DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Baird Global Investment Banking Integrates Ren Systems
Baird Global Investment Banking recently integrated Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders. “It’s not every day a century-old financial institution changes how their investment bankers work,” said Canay Deniz, co-founder and CEO of Ren Systems. “It says a lot about Baird’s culture that they’re leaning
6 Executive Search Trends Shaping Leadership in 2026
Executive search is no longer just a hiring function — it’s becoming a strategic response to how fast organizations are being forced to evolve. Boards and CEOs are facing a leadership environment defined by volatility, accelerated technology shifts, changing workforce expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver results with fewer resources and tighter timelines. In that
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
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were
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
Two Recruiting Specialists Take Strategic Approach to Identifying Top Talent in Asset Management
Derek Braddock and Bill Matthews are founding partners of BraddockMatthews, a leading search firm with offices in New York and Boston that specializes in recruiting top leaders for the asset management sector. The firm was selected earlier this year by Executive Search Review as one of the ‘Power 60’ – an exclusive ranking of leading search firms
Catalyst Advisors Places Chief Scientific Officer for Mirna Therapeutics
Search firm Catalyst Advisors has recruited Miguel Barbosa, Ph.D. as executive vice president and chief scientific officer of Mirna Therapeutics, Inc. Director Sara Hagar and partner Christos Richards led the assignment. Dr. Barbosa joins the company with 20 years of biopharmaceutical research discovery experience. For the past decade, he served in senior leadership roles at several Johnson & Johnson
Demeter Global Search & Board Advisers Adds Former CTPartners Recruiters
Former CTPartners recruiters Andrew Crawford and Marc Quinton have joined U.K. headquartered Demeter Global Search & Board Advisers as partners. Mr. Crawford was previously a partner at CTPartners where he was a member of the firm’s TMT practice. He focuses specifically on digital and media clients. Recently he has been responsible for a number of
Polachi Recruits CFO for MAM Software Group
Executive recruiters Polachi Inc. has placed Brian H. Callahan as chief financial officer of MAM Software Group, Inc. Charley Polachi, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Callahan joins the company from Alteva, where he served as EVP, CFO, corporate secretary and treasurer. Before that, he was with Expert Global Solutions, where he served in positions of
Pedersen & Partners Opens in Mexico City
Executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has opened a new office in Mexico City. Luis Miguel Vilatela has joined the firm as the country manager for Mexico and he will head the Mexico City office. This becomes Pedersen & Partners’ seventh established office in the Americas, following the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Mr. Vilatela brings a wealth of functional expertise
CDI Corp. Posts 17 Percent Revenue Decline; Acquisitions to Fuel Growth
CDI Corp./(NYSE:CDI) posted third quarter revenues of $244.7 million, a decrease of 17.3 percent, compared to $295.7 million a year ago. Analysts at Reuters had projected revenues of $259 million for the quarter. Management Recruiters International, Inc. (MRI) reported revenues of $13.5 million, a decrease of 9.5 percent compared to the prior-year third quarter, driven by a
