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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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
Forging Strategic Alliances: The Collaborative Efforts of PE Firms and Search Firms to Enhance Value
In the rapidly evolving landscape of private equity, the interplay between private equity firms and search firms has transformed dramatically. No longer confined to a simple client-vendor relationship, these interactions have grown into strategic alliances that are essential for success in a highly competitive environment, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. As the demand for
Direct Recruiters Adds to Healthcare IT Practice
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has added Brad Katz as a project manager for the firm's healthcare IT practice. Mr. Katz will work in collaboration with Mike Silverstein, director, and fellow team members Norm Volsky and Kasey Fahey, to facilitate existing search assignments by sourcing and qualifying candidates. Prior to joining DRI, he was
Russam GMS Strengthens Financial Services Team
Russam GMS, a provider of interim managers and executive search solutions, has named Antony Flagg as its new director of financial services. In his new position, Mr. Flagg plans to grow Russam’s presence in financial services, with a particular focus on the retail sector of the industry. He will be placing experienced interims and executives across
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 3.6 Percent Q1 Global Revenue Gain
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International/(NASDAQ:HSII) has posted consolidated net revenue of$115.2 million in the first quarter, up 3.6 percent from $111.1 million a year ago. The increase was led by a 12 percent increase in the Americas and a 10.1 percent increase in Asia Pacific, offset by a major 25 percent decline in Europe. From a
Russell Reynolds Associates Retained by Wisconsin Alumni Research
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) to lead its search for a new managing director. Carl Gulbrandsen, who has led the organization since 2000, is retiring early next year. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation is the independent non-profit technology transfer organization serving the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Morgridge Institute
ChampionScott Partners Fills Senior Position for INTTRA
ChampionScott Partners has placed Bill Schwebel as president of INTTRA data at INTTRA. Mr. Schwebel was most recently with INRIX, Inc., where he helped transform the location-based services company from a content licensor to a rapidly growing data and analytics platform services provider while serving in global senior product, marketing and general management leadership roles.
Horton International Adds Partner in Germany
Horton International has added Frankfurt-based Hager Unternehmensberatung to its network. Hager is one of the leading search firms in Germany with over 70 employees in small, specialized teams, with almost 20 years of experience in the technology industry, as well as other innovative markets. “The addition of such a significant partner to Horton International for Germany
Korn Ferry Names Asia Pacific Sector Head for Energy, Oil and Gas
Warren Harding has joined Korn Ferry in its Perth, Australia office as the Asia Pacific sector head for energy, oil and gas. Mr. Harding has more than 20 years of experience in consulting to senior management and boards in the energy, mining, utilities, resources and government sectors. He was formerly managing partner of Accenture’s energy industry
VMA Group Opens New Office in Paris
U.K.-headquartered recruitment consultancy VMA Group has opened a new office in Paris. In addition to its existing offices in Brussels and Amsterdam, the Paris office will strengthen and expand VMA Group’s European and global network of communications recruitment professionals. Senior consultant Kim Johnson will head the new office. “At VMA Group we work with a number
Lochlin Partners Fills CIO Post for New Enterprise Stone & Lime
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has recruited Mike Berkley as chief information officer of New Enterprise Stone & Lime (NESL). Mr. Berkley was an integration management consultant for Walmart where he was hired after Walmart's purchase of Simplexity. NESL is a privately-held, vertically integrated construction materials supplier and heavy/highway construction contractor, and a national traffic
Hanold Associates Heading CHRO Search for Ferrara Candy Company
Executive Search firm Hanold Associates has been selected by Ferrara Candy Company to lead its search for a new chief human resources officer. Reporting to the CEO, the CHRO will provide leadership and strategic management advice while ensuring execution of the company’s vision in all human resources activities. Ferrara Candy Company, a Catterton Partners private equity
Robert Half Posts 11 Percent Q1 Revenue Rise
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) has posted first quarter 2015 revenues of $1.21 billion, an increase of 11.2 percent from revenues during the same period last year. For the quarter, the company recorded net income was $77.9 million, or $.58 per share, compared to income of $61.6 million, or $.45 per share, the year before. "Led by
Grays Executive Search Expands Into Newcastle
Grays Executive Search a recently launched boutique search and selection consultancy, has expanded into Newcastle to help local and international companies find management talent across the city and the north-east. Dylan Christie becomes the new director of the Newcastle office. He has 15 years’ experience in senior level recruitment, including working for some of the
Isaacson, Miller Adds Higher Education Veteran
John W. Roberts has joined Isaacson, Miller as vice president. He will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Roberts was previously dean of the college of liberal arts and social sciences at the University of Houston. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Mr. Roberts brings an extensive network and
Parker Executive Search Fills Basketball Coach for Fordham
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed Jeff Neubaueras as the new men's head basketball coach at Fordham University. In 10 seasons at Eastern Kentucky, Mr. Neubaueras won 188 games and made two NCAA tournaments. Fordham University is a private, non-profit, coeducational research university based in New York City. Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches for corporations,
The Buffkin Group Places VP Marketing at Availity
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Molly Miles as vice president of marketing at Availity, LLC. Craig Buffkin, managing partner, and Jen Bradley, associate partner, led the search. Ms. Miles previously serve as VP of marketing at Wellcentive. Availity delivers revenue cycle and related business solutions for healthcare professionals. The Buffkin Group is an
ManpowerGroup Posts Seven Percent Q1 Revenue Dip
ManpowerGroup/(NYSE:MAN) has posted first quarter revenues of $4.5 billion, a decrease of seven percent from revenues of $4.9 billion a year ago. The Milwaukee-based staffing company recorded earnings of $65.7 million, or 83 cents per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $70.1 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, during the same period a year
Witt/Kieffer Adds Healthcare Specialist to Team
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has added Chris Wierz to its team as a principal in Oak Bridge, IL. Ms. Wierz brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to her executive search practice, including 20 years in healthcare information technology. She will help find leaders for hospitals and integrated delivery networks, academic medical centers, managed care companies,
CTPartners Financial Services Recruiter Heads to David Barrett Partners
Robert F. Gorog Jr., a partner and member of the financial services practice of CTPartners, has joined David Barrett Partners in Boston. Mr. Gorog brings over 20 years of professional search experience dedicated exclusively to the investment management industry. A senior member of CTPartners’ asset & wealth management and specialty hedge fund practices, his recruiting work
Industrial Search Partners Taps CEO for Red River Valley
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has recruited Nathan Asplund to serve as president and chief executive officer of Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW). Jason Ward, managing partner, conducted the search for RRVW. Mr. Asplund most recently served as assistant vice president – Mexico for BNSF Railway. RRVW is a shortline railroad serving North Dakota
Turnkey Search Recruits SVP for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Sports and entertainment-focused executive recruiter Turnkey Search has placed Terry Kalna as senior vice president of sales and broadcasting with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mr. Kalna has spent the past eight years as managing director of International Speedway Corporation, a sister company to NASCAR that operates 13 racetracks across the country. Turnkey considered more than 100 senior
AltoPartners Adds New Norwegian Partner Firm Kingbird
AltoPartners has added new Norwegian-based partner firm KingBird to its global alliance. Based in Olso, Kingbird is a partner- owned recruitment firm with more than 20 years of experience. It assists clients in several specialized areas including finding board directors, senior and middle managers, experienced specialists and key personnel. “We are delighted to welcome KingBird to the
hrQ Expands Staff with New Managing Director in Denver
hrQ, an executive search and professional services firm focused exclusively on the human resources sector, has named Anne Mounts as managing director of its Denver operations. Ms. Mounts joins hrQ with leadership experience from human capital firms including Interaction Associates, Inc., Vantage Partners, LLC and Better Communications, Inc. “Anne brings a wealth of knowledge to
Alexander Mann Solutions Appoints New Leadership in APAC
London-based talent acquisition and management services firm Alexander Mann Solutions has strengthened its leadership team in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions with three new additions. Caleb Baker has been named managing director, Asia Pacific and emerging markets. Based in Hong Kong, Mr. Baker's experience specifically relates to talent acquisition, recruitment process outsourcing, managed service
Jorgenson Consulting Places President at Saratoga County
Executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting has recruited Martin K. Vanags as the first president of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Inc. The partnership was created to guide economic growth following the county’s break with Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Mr. Vanags comes to Saratoga County from Indianapolis, where he was vice president of regional economic development for the Indy
Egon Zehnder Fills Chair Position For BSR
Egon Zehnder has placed Alessandro Carlucci as BSR’s fourth chair. BSR is a global non-profit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies to build a just and sustainable world. At the end of 2014, Mr. Carlucci stepped down after serving for 10 years as CEO of Natura, the Brazil-based company
Career Partners International – Nashville Adds Senior Principal
Career Partners International (CPI) – Nashville, locally branded as Plumlee & Associates, has added Amy Plumlee to the firm as senior principal and owner. Ms. Plumlee brings over 10 years of human resources and talent management experience to the firm, which was founded by her husband and senior principal, Martin Plumlee. In her new role, she will
Touchpoint Search Opens Doors
Executive recruitment firm Touchpoint Search has been launched to help companies acquire talent as they respond to rapid and transformational developments in data, information and technology within the corporate finance function. Owner and president of the new firm is Steven Crane, who brings over 17 years of multi-industry public company CFO experience to the venture. Touchpoint
The Newport Group Acquires Three Sixty Digital Talent
Executive search and consulting firm The Newport Group has acquired Three Sixty Digital Talent, an executive search services provider focused on the programmatic, AdTech and data analytics industries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Three Sixty’s brand will remain as is, and all of its executives have been retained as managing directors. “Three Sixty
Onstott Group Appoints Head of Healthcare Practice
The Onstott Group has added Brian T. Kelley Jr. to the firm to lead its healthcare search practice. Mr. Kelley will also maintain his consulting relationships with private equity and venture capital firms. “Brian’s extensive experience in the healthcare industry coupled with our existing relationships will greatly strengthen our ability to address the needs of
Diversified Search Recruits CEO for CARE Usa
Diversified Search has placed Michelle Nunn as president and chief executive officer of CARE USA. Dale Jones, CEO, and Veronica Biggins, managing director in Atlanta, led the search. Ms. Nunn has spent her 25-year career dedicated to civic and public service. She has served as a social entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and most recently as a
TNS Partners Finds CEO for LOT Network
Dallas-headquartered executive search firm TNS Partners has recruited Ken Seddon as chief executive officer of LOT Network. Most recently, Mr. Seddon was vice president of intellectual property at ARM and previously held senior positions with Apple, Numonyx and Intel. LOT Network is an intellectual property focused consortium of companies that promotes innovation by reducing the
