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Daily Newswire
Mercuri Urval Appoints Five New Partners
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has appointed five new partners made up of a diverse group of experts, representing three nationalities. The new partners are Dennis Tanke, Isabella Valentini, Irena Schierjott, Florian Knorn, and Anne Zhang. “Becoming a partner in MU means to be recognized as exceptionally trusted by clients and colleagues, and it
The Stakes of Executive Hiring in Private Markets
In private equity and venture capital, the difference between a portfolio company that delivers 3x returns and one that barely breaks even often comes down to a single factor: leadership. Whether you’re installing a new CEO to drive operational improvements in a mature PE portfolio company or finding a CTO to scale a Series B startup’s engineering team,
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The Impact of Interim Talent: Boosting Finance Teams with Flexibility and Expertise
Business leaders today are finding that hiring the right talent is hard. What people are looking for in their careers is constantly evolving, organizational needs are changing rapidly, and the economy is driving the need for companies to pivot as conditions change, according to Matt Shore, CEO of StevenDouglas. “The traditional employee model, while still effective
Grays Executive Search Launches HR Practice
Grays Executive Search, a recently launched boutique search and selection consultancy, has started an HR practice specializing in placing both U.K. and international senior HR professionals. The sector specialization is led by Nigel Bastow, who joins as director in its offices in London and Birmingham. Mr. Bastow previously undertook a number of high-profile interim assignments,
SpenglerFox Names Principal Consultant in Saudi Arabia
Executive search firm SpenglerFox has named Aurelien Neu as a principle consultant in its office in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Neu is responsible for client services/satisfaction, delivery of the projects, quality control and business development and works out of SpenglerFox’s Jeddah location. He previously spent two years as trade advisor at the French Consulate of Jeddah.
Spencer Stuart Heading CEO Search for Visteon
Spencer Stuart has been selected by auto supplier Visteon Corp. to head its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Tim Leuliette will step down as head of the company by the end of this year as soon as a successor is named. Visteon, the onetime parts unit of Ford Motor Co., specializes
Witt/Kieffer Selected To Lead CEO Search for the South Dakota Board Of Regents
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has been retained by the South Dakota Board of Regents to lead its search for a new executive director and chief executive officer. Current CEO and executive director Jack R. Warner will retire at the end of the current fiscal year. John K. Thornburgh, senior partner in the firm’s education practice,
CTPartners’ Jeremy Zeman Joins Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry has named Jeremy Zeman to the firm’s financial services practice. Mr. Zeman joins from CTPartners where he spent the last two years as a partner serving commercial and consumer banking & finance, mortgage banking, private equity, asset management and wealth management clients. Mr. Zeman has completed general management leadership searches, including C-suite and
Adecco Acquires Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions
HR solutions company Adecco has acquired Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions for $80 million in Canadian dollars. Knightsbridge will join Lee Hecht Harrison, Adecco’s outplacement business, and the combined organization in Canada will be co-branded with both the Lee Hecht Harrison and Knightsbridge names. Adecco intends to retain most of Knightsbridge’s executives in the combined organization
Andersen Partnership Opens Office in Hong Kong
Executive recruiters Andersen Partnership has opened a new location in Hong Kong. The office will be managed by recruitment veteran Michael Doherty, who expects to hire 30 consultants over the coming months. “Our accounting and insurance clients are truly global by nature and we’re already seeing huge demand and movement throughout the region,” said Brian
JBK Associates Appoints Head of Industrial Manufacturing Practice
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has added Laura Brown as vice president of the firm's industrial manufacturing practice. Ms. Brown brings over two decades of industry and recruiting experience specifically within the senior ranks across capital equipment, clean tech, chemical, aerospace, automotive, and the life science sectors. She was previously founder and president of Talent
R. William Funk & Associates Recruits President for Winthrop University
R. William Funk & Associates has placed Daniel F. Mahony as the new president of Winthrop University. Mr. Mahony is currently the dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University. Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is a public, coeducational, liberal arts university located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For
AGB Search Selected by Marshall University to Find its New President
Executive search firm AGB Search Inc. has been selected by Marshall University to lead in its search for a new president. The university’s most recent president Dr. Stephen Kopp passed away following a sudden illness in December. Marshall University is a coeducational public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, founded in 1837, and named after
Odgers Berndtson Adds Consumer and Retail Practice Specialist
Odgers Berndtson has added Olivier Dirdarian to its New York office as a partner, expanding the firm's consumer and retail practice. Mr. Dirdarian will manage senior-level executive search and talent assessment/advisory engagements for branded retail, apparel, cosmetics and luxury goods clients. He was a partner at Sterling International, where he led the firm's consumer, retail
Tatum and Randstad Professionals Launch Controller & Financial Resources Practice
Tatum LLC has launched its controller & financial resources practice, delivered by Randstad Professionals, a professional placement firm that specializes in recruiting for positions in finance and accounting, human resources, legal and sales & marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in delivering C-suite solutions, Tatum provides interim executive talent to spearhead new initiatives,
Hanold Associates Fills HR Post for Friedman Operating Group
Search firm Hanold Associates has recruited Nellie Apostolova as head of human resources for Friedman Operating Group. Ms. Apostolova was formerly human resources business partner with Target Corporation. Friedman, a wholly –owned subsidiary of Constellation Software, Inc., acquires, manages and builds software companies in a variety of vertical software markets. Headquartered in Chicago, Hanold Associates
Trilogy Completes Search for EdSource
Trilogy Search Non+Profit has placed Lanita Pace-Hinton as deputy director of EdSource, a nonprofit research, policy, and communications organization established more than three decades ago. Chuck Pappalardo, managing director of Trilogy Search, led the assignment. Ms. Pace-Hinton had previously founded the Digital Media Solutions Group, a communications agency that provides digital solutions, content strategy and
CTPartners’ Veteran Joins Russell Reynolds Associates
New York-based Russell Reynolds Associates has named Ernest ‘Ernie’ W. Brittingham as a managing director in the firm’s healthcare practice. Mr. Brittingham joins from CTPartners where he spent the last 16 years of his career, serving most recently as a vice chairman. While at CTPartners, Mr. Brittingham managed a diverse portfolio of the firm’s largest
IIC Partners Expands into Sout Africa
IIC Partners has added Executive Headlines as its newest member firm. The partnership expands IIC Partners’ global reach to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. Executive Headlines specializes in the financial services, consumer & retail, human resources and technology sectors. Each managing partner has over 20 years of executive search experience. “IIC Partners’ rigorous
Hyperion Executive Search Names Associate Partner
Liverpool-headquartered Hyperion Executive Search has appointed Ross Hoare as associate partner. Mr. Hoare has more than five years’ experience working within renewable energy project management and procurement with leading installer Eco Environments. “While Ross does not come from a recruitment background, he does have extensive knowledge of the renewables sector. He understands our clients’ market
Egon Zehnder Heading HR Search For Infosys
Egon Zehnder is currently leading the search for a new human resources head for Infosys. The company recently announced a restructuring that saw its current head of HR move into a different role. Infosys is a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions. Founded in 1964, Egon Zehnder specializes in the recruitment and leadership
Parker Executive Search Retained by University of Iowa to Find President
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has been selected by the University of Iowa to lead its search for a new president. Outgoing president Sally Mason announced plans to retire. Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is a flagship public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches for corporations, colleges and
CTPartners’ CEO Resigns; Rival DHR Acquires Growing Stake in Company
Brian M. Sullivan tendered his resignation from embattled CTPartners after the markets closed yesterday afternoon on a day which saw the company’s stock price swing up by nearly 20 percent on anticipation of the news. The company’s board of directors announced the appointment of CTPartners’ vice chairman, Sylvain Dhenin, as CTP’s new chief. Mr. Sullivan
Korn Ferry Breaks the $1 Billion Revenue Mark
It has been a banner year for the executive search industry – as well as for its leader, Korn Ferry. Statistics to be released by HSZ Media next month will show that the nation’s largest global solutions provider reported total revenues for 2014 of $1,008,000,000. It is the first time a search firm has broken
Stanton Chase Names International Chairman
Stanton Chase International has appointed Mickey Matthews as its international chairman. Mr. Matthews currently serves as vice chairman/practice groups and managing director of the firm’s Baltimore office. In his new role, he will oversee worldwide activity among offices in Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and North America. Separately, Stanton Chase has added
Chandler Group Adds Partner to Open Northeast Ohio Office
Chandler Group has named Marty Hauser as a partner; he will open the firm’s first office in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Hauser has served in various leadership roles during his 35-year with Summa Health System, including CEO. “Given the rapid changes occurring in healthcare as organizations try to transform the way they deliver care – shifting
Polachi Fills Board Position for Wave Systems Corp.
Search firm Polachi Inc. has placed R. Stephen Cheheyl as a member of the board of directors at Wave Systems Corp. Mr. Cheheyl, a seasoned operating executive with experience in the computer, software and data communications industries, was formerly executive vice president of business operations of Bay Networks. Wave Systems Corp. reduces the complexity, cost
RPA Inc. Heading VP Search for Washtenaw Community College
Executive recruiting firm RPA Inc. is currently leading the search for a new vice president of instruction for Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1965, WCC welcomes more than 13,000 people from over 100 countries for study each year and grants certificates and degrees to over 1,400 students annually. RPA Inc.
Korn Ferry Posts Three Percent Fiscal Q3 Revenue Increase
Korn Ferry/(NYSE:KFY) posted revenues of $249.5 million for third quarter fiscal 2015, an increase of three percent compared to $242.2 million a year ago. The increase in fee revenue was driven primarily due to increases of 16.2 percent and 3.4 percent for Futurestep and Leadership & Talent Consulting, respectively, partially offset by a decrease of
Search Solution Group Opens Office In Baltimore
Search firm Search Solution Group has opened its third office offering recruiting services for the life sciences and analytical instruments industries. The new office, based in Baltimore, will be overseen by managing partner, Emil Gerardi, who has more than 12 years of experience recruiting in the life sciences and analytical industries. He previously served as
Direct Recruiters, Inc. Adds Supply Chain Practice Director
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has added Thomas M. Clark as director of its military transition, military leadership excellence, and supply chain/logistics practice. Mr. Clark is a former U.S Army Captain and Airborne Ranger who led troops in combat in the global war on terrorism and served as a subject matter expert on
Russell Reynolds Associates to Lead CEO Search for the American Bankers Association
Global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Frank Keating, its current CEO, is stepping down at the end of the year. ABA chairman John Ikard wrote in a memo to member CEOs: "At the committee's direction,
Academic Search Leading President Search For Edison Community College
Washington, D.C.-headquartered Academic Search is currently leading the search for a new president for Edison Community College. The selected candidate will replace interim president Dr. Karen Rafinski, who has led the college following Dr. Cristobal Valdez’s announced departure in the previous academic year. Edison Community College was chartered in 1973 under provisions of the Ohio
Heidrick Names Co-Leader to Global CHRO Practice
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International has named Daniel Kaplan as a co-managing partner of the firm’s chief human resources officer (CHRO) practice. Mr. Kaplan joins from CTPartners, where he was managing partner in charge of the firm’s global HR practice. While at CTPartners, Mr. Kaplan managed a diverse portfolio of the firm’s largest client relationships.







