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Daily Newswire
Beyond the Hire: How Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking the Executive Search Mandate
In private equity, leadership isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about fueling transformation. Every executive decision carries the weight of accelerated timelines, evolving strategies, and investor expectations. The difference between success and stagnation often comes down to whether a firm can identify leaders who don’t just fit the current moment, but can also architect the next
Funk Associates Recruits Provost for Clemson University
Funk Associates has recruited J. Cole Smith as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Clemson University. This follows approval from the board of trustees compensation committee. He will replace Robert H. Jones, who announced he was stepping down following 11 years serving as the university’s provost. “I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Cole Smith has
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.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
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?
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Women’s Representation in the C-Suites Declines as Gender Parity Remains Elusive
In March of 2024, S&P Global published an alarming report: for the first time in two decades, C-suite women lost seats in the S&P Total Market Index. In 2022, women held 12.2 percent of the 15,000 C-suite positions across publicly traded U.S. firms. However, this regressed to just 11.8 percent by the end of 2023. While
Greenwich Harbor Partners Recruits VP Marketing for IBM Cloud
Greenwich Harbor Partners has recruited Carrie Palin as vice president of marketing for IBM Cloud Services. At IBM, she will lead the marketing effort for Cloud Data Services globally. Previously, Ms. Palin had a successful 16-year career at Dell through progressive positions. Most recently, she was executive director of marketing for global enterprise demand generation. The IBM search
JM Search Promotes Partner In Technology Search Practice
Executive search firm JM Search has named Peter Flint to partner and one of the leaders of its technology practice. His diverse background as a venture investor, board member, recruiter, and operating executive gives him a unique perspective on executive search. Mr. Flint focuses on leading search assignments for CEOs and CXOs of SaaS and consumer Internet companies. Additionally,
Talent Acquisition ‘Crowdsourcing’ Startup Is Launched
ReferralMob, a new startup that helps tech companies fill job openings through crowdsourcing and monetary incentives, has launched this week. Founded by David Samuels, a former executive of Boston-based energy intelligence software firm EnerNOC, the mobile and Web app company has $500,000 in cash rewards in it’s coffers for users who help recruit employees at Massachusetts
Odgers Berndtson Opens in Mumbai
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has opened a new office in Mumbai and has named Bryony Greenwell to lead the firm’s retail and consumer practice in India from the new location. Ms. Greenwell joins the firm with 13 years of search experience gained in London, Hong Kong and India. “We have seen a significant increase in senior level search
Diversified Search Recruits Director for Fifth Third Bancorp
Diversified Search has placed Jorge L. Benitez as a new member of the board of directors at Fifth Third Bancorp. Dale Jones, CEO of Diversified Search, led the assignment. Mr. Benitez served clients in the chemicals, energy, retail, automotive, consumer goods and services and life sciences industries before retiring from Accenture in 2014. He has served on multiple
JBK Associates Places Admissions Dean for Brooklyn Law School
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has recruited Eulas G. Boyd as dean of admissions for Brooklyn Law School. Most recently, Mr. Boyd was director of talent acquisition and workforce planning for CFA Institute, where he had responsibility for all talent acquisition, workforce planning and staffing activity. He was also formerly the director of admissions at Columbia Law School. “We are
Vetted Solutions Adds VP In Hospitality Search Practice
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has named Richard B. Green as vice president in its hospitality recruiting practice. He provides executive search and leadership development services to the association, hospitality and destination marketing industry. Mr. Green brings an extensive track record of professional and personal accomplishment earned during his decades of service as vice president, association
Korn Ferry Recruits Transformational CEO for Toys “R” Us
Korn Ferry has placed David Brandon as chairman and chief executive officer of private retailer Toys “R” Us. Mr. Brandon succeeds Antonio Urcelay, who will retire. Mr. Urcelay became CEO in 2013 following the departure of Gerald Storch. Mr. Brandon is the former chairman and CEO of Domino’s Pizza where he helped usher that company through the largest
Executive Hiring Prospects Upbeat For Second Half of 2015
Executive hiring prospects are increasingly optimistic with about 70 percent of employers selectively or significantly increasing executive hiring for the balance of 2015, according to the latest ‘Executive Talent Market Survey’ published by Greenwich-based Claymore Partners. Executive respondents indicated that the industries planning to hire the most in 2015 are in consulting and professional services, consumer finance
CarterBaldwin to Lead King University President Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been selected by King University to lead its search for a new president. Dr. Richard Ray has been serving as interim president for nearly 16 months. He was named to the position after longtime president, Greg Jordan, resigned in 2014.“The trustees felt like an executive search firm would help us pick the best person
Major, Lindsey & Africa Names PR and Communications Head
Search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa has named Kim Myers as its new head of public relations and communications. She will lead internal and external communications for MLA and its executive search affiliate, Allegis Partners. Her role will also include media relations, press engagement, pitching articles and other media opportunities, along with external positioning and messaging for each practice group. Ms.
Zweig Group Expands Search Division
Search firm Zweig Group has added Chris Catton to manage executive search consulting projects as well as to help expand the firm’s executive search division. Ms. Catton previously worked for Zweig Group as an executive recruiter in the 1990’s. She most recently ran her own recruiting firm, Catton Recruiting, which provided executive search services to A/E/P firms, working
Former CTPartners CEO, Brian Sullivan, Dumps 873,806 Company Shares
The former CEO of CTPartners, Brian M. Sullivan, has sold 873,806 shares of CTPartners stock. The stock was sold earlier this week at an average price of $2.96, for a total transaction value of $2,586,466. Following the completion of the sale, Mr. Sullivan will directly own 24,097 shares of the company’s stock, valued at just $71,327. Mr. Sullivan stepped
Social Media Gains Traction Among Hiring Executives
Employers are no longer relying on a candidate’s resume alone as more than half turn to social media to check out an applicant’s credentials, according to research conducted by CareerBuilder.co.uk. Results discovered that 52 percent of employers have researched job candidates on social media, and a further 10 percent plan to begin doing so. More than 400
Kenniff & Racine Heading President Search for University of Ottawa
Montréal-based search firm Kenniff & Racine has been selected by the University of Ottawa to lead its hunt for a new president. Heading the assignment is co-founding partner Patrick Kenniff, a specialist in private and public sector recruiting, organizational management and management team building. Mr. Kenniff serves the technology and manufacturing industries, as well as academia and non-profit
Hospitality Spotlight Opens Doors
Recruiting firm Hospitality Spotlight has been launched in San Diego to serve the talent and leadership needs of travel and hospitality companies. Zoe Connolly and Ellis Connolly are co-founders of the new company, both of whom are backed by 25 years of experience in a variety of recruiting and executive roles throughout the travel industry. The travel and hospitality
Egon Zehnder Recruits Director to Sunsuper
Egon Zehnder has recruited Jenni Mack to serve on the board of directors of Sunsuper. She is the first director since the organization’s inception that, in an historic move, is not a direct appointment of either of the organization’s shareholder bodies. Ms. Mack, who is based in Sydney, has more than two decades of board experience, including
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Patagonia
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has recruited Dean Carter as chief human resources officer (CHRO) at outdoor apparel company Patagonia. Jason Hanold, managing partner, led the search. In his new role, Mr. Carter will provide strategic leadership and direction of Patagonia’s global human resources, finance and legal teams. He’ll report to the CEO, Rose Marcario, and be charged
Bristol-Myers Squibb Seeks Head of Global Talent Acquisition
Global bio-pharma leader Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is on the hunt for a head of global talent acquisition. The incumbent will lead a global team of more than 30 BMS individuals and 110-plus recruitment professionals working for talent solutions providers Cielo (in the U.S.) and Alexander Mann Solutions (overseas), two designated recruitment outsource providers for BMS. According
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Compliance Specialist In Toronto
Heidrick & Struggles has added Nancie Lataille, a consumer, legal and compliance markets expert, as a partner in its Toronto office. Ms. Lataille has extensive executive search experience and has worked in the talent management industry since 2000 focusing on executive talent strategy, recruitment, strategic development & management, and organizational effectiveness. Most recently, she was a senior client partner within the consumer &
DHR Identifies CEO for United Way of Salt Lake
DHR International has recruited Bill Crim as the new chief executive officer of United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL). Mr. Crim, who has been in executive positions with UWSL since 2004, was the unanimous choice of a CEO search committee that had been vetting candidates during a nine-month process. DHR EVP and North America non-profit practice group leader Mary Lee Montague
HFS Consultants Adds Healthcare Recruiting Specialist
HFS Consultants (HFS), a healthcare consulting firm providing management, financial, operational, regulatory, and strategic planning services, has named Ron Some as manager in its executive search and interim management practice. He will be based in the firm’s Oakland office. Mr. Some has more than 10 years of executive recruiting experience with numerous providers including multi-state
SPMB Recruits Chief People Officer to FitBit
West Coast-based technology search firm SPMB has recruited Marty Reaume as chief people officer to FitBit, the maker of wearable health trackers that has attracted users eager to document and quantify growing aspects of their health. Prior, Mrs. Reaume was CPO for nine years at NetSuite. A seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience in both start-up
Chico’s Retains Herbert Mines Associates to Identify CEO
Women’s apparel retailer Chico’s FAS has retained search firm Herbert Mines Associates to assist its succession committee in identifying a replacement for outgoing president and CEO David F. Dyer. Mr. Dyer has given one-year notice to the board that he will retire next spring after seven years running the company. To ensure an orderly transition, Mr. Dyer
Sheffield Haworth Adds Asset Management Recruiting Specialist
Sheffield Haworth has named Andrew Blane as managing director in the firm’s U.S. asset management search practice. He will be based in New York. Mr. Blane has nearly two decades of executive search, sales management, marketing, and business development experience in both U.S. and global markets. He was previously managing partner with Warren International for seven and a half years, an executive
Korn Ferry Diversity Leader Joins NBA in Corporate Diversity Role
Oris Stuart, former leader of the inclusion and diversity practice at Korn Ferry, has taken on the role of chief diversity and inclusion officer for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Mr. Stuart will be responsible for overseeing diversity and inclusion strategies for the NBA, the WNBA, and the NBA D-League. He will be providing best practices intelligence and leadership on
Seeking Alpha Launches to Serve Quantitative Risk Professionals
Executive search firm Seeking Alpha Search International has launched to provide search and recruitment services for quantitative risk professionals. The firm is led managing director Lin Watson, a seasoned professional in banking and finance. Ms. Watson previously served as practice lead of banking & financial services for the Eastern U.S. at Johnson Search Group (JSG). “Ms. Watson has
Spencer Stuart Recruits Head of India for Uber
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has recruited Amit Jain to head up operations in India for American online car booking service Uber Technologies, as the company expands into more cities in its biggest and fastest growing market outside the U.S. Mr. Jain was president of housing classifieds service Rent.com. “India is a market of global strategic importance
‘Not Actively Looking’ Launched To Serve Executive Search Firms
Not Actively Looking, a U.K.-based global matchmaking platform designed to enable senior executives and executive search firms to make the perfect match, has officially launched. The company was founded by Joseph Blass, who previously founded Toucan Telecom, and Anthony Harling, a search consultant and former senior partner at Heidrick & Struggles. Since its launch, Not Actively Looking has secured
Norman Broadbent Chairman Steps Down
Pierce Casey, chairman and director of U.K.-headquartered executive recruiter Norman Broadbent, has informed the company of his intention to retire from his post at the end of June. Scanes Bently is joining as a director of the company with immediate effect as non-executive chairman elect. Mr. Bentley is a non-executive chairman, non-executive director and strategic advisor to a number of businesses
Allegis Partners Adds HR / Executive Search Practice Leader
Global executive search firm Allegis Partners has named Mark Streifer as managing director in the firm’s human resources / executive search and advisory practice. He will be based in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Streifer is an HR leader who has partnered with executive leadership teams to provide strategic perspective and operational execution of talent acquisition as well as talent
