DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Toronto’s Executive Search Market Heats Up Amid Talent Shortage
The Canadian job market in 2025 is showing signs of resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While higher interest rates and slowing consumer demand have created challenges in sectors like real estate and retail, the country continues to experience steady demand for workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Immigration remains a key driver of labor
Riviera Partners Acquires Board and Technology (BaT)
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Board and Technology (BaT). The firm’s founder Olof Pripp has joined Riviera as a partner. Board and Technology will continue to operate under its name, co-branded as “Board and Technology – Powered by Riviera Partners.” Financial terms of
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.
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
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?
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 CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
How Search Firms are Winning Through M&A and Unlocking Value
Talk to just about any executive search firm founder today and the conversation does not take long to come around to the topic of mergers and acquisitions. Over the last five years, M&A activity across the executive recruiting sector has reached fever pitch. “Consolidation among competitors has been reshaping the industry unlike any previous time,”
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head Of Interim Consulting Practice
Sheffield Haworth has named Elizabeth Roberts as managing director and head of the firm's interim consulting practice. Ms. Roberts has 22 years of experience across financial services and professional services in the U.K. and Australia and will be continuing to build Sheffield Haworth’s independent consulting offering globally. She most recently led interim consulting across the
Another Shareholder Rights Law Firm Investigating Actions by CTPartners
A second shareholder rights law firm is investigating potential violations of federal and state law by CTPartners and certain officers and directors of the global search firm. Johnson & Weaver, LLP, a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia, represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and
Medilink Consulting Launches Executive Search Division
Healthcare recruiter MediLink Consulting has created a new executive search division and appointed Amir Malik to launch the new service as director. Mr. Malik was previously with Consult Search & Selection, where he was executive search director, EMEA [Europe, Middle East and Africa] and international markets. MediLink’s new division will recruit for senior positions in
Heidrick & Struggles Heading General Counsel Search for GM
Heidrick & Struggles is currently leading the search for a new general counsel for General Motors. Mike Millikin, the automaker's current general counsel, will retire after his replacement is named. Detroit-based General Motors Corp., one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. Heidrick &
Myers Mcrae Completes Search For Albany State University
Executive search firm Myers McRae has placed Alicia J. Jackson Ph.D. as dean of the college of business at Albany State University. During her career, Dr. Jackson has served as dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University and as interim dean and dean of the College of Business and Information Science
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head Of Interim Consulting Practice
Search firm Sheffield Haworth has named Elizabeth Roberts as managing director and head of its interim consulting practice in London. With 22 years of experience across financial services and professional services in the U.K. and Australia, Ms. Roberts joins the firm from Leathwaite where she led the firm's interim practice and grew the offering across
Korn Ferry Adds to Global Supply Chain Practice
Korn Ferry has appointed Mehrab Deboo as a member of the firm's global supply chain search practice. He will be based out of Korn Ferry's Chicago office and become a member of the global industrial and consumer practices. Mr. Deboo brings more than 12 years of executive search experience, having successfully developed and managed searches
Egon Zehnder Adds Consultant To Toronto Office
Egon Zehnder has added Adam Dean as a consultant in its Toronto office. He is an active member of the firm’s financial services practice. Mr. Dean focuses on the asset management, wealth management, insurance, wholesale banking and private equity sectors. He also serves energy and infrastructure clients across North America. Mr. Dean was previously special
Grays Executive Search Launches Interim Division
Grays Executive Search, a recently launched boutique search and selection consultancy, has opened a second office in Birmingham, U.K. and launched an executive interim search division, headed up by ex-Michael Page director, Phillip Machell. The firm plans to further it's footprint outside of London within the next six months. Grays has doubled its team to
Martin Partners Taps CEO For Amerimark Holdings
Executive search firm Martin Partners has placed Mark Ethier as chief executive officer at AmeriMark Holdings. Mr. Ethier was previously chief executive officer at Cornerstone Brands. AmeriMark is a catalog and online consumer products and services company, backed by private equity firm Prudential Capital. Chicago-based Martin Partners provides executive search services to a wide array
Hanold Associates Heading CHRO Search for Patagonia
Search firm Hanold Associates has been selected by Patagonia, Inc. to lead its search for a chief human resources officer. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia designs and markets clothing and accessories to mountain climbers, skiers, surfers, as well as other sports enthusiasts and environmentalists. Headquartered in Chicago, Hanold Associates specializes in assignments for
DHR International Acquires Veni Partners
DHR International has acquired Veni Partners LLP, a London-based executive search and advisory firm specializing in board and financial services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Veni’s managing partner and head of financial services, Stéphane Rambosson, has joined DHR as managing director financial services Europe. Founder and chairman, Thomas Drewry, will become an
Boyden Adds Key Partner in Denmark
Boyden has added Kristine Cholewa as a managing partner in Denmark. Ms. Cholewa will play a key role in recruiting for CEOs, board of directors and other senior executive roles in the technology, business & professional services, private equity, industrial and life sciences sectors. She was previously an equity partner of top Denmark-based executive search
Coulter Partners Opens New Office In Copenhagen
Search firm Coulter Partners has opened a new office in Copenhagen and appointed Eskil Westh as executive vice president. Mr. Westh has over 15 years of life sciences search experience working in the Nordics region and across Europe for pharmaceutical, biotech and clinical stage development companies. For 10 years he headed Amrop’s life sciences practice
Lonergan Partners Places CMO At Freewave Technologies
Executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Scott Allen as chief marketing officer of FreeWave Technologies. The search was led by Mark Lonergan, founder and senior partner. Mr. Allen served as an executive consultant with SolarWinds, where he led the creation of customer marketing strategies and success measurements. FreeWave Technologies is a provider of wireless
Richard Thompson Associates Heading CEO Search For West Central Initiative Board
Executive recruiter Richard Thompson Associates has been selected by the West Central Initiative Board to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. West Central’s previous CEO, Nancy Straw, resigned in November. West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas,
ZRG Partners Completes Private Equity Capital Raise
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has obtained capital funding with Northcreek Mezzanine to pursue strategic acquisitions and attract key executive recruiters to fuel its growth. ZRG, named to HSZ Media’s Top 50 U.S./Americas recruiter ranking for the first time this year, recorded $9 million in U.S. fee revenue in 2014, a 45 percent rise –
CTPartners Receives Rescue Financing As Investors Take Note Of An Industry In Overdrive
Reclusive financier Austin W. Marxe, president of AWM Investment Company, has ponied up a $5 million lifeline to help CTPartners stave off short term cash flow needs and keep the company afloat. Mr. Marxe acquired 1.45 million shares of the embattled global search firm at $3.44 per share last week. His hedge fund stands to
Pure Search Appoints Director Of Compliance
Global search firm Pure Search has appointed Annabel Roberts as director of compliance to lead and build out further capability in the London market. Ms. Roberts previously led the banking and governance practice at specialist search firm Oliver James Associates; prior to that, she headed up a market leading compliance and regulation team in Asia.
Vetted Solutions Selected By The Geoprofessional Business Association To Lead Executive Director Search
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC is currently leading the search for a new executive director for the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). GBA is a trade association representing companies that provide geotechnical, geologic, environmental, construction-materials engineering and testing, and related geoprofessional services. Vetted Solutions provides executive search services, interim solutions, and association management
Anderson & Associates Heading CEO Search For The Pines At Davidson
Charlotte, NC-based executive search firm Anderson & Associates has been selected by The Pines at Davidson to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Eddie Muller, who has led the retirement community since it opened in 1988, has announced his retirement. Anderson & Associates is a national retained executive search firm specializing
Slone Partners Opens Office In San Francisco
Executive recruiters Slone Partners has opened a new office in San Francisco to be headed by president Tara Kochis. "The Bay Area is a hotbed for medical innovation and scientific investment. To meet the needs of our growing client base and this crucial industry, we are expanding our resources to engage directly with the companies
NGS Global Americas Adds New Offices In South Africa
NGS Global Americas has added offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa to its global footprint. Terry Veitch, managing partner at NGS Global, will lead the firm’s presence in the region. With over 25 years of experience in the executive search industry, Mr. Veitch conducts senior-level assignments across a wide variety of industries and
Witt/Kieffer Appoints Leader Of Its IT Practice
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has named James Utterback as principal and practice leader of its information technology practice. Mr. Utterback brings a wealth of global experience to the position, with 30 years of diverse executive leadership and consulting experience in information technology and entrepreneurial, private equity and venture capital backed endeavors. He previously founded and
Russell Reynolds Associates Assists CFA Institute in CEO Search
Global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has assisted in the placement of Paul H. Smith as the president and chief executive officer of the CFA Institute. Mr. Smith was managing director, Asia-Pacific, and global head, institutional partnerships at the CFA Institute. CFA Institute’s mission is to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the
JBK Associates International Recruits Chief Medical Officer For Contravir Pharmaceutical
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has recruited John Sullivan-Bolyai M.D. as chief medical officer of ContraVir Pharmaceutical, Inc. Most recently, Dr. Sullivan-Bolyai was executive director of infectious disease clinical research at Merck. ContraVir focuses on the development and commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies. JBK Associates International conducts executive level searches across multiple functional areas in
DHR Makes Unsolicited Bid To Acquire CTPartners
Two of the nation’s Top 10 ranked search firms could soon become one. Chicago-based DHR International has submitted a formal, unsolicited written offer to acquire 100 percent of the equity of embattled CTPartners, based in New York. David H. Hoffmann, CEO of Osprey Capital LLC, a family office that owns DHR, has been quietly building
Executives Online Grows U.K. Leadership Team
International interim management and executive recruitment firm Executives Online has strengthen its U.K. leadership team with the addition of Chris O’Connell as managing director. With 17 years in the recruiting industry, Mr. O’Connell is the founder and ex-CEO of Timothy James Consulting. At Executives Online, he will help to accelerate new office openings across the
Norrie Johnston Recruitment Names Non-Executive Director
U.K.-headquartered Norrie Johnston Recruitment (NJR) has appointed Jackie Edwards as a non-executive director. Ms. Edwards has led major change programs for financial services brands and high profile regulatory bodies including Barclays Group companies, Cap Gemini Ernst Young and the Financial Services Authority (now the FCA). "We’re absolutely thrilled to have Jackie on the board. She
Spencer Stuart to Fill Director Post for L.A. World Airports
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to lead its search for a new executive director. Gina Marie Lindsey, who has led Los Angeles World Airports for nearly eight years, has announced her retirement this spring. Los Angeles World Airports is the airport oversight and operations department for the city of
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates Heading VP Search For Baylor University
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates is leading the search for a new vice president of university development for Baylor University. Dr. Kenneth L. Hall, who formerly filled the position, left the university in November. Baylor University is a private Baptist university in Waco, Texas. Storbeck/Pimentel is a minority and female owned search firm specializing in executive recruitment
