DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Polaris Electro-Optics
ON Partners’ Bryan Buck and Alex Pelak recently placed Morten Nissov as the new CEO of Polaris Electro-Optics, a developer of next-generation optical modulators for bandwidth- and power-constrained interconnects. The company recently closed its Series A funding round, led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT). KDT is the investment arm of Koch and is renowned for supporting high-growth companies that
Summit Search Group Expands in Winnipeg
Ontario-headquartered executive recruiting firm Summit Search Group has expanded with the addition of Erin Steeves to Prairies team as a recruitment coordinator. Based in Winnipeg, she will focus on recruitment across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Over the past year, Summit Search Group has experienced strong momentum in the Prairies, driven by great client partnerships and increasing demand for
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,
The Critical Role of Executive Leadership in Navigating Change
Executive leadership has long played a critical role in navigating organizational change, but the question remains, how do executives effectively lead people, and an organization, through change? A new report from Paul Frankenberg, founder and managing partner of Focus Search Partners, points to Warren Buffet, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “He is admired
Kincannon & Reed Makes Additions In Europe
Kincannon & Reed has added four new managing directors to its European team. Jos Boeren joins the firm with 17 years of international experience in corporate business development, finance, and transactions services, including head of Agri Corporate Finance at Société Général and manager of M&A strategic planning at Bunge Limited. Fredrik Lundén brings more than
Phaidon International Opens In San Francisco
Recruiting specialist Phaidon International has expanded to the West Coast with the opening of an office in San Francisco. The new office will be led by associate director, Clare Cooper. Phaidon International’s initial focus in San Francisco will lean towards servicing the technology space, with a specialist IT and telecoms solution delivered by Glocomms, its
Futurestep Expands North American Search Practice
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has announced the appointment of two strategic hires for its North American business. Jonathan Tedesco joins as sector leader of utilities, while Simon Revere becomes supply chain practice leader. Mr. Tedesco joins the team to manage the firm’s client relationships across the utilities sector, working with
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 the
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 risk
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
CTPartners DiFilippo Joins DHR International as EVP in New York
James DiFilippo, a managing partner at CTPartners who also served as head of the firm’s retail & consumer goods practice, has joined the New York office of DHR International as executive vice president. He brings more than 20 years of executive search experience to DHR within the consumer and retail industries during which time he
Heidrick & Struggles Adds New Partners
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has added Birgit Adels as a partner based in Amsterdam and Thomas Linquist as a partner within its industrial practice. Ms. Adels, who becomes a member of the firm's consumer markets practice, has a career that spans more than 20 years of leadership roles, including global CEO of the fashion house
RSA Grows Interim Team
RSA, a global life sciences executive search and interim management specialist, has added Kris Richards as a senior consultant within its executive interim team. She will be responsible for delivering executive level interim services to both existing and new clients. For the past 16 years, Ms. Richards has specialized in recruiting for the life sciences
Kaplan Partners Leading CEO Search for First National Bank of Elmer
Philadelphia-based executive recruiter Kaplan Partners has been selected by the First National Bank of Elmer to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Douglas E. Carll, current executive vice president and CEO, plans to retire during the third quarter of 2015. The First National Bank of Elmer was founded in 1903. Kaplan Partners
CTPartners Difilippo Joins DHR International as EVP in New York
James DiFilippo, a managing partner at CTPartners who also served as head of the firm’s retail & consumer goods practice, has joined the New York office of DHR International as executive vice president. He brings more than 20 years of executive search experience to DHR within the consumer and retail industries during which time he
Heidrick & Struggles Adds New Partners
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has added Birgit Adels as a partner based in Amsterdam and Thomas Linquist as a partner within its industrial practice. Ms. Adels, who becomes a member of the firm's consumer markets practice, has a career that spans more than 20 years of leadership roles, including global CEO of the fashion house
RSA Grows Interim Team
RSA, a global life sciences executive search and interim management specialist, has added Kris Richards as a senior consultant within its executive interim team. She will be responsible for delivering executive level interim services to both existing and new clients. For the past 16 years, Ms. Richards has specialized in recruiting for the life sciences
AETHOS Consulting Group Taps COO for Crestline Hotels & Resorts
AETHOS Consulting Group has placed David Makarsky as chief operating officer of Crestline Hotels & Resorts. Mr. Markarsky joins Crestline from Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts where he was executive vice president of resorts. Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an independent hospitality management company headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. AETHOS Consulting Group is a human capital
Kaplan Partners Leading CEO Search for First National Bank of Elmer
Philadelphia-based executive recruiter Kaplan Partners has been selected by the First National Bank of Elmer to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Douglas E. Carll, current executive vice president and CEO, plans to retire during the third quarter of 2015. The First National Bank of Elmer was founded in 1903. Kaplan Partners
Marlin Hawk Grows in Asia Pacific
Executive recruiting firm Marlin Hawk has strengthened its office in Hong Kong by extending its range of leadership advisory and executive search services to existing and new clients throughout the APAC region. Ben Leary has been appointed regional manager, APAC. He brings over 20 years’ experience in talent management, most recently in Hong Kong and
Penna Announces New Hires
Penna Plc has named Nathan Yansifsk as a digital strategist, Russell Lynch as senior creative consultant and Jo Manley as art director. With experience in recruitment marketing, Mr. Yansifsk has worked for various digital agencies, with a particular focus on digital marketing. His role at Penna will see him collaborate with the digital team across
Egon Zehnder Finds CEO for the Western Bulldogs
Egon Zehnder has placed David Stevenson as chief executive officer of the Western Bulldogs. Mr. Stevenson has been part of Nike management for the past 17 years, most recently in the role of vice president of sales for the sporting goods manufacturer's emerging markets. The Footscray Football Club, currently known as the Western Bulldogs, is
Sports Recruitment International Selected to Recruit CEO
Search firm Sports Recruitment International has been retained by the Welsh Rugby Union to lead its search for a new group chief executive. The role becomes vacant on October 31 when current chief executive Roger Lewis steps down following a nine-year tenure. WRU chairman, Gareth Davies, said: "We are delighted to have been able to
Cornerstone International Group’s Miami Affiliate Adds Hr Veteran
Cornerstone International Group’s Miami-based affiliate ECS Partners International has added Pat Atkinson to its recruiting staff. Mr. Atkinson came to ECS Partners from Wells Fargo, where he was head of human resources for the Americas, leading a team of 900. He has extensive experience in all aspects of search and recruitment including performance management, staffing
CTPartners Posts 32 Percent Revenue Increase for 2014
CTPartners/(NYSE:CTP) posted 2014 revenues of $172.5 million, compared to revenues of $130.3 million a year earlier, a gain of 32.4 percent. Full-year revenues by region were: North America rose 58.1 percent to $100.2 million from $78.1 million the year before; EMEA increased 24.8 percent to $42.8 million compared to $32.6 million; Asia Pacific was up
Ryan Search & Consulting Adds Consultant
Executive recruiter Ryan Search & Consulting has added Madeline Walker Garvin to its staff as a consultant. Ms. Garvin joins Ryan Search from the State of Tennessee, where she was executive assistant to the first lady, Crissy Haslam. "The number of search projects we're handling now is growing significantly, not only here in our home
Russell Reynolds Associates Retained to Find Director for Alliance Trust
Russell Reynolds Associates is currently leading the search for a new independent non-executive director for Alliance Trust. Alliance Trust PLC is a U.K.-headquartered investment and savings business with a 126 year history of building investor wealth. With 44 offices and more than 350 executive search professionals, Russell Reynolds Associates provides executive search and leadership services
Harvey Nash Founder Joins Interquest Group’s Advisory Board
IT recruiting specialist InterQuest Group plc has added former founder and chief executive of international executive search firm Harvey Nash, David Charles Higgins, as a non-executive director. Mr. Higgins spent nearly 20 years building Harvey Nash plc into a £500m global professional services organization. His roles have encompassed managing director, chief executive, executive deputy chairman
Spencer Stuart To Lead Ceo Search For Angie’s List
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Angie's List to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Co-founder and current CEO William Oesterle is stepping down to pursue other interests. He will remain with the company until his successor is named. Angie's List is a paid subscription supported website containing crowd-sourced reviews of local
CTPartners Pushes New CEO Aside, Naming COO to the Post
In an emergency board of directors meeting yesterday, embattled global recruiter CTPartners pushed aside its newly minted chief executive, Sylvain Dhenin, naming chief operating officer, David Nocifora, to the post. Mr. Nocifora has been with CTPartners for nearly 21 years and has held executive level positions with the company since that time, including the position
Parker + Lynch Opens Specialized Legal Search Division
Executive search firm Parker + Lynch has launched Parker + Lynch Legal, a division dedicated to legal executive recruitment. In light of this specialized approach, Parker + Lynch's sister organization, Special Counsel, a provider of legal staffing and recruiting services, aligned its attorney search division with Parker + Lynch Legal earlier this month. "The legal
Ampersand Names Two Practice Directors
Asia Pacific recruiters Ampersand Executive, Search & Advisory has appointed Peter Woodward as search partner & APAC practice director – human resources and Dimitra Fourtzis as its APAC practice director – marketing & digital. Both executives arrive with blue chip corporate experience operating at senior head of function levels in human resources and marketing respectively.
Neil Fink Associates Recruits CEO for the Center for Public Integrity
Executive search firm Neil Fink Associates has placed Peter Bale as chief executive officer for The Center for Public Integrity. Mr. Bale was the former head of CNN Digital International. The Center for Public Integrity was founded in 1989 by Charles Lewis and is one of the country's oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative news
Kincannon & Reed Retained by FFAR for Executive Director Search
Kincannon & Reed has been selected by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to lead its search for a new executive director. FFAR board chair and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, said: "A priority for our board is to identify our inaugural executive director. Working with Kincannon & Reed, which is
Two CTPartners Professional Services Specialists Leave To Join Rivals
Michael A. Matella, vice chairman and global head of the professional services practice of CTPartners, and Adam J. Prager, a CTPartners managing partner and sector specialist in the same practice, have left to join rivals. Both were CTPartners executive committee members. Mr. Matella spent just the last 17 months with CTPartners, joining from Egon Zehnder







