologies is a San Francisco-based company which has developed methods for converting natural gas into products such
Ballinger | Leafblad Taps Director for Intermedia Arts As Non-Profit Sector Looks for Leaders
Executive search firm Ballinger|Leafblad has placed Eyenga Bokamba as the new executive director for Intermedia Arts. Ms. Bokamba will provide leadership to advance the organization’s mission to be a catalyst that builds understanding among people through art and will serve as chief development and fundraising officer. She comes to Intermedia from Sprockets, St. Paul’s nationally recognized out-of-school-time network, where she has
Amrop Names Six New Global Hires
Amrop, a partnership of recruiting firms operating from 83 offices in 57 countries throughout Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, has made six new hires thought Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Murat Ayberk has been appointed as a senior consultant in Vienna. He has a long track record in the telecommunications sector as a
More Companies Using Social Media to Reject Job Candidates
More than one-third of companies have disqualified a job candidate in the past year because of concerns about information found on public social media or an online search, according to survey results just released by the Society for Human Resource Management. Candidates were disqualified for illegal activity and discrepancies with job applications, among other reasons. However,
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







