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Daily Newswire
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
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
2025 Hiring Trends: How Strategic HR Management is Shaping the Future of Work
The future of corporate hiring is unfolding rapidly, with 2025 shaping into a transformative year for workforce strategies. As businesses navigate a landscape defined by strategic human resources management, emerging trends such as skills-based hiring, AI-powered recruitment, and hybrid work models reshape how organizations attract and retain talent, according to a new report from Talento. “Strategic human
Dice Records Five Percent Revenue Increase
Dice Holdings, Inc./(NYSE:DHX) has recorded first quarter revenues of $63.8 million, an increase of five percent from $60.7 million in the comparable quarter of 2014. The rise was primarily due to higher year-over-year sales and marketing expense and additional headcount in part resulting from the acquisition of OilCareers in March 2014, partially offset by lower depreciation
Goldsmith & Co Adds Partner in San Francisco Office
Goldsmith & Co, an executive search firm focused on asset management, has appointed Paul Charles as a partner in its San Francisco office. Mr. Charles was previously a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ financial services practice, focusing on search and advisory work for asset management, private equity, hedge fund and wealth management clients across North America.
CTPartners Loses Seven More Top Recruiters to Rivals
Top 10-ranked executive search firm CTPartners remains in the crosshairs of its global rivals – several of whom seem to be picking the company clean of its top-level business producers. Robert Voth, a CTPartners vice chairman and 17-year company veteran, has joined Russell Reynolds Associates as a managing director where he will work from the firm’s Chicago
E.A. Hughes Places Global Marketing SVP for USPA Properties
Executive search firm E.A. Hughes & Co has placed Matthew McCartin as senior vice president of global marketing of USPA Properties, Inc. Mr. McCartin was previously the chief marketing officer of Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. Prior to that, he served as vice president of advertising, KFC, at Yum Brands Inc. USPA Properties oversees licensees in North and
Christenson Advisory Services Names Principal in L.A.
Christenson Advisory Services (CA), a full service consultancy providing executive search, compensation, financial advisory and management consulting services to the global real estate industry, has named Kara Sugimoto as a principal in its Los Angeles office. Ms. Sugimoto and her team will lead CA's West Coast executive search practice. She brings more than two decades of
CTPartners’ Client Satisfaction Rate Up in Q1
CTPartners' quarterly Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) results showed an overall client satisfaction rate of 91.4 percent, up 5.25 percent from 86.2 percent for the same quarter in 2014. Ninety-six percent of respondents said they would use CTPartners again for another critical search. “CTPartners is committed to providing a transparent search experience for our clients and
B.E. Smith Adds Healthcare Leader for Interim Business
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has added Byron Atkinson as vice president / leadership advisor for its interim leadership and advisory services division. A healthcare executive with more than 35 years of national and international senior leadership experience, Mr. Atkinson brings a track record in leading for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals, as well as academic medical centers
Diversified Search Recruits Provost for Samford University
Diversified Search has placed Dr. Mike Hardin as the new provost of Samford University. Dr. Hardin, who currently serves as the dean of business at the University of Alabama, will be joining Samford University in Birmingham beginning July 1st. The search was led by managing director Gene Head. Samford’s President Andrew Westmoreland stated: "In accepting
Ralph Andersen and Associates Chosen to Lead President Search
Executive recruiters Ralph Andersen and Associates has been selected by Santa Monica College (SMC) to lead its search for a new college superintendent/president. The decision came after hearing presentations by and interviewing representatives of Ralph Andersen & Associates and three other finalists: Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc., Association of Community College Trustees, and Korn Ferry. "Ralph Andersen &
Direct Recruiters Expands Military Transition Practice
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has added Thomas M. Clark as director of military transition, military leadership excellence, and the firm's supply chain/logistics practice. Mr. Clark’s experience managing high growth, multi-division, multi-billion dollar businesses is a compliment to his military leadership experience. He is a former U.S Army Captain and Airborne Ranger that led
CDI Corp. Posts Q1 Revenue Dip
CDI Corp./(NYSE:CDI)a Philadelphia-based provider of IT-focused recruitment solutions, posted first quarter revenues of $257.5 million, a decrease of 6.8 percent from revenues of $276.3 million a year ago. The company reported a net gain of $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, last year.
Miller Mckenzie Creates Manufactured Joinery Division
Specialist executive search company Miller Mckenzie has created a manufactured joinery division in response to strength in the manufactured joinery industry. As part of its growth strategy in the timber & forest products sector, the firm will launch a dedicated manufactured joinery division which will allow senior consultant Denise Griffin to focus on providing a unique,
Egon Zehnder Heading Search for BBC Studios
Egon Zehnder is currently leading the search for a new executive to lead BBC Studios. Consultant Dom Loehnis is heading the assignment. The firm was used in 2012 to identify Mark Thompson’s replacement as BBC director general. BBC Studios and Post Production is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, providing television studios, post production and
Spencer Stuart Recruits General Counsel for Point72 Asset Management
Spencer Stuart has placed Kevin J. O’Connor as general counsel of Point72 Asset Management, L.P. Mr. O’Connor, most recently vice president for global ethics and compliance at United Technologies, served as the top federal prosecutor in Connecticut from 2002 to 2008. He then served as associate attorney general until 2009. In addition to his public service,
Hanold Associates Launches CHRO Search
Executive Search firm Hanold Associates has been selected by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) to lead its search to find a new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Reporting to the CEO, the CHRO will serve as a key member of RIC’s executive leadership team and will be accountable for all human resources activities and building
Monster Worldwide Posts Seven Percent Revenue Dip
Moster Worldwide, Inc./(NYSE:MWW) has posted revenues of $184 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, a decline of seven percent from revenues of $194 million in the comparable quarter of 2014. Revenue from the company's Careers – North America operations decreased four percent year-over-year and revenue from Careers – International decreased 13 percent year-over-year
Pederson & Partners Grows in Moscow and Austria
Executive search firm Pederson & Partners has named Julie Desloges as a consultant in its Moscow office and Josef Buttinger as the country manager for Austria. Over the course of her professional career, Ms. Desloges gained experience in human resources consulting and management within major international companies in Russia and France. Prior to joining the firm,
Korn Ferry Adds Three New Consultants
Korn Ferry has added Caitlin Banks Iseler as a principal in the firm's technology practice, Nathalie Nassar as a senior partner in its leadership & talent consulting business and Dave Pearce as a senior client partner in the firm's global consumer practice. Ms. Iseler has advised clients on attracting, training, growing and retaining leaders. Earlier
NPA Names Managing Director for EMEA
NPA, a worldwide recruiting network, has announced that Alfy Zidan of PureAudit Executive Search (Netherlands) has been appointed managing director of the EMEA region. Mr. Zidan will be responsible for activating the existing member recruitment firms while working with NPA staff to add additional member locations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “Alfy Zidan’s
Raines International Fills Board Positions for MJHS
New York City-based Raines International Inc. has placed Brad Fluegel and Amir Kishon as new board members for Metropolitan Jewish Health System (MJHS). Mr. Fluegel is senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Walgreens. Mr. Kishon is the CEO of Wellness Layers. Rooted in Jewish values and traditions and consistent with the highest standard
Armstrong Craven Completes Management Buyout
Specialist executive search and intelligence consultancy, Armstrong Craven, has secured a £3.5m investment from ISIS Equity Partners (ISIS) to complete a management buyout. The deal, led by Armstrong Craven’s founder Sue Craven and Matthew Mellor (CEO) with Rachel Davis (COO), will establish the business as a separate entity from its former parent company Work Group
Eames Consulting Adds New Recruiter in the U.K.
Recruiting firm Eames Consulting Group has added Sara Kronenberg as a senior consultant within the U.K. risk management division. Ms. Kronenberg previously worked within the risk management division of Robert Walters and McGregor Boyall. She was most recently with Alexander Mann. She will focus specifically on the placement of permanent positions within credit risk management
DHR International Completes Colorcon EMEA Director Search
DHR International has completed the executive search for Colorcon’s new managing director for the EMEA region. The search for Colorcon’s managing director EMEA was conducted by Sue Rossiter, managing director of DHR International’s global life sciences practice in Europe. This position resulted from the promotion of Martti Hedman to global VP commercial operations at Colorcon.
Help Wanted: Forrester Research Seeks Head of Talent Acquisition
Forrester Research, the global research and advisory consultancy based in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a head of global talent acquisition. The position will report to chief people officer Lucia Luce Quinn. The proprietary research, data, custom consulting and events firm needs someone to further develop the Forrester employment brand to attract high-caliber candidates across its
The Cypress Group Fills VP Position for Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Rutherford, CA-headquartered executive search firm The Cypress Group has assisted Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the hiring of Sam Burton as its new vice president of operations. Mr. Phelps was previously the director, North Coast operations for Diageo Chateau & Estates. Before that he spent four years as a director with Constellation Wines US. Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Caldwell Partners Recruits COO for LTCG
Caldwell Partners has placed Rob Frederick as the new chief operating officer of LTCG. Jim Bethmann, managing partner and co-leader, TMT & IT services and information security practices, and Peter Reed, managing partner in the global insurance practice, led the assignment. Mr. Frederick comes to LTCG from Transamerica, a financial service company, providing insurance and
TalentRISE Partners With ConnectVETS
TalentRISE, a Chicago-based executive search firm, has partnered with ConnectVETS in an effort to help U.S. military veterans more effectively transition to the civilian workforce, enable employers to better connect with this experienced talent pool and, if applicable, meet the new regulations for veteran hiring. “Our clients are telling us that what works for recruiting a
Amrop Adds 10 New Partners Around the World
Amrop has added 10 new partners in Asia, EMEA and the U.S. Marcella Accorinti joins Amrop as a partner in Italy where she will work between Milan and Rome, focusing on the financial services sector. Ms. Accorinti began her search career in 2000 when she joined KPMG Executive Search as a principal, developing business in
Hilmar & Ross Places Sales VP at Keurig Green Mountain
Executive search firm Hilmar & Ross, LLC has placed Brian Vetter as vice president of sales-foodservice at Keurig Green Mountain. Ken Smuland, president and CEO of Hilmar & Ross, led the search. Mr. Vetter was previously the VP sales at White Wave Foods. As a leader in specialty coffee, coffee makers, teas and other beverages, Keurig
Russell Reynolds Associates Heading CEO Search for RMA
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by the Rubber Manufacturers Association to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Current CEO Charles Cannon has announced that he will retire from his post. The position will be filled by late 2015. The Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers
Antal International Opens New Offices
Global recruitment firm Antal International has opened seven new offices located in the Ivory Coast, France, Bulgaria, India and the U.K. Recently, the firm completed a comprehensive induction program for new managing partners to expand its services within the FCMG, digital marketing, hospitality, oil & gas, manufacturing and logistics sectors. Tony Goodwin, Antal Group CEO &







