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Daily Newswire
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit Heather Dean as the new CFO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in Washington, D.C. In this executive leadership role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the association, including fiscal management of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the ESA Foundation, and serving as treasurer of the
Pacific International Adds Former President of Danfoss Power Solutions to Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has appointed Eric Alström to its advisory board. “With the continued expansion of Pacific International’s advisory board, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our clients build exceptional executive leadership teams,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Eric Alström brings world-class insight from the industrial technology, electrification, hydraulics, and climate
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Stepping into the Founder’s Shoes: Evaluating Your Internal Leadership Options
CEO succession is crucial because it ensures leadership continuity, aligns the organization’s vision with its future goals, and minimizes disruption during transitions, safeguarding the company’s long-term success. When it comes to founder succession, the stakes are especially high, according to a recent report from leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder’s Anna Auerbach. So often, the founder
Spencer Stuart’s India Chief Resigns
Anjali Bansal, a partner and co-leader of Spencer Stuart’s CEO and corporate board practice in Asia Pacific, has resigned her post after spending more than a decade with the firm. Ms. Bansal founded and led Spencer Stuart’s India practice, which now operates from Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Ms. Bansal is a noted expert in strategy and leadership consulting.
ZRG Launches Cyber Security Search Practice
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has launched a new cyber security and government / defense recruitment practice with the additions of search consultants Stephen Spagnuolo and Phoebe Henderson. Finding cyber security leadership is one of the fastest growing segments of the talent acquisition business, according to Hunt Scanlon Media in its coming ‘State of the Industry’ forecast report. “The
ON Search Partners Adds Partner In Boston
ON Search Partners has added Leonard Vairo to its recently established Boston office as a partner. With 20 years of executive recruiting experience, Mr. Vairo’s practice focuses on the technology and business services industry across CEO, board of director and senior-level executive search assignments. He joins the firm from Russell Reynolds Associates where he was a partner for 10
Human Capital Group Recruits President for FRANKE
Brentwood, TN-based The Human Capital Group, Inc. has placed Gary Langbo as president at Franke, overseeing the Kitchen Systems in North America. Mr. Langbo previously spent five years as vice president of retail, global commercial and consumer products at Underwriters Laboratories, in Northbrook, IL. Before that, he spent 15 years at Whirlpool Corporation where he served in various leadership
Brooke Chase Associates Places CEO at Wellborn Forest Products
Sarasota-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates has recruited Dave Gordon as president and chief executive officer of Wellborn Forest Products. Rick Mohrman led the assignment. Mr. Gordon will oversee all functions of the business, developing and implementing strategic plans for growth and operational improvement, leading and developing the senior management team and driving sales growth and profitability. With a background
Caldwell Partners Recruits Doerr Center Director at Rice University
Caldwell Partners has recruited Tom Kolditz as executive director of Doerr Center for Student Leadership at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The search was conducted by a team led by John Strackhouse, a partner who advises investors and executives at venture capital firms, private equity concerns, and growth-oriented public companies on succession planning, talent acquisition, leadership, and company building. Mr. Kolditz
RSR Partners Adds Managing Director in New York
RSR Partners, a corporate governance and executive search firm, has added Trish Shortell as managing director in its New York office. Her search experience spans the marketing services spectrum — from agencies to corporations — bringing a wealth of knowledge to the firm’s chief marketing officer (CMO) and chief financial officer (CFO) practices. “We are delighted to welcome Trish to our firm. Her
Egon Zehnder Retained by Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Egon Zehnder has been selected by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to find its new director. The firm was responsible for conducting the ABC’s last search for a managing director in 2006, when Mark Scott was appointed to role. According to reports, the new director will ultimately replace Mr. Scott whose second five year term expires in July 2016. The
O’Neill Consulting Group Acquires DMR Advisory
Search firm O’Neill Consulting Group has acquired DMR Advisory, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. DMR Advisory provides executive search and organizational advisory services for the hotel, real estate, and hospitality technology industries. “We are delighted to welcome DMR to the O’Neill family as we continue our efforts to serve clients in new, innovative ways,” said Kevin O’Neill, founder
Andersen Partnership Opens New Office in Dublin
Executive recruiters Andersen Partnership has opened new digs in Dublin, making it the firm’s 11th office. Led by director Darragh Everard, the office intends to hire more than 30 consultants over the coming months, specializing in recruiting mid to senior management level roles. Commenting on the opening, Andersen Partnership’s CEO, Brian Schroder, commended the achievements of Mr. Everard
DHR and CTPartners Begin Takeover Talks As Lifelines Dry Up
CTPartners, No. 7 on Hunt Scanlon’s top Americas search firm rankings, has announced that pursuant to its previously announced strategic alternatives process, the company has received a non-binding indication of interest from it’s top 10 rival, DHR International, to be acquired. The special committee of the company’s board of directors, which was formed to evaluate CTPartners
Heidrick & Struggles Recruits CEO for Cruise Lines Association
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles has placed Thomas P. Ostebo as president and chief executive officer of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Mr. Ostebo will oversee CLIA operations both domestically and internationally, working directly with his senior leadership team to execute the organization’s vision and work on behalf of CLIA members. He replaces Christine Duffy who went on to become president of Carnival
Prout Group Founders Join Diversified Search
Diversified Search has added Patrick M. Prout, the former president and CEO of The Prout Group, and Betsy Bruening, Prout’s EVP and COO, as managing directors. Mr. Prout will serve as the firm’s practice leader for financial services in New York while Ms. Bruening will establish a new office in Cleveland. Before launching Prout Group, Mr. Prout served as
Antal International Acquires Smart Moves
U.K.-based recruitment business Smart Moves has joined the network of Antal International, which operates from 120-plus offices in 30 countries. The acquisition opens up the opportunity to expand the Smart Moves brand to other locations and supports Antal International’s strategy to build its presence across the U.K. Established in 2000 by managing director Julia Hale and Louisa Harris, Smart Moves
Lochlin Partners Finds CEO For Nathan Associates
Boutique executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Susan B. Chodakewitz as chief executive officer of Nathan Associates. She will succeed Lakhbir Singh, who plans to retire from full-time employment after almost 39 years with Nathan. Ms. Chodakewitz joins Nathan from Tetra Tech Inc., an international environmental and technical services consulting company with $2.48 billion in revenue. She has been president
Russell Reynolds Associates Heads UD President Search
Russell Reynolds Associates has been chosen by the University of Delaware (UD) to lead the search for its next president. Ilene H. Nagel, head of the firm’s higher education practice, will lead the search team assisting UD. Ms. Nagel is a long-term academic, having held professorial and senior administrative positions at Indiana University (Bloomington), the University of Maryland (College
Brentwood Search Partners With Color Stampede
El Segundo, California-based executive search firm Brentwood Search has entered into a consulting arrangement with Color Stampede to advance its recruiting efforts for startup and established media and technology companies moving into downtown Los Angeles. Brentwood Search will serve as executive recruiter of record for Color Stampede; in turn, Color Stampede will help identify emerging players in digital
Healthcare Recruiter Joins HealthTech as VP
Veteran healthcare recruiter Peter Goodspeed has joined HealthTech Management Services as vice president in an effort to bring a fresh perspective to the firm’s recruitment services. Competition for highly qualified healthcare executives has never been greater as healthcare reform continues to evolve, and the need for talent in the sector is expanding. With more than 25
Ferguson Partners Heading CEO Search for Mack-Cali Realty
Ferguson Partners Ltd. has been retained by Mack-Cali Realty Corp. to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Mitch Rudin, former chief executive of Brookfield Office Properties’ U.S. division, was the leading candidate to replace outgoing CEO Mitchell Hersh. “Since initiating this process, the board search committee, in conjunction
U.K. Search Pioneer Dies at 80
Anthony Saxton, a pioneer in the field of headhunting for the educational and charitable sectors, after a first career in advertising, has died at the age of 80. Mr. Saxton and his business partner, Stephen Bampfylde, founded Saxton Bampfylde International in 1986 and built a practice that applied “executive search” skills honed in the business
Abercrombie & Fitch Taps Spencer Stuart for CEO Search
They have not had a CEO in over five months. So retail giant, Abercrombie & Fitch, has gone to the outside to help find itself a new leader by enlisting Hunt Scanlon ‘Big Five’ recruiter Spencer Stuart. In December, A&F’s longtime CEO, Mike Jefferies, who had helped build a brand that attracted millions of teens in
Futurestep Adds Managing Director of Global Operations
Futurestep, a Korn Ferry company that provides talent acquisition solutions, has named Viquar Khan as managing director of global operations to address the growing demand for its talent acquisition solutions. Working with Futurestep’s leadership and delivery teams, Mr. Khan will focus on extending and advancing the use of Korn Ferry’s intellectual property within Futurestep’s service offerings and further
People Gallery Opens Doors
Former owner and managing director of Publicis Life Brands Resolute, Paul Blackburn, has launched a new executive search firm: People Gallery. The talent solutions provider was created to focus on filling senior-level positions for the marketing services industry across PR, advertising, medical education and digital with a particular focus on health. “I have started People Gallery because industry
TRANSEARCH Adds Senior Client Partner In Stuttgart
TRANSEARCH International has added Ursula Glock to its Stuttgart office as a senior client partner. Ms. Glock has nearly 20 years’ experience in executive search with experience in the engineering, automotive and IT sectors. She has completed numerous assignments at all levels of senior management for both medium-sized multinationals, as well as large-sized enterprises, having built long term partnerships
Lonergan Partners Recruits Board Director
Executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Joe Hoffman to the board of directors at Hercules Technology Growth Capital. The search was led by partner Dotty Schaffer. Mr. Hoffman has more than 36 years of business experience in all aspects of financial and SEC reporting. He served as audit partner at KPMG from July 1983 to September 2009, serving a
Work&Partners Recruits CMO for Merrill Communications
New York-based Work&Partners LLC has placed Alan C. Scott as chief marketing officer for Merrill Communications, LLC. Alan J. Work of Work&Partners led the search. Mr. Scott was formerly chief marketing officer at Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and chief marketing officer, enterprise media group, at Dow Jones
Goodwin Executive Search Places SVP Worldwide Sales at Zaloni
Raleigh, NC-headquartered Goodwin Executive Search has placed Scott Hart as senior vice president of worldwide sales at Zaloni, Inc. based in Durham, NC. Mr. Hart was recruited to Zaloni from OPower where he served as vice president of sales. Prior to his role at OPower he served as a director of sales at Oracle, and has
Key Corporate Services Promotes Partner
Fishers, Indiana-based executive search firm Key Corporate Services, LLC, has promoted Todd Downing to partner. Mr. Downing will continue his involvement in all aspects of the firm's executive recruiting and client advisory business. He is also responsible for project management, and involved in training and mentoring the firm’s professional staff. "We congratulate Todd on his promotion
Fox Rodney Partners With ALS International
Fox Rodney Search (FRS) has formed a new partnership with Hong Kong-based search firm ALS International. The new alliance represents a continued effort by the firm to serve its global client base. ALS International was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai. Its staff is comprised of
Ballinger|Leafblad Heading CEO Search for Ronald McDonald House
St. Paul-based executive recruiters Ballinger|Leafblad has been selected by Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMHC) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Current CEO John Stanoch has said he will retire this fall from his post. Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest is a Minneapolis-based non-profit that gives seriously
NGS Global Recruits SVP Human Resources for Public Storage
NGS Global has placed Michael Rosenow as senior vice president of human resources at Public Storage. The position is based in Glendale, California. Mr. Rosenow was previously SVP of HR and chief compliance officer at The Service Companies in Las Vegas. The search was conducted by Bob Bellano, senior partner, and Don Parker, senior partner,







