DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Post-Merger Integration Leadership: Hiring the Right Executives to Capture Deal Value
Private equity firms spend billions on acquisitions each year, yet Harvard Business Review research shows that 70-90 percent of mergers fail to achieve their projected value, with the breakdown occurring primarily during post-merger integration. For lower middle market PE firms executing buy-and-build strategies, this failure rate represents millions in unrealized returns, according to a recent report
The Moran Company Seeking CEO for the American Counseling Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been selected by the American Counseling Association (ACA) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The organization seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled chief executive officer to work collaboratively with the governing
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Adapting to the Evolving Candidate Landscape
Executive search consultants continue to say that the landscape of recruitment is experiencing profound changes. Driven by technological advancements, evolving workforce demographics, and shifting candidate expectations, the candidate marketplace today presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay competitive, organizations must adapt their executive search strategies to navigate these new dynamics effectively, according to a recent
Direct Recruiters, INC. Adds Recruiting Specialist
Executive search firm Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has named Rachel Gulko as a lead recruiter for its plastics industry practice area focusing on executive level leadership searches. Prior to joining DRI, Ms. Gulko worked in sales for Verizon where she honed her sales leadership skills. She also has a background in early childhood education. Founded
Shares Of CTPartners Remain In Freefall
CTPartners’ stock price dropped by 50 percent yesterday – its single biggest one-day dip – before settling at $4.35 per share, a 33 percent decline. The stock has been in a freefall for the past week on the back of multiple financial restatements and the suspension of a planned common stock offering. News of a
Industrial Search Partners Acquires O’Reilly Group
Industrial Search Partners (ISP) has acquired The O’Reilly Group, an executive search firm specializing in helping a broad range of clients find senior supply chain and logistics talent. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Prior to executive search, O’Reilly Group founder Eve O’Reilly had 22 years of supply chain experience working for carrier,
Martha Fay Africa, Co-Founder of Major, Lindsey & Africa, has Died
Martha Fay (Marty) Africa, co-founder and partner of Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) has passed away after a protracted battle with cancer. Ms. Africa served as an active member of MLA until shortly before her death. She joined Bob Major in 1984 to form the core of what is today Major, Lindsey & Africa, a
Hanold Associates Places VP Global Talent Management at Flextronics
Executive search firm Hanold Associates has recruited Susan Crickenberger as vice president, global talent management for Flextronics (FLEX). Previously, Ms. Crickenberger was head of talent, North American world headquarters for HJ Heinz. Flextronics International Limited is a $30 billion business and is one of the world’s leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers that offers complete
William Hay & Associates Heading CEO Search for McPier
Executive search firm William Hay & Associates has been selected by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, or McPier, to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. The new executive will replace current CEO Jim Reilly who is retiring. The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) is a municipal corporation created by the
CTPartners Suspends Stock Offering And Withdraws Guidance For 2015
CTPartners, the global executive search firm ranked No. 7 in the U.S./Americas region by HSZ Media, has disclosed its intent to suspend a proposed common stock offering announced just 48 hours ago. It is the second time the company has pulled an offering within the last 60 days. CTPartners is revising it's fourth quarter and
Benchmark Executive Search Adds Five New Members To Its National Security And Cyber Advisory Board
Benchmark Executive Search has added five new members to its national security and cyber advisory board. The board will provide Benchmark's president, Jeremy King, with counsel in helping Benchmark customers find cyber experts at the board, C and VP levels. New advisory board members include: LTG Rhett Hernandez (Ret), president of CyberLens, LLC; Matt Olsen,
Alium Partners Grows Staff
Alium Partners, a provider of interim management professionals in the U.K., has named Karen Cresswell as client strategy and development director. Ms. Cresswell brings more than 20 years’ experience of operating globally within the senior interim market, in particular in transformation and change management. She has advised across a range of sectors, such as financial
Egon Zehnder Heading CEO Search For Standard Chartered Plc
Egon Zehnder has been retained by Standard Chartered Plc to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Egon Zehnder is also searching for replacements for other senior executives at Standard Chartered. Standard Chartered PLC provides consumer and wholesale banking products and services primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Founded in 1964,
Buffkin Group Fills VP Hr Position For Restorixhealth
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Colleen Hurley as the new vice president of human resources at RestorixHealth. Ms. Hurley was previously VP of human resources at Community Blood Services. RestorixHealth provides comprehensive wound care management services. The Buffkin Group is an executive search firm offering services in executive search, executive coaching, management
Cook Associates’ John Kins To Retire
Cook Associates has said that its owner and chairman, John Kins, is retiring after being active in the search business since the mid-1960’s. During his tenure, Cook Associates grew to become a top-ranked search firm with offices in Chicago, New York, Boston, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Mr. Kins started a sister division, Cook M&A Advisory
Pure Search Expands In Asia
Global search firm Pure Search has appointed Elaine Khoo as a associate director and specialist HR recruiter for its Asian market. Ms. Khoo has over a decade of experience gained in Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong and has filled a broad spectrum of mandates, including HR business partner, reward, L&D, employee relations, global mobility, global
Mclean Interim Management Adds Partner
U.K.-based McLean Interim Management has named Natasha Cleeve as a partner. Ms. Cleeve’s career spans 25 years in the interim management industry and she has been focusing on the executive interim market for the last 15 years. She has set up and run successful businesses and practices throughout her career and is experienced across numerous
B.E. Smith Heading CEo Search For Yuma Regional Medical Center
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has been retained to lead a national chief executive officer search for Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ. Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is a 406-bed, not-for-profit hospital dedicated to providing outstanding medical care to the residents of Yuma and the surrounding communities in southwestern Arizona. Founded in 1978,
Human Resource Solutions Fills Position For Great Plains Communications
Human Resource Solutions has recruited Lynn Mead as the head of carrier and wholesale services with Great Plains Communications. The search was led by R. Woody Daroca, managing director and founder. Previously, Ms. Mead worked for Consolidated Communications (CNSL), Enventis, Contel and GTE. Great Plains Communications is the largest independent telecommunications company in Nebraska, serving
CTPartners To Sell Stock Amid Securities Fraud Investigation
CTPartners is moving forward with a previously planned public offering of common stock, seeking to raise $12.5 million. Craig-Hallum Capital Group will act as sole managing underwriter. William Blair & Co., the company’s one-time lead underwriter, pulled out of any public offering consideration last week when it downgraded CTPartners’ stock and dropped its coverage of
AESC Adds Talent Africa as Member
The Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) has added Talent Africa as a member firm. Talent Africa, an alliance firm of Korn Ferry, is based in Sandton, the business hub of South Africa, and offers integrated talent solutions to clients nationally and in sub-Saharan Africa. “We are honored to be part of the AESC, it
Spencer Ogden Makes Two Appointments
London-headquartered recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has promoted Brad Lewington to director of EMEA and named Kristen Zeilerbauer as managing director in London. Mr. Lewington will combine his new title with an existing position as head of Asia Pacific. In his new role, he will relocate to London and develop the firm's APAC business. Mr. Zeilerbauer
J. Carpenter & Co. Recruits Chief Marketing Officer For Tempur-Sealy
Executive search firm J. Carpenter and Co. has recruited Jay Spenchian as chief marketing officer of Tempur-Sealy International. Most recently, Mr. Spenchian served as EVP and chief marketing officer for Olive Garden. Tempur Sealy is one of the world's largest bedding providers. J. Carpenter & Co. was founded in 2009 and recruits senior-level executives for
Trilogy Search Non+Profit Completes Search For Bioptix
Executive search firm Trilogy Search Non+Profit has placed Ken Dickerson as vice president of sales with BiOptix, a privately-held optical biodetection company. Chuck Pappalardo handled the assignment on behalf of Trilogy. Mr. Dickerson previously served as national sales director with ACEA Biosciences. Trilogy Search Non+Profit specializes in recruiting senior-level executives and company directors for non-profit
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Former Egon Zehnder Partner as Co-Leader of CEO and Board Advisory Services
Global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Justus O’Brien to the firm to co-lead its integrated CEO and board advisory services group alongside industry veterans Charles A. Tribbett III and Ron Lumbra. Mr. O’Brien will be based out of the firm’s New York office. He joins a global team that combines expertise across
Citing ‘Credibility’ Issue, Underwriter Drops Coverage Of CTpartners
Chicago-based William Blair & Company, lead underwriter for CTPartners, has downgraded the company’s stock and abruptly dropped its coverage of the global executive search firm. Blair’s relationship with CTPartners dates back to December 2010 when it acted as lead manager for CTPartners’ initial public offering. At the time, Blair analyst, Tim McHugh, said that ‘CTPartners
HVS Executive Search Names Managing Director For Europe And Middle East
Simon Tucker-Brown has been appointed as managing director of HVS Executive Search for Europe and the Middle East. He will be based in London. Mr. Tucker-Brown specializes in providing advice on talent and market information as well as solutions to clients’ critical assignments, having delivered numerous search mandates across a broad range of disciplines at
Sports Recruitment International Appoints Managing Partner Executive Search
Search firm Sports Recruitment International has named David James as managing partner, executive search. Mr. James was previously global head of sport & leisure at CTPartners, working with some of the leading global sports clubs, governing bodies, government agencies, service providers, sponsors, rights holders, leisure venues and broadcasters assisting them with their senior management recruitment,
Notogroup Promotes Partner
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Notogroup has promoted Gennevieve Emery to partner/recruiting director. A member of the Notogroup team since its inception in 2009, the firm has recognized her contributions with ownership in the firm. “From the beginning Gennevieve has always acted as an owner in establishing Notogroup’s track record of success, one client at
Diversified Search Recruits Chief HR Officer for Barnabas Health
Diversified Search has placed Milton Anderson as chief human resources officer at Barnabas Health. The search was led by managing director Judy Boreham and Gordon Hawthorne, vice chairman and healthcare practice leader. Mr. Anderson formerly served as chief human resources officer at University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care System, Inc. Barnabas Health is New Jersey’s
Boyden Adds Partner in Pittsburgh Office
Boyden has added Fernando Esquivel Vargas as a new partner in its Pittsburgh office. Mr. Vargas will be a key member of the firm’s global human resources, consumer & retail and healthcare & life science practices. He most recently served as SVP and head of human resources of Mylan, a generic and specialty pharmaceutical company;
Talentmark Opens New Office In Germany
Recruitment specialist Talentmark has opened a new office in Frankfurt. Talentmark Deutschland will focus on interim management, clinical consulting and next-generation executive search solutions for the life sciences industry. Klemens Schuette is CEO of Talentmark Deutschland GmbH and executive director of Talentmark Group. His role is to move forward Talentmark’s business model of product driven
Globetec Solutions Group Names Board Director
Executive recruiter Globetec Solutions Group has named Lee Rayner as its newest board director. Mr. Rayner joined the London-based firm in 2011 as a principal consultant and was promoted to account director in 2013. He will be responsible for driving account growth, implementing best practice frameworks and leading marketing activity across the organization. Globetec Solutions
Witt/Kieffer Recruits CFO For MU Health Care And School of Medicine
Executive recruiter Witt/Kieffer has placed Brian Steines as chief financial officer of MU Health Care and School of Medicine. Mr. Steines most recently served as vice president of financial operations for Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network’s Arizona market. Witt/Kieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical
