DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Five Questions with MJ Scott, Incoming CEO of Kirk Palmer Associates
Kirk Palmer Associates (KPA) an independent executive search firm dedicated exclusively to retail and consumer brands, this past July appointed search industry veteran MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott as its new CEO. A seasoned leader with more than 25 years in retail and executive search, Ms. Scott brings expanded capabilities to KPA’s global operations with a focus
Unemployment Rises to Four-Year High
Employment rose by 64,000 in November as the U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.6 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment rose in healthcare and construction in November, while federal government continued to lose jobs. The delayed employment report for November and a partial update for October published by the Labor Department’s Bureau
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
CHRO Turnover Declines Amid Workforce Shifts
CHRO turnover remains low as organizations seek to prioritize stability amidst unprecedented socio-political challenges, new legislation across sectors, and workforce transformation concerns. Overall, incoming CHRO changes are still notably down 34 percent year-to-date since 2023, and 23 percent since 2022, according to the latest CHRO turnover report from Russell Reynolds Associates. “By retaining the top line
Organization Consulting Ltd To Lead Search For City Of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
North York, Toronto-headquartered search firm Organization Consulting Ltd. has been selected by the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to lead in its search for a new chief administrative officer. City Hall selected the firm to seek a replacement for departing chief administrative officer Joe Fratesi. Founded in 1982, Organization Consulting Limited is a retained
AltoPartners Names Stephen Dallamore Global Operating Committee Chairman
AltoPartners has appointed Stephen Dallamore as chairman of the alliance’s global operating committee. Mr. Dallamore has served on the committee since 2012 and will continue to serve as a regional representative for AltoPartners in Africa; he is currently managing director of Search Partners International (SPi), the South African AltoPartners alliance partner. “Appointing Stephen as chairman
Cook Associates Closes Shop
NGS Global has opened a new office in Paris. Christian Coffinet, managing partner, will lead the office in France. Mr. Coffinet has over 25 years of experience conducting executive search assignments on behalf of clients ranging from large corporations to small start-ups across France, Benelux, Germany and Africa. He is a member of the firm's
Waverly Partners Retained By NEDC For CEO Search
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected by the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) to lead its search for a new president and chief executive officer. NEDC board chair Leslie Christopher said: “Waverly Partners consultants met with our board, NEDC staff and a variety of community leaders and representatives. Our committee is open to
Kincannon & Reed Heading Executive Director Search For FFAR
Kincannon & Reed is currently leading the search for an executive director for The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). Authorized by Congress as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, FFAR operates as a non-profit corporation seeking and accepting private donations in order to fund research activities that focus on problems of national and
Cook Associates Closes Shop
After 54 years in business, executive search firm Cook Associates is closing its doors in Chicago. Since its inception in 1961, the firm has served clients ranging from early-stage, venture-funded and private equity backed companies to the Fortune 100. Industry specialties included consumer/retail, industrial, technology, business services, education, CFO and board services. Cook Associates' owner
CTPartners Vice Chairman Barry Bregman Joins Korn Ferry
CTPartners vice chairman Barry Bregman has quit the company to join rival Korn Ferry in its New York office. Mr. Bregman follows a string of high level recruiting executives to depart the nation’s seventh largest search firm recently, including its CEO Brian Sullivan; he is the fourth vice chairman to leave. (Former CTPartners vice chairmen
CTPartners Global Technology Head Departs For Heidrick & Struggles
CTPartners managing partner Paul J. Groce has left the company to join Heidrick & Struggles in New York. At CTPartners Mr. Groce served as head of the company’s global CIO/technology & operations practice, where he was widely recognized as a CIO/CTO industry expert. He joined CTPartners as a partner and founding member of the firms’
Krauthamer & Associates Heading CEO Search For Cats
Executive recruiters Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) is currently leading the search for a new chief executive officer for the Charlotte Area Transit System. In January, former CEO Carolyn Flowers left the Transit System for a position at the Federal Transit Administration in Washington. The Charlotte Area Transit System, commonly referred to as CATS, is the
Baker And Associates Winding Down Chancellor Search For UNC Wilmington
Baker and Associates, LLC has been chosen to identify potential candidates to fill the chancellor position at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “The search committee has worked really hard and invested a lot of time into the whole process. We have been very pleased with our search consultant, Jerry Baker, who has provided a
CTPartners Postpones Report To Wall Street; Sullivan Delays Departure as CEO
CTPartners announced yesterday after the markets closed that the company filed a Form 12b-25, Notification of Late Filing, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that allows the company to extend the deadline to file its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The delay is due, in part, to the fact that
Odgers Berndtson Launches U.S. Aerospace & Defense Practice and Names Practice Head
Odgers Berndtson has launched its new U.S. aerospace & defense practice and appointed Samantha Foster as partner to oversee its operations. Ms. Foster, a seasoned executive recruiter with more than two decades spent in the aerospace and defense sector, will be based in the firm's New York office. She brings significant sector expertise and experience
JobPlex Adds EVP in St. Louis
JobPlex, a DHR International Company, has added John Johnson as executive vice president in its St. Louis office. Mr. Johnson brings more than 30 years of executive experience to the firm, along with previous experience in building an HR recruiting company to national recognition. He most recently served as president of Continuum Medical Staffing, a
McDermott & Bull Recruits CFO For H&S Ventures
Irvine, CA-based McDermott & Bull has placed Bill Foltz as chief financial officer of H&S Ventures. The search was led by partner by Jeff Black. “Bill brings H&S Ventures a wealth of applicable experience in both professional sports (with the Los Angeles Dodgers) and serving as CFO for family offices, so he will be an
Vetted Solutions Heading President Search For The RAA
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC is currently leading the search for a new president for the Regional Airline Association (RAA). This position will work closely with RAA’s board of directors and executive committee to implement and manage all policies, programs, services and operation of this $2 million budget association with 28 members.
John Davitt Joins Korn Ferry Global Supply Chain Sector
John Davitt has joined Korn Ferry as a member of the firm’s global supply chain center of expertise. Mr. Davitt will be based out of Korn Ferry’s New York office. Mr. Davitt brings to Korn Ferry more than 20 years of executive search experience and he is a recognized expert and leading consultant in procurement,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Leader of Global Healthcare and Life Sciences
Chicago-based Heidrick & Struggles International has added John Mitchell to lead its global healthcare and life sciences practice. As global practice managing partner Mr. Mitchell will lead a team of more than 80 partners, principals and associates in the Americas, Europe and Asia serving clients in the biopharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare services sectors. He
Cordant People Opens In Scotland
Cordant People has opened a new office in Scotland to meet the growing jobs demand across the country. The company has just opened offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Livingston and Stirling with sites in Aberdeen and Inverness to follow in the coming months. James Orr, operations director, Cordant People Scotland, has been appointed to establish
Spencer Stuart Heading CEO Search for Monotype Imaging Holdings
Spencer Stuart has been selected by Monotype Imaging Holdings to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Doug Shaw, current president and CEO, intends to retire at the end of 2015. Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Monotype is a global provider of typefaces, technology and expertise that enable the best user experience and ensure
Russell Reynolds Associates Retained by Northwestern University
Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Northwestern University to lead in its search for a new leader of the Buffett Institute for Global Studies. The Buffett Institute works to solve critical global problems through collaborative scholarship and education, and prepares students to become global leaders. With 44 offices and more than 350 executive search
ZRG Partners Adds Former Cook Associates CEO To Staff
West Orange, NJ-based ZRG Partners has named former Cook Associates CEO Mary Kier as managing director. Joining Ms. Kier will be a small team to support her longstanding client relationships. She will be based in the firm’s new Chicago office and will become a member of ZRG’s private equity, consumer and industrial practices. “Mary is
Furst Group Joins IIC Partners
IIC Partners has added executive search firm Furst Group as its newest member firm. Headquartered in Chicago, Furst Group exclusively focuses on the healthcare and life sciences sector. The firm is led by co-founders Bob Clarke, chief executive officer, and Sherrie Barch, president. “We are really looking forward to affiliating with IIC Partners. We believe
CBSBUTLER Names U.K. Managing Director
U.K.-based technical recruiter CBSbutler has appointed Bernard Ward as U.K. managing director, succeeding long-standing incumbent David Leyshon, who takes up the position of chairman. Mr. Ward was previously with Reed Global, where he held the post of regional managing director for EMEA. “I am both delighted and incredibly excited about the opportunity. CBSbutler has forged
Leadership Recruiters Finds Executive Director For The Schuylkill River Heritage Area
Leadership Recruiters has placed Silas A. Chamberlin as executive director of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. Mr. Chamberlin has served as a regional advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since March 2014. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, an organization focused on the
3P Consultants Places COO At Weener Empire Plastics
Executive search firm 3P Consultants Pvt. Ltd has recruited Himanshu Sharma as chief operating officer and board member at Weener Empire Plastics Pvt Ltd. Mr. Sharma was previously vice president of operations at Tata Autocomp Systems Limited. Weener Empire Plastics is a subsidiary of the Weener Plastics Packaging Group, a full service global supplier of
Egon Zehnder Makes Leadership Changes in NY; Opens New Office in Washington, D.C.
Egon Zehnder has made several key leadership transitions for its New York office. Patrick O'Brien will assume leadership of the New York office, taking over from Alan Hilliker, while Francisco Paret takes over for Mr. O'Brien to lead the firm's financial services practice in the Americas. Mr. O'Brien joined Egon Zehnder as a member of
BCL Legal Strengthens Search Staff
U.K.-based BCL Legal, a legal recruitment consultancy, has made three new appointments to its team of consultants. Georgina Inson has been appointed as a senior associate and will be handling non-contentious commercial roles in Bristol to include real estate, commercial and corporate opportunities. She has worked in legal recruitment for five years including positions at
Battalia Winston Completes Search For First Service Networks
Search firm Battalia Winston has recruited Katya Borisova as vice president, integration management office, at First Service Networks. The search was led by Terry Gallagher, president, and Rob Miller, principal. Ms. Borisova recently served as leader, global market development and business operations, senior manager, corporate strategy and M&A and manager, business transformation at Brocade Communications
Reffett Associates Retained By BECU To Head SVP Of HR Search
Reffett Associates, Ltd. has been selected by BECU to lead in its search for a new senior vice president of human resources. Based in Tukwila, Washington, BECU has over $12 billion in assets and over 850,000 members, making it the largest credit union in Washington and fourth largest in the U.S. With offices in Seattle,
CTPartners’ Stock Plummets; Korn Ferry Rumored As White Knight
Shares of CTPartners plummeted on Thursday afternoon, dropping 30 percent at the end of a busy day on Wall Street which saw volume in the stock soar to 543,000 shares traded. It was the single largest, one-day decline in CTPartners’ share price since late January when the company’s stock was in a freefall on news
TRANSEARCH Opens New Office In Edinburgh
TRANSEARCH International has opened an office in Edinburgh and has added new consultants. David Bond, who will head up the Edinburgh office, is an experienced executive search director and actively recruits for clients across a range of disciplines at a senior level within sectors such as financial services, professional services, retail, property, education, energy and
