DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
ExactSearch.AI Adds Tech Veteran to Board of Advisors
AI-enhanced executive search firm ExactSearch.AI has appointed Breck Armstrong to its board of advisors. “Breck is one of the most trusted voices in applying technology to executive search, and we’re fortunate to have him at the table,” said Mike Caggiano, co-founder and CEO of ExactSearch.AI. “He knows that AI can accelerate results—but also that search is
Building a Safer AI Future Through Guardrails and Human Oversight
The swift advancement of AI is opening doors to fresh opportunities for innovation and growth. At the same time, these breakthroughs are giving rise to serious digital safety challenges. From AI-powered scams and realistic deepfakes to generative AI (GenAI) hallucinations, new risks are emerging that traditional quality assurance approaches can no longer effectively address. For
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.
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
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?
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
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
The Art of Onboarding a Senior Executive
The process of bringing in a new executive isn’t merely about filling a vacant position; it’s an investment in the future success of your organization. However, this investment often falls short when it comes to executive onboarding, according to a recent report from SpenglerFox. “Many companies underestimate the critical importance of a well-designed onboarding program, leading
Two-Thirds Consider Diversity Important When Evaluating Where to Work
As more companies are making their workforce diversity statistics publicly available, recruiting firm Glassdoor polled its community of active and passive job seekers to better understand the importance of diversity during the hiring process and during employment. The survey results underscore the value of showcasing diversity efforts when recruiting as two-thirds (67 percent) of those
Morgan Hunt Names Director of Regional Education Practice
U.K.-headquartered recruiter Morgan Hunt has appointed Sharon Bullock as board director of its regional education practice. Ms. Bullock has been working in recruitment for 26 years and previously spent 16 years working for ITN Mark Education. During her 16 year tenure at ITN Mark Education, she grew through the ranks from consultant at desk level
Korn Ferry Leading CEO Search for the American Hospital Association
Korn Ferry has been selected by the American Hospital Association to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO Richard Umbdenstock will finish an eight-year term as president and CEO at the end of 2015. The American Hospital Association is a professional association that seeks to promote quality healthcare provision by hospitals
DavenportMajor Fills Top Sales Post at Westell Technologies
DavenportMajor Executive Search has placed Mark Skurla as senior vice president of worldwide sales of Westell Technologies. Mr. Skurla was previously vice president of sales for the NETGEAR service provider business unit. Westell Technologies is an Aurora, Illinois company that makes telecommunications equipment, such as DSL modems, for the home and small office, and outdoor
Whitham Group Continues Expansion
Whitham Group Executive Search has added Laura Bailey and Jody Davis to further develop its portfolio of regional and national accounts. Ms. Bailey comes with experience within the industry, having spent the last eight years at Davenport Major Executive Search as an executive recruiter for full life-cycle national and international executive search assignments in technology,
EQKI Greater China Merges to Become Charlesworth Sykes
Executive recruiter EWKI Greater China and Asia has merged with Aleppo Capital, an M&A deal-broking business, to become Charlesworth Sykes and Company. The firm will no longer be formally connected to the remaining elements of EWKI but it will keep intact an informal alliance with EWKI. Charlesworth Sykes is an independent management consultancy with a
Heidrick & Struggles Names Partner to HR Officers Practice
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Brian Bark as a partner within the firm's human resource officers practice. He will be based in Philadelphia. With more than 22 years of experience specializing in human resources and talent acquisition, Mr. Bark joins the firm from Mercer where he spent 13 years and most recently served as a
Braswell Nees Group|Transearch International Selected to Lead CEO Search for Central Georgia Health Network
Braswell Nees Group|TRANSEARCH International has been selected by Central Georgia Health Network to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Partner Gene Nees is heading the assignment. Central Georgia Health Network (CGHN) is a clinically integrated network of more than 800 physicians and hospitals across middle Georgia dedicated to delivering greater quality
Spencer Stuart Heading Ceo Search For Sotheby’s
Spencer Stuart has been retained by Sotheby's to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO William Ruprecht is stepping down; he will remain with the company until a successor is named. Sotheby’s is the only global auction house that is a public company. Spencer Stuart is a Chicago-headquartered executive search
Frazer Jones Expands Commerce & Industry Practice
Global HR recruiter Frazer Jones, part of The SR Group, has named Ketna Ramchandani as associate director within its commerce & industry team. Her focus is on recruiting HR professionals within the retail, luxury goods, e-commerce, travel and leisure sectors. Ms. Ramchandani has over 10 years of recruitment experience, most recently working for Ortus where
Cornerstone International Group Adds ECS Partners to Network
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search firm, has added Miami-based ECS Partners International as its newest member firm. ECS Partners is a boutique executive search firm operating in the U.S. and Latin America since 2004. Eduardo Comella, whose extensive experience in human capital management includes top positions in six countries, serves as president of
Adecco Group Posts Three Percent Revenue Gain; North America Up Five Percent
Adecco Group has posted third quarter revenues of €5.2 billion, up three percent year-over-year. In North America revenues were €986 million, an increase of five percent. Net income attributable to Adecco shareholders was €198 million compared to €190 million last year. “Revenue growth slowed compared to the first half, mainly driven by weaker growth in
Kaye/Bassman Completes Search for Manhattan Construction Company
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has placed Bob Postma as vice president of Manhattan Construction Company in Houston. Mr. Postma previously held leadership roles with Continental Airlines and most recently Skanska USA. Manhattan Construction is one of the largest construction firms in the country operating from offices in Dallas and Houston, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Washington, D.C.,
Witt/Kieffer Handling President Search For University Of Toledo
Executive recruiter Witt/Kieffer is currently leading the search for the University of Toledo to find its next president. Dr. Lloyd Jacobs stepped down as president in June. Established in 1872, the University of Toledo is is a public research university located in Toledo, Ohio. Witt/Kieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools and
Penna PLC Expands Executive HR Practice
Penna Plc has expanded its executive HR practice by appointing Christine Carey and Naomi Yorston as consultants. Having worked in recruitment for the past 16 years, Ms. Carey has experience in a wide range of industries including property, telecoms and media. In her role, she will be focusing on interim and permanent role placement –
Sheffield Haworth Expands Asset Management Practice
Search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded its asset management practices with the additions of Christopher Smailes as executive director and Peter Schibli as managing director. Mr. Smailes, who will work in the firm’s New York and Hong Kong offices, comes to the firm from Eban International, a global executive search boutique specializing in conducting searches
Notogroup Executive Search Releases Hiring Trends Report
Hiring is on the upswing with high-level decision makers saying they expect their hiring to increase slightly (56 percent) or significantly (11 percent) in 2015, according to Notogroup Executive Search, a boutique search firm specializing in consumer products recruiting. Only three percent of respondents expect a decrease in hiring. The majority of companies cite growth
Phillips Oppenheim Finds Executive Director for Decordova Sculpture Park and Museum
New York City-headquartered Phillips Oppenheim has placed John B. Ravenal as executive director of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Mr. Ravenal is Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’Sydney and Frances Lewis family curator of modern and contemporary art. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is a 30-acre sculpture park and contemporary art museum on the shore of
Leadership Recruiters Retained by Schuykill River Greenway Association
Leadership Recruiters has been selected by Schuylkill River Greenway Association to lead in its search for a new executive director for the Heritage Area. Current Schuylkill River Heritage Area executive director Kurt D. Zwikl has announced that he will retire next June. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway
Heidrick & Struggles Names Senior Advisor
Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Kerry Sulkowicz MD as a senior advisor. A psychiatrist by training, Dr. Sulkowicz advises CEOs and boards on a range of issues including CEO transitions and succession planning, management and boardroom dynamics, corporate culture change, and assessments of senior teams. "Kerry has served as a trusted leadership advisor to some
IIC Partners Adds Marlière & Gerstlauer Executive Search to Network
IIC Partners has added Marlière & Gerstlauer Executive Search as its newest member. Marlière & Gerstlauer was established by its two founding partners, Jean-François Marlière and Matthias Gerstlauer, and has offices in Luxembourg and Hamburg. The firm specializes in executive placements for the financial services, general and corporate services industries. Mr. Marlière has over 17
Research Reveals New Approaches to Talent Management
Talent deficiencies significantly hamper 40 percent of strategy implementation efforts, according to PMI Thought Leadership Series, a report released by Project Management Institute (PMI). This, in turn, inhibits competitive advantage, growth and customer satisfaction. Organizational leaders are aware of the impact of insufficient talent with 72 percent of respondents reporting that talent management will become
3P Consultants Recruits CFO for Blue Star
Executive search firm 3P Consultants Pvt. Ltd has placed Neeraj Basur as chief financial officer of Blue Star, India’s largest central air-conditioning company with a network of 29 offices and 2,600 employees. Mr. Basur has worked with Max Bupa Health Insurance Company (CFO), Max India (SVP of corporate finance), HCL Technologies (corporate controller), Spice Telecom
Deerfield Associates Retained by Cushing Academy
Wellesley, MA-headquartered DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc. has been retained by Cushing Academy to conduct a national search for a director of advancement. Cushing Academy is a coeducational national independent boarding and day secondary school located on a 162 acre campus in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search was founded by Doug Cooney in 2001
Korn Ferry Names Vice Chairman for Board & CEO Services EMEA
Korn Ferry has appointed Olof Pripp as vice chairman, board & CEO services EMEA. He will be based out of Korn Ferry’s London and Geneva offices. Mr. Pripp was previously with Spencer Stuart, where he co-led the global chief information officer practice at the firm and worked with C-suite executives and board members of European
Praxi Alliance Adds Member Firm in Oslo
PRAXI ALLIANCE has added Oslo-headquartered Headvisor AS as its newest member firm. Led by chief executive officer Per Inge Hjertaker, Headvisor AS has Norwegian-based offices in Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger. “With the addition of Per and his team, we are fulfilling our mission to build and strengthen our Nordic presence,” said Fabio Ciarapica, PRAXI ALLIANCE
Career Partners International Strengthens Supply Chain Management Practice
The Houston/Dallas/Austin/Louisiana offices of Career Partners International (CPI) has named Bob Engel as leader of its new supply chain management (SCM) practice. As a practitioner and consultant for over 25 years, Mr. Engel has hands-on experience in supply chain management and held leadership positions for both Fortune 100 and mid-sized companies. He co-founded The Procurement
Bespoke Partners Places CFO at TravelClick
San Diego-headquartered Bespoke Partners has recruited David Obstler as chief financial officer of TravelClick. Most recently, Mr. Obstler was CFO at OpenLink Financial, a global leader in Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) software. TravelClick is a global provider of innovative cloud-based solutions that enable hotels to grow revenue. Bespoke Partners assists private equity firms to deliver
Ralph Andersen and Associates Heading President Search for Pasadena City College
Executive search firm Ralph Andersen and Associates has been selected by Pasadena City College to lead in its search for a new president. Former president Mark Rocha retired this past summer. Established in 1924, Pasadena City College offers 70 certificate programs in 37 different subject areas and enrolls over 30,000 students per semester. Founded in
Slone Partners Opens Office in Boston
Executive recruiters Slone Partners has opened a new office in Boston to service the biotech and life sciences industries. Slone Partners’ growth in the Boston area strengthens the roots the firm already has in the Boston biotech/life sciences cluster. “Slone Partners works with so many visionary minds in Boston, and we continue to expand our
Lucas Group Names New Hires
Search firm Lucas Group has appointed Steven Robinson to lead the firm’s national IT practice group. Mr. Robinson previously was regional vice president for Robert Half TSS operations in Houston. He will hire, develop and manage a team of collaborative and high-performance IT recruiters. Lucas Group also named Justin Laliberte as managing partner for the
