DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
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.
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
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?
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Anthem Executive | Anthem Academics Seeking Director of Athletics Texas A&M International University
Athletic directors are playing an increasingly vital role at colleges and universities across the country. With the expansion of athletic departments and, for the larger schools, the infusion of big dollars for sports, more schools have turned to search firms when such positions become open. Too much is at stake, they feel, to go at
Reducing Risk Through Informed Executive Search
As organizations face increasing pressure to make the right leadership decisions, executive search is becoming less about simply filling senior roles and more about reducing risk of a bad hire through better information, stronger alignment, and a deeper understanding of the leadership market. Companies are increasingly seeking search partners that can provide strategic insight before
Rokos Group Seeking CHRO for Keck Medicine of USC
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Keck Medicine of USC to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. The CHRO will serve as a strategic executive leader responsible for recommending, developing, implementing, administering, interpreting, coordinating, and evaluating human resources strategies, policies, programs, laws, and procedures pertaining to
Academic Career & Executive Search Retained by Briar Cliff University to Find New CFO
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been selected by Briar Cliff University to lead in its search for a vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Briar Cliff University seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial financial leader. Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the
How Adaptive Governance Is Reshaping Leadership in Private Equity
Private equity firms have transformed how they create value, placing greater emphasis on operational execution, leadership effectiveness, and strategic oversight throughout the investment lifecycle. As a result, executive search firms are increasingly being called upon not only to recruit high-impact leaders and board directors, but also to identify executives capable of operating within governance models
Why the Chief AI Officer Is Becoming a C-Suite Essential
Artificial intelligence is reshaping executive leadership, prompting organizations to rethink who should guide enterprise-wide AI strategy and oversee its responsible adoption. As companies move beyond experimentation to large-scale implementation, executive search firms are seeing growing demand for leaders who can combine technical expertise with business acumen, regulatory awareness, and the ability to drive transformation across
Yale University Taps Lindauer to Lead Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development
Lindauer has been retained by Yale University to lead in its search for a vice president for alumni affairs and development. The search is being led by Lindauer CEO Deb Taft, executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Andrew Machado. Yale University seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader. Reporting directly to president Maurie McInnis and serving
What a Great Executive Onboarding Plan Actually Looks Like
Executive search firms devote significant time and expertise to identifying leaders capable of driving organizational success, yet the work of ensuring those executives thrive often begins only after the search concludes. As organizations face mounting pressure to maximize leadership investments and accelerate executive impact, onboarding is emerging as a critical extension of the search process
Slone Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Prolynx
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Amer Mirza as chief scientific officer at Prolynx, a biotechnology company developing a next-generation portfolio of ultra-long-acting medicines for obesity and related metabolic conditions. “Dr. Amer Mirza is an accomplished scientific leader whose deep expertise in drug discovery and development and passion for innovation make him exceptionally well suited to serve as
Wilson Appoints New CEO
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has announced a planned leadership transition as founder and CEO John Wilson moves into a role on the board after nearly 24 years leading the company. Jean-Francois Vezina has been appointed CEO and will lead the next phase of Wilson’s growth and innovation. “It was important to me that the company be
ATS vs. CRM: Why Both Matter in Executive Search
An ATS is designed to move candidates through a single search, not to maintain relationships over the years between searches. In executive search, however, those long-term relationships are where most of the revenue is actually generated. A new report from Recruiterflow breaks down the difference between an ATS and an executive search CRM, why relationship-driven
Potrero Group Leads Search for the Leader of Bay Area’s Largest Trail Network
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group has assisted in the recruitment of Kirsten Saenz Tobey as the executive director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. This follows a national search. “Kirsten brings exactly the combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, and genuine passion for conservation that this moment calls for,” said Taylor
Caldwell Appoints COO; Announces New Regional Managing Partner Structure
Toronto-based Caldwell has named John Blank as chief operating officer. The firm has also established a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform. In his new role, Mr. Blank will oversee Caldwell’s business and people operations, including regional leadership, talent and people
The Evolution of the CHRO: From Personnel to Enterprise Leadership
The responsibilities of today’s chief human resources officer extend far beyond talent management, reflecting a broader shift in how organizations view leadership and business performance. As workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and organizational change reshape corporate priorities, the CHRO has become an increasingly influential voice in helping CEOs and boards navigate strategic decisions. Not long ago,
GHP Search Assists Christel House with the Recruitment of New Board Members
GHP Search, formerly known as Greenwich Harbor Partners, has helped Christel House Intl. to recruit John Gomes, partner, global telecom and technology at Bain & Co, and former partner, software at Kearney, Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard and former SVP – global head of infrastructure, data and technology at Paypal. Mr. Gomes is a globally recognized transformation and strategy leader in
TOC Arts Partners Assists Union Arts Center with the Recruitment of First Artistic Director
Following an extensive national search, New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has assisted Union Arts Center in Seattle, WA, with the recruitment of Yuvika Tolani as the first permanent artistic director. The search was led by vice president of executive search, Cynthia Fuhrman. “As a former resident of Seattle myself, I have enjoyed many performances
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
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
Mercuri Urval Expands Search Staff
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of Anne Zhang as partner and director. “We’re thrilled to welcome Anne back to the MU family,” said Julia Larsen-Disney, director and team leader MU China. “Her extensive expertise in leadership and talent management, combined with her deep knowledge of the Greater China region, will
PitchBook Data Shows PE Outlook Is Shifting Fast
According to PitchBook’s Q1 2025 U.S. PE Breakdown Report, private equity entered the year with positive momentum. Deal activity totaled 2,263 transactions worth $259.7 billion, representing an 11.8 percent increase in volume and 36.1 percent increase in value year over year. Much of the quarter’s value was driven by large take-privates, notably Sycamore Partners’ $23.7 billion
McCormack+Kristel Retained by Equality Illinois to Lead CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been selected by Equality Illinois to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the Equality Illinois, Equality Illinois Institute, and the Equality Illinois PAC boards of directors, the CEO will develop, refine, and execute the organization’s long-term strategic vision, goals, and direction, ensuring alignment with Equality Illinois’ mission and
Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with General Counsel Search
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stan McCoy as senior vice president and general counsel of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). “In an industry that depends on the protection of intellectual property to fuel future creativity and innovation, Stan’s extensive experience in government and industry is an immense asset to ESA,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president
SPMB Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for Salsify
Bianca Moreno and Rosalie Lovy of SPMB Executive Search recently placed Lisa Schrumpf as chief commercial officer of Salsify in Boston. “Lisa is a powerhouse commercial leader with deep expertise in scaling teams and driving revenue growth across both emerging and global-scale organizations,” SPMB said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re thrilled to have partnered on this exciting
Miramar Global Opens New Office in Dubai
U.K.-based Miramar Global Executive Search, which specializes in technology, science, engineering, automotive and natural resources, has opened a new office in Dubai. Ross Bailey, managing partner at Miramar Global will lead the development across the MENA region from the Dubai office. The Dubai office will serve as a strategic hub for Miramar across the Middle East
Bullhorn Extends Partnership with ManpowerGroup
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has created an expanded partnership with global workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup to implement automation across 40 new markets over the next six years. This strategic move supports ManpowerGroup’s Diversification, Digitization, and Innovation (DDI) plan, enhancing the company’s ability to connect more people to meaningful work while improving service to its 100,000 clients worldwide.
Interim Executives in Demand for PE and VC Firms
In today’s high-velocity private equity and venture capital landscape, the pressure to deliver rapid, measurable results has elevated the role of executive interim leaders. Firms are increasingly prioritizing not just experience, but personality fit, as a decisive factor in navigating complex, fast-paced transformations. In the fast-paced world of PE and VC, timing is everything. The
Envision Consulting Retained by TreePeople for CEO Search
Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has been retained by TreePeople to lead in its search for a new CEO. The incoming CEO will strive to advance environmental resilience while upholding principles of environmental equity. With a robust annual budget of $22 million and a dedicated team of 180 staff members, this leadership role is pivotal in steering TreePeople’s transformative
BarkerGilmore Appoints Strategic Advisor and Leadership Development Coach
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has named Edward Nekritz as a strategic advisor and leadership development coach. “Ed is one of the most respected legal minds in the REIT and real estate investment communities,” said Bob Barker, managing partner of BarkerGilmore. “His strategic acumen, global experience, and proven leadership in
Redefining CEO Selection in 2025: Navigating High-Stakes Transitions with Strategic Precision
CEO transitions are high-stakes moments that can shape a company’s future as the outcome can drastically affect financial performance, investor trust, employee engagement, and customer relationships. Several forces complicate CEO transitions, according to a new report from True Search’s Evan Grossman, Tim McDonald, and Caroline Lo. The study noted that continuing market volatility creates unease, forcing
WittKieffer Helps Recruit 22nd President for Rutgers University
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has assisted in the recruitment of renowned social scientist William F. Tate as the 22nd president of Rutgers University. Jonathan Holloway announced that he would step down on June 30, 2025. Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Christine Pendleton led the assignment. Mr. Tate’s selection as president follows the efforts of a 20-member presidential search committee, which
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Director of Athletics for the University of Maryland
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of James Smith as its new Barry P. Gossett director of athletics for the University of Maryland. “We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold,” said Darryll J.
The Energists Fills Senior Position with Al-Rashed Group
Houston-based The Energists has helped Al-Rashed Group to recruit Andy Hendry to the role of managing director of the Oil & Gas Business, a cornerstone division within one of Kuwait’s most well-established diversified private enterprises. The search team comprised Jonathan Hill, Jerry D. Kurinsky, and Dipika Patel, who leaned on The Energists’ intrinsic global energy solutions network
Kingsley Gate Expands International Presence
Private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has expanded its international presence with the additions of five new partners across key regions. Dan O’Donovan joins the firm’s Chicago office, Spencer Knibbe joins the New York office, Tatyana Freitas and Loreto Montoya strengthen the Latin American presence in São Paulo and Santiago respectively, while Alejandro Salazar-Simpson enhances the firm’s European
Human Capital as a Strategic Asset: Unlocking High-Performance Leadership in the C-Suite
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, human capital has become a true strategic asset. Organizations are realizing that successful leadership requires more than technical expertise — it demands a blend of measurable competencies and intangible qualities like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural alignment. High-performance leadership is now defined by the ability to drive innovation, inspire
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer for JPS Health Network
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the recruitment of TJ Grassetti as the vice president, chief strategy & business development officer of JPS Health Network. Mr. Grassetti joins JPS Health Network from Intermountain Healthcare, where he was most recently the region vice president of strategic partnerships. Prior to this, he was the
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer for Central New Mexico Community College
Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Chris Pendleton as the inaugural chief marketing officer of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “I’m thrilled to have Chris joining our CNM leadership team,” said Tracy Hartzler, president. “He has proven experience at leveraging modern marketing
Blair Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for the Pasadena Community Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has placed Khanh Russo as the new president and CEO of the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). He will succeed longtime leader Jennifer DeVoll starting on June 5. Following a nationwide search conducted by PCF’s executive search committee with support from Blair Search Partners, Mr. Russo was selected for his extensive background
Solomon Page Launches Clinical Physician Search
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has strengthened its service offerings within the healthcare & life sciences division with the addition of clinical physician search, a new specialty area for the firm. Solomon Page has also appointed Todd Martin as vice president of clinical physician search. “Todd’s arrival is a significant milestone in the evolution of
Rising to the Challenge: How HR Is Evolving to Meet a Complex World
This is arguably the most dynamic and transformative era in the history of human resources. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that human resources is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation and opportunity. There has never been a more exciting time in history to work in HR than now, according to Egon Zehnder’s Rafael Altavini. “The
Heidrick & Struggles Assists the MacArthur Foundation with Chief Investment Officer Search
According to recruiters specializing in the function, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and that demand is expected to soar in coming years. But recruiters say these roles can be generally difficult to develop and ultimately recruit for clients, given their multi-disciplinary and evolving nature. In fact, impact investing roles are new to
Cowen Partners Seeking CEO for United American Indian Involvement
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search was recently called in by United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Sam Torres, managing director, is leading the assignment. “In a period of evolving community needs and dynamic partnerships with tribal, city, county, state, and federal stakeholders, it is essential for UAII to
Rippling Secures $450 Million in Funding
Rippling, a provider of HR information system software, employer-of-record and other talent-related services, has secured $450 million in a series G funding round. The round values the company at $16.8 billion. The series G round includes financing from Elad Gil, Sands Capital, GIC, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Baillie Gifford and Y Combinator. The company also announced
Pacific International Forms Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has announced the formation of its new advisory board. The initial members, Bjarne Sandager Nielsen and Sameer Pagnis, with deep industry expertise and years of C-suite experience, will enhance Pacific’s executive search capabilities by helping clients identify and attract transformative C-suite leaders while minimizing the risks associated with executive hiring.
Women Leaders Poised to Redefine the Future of Banking and Financial Services
Women continue to gain ground in banking and financial services, making measurable impact across teams with innovative solutions and notable wins for their institutions. Yet despite filling most entry and mid-level positions at banks and financial firms, women remain significantly underrepresented in upper management, a recent report from Slayton Search Partners’ Stuart Smith. According to McKinsey,
20/20 Foresight Acquires Winter Street Search
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has acquired Winter Street Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused on the financial services sector. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the integration, Lisa DeConto and Scott Vierra, managing partners of Winter Street, have joined 20/20 Foresight as co-presidents of asset & wealth management. They bring decades of
DHR Global Recruits CIO for Academy Sports + Outdoors
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has recruited Sumit Anand as the new executive vice president and chief information officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors. The search was completed by global managing partners Marcey Rubin Stamas and Sal DiFranco. “Mr. Anand, a lifelong customer of Academy Sports + Outdoors, brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, digital, and operational
Nexus Search Partners Fills President Role for Mobile Communications America
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed John Navarro as president of the security division at Mobile Communications America (MCA) in Spartanburg, SC. “John’s deep industry expertise and proven leadership in scaling security businesses make him an outstanding addition to MCA’s executive team,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Strategy Officer for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has recruited Yovannie Rodriguez as senior vice president and chief strategy officer of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. Linda Frankl, director, senior practice leader, led the assignment. Ms. Rodriguez brings a strong background in aviation administration and strategy, most recently holding the title of executive vice president and chief administrative officer for
Shifting The Talent Paradigm In PE: A Q&A With Jessica Fiesta George At Atlantic Street Capital Advisors
Private equity firms are growing, and so are the demands placed on their portfolio companies. As the traditional playbook of financial engineering and cost-cutting shows signs of fatigue, PE firms are looking to talent strategy to unlock growth and create long-term value. That shift is at the core of the agenda at Hunt Scanlon’s upcoming
