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Daily Newswire
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
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.
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
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?
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Pacific International Executive Search Expands Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has appointed Beth Albright to its advisory board. “Beth Albright is an exceptional addition to our advisory board,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Her deep governance expertise, her track record of guiding organizations through IPOs, M&A integrations, and large-scale transformations, and her recognized leadership in human capital management
Asset Management’s Next Edge Is Organizational, Not Financial
Citrin Cooperman’s 2026 Asset Management Survey Report highlights an industry undergoing meaningful transition. Their survey of 300 senior leaders across private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, private credit, and funds of funds points to a market increasingly shaped by institutional capital, operational pressure, and changing investor expectations. What stands out most is not simply the economic uncertainty facing
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in a nationwide search for a new men’s lacrosse head coach. Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, is leading the assignment. The head coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Lacrosse program within the NCAA and Coastal Athletic Association, with an
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kreg Keesee as the new president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn led the assignment. “Kreg brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and turning strategy into action,” board chair Dwinelva Zackery said. “We are confident he is the right leader to
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
Human Capital Enters a New Operating Era
Deloitte’s latest 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report makes one point clear: organizations are moving beyond traditional workforce models toward more fluid, capability-driven systems. Work is increasingly decomposed into tasks, projects, and outcomes rather than fixed roles, forcing companies to rethink how talent is structured and deployed. At the same time, leaders are balancing two competing forces.
Rutgers Selects TurnkeyZRG to Find Next Athletic Director
TurnkeyZRG has been called in by Rutgers University to lead a national wide search for a new athletic director. An advisory committee has been formed to support the search. Rutgers has been without a permanent athletic director since Patrick Hobbs resigned before an investigation into an inappropriate, consensual relationship with one of the school’s coaches. “Athletics often serves
Tower Consultants Search Places Senior Talent Leader at Hologic
Hobe Sound, FL-headquartered executive recruiting firm Tower Consultants Search Group recently assisted in the placement of Jennifer Tice as vice president, talent acquisition and development for NASDAQ-traded Hologic, Inc., an innovator in medical technology and a global champion of women’s health. The search was led by Chris Rose, Jason Rose, and Kim Klipstein. Reporting to
PierceGray Seeking Head of FP&A for RIA Advisory
PierceGray was recently retained by RIA Advisory (RIA) in Miami, FL, to lead in its search for a head of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). To support the upcoming transaction, RIA is seeking to hire a new head of FP&A who will be responsible for day-to-day financial operations, financial performance and analysis, optimizing processes, and leading the
Effective Communication and Feedback in Executive Search: Essential for Building Strong Candidate Relationships
Executive recruitment is a complex process, with higher stakes as positions reach more senior levels. Executive recruiters play a crucial role in managing this complexity, ensuring companies attract and retain top talent while minimizing risks, according to a recent report from London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International. To identify key areas for improvement, Pacific International conducted
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Southeast Missouri State University with President Search
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Brad Hodson as the 19th president of Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant, and Jim Johnsen, vice president of executive search, led the assignment. Following a rigorous application review and interview process, the appointment of Dr. Hodson culminates
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for PureFacts Financial Solutions
NU Advisory Partners has placed Jennifer Bouyoukos as chief people officer of PureFacts Financial Solutions. “Congratulations Jennifer on joining PureFacts Financial Solutions as chief people officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We look forward to seeing your rare blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and people-first leadership drive the organization’s continued success.”
LHH Knightsbridge Search Seeking New CEO for the Ontario Energy Board
LHH Knightsbridge is currently seeking a new CEO for the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Ed Perkovic, Lisa Knight, and Janice Kussner are leading the assignment. The CEO provides executive leadership to the organization, working closely with government and energy sector stakeholders. They are accountable for the efficient and effective management of the operations of the
Nexus Search Partners Appoints Managing Director, Human Capital
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has expanded with the addition of Sam Worobec as managing director, human capital. “Sam has a rare ability to scale culture and capability at the same time,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus Search Partners. “His vision and values are tightly
Who Rises to Lead in Private Equity?
Private equity leaders are defined by their ability to drive growth, manage complexity, and deliver results in high-pressure environments. They blend financial insight with strategic leadership, aligning teams and investors around a shared vision. In today’s market, adaptability and execution are key to standing out. Hogan Assessments, a global provider of personality assessment and leadership
E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Citizen Watch
E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has placed Amy Kleinberg as the new chief technology officer of Citizen Watch. Managing directors Ann MacCarthy and Bob Marchant led the assignment. They acted as an extension of the company’s organization, providing a personal and technical approach. “The committed team at E.A. Hughes
Envision Consulting Seeking New Leader for A World Fit for Kids!
A World Fit for Kids! recently retained Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting to lead in its search for a new CEO. The organization is seeking a leader who is committed to the mission and will carry on the legacy of the founder and outgoing leader. An honest and transparent communicator, this leader will bring fresh ideas and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief Development Officer for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently retained by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to lead in its search for a chief development officer. The firm seeks a motivated, dynamic, and driven chief development officer who is compelled by the idea of growing a historically successful fundraising program through an expanded fundraising strategy. Successful candidates
DHR Global Partners with Illuma Search
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has announced that Grant Zallis, founder and CEO of Illuma Search Partners, has joined the firm as managing partner, emerging technology. “This strategic partnership brings Illuma’s exceptional track record in emerging tech and its impressive client base of venture- and private equity-backed companies into the DHR platform,” DHR said. “It combines DHR’s global
Navigating 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Executive Recruiting
The executive search industry is evolving rapidly as organizations face new demands for agile, inclusive, and tech-savvy leadership. Firms are leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance candidate selection, while clients increasingly seek strategic advisors—not just recruiters. “As we move through 2025, several key trends are shaping the executive recruiting landscape,” said Matt Shore, CEO
Heidrick & Struggles Assists Davidson College with the Recruitment of Inaugural Chief Career Officer
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
SPMB Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for NinjaOne
Kevin Barry of SPMB Executive Search has helped to place John Sapone as the new chief revenue officer of NinjaOne. “It was a privilege to help bring aboard a proven revenue leader whose impact at companies like Snowflake, ServiceNow, Nimble Storage, and Data Domain speaks for itself,” Mr. Barry said in a LinkedIn post. “John’s track record
The Adecco Group Introduces r.Potential
The Adecco Group has launched r.Potential, which will enter into a strategic partnership with Salesforce. r.Potential was established to support senior business leaders tasked with shaping the future of work. As AI rapidly becomes central to enterprise decision-making, today’s business leaders are confronting new questions and challenges around how human and digital workforces will coexist, collaborate,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Australia
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Sydney, Australia-based Omera Partners as its newest member firm. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Omera Partners has built an extensive network in Australia and across the Asia Pacific region, serving leading corporations, government entities, and not-for-profits. “We are thrilled to welcome Omera Partners to IIC Partners and expand
AlixPartners Finds A Growing Divide Between PE Firms And Portco Leaders
A recent report by AlixPartners – the Tenth Annual PE Leadership Survey – reveals a striking disconnect between private equity firms and their portfolio companies. While both groups agree that growth, margin expansion, and value creation are top priorities, they diverge significantly in how they view performance and leadership quality. According to the survey, 41 percent of PE executives
Holden Richardson Assists Phase Change Solutions with CFO Search
Holden Richardson has assisted in the recruitment of Alberto Valentin as the new CFO of Phase Change Solutions in Greensboro, NC. Mr. Valentin is a CFO with broad, comprehensive experience in global multi-national businesses of varying revenue sizes and industries including aerospace (Dept of Defense projects), industrial and commercial mfg, distribution and logistics plus services.
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Peet’s Coffee
The Talent Studios has recruited Katie Keil as the senior vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer of San Francisco Bay Area-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer Peet’s Coffee. Gretchen Koch and Serena Smith led the assignment. Ms. Keil brings over 20 years of consumer products, beauty, and consumer technology marketing leadership experience. She has a strong track record of driving results on both
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) Appoints Co-Leaders of Chicago Office
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) has named Margaret Resce Milkint and Cheryl Stevens as co-leaders of the firm’s Chicago office. The announcement underscores DSG Global’s ongoing commitment to growth in the Chicago market and throughout the Midwest, serving clients locally, nationally, and worldwide. “We are thrilled that Margaret and Cheryl will be co-leading our Chicago office, bringing
Salary.com Releases Agentic AI Platform for HR and Compensation
Salary.com, a global provider in compensation technology and data, has unveiled its agentic AI platform, specifically for HR and compensation teams. This platform leverages the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced agentic AI to automate complex HR and compensation workflows, scale standard processes, and drive new efficiencies for compensation and HR teams. “By
Strategic Workforce Planning: Choosing Between Growing and Acquiring Talent
Organizations deciding on talent strategies often face a pivotal decision: should they buy talent from the outside or build it from within? Buying talent—recruiting externally—can accelerate the injection of fresh ideas, niche expertise, and leadership capabilities, especially when time is of the essence. On the other hand, executive search consultants tell Hunt Scanlon Media that building internal talent
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Derrick Scott as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Ndeh Anyu. “Dr. Scott is
JDG Associates Fills Senior Position for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Zopelis as the vice president of business development of R&K Enterprise Solutions. R&K is seeking a driven, high performing candidate with significant defense industry knowledge and experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven track record in Department of Defense and/or federal civilian
ESGI Merges with Potomac Recruiting
ESGI Executive Search Consultants (ESGI) and Potomac Recruiting have merged to form Washington, D.C.-based Executive Search Group Inc. – Potomac (ESGI-Potomac). ESGI-Potomac combines the strengths and experience of both Potomac Recruiting and ESGI Search, both providers of executive search in the federal contracting market. The combined network of both companies will provide clients with access
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
Fostering A Strong Workplace Culture to Drive Business Growth
A strong workplace culture is essential to the success of any organization. It cultivates an environment where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated—leading to higher retention and improved performance. In today’s competitive landscape, culture goes beyond workplace atmosphere; it plays a critical role in driving sustainable financial growth and long-term business success. Companies that invest
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking Chief People Officer for Year Up United
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by Year Up United to lead in its search for a new chief people officer. Senior director Crystal Stephens and senior associate Terri Kohan are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a visionary chief people officer who will architect the essential processes and frameworks needed to deliver consistent, world-class HR services. They
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for TRex Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Hants as the new CFO of TRex Bio Inc. (TRexBio), a biotechnology company decoding human tissue immune biology to create revolutionary therapeutics. The search was led by Marc Miller, Jared Kaleck, and Josh Albert. Mr. Hants
