DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Integration-Ready C-Suite Leaders Growing In Demand, and Influence
After two years of subdued activity, global M&A surged last year, with deal value climbing 40 percent to roughly $4.9 trillion, marking one of the strongest years on record. According to Bain & Company Global M&A Report 2026, the rebound was broad-based across sectors and geographies and driven by a renewed urgency among companies to reinvent
WittKieffer Tapped by the University of Tulsa for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by the University of Tulsa (UTulsa) to lead in its search for a new president. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley are leading the assignment. The school seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next president and to guide the private research institution to the next phase of success.
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 Transitions in Private Equity: Managing Leadership Change for Maximum Impact
Leadership changes in portfolio companies are intricate processes that play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of these newly acquired businesses, according to a recent report from Blue Rock Search’s Ruben Moreno. What are some key traits for success in C-suite roles, and how can you ensure smooth transitions that minimize disruption and maximize performance?
Heidrick & Struggles Names Americas Real Estate Sector Head
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Graham Beatty as head of its Americas real estate sector within the firm’s financial services practice. He will be based in Heidrick’s New York office. Mr. Beatty has over 15 years of experience that includes leading C-suite executive searches for organizations ranging from investment management platforms to real estate owners, operators and developers. He has also
Major, Lindsey & Africa Launches EMEA Solutions Practice Group
Search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has launched a solutions practice group across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to assist companies and law firms manage variations to complex legal workloads without adding to permanent headcount resources. Based in MLA’s London office, Laura Fellows now leads the group for this region. In EMEA, the solutions practice
Why Is Hiring Taking Longer?
Hiring times in the U.S., Canada, and in many major European markets and Australia are mushrooming, according to several new research reports. Adding time to the hiring clock is putting hiring plans in disarray, setting talent acquisition professionals off to conduct more of their own search work in an effort to reduce hiring cycle times.
Odgers Berndtson Adds Former Norman Broadbent President
Former Norman Broadbent president Sally Drexler has joined Odgers Berndtson in Los Angeles as a partner, establishing a new presence for the firm in the consumer and media industries. Ms. Drexler has over 15 years of international search experience specializing in digital, retail, media, and the travel industries. Previously, she was president of Norman Broadbent USA, where she
Egon Zehnder Lands CEO for Participant Media
Egon Zehnder has placed David Linde as chief executive officer of U.S. cable channel owner Participant Media. The move comes six months after Jim Berk resigned from his post following a strategic review of the business. Mr. Linde joins Participant Media from Lava Bear Films, a company he launched after years of executive stewardship of Universal Pictures, Focus
Korn Ferry Recruits Center for Innovative Technology CEO
Korn Ferry has recruited Ed Albrigo as president and chief executive officer for Richmond, VA-based Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). He succeeds Peter Jobse, the current CEO, who announced his intention to return to the private sector at the end of this year. Mr. Albrigo was previously chief operating officer for The Hilltop Companies, a consulting
ZRG Partners Adds Retail Banking Recruiting Specialist
ZRG Partners has added Rahul Kapur as managing director to support growth in the payments and retail banking sector. He will join the firm’s global financial services practice. Mr. Kapur brings 23 years of senior level experience to the space. He has worked as a practice leader with several top consultancies including Cognizant, CapGemni, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Capco, and Mastercard Advisors. He
One Recruiter’s Journey From Industry to Executive Search
Managing director Jeff Ashpitz has spent the last 17 years with Strawn Arnold & Associates, a leading life sciences recruiting specialist based in Austin. But it was his earlier corporate experience in life sciences, which lasted nearly 30 years, that set the groundwork for a storied career in executive search. In this interview, Jeff reveals
Filling CFO Pipelines Growing In Complexity As Demand Soars
Executive search firm Hulce Associates has recruited Greg Andrews as executive vice president and chief financial officer of CyrusOne. Colleen Hulce, the firm’s founder and CEO, led the assignment. Mr. Andrews brings over 20 years of real estate experience and has previously held CFO and executive management positions with other publicly traded REITs and an investment advisory firm. Most
David Barrett Partners Launches Hong Kong Office
David Barrett Partners has opened a new office in Hong Kong and appointed Philip Williams to head the firm’s new location. Mr. Williams has focused on investment and wealth management executive search for 13 years, initially in London and since 2009 in Hong Kong. He has completed searches for senior investment, distribution, and business leadership roles in
680 Partners Recruits CEO for Remote Systems Metrics
New York City-based executive recruiter 680 Partners has placed Richard Chmiel as chief executive officer for Remote Systems Metrics. As CEO, Mr. Chmiel’s first priority will be to drive and scale sales and product development, and continue to extend its product and market leadership position. Ross Freeman, 680 Partners CEO, led the search. Mr. Freeman works in partnership with
Koya Leadership Partners Adds Non-Profit Recruiting Expert
Executive search firm Koya Leadership Partners has added Michelle Bonoan as managing director, executive search. In her new role, she will lead the firm’s expansion in Los Angeles and help support its growing number of West Coast non-profit clients. With nearly 20 years of experience as a search consultant, Ms. Bonoan has led executive searches across a wide range of industries and functions. As
Seeking Leadership Diversity, More Companies Choose Female CFOs
Egon Zehnder has placed Kathryn Mikells as chief financial officer of consumer goods company Diageo PLC. She replaces CFO Deirdre Mahlan who is leaving her position to return to the U.S. as Diageo’s head of North America. “Ms. Mikells’ career trajectory over the last five years is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Scott A. Scanlon, founding chairman and CEO of
Eastman & Beaudine Recruits Sales Chief for Texas Rangers Affiliate
Executive recruiter Eastman & Beaudine has recruited Sam Torres as chief sales officer of the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Mr. Torres, who will oversee the team’s corporate partnership development, joins the Riders’ executive team after more than three years as a general manager for IMG College. He previously served as general manager
Wilton & Bain Adds HR Recruiting Veterans
Global search firm Wilton & Bain has appointed Tim Kemp and Chloe Watts as partners. Mr. Kemp, who joins the firm to lead HR search mandates, is an experienced HR and search professional who specializes in human resource searches across industries and covering HR disciplines from generalist roles to reward to talent management and beyond. Previously, he spent more
K. Russo Consulting Joins the Sanford Rose Network
Greenwich, CT-based boutique executive search firm K. Russo Consulting, Inc. has joined the Sanford Rose Associates Executive Search Network. Led by Karen Russo, K. Russo Consulting specializes in executive search and talent consulting throughout North, Latin and Central America. Their sister company, IIPE, based in Mexico, customizes research solutions through a team of multilingual search professionals. “Karen Russo is a world
ManpowerGroup Names American Express Global Talent Specialist As Director of Talent
Recruitment giant ManpowerGroup has named former American Express HR executive Jo Pursaill as its director of talent. With over 15 years’ experience, Ms. Pursaill is a proven leader in global talent development. She has an exceptional track record of developing and delivering global learning strategies within a large, complex matrix environment. Her areas of expertise include learning and development,
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
