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Daily Newswire
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
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,
2025 Talent Trend: New Leaders Focusing on Team Alignment and Impact
A leadership trend that has emerged over the past few years is coming to a head, bringing with it a new set of recruitment and talent engagement challenges and opportunities in 2025, according to a new report from Lindauer. Findings from a study by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources say that
HR Executives Forecast Optimistic Hiring Plans
Confidence in the U.S. labor market continued to climb among HR professionals this year, with 69 percent reporting a confidence level not reported for six years. According to the just released ‘Jobs Outlook Survey’ from the Society for Human Resource Management, the forecast represents the highest level of optimism among HR professionals since the survey was launched in 2009.
Lloyd Executive Search Lands Crowdster CEO
Lloyd Executive Search has recruited Joe Ferraro as chief executive officer of Crowdster. Mr. Ferraro brings to the Crowdster team a long history of sales and marketing success, including 20 years in the telecommunications industry and over a decade working in business process outsourcing where he managed Fortune 50 companies. He has worked alongside non-profits in addition to
Heidrick & Struggles Snags Americas Leader From Rival
Heidrick & Struggles has added Ron Lumbra as region leader for its Americas region. In this role, he will lead a team of more than 350 partners, principals and associates serving clients across all service sectors. Following a brief period of transition, Torrey Foster, who has led the region since 2013, will assume full-time market responsibilities as a partner in
TWC Adds Former Spencer Stuart Recruiter As Canadian Search Hub Expands
TWC International Executive Search Limited, the Canadian-based affiliate of global executive search firm SpenglerFox, has named former Spencer Stuart recruiter Lisa Newey as senior director. In her new role at TWC, she will be responsible for developing and managing client relationships and assignments as well as candidate sourcing, recruitment and assessment, with a focus on financial services. Ms. Newey has
Newport Group Opens Office in Laguna Hills
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has opened a new office in Laguna Hills, California. Managing the office is Newport’s executive vice president, Tom Chaparro, who joined the company as an executive search professional with 20 years’ experience in recruiting for the real estate and oil and gas industries, among others. Prior to joining
Struggling to Hire Millennials? Here’s How To Get Them Onboard
More than one-in-three American workers today are Millennials (adults ages 18 to 34 in 2015) and this year they surpassed Generation X to become the largest share of the American workforce, according to Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. This milestone occurred in the first quarter of this year, as the 53.5 million-strong Millennial
CDI Corp. Closes Two Acquisitions
CDI Corp. has said that its U.K. subsidiary, CDI AndersElite, has acquired the recruitment business of London-based Ship Shape Resources, a privately held company that provides payroll solutions to the recruitment industry. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings but not material to the company’s financial performance. Founded in 2004, Ship Shape
Heidrick & Struggles to Recruit CEO for Centuri
Southwest Gas Corporation has selected Heidrick & Struggles to lead its search for the new president and chief executive officer of its construction services subsidiary Centuri Construction Group, Inc. James P. Kane has announced his plans to retire as president and CEO after a 43-year career in the utility and construction industries, including the last 31 years serving Southwest Gas Corporation. Centuri Construction
Non-Profit Executives On The Move As Sector Transitions
Non-profit executive search firm Third Sector New England has been retained by the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Sherry Perlstein, the organization’s president and CEO for the past 29 years, has announced her retirement at the end of 2015. Established in 1954, CGC serves
Coaching Leader Joins Recruiting Firm
Preston & Partners has added Bill Bliss as organizational effectiveness and coaching managing director to its staff. In his new role he will provide leadership coaching at the executive level (C-suite, vice president, director). “Bill is one of the most sought-after coaches for senior executives in the eastern part of the U.S.,” said founder Gary Preston. “We
Second Weak Labor Report Gives Mixed Signals About U.S. Economy
The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 5.1 percent for the second month in a row as the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed significantly weaker than anticipated job gains in September. Total employment increased by 142,000 during the month, less than the 200,000 economists had predicted. Currently 7.9 million remain unemployed in the U.S. And yet talent acquisition
Physician-Focused Recruiter Acquired for $4 Million
AMN Healthcare Services, a provider of healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services, has acquired Southlake, TX-based MillicanSolutions, a physician and executive leadership search firm focused on serving academic medical centers and children’s hospitals nationwide. The acquisition includes cash payments totaling $4 million. This deal comes on the heels of recent M&A activity, including Options Group acquiring
Spencer Stuart Leading CFO Search for ApolloMed
Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. has retained Spencer Stuart to lead its search for a chief financial officer. Current CFO Mitch Creem has resigned to take on the role of CEO of Integrity Healthcare. Headquartered in Glendale, California, ApolloMed is a leading integrated population health management company committed to providing multi-disciplinary care in the communities it serves. William Abbott, ApolloMed’s current controller and vice
D. Hilton Associates Lands CEO for Greylock F.C.U.
The Woodlands, TX-based executive search firm D. Hilton Associates has recruited John Bissell as president and chief executive officer of Greylock Federal Credit Union. He succeeds Marilyn L. Sperling, who has served as the company’s president and CEO for the past four years. Nine candidates were chosen for review by the search committee and ultimately an internal candidate was selected
Extract Talent Launches to Serve Oil, Gas and Chemical Clients
Executive search firm Extract Talent has been launched by veteran recruiter Nancy Newman. The firm, whose clients range from Fortune 100 companies to startups, concentrates in the downstream sector of the oil, gas, chemicals, and catalysts industries. The firm’s executive team includes Suzanne Kochevar, the founder and president of En-visioneering Incorporated, which is dedicated to identifying and strengthening the linkage of organizational
Why America Leads In The Hunt For Global Talent
Eighty-six percent of U.K. recruiters expect the job market to stay as competitive, or become even more challenging, in the next 12 months, according to recent research released by Jobvite’s first ‘U.K. Social Recruitment Survey.’ The reason: 58 percent of hiring professionals say the lack of skilled or qualified workers is their biggest challenge when it comes
Bay Street Advisors Launches Eastward Search Partners
Bay Street Advisors, LLC, an executive search and consulting firm focused on the financial services industry, has launched Eastward Search Partners, LLC, a professional recruitment and staffing firm dedicated to the middle and back-office segments of the financial services industry. The two firms will operate independently and support clients in non-overlapping areas of the industry. Eastward
Odgers Berndtson Adds Former CTPartners Life Sciences & Healthcare Recruiting Specialist
Former CTPartners recruiter Belinda Humphrey has joined Odgers Berndtson as a principal in its life sciences & healthcare practice. She will be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. She joins ex-CTPartners colleagues Pamela Santos and Steven Payne, who joined the firm’s Boston and New York offices; 16-year search industry veteran John Hawkins; Tina Veen; nine-year CTPartners veteran Paul
Search Firm Tackles Tough Task of Filling Top Sales Posts
Major Executive Search has recruited Luc Comeau as vice president of sales for Levels Beyond in Denver. In his role, he will lead business development efforts for the company. Mr. Comeau brings over 25 years of experience in facilitating solutions for clients in the broadcast and media communities. He most recently served as senior business development manager at Dalet Digital Media Systems, where he
Acertitude Recruits HealthSCOPE Benefits COO
Executive search firm and talent consultancy Acertitude has placed Matt Gray as chief operating officer of HealthSCOPE Benefits, the Arkansas-based specialist in full-service claims administration and healthcare management services. In his new role, Mr. Gray will lead the company in providing the innovative service offerings and operational efficiencies critical to meeting the diverse and expanding healthcare program administration challenges
Options Group to Acquire Whitney Correlate
Global recruiting firm Options Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Whitney Correlate’s business, a capital markets search firm with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. Founded in 2009, Whitney Correlate is a specialist boutique that works with a select number of financial institutions, funds and MNC’s. The firm, which has offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, is also a partner
Korn Ferry Recruits Distilled Spirits Council CEO
Korn Ferry recruited Kraig R. Naasz as president and chief executive officer of the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), which represents America’s leading distillers. He succeeds Dr. Peter H. Cressy, who led the company for the past 16 years. Nels Olson, vice chairman and co-leader for board and CEO services at Korn Ferry, led the search. Mr. Naasz,
Recruiting for the Family Business … It’s All About Passion
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed John Sabol as president of Pinnacle Promotions, a family-owned promotional marketing agency. Dave Sobocinski, a founding partner of CarterBaldwin, headed the assignment. Mr. Sabol has more than 25 years of experience leading apparel, automotive, sporting goods and consumer products companies — ranging from early-stage startups to the Fortune 500. He will report to
Allegis Partners Adds HR Practice Managing Director
Former CTPartners recruiter Matthew Healey has joined global executive search firm Allegis Partners as a managing director in its human resources executive search and advisory practice. He will be based in the firm’s New York office and his responsibilities will include leading HR executive search engagements across industries within North America with an emphasis on CHRO, business partner and
Apollo Search Launches In Philadelphia
Jeremy Hare has launched Apollo Search Partners LLC to focus on recruiting accounting, finance, professional services, HR, and banking & administrative professionals. The firm will be based in Philadelphia. Prior to forming Apollo Search, Mr. Hare was managing director and ran the Philadelphia office of Ascendo Resources LLC, a recruitment firm focused on places accounting, finance, banking,
Heidrick & Struggles Acquires Leadership Consulting Boutique
Heidrick & Struggles has acquired Co Company, a London-based advisory boutique specializing in leadership services that accelerate organizational performance. The firm will be merged into Heidrick’s leadership consulting business. The all-cash deal terms include an initial payment of $10.6 million at closing and an earn-out structure designed to provide aggregate consideration totaling $15 million to $18 million if Co
Egon Zehnder Taps Chairman for FFA Amid ‘Fatally Flawed’ Search Process
Egon Zehnder has recruited Frank Lowy Jr. as chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA). He succeeds his father, Frank Lowy, and joins the board along with former Socceroo and lawyer Daniel Moulis, investment banker Crispin Murray and Commonwealth Bank executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. Mr. Lowy Sr. has come under fire in the mainstream media for his apparent
Spano Pratt Recruits Executive Director for Professional Dimensions
Spano Pratt Executive Search has placed Mary Bridges as executive director of Professional Dimensions, a Milwaukee-area professional women’s organization. Deborah Fugenschuh, a longtime Milwaukee non-profit leader, previously led the organization. Executive recruiter Jamie Pratt led the search assignment. Ms. Pratt, a firm co-founder, has cultivated and overseen the non-profit search practice of Spano Pratt for the past 10 years. She
Allen Austin Names Two Partners In Houston
Global leadership advisory firm Allen Austin has added Rob Easley as a partner and global retail practice leader and Chris Reinsvold as a partner in the firm’s industrial practice. Both join Allen Austin in Houston. Mr. Easley, who becomes a senior member of the firm’s strategy, purpose and change management practices, conducts senior level searches across all retail categories including supermarkets, convenience
Longitude Partners Picks Practice Leader for Strategic Transformation
Longitude Partners, Inc., an executive recruiting firm for investors and operators in the specialty finance sector, has appointed Mike Walrod as practice leader for strategic transformation. “I’m truly excited to add Mike’s deep industry expertise, insight and experience,” said Kim Anderson, chief executive officer of Longitude Partners. “His record of enabling profitable, strategic and operational growth will directly
Progress Slowing for Women on Corporate Boards
Here’s the good news: More women joined S&P 500 boards during the 2015 proxy year. The bad news: It came at a grudging pace, this according to data released from the Spencer Stuart Board Index. Thirty-one percent (117) of new independent directors were women – not bad until you see it is an increase of one
