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Daily Newswire
The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer: What Leaders Need to Understand
Boards and CEOs are quickly realizing that AI isn’t just another tool—it’s becoming a foundational operating layer. That acceleration is forcing companies to rethink who sets priorities, manages risk, and turns experimentation into measurable value. Out of that pressure, a dedicated C-suite leader for enterprise AI strategy is starting to take shape. Not long ago,
Lindauer Acquires Pearl Street Collective
Lindauer has acquired Boston-based Pearl Street Collective. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition forms an executive search partnership that will build on both firms’ strong commitment to the non-profit sector and create new possibilities for organizations in search of the mission-driven talent essential to their success. “Pearl Street understands that executive search
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
Redefining Talent Management: The Chief Talent Officer’s Role in a New Era
The world of work has shifted permanently. Recruiters say that today’s talent leaders face an environment marked by macroeconomic upheavals, demographic changes, and rapid technological advances—creating a landscape that is not just different but highly complex. Thriving in this new era calls for a holistic, forward-looking approach to talent management, according to a new report
R. William Funk & Associates Heading President Search for Winthrop University
R. William Funk & Associates has been retained by Winthrop University to lead in a search its 11th president. Winthrop trustees plan to have the finalists for the position in place by the spring of 2015. Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is a public, coeducational, liberal arts university located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. For
Waverly Partners Retained by Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for CEO
Executive search firm Waverly Partners has been selected by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Jim Anderson, the Springfield Chamber’s current president, is planning to retire this summer after 26 years of service to the organization. The mission of the Springfield Area
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Partner to Leadership Consulting Group
Heidrick & Struggles International has added Pasquale Mazzuca as a partner within the firm's leadership consulting practice. He will be based in Brussels. Working across numerous sectors, Mr. Mazzuca’s areas of expertise include leadership development, top team performance enhancement, executive coaching, talent acquisition and assessment, employer branding strategies and rewards management. He most recently founded
Russam GMS Launches Worldwide Interim Leadership Group
Russam GMS has launched a global interim management company, the Worldwide Interim Leadership (WIL) Group. The new international venture, an alliance of 13 interim management companies from around the world, is seen as a response to increased global demand for high caliber interim and transition leaders needed for short term business critical assignments. The member
Lack of Women in Senior Roles Seen as Opportunity for Executive Recruiters
Despite the fact that women are the primary decision-makers for most consumer purchases, 60 percent of consumer products companies worldwide report 25 percent or less of their senior executive team is female, according to a survey of 1,270 business leaders from around the world by IIC Partners. Good news for executive recruiters: 52 percent of
Caldwell Partners Places Non-Executive Board Member at Spirit AeroSystems
The Caldwell Partners International Inc. has placed John Plueger as a non-executive board member at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. Dave Winston, managing partner, Karen Dubay, consultant, and Bethany George, practice lead of the non-executive practice, led the assignment on behalf of Caldwell Partners. Mr. Plueger is the president, chief operating officer and executive director of Air
Search Group Partners Selected by Utah State Board of Education
SEARCH Group Partners (SGP) has been selected by the Utah State Board of Education to lead in its search for a new state superintendent of public instruction. Dr. Martell Menlove, the current state superintendent, announced his retirement in March. Connie Linardakis- Spyropoulos, who spearheads SGP’s executive search practice, and who will lead the search, said:
Talentrise Partners with CoralBridge to Provide Coaching to Executive Level Hires
TalentRISE, a Chicago-based executive search firm, and CoralBridge, a consultancy specializing in employee engagement, have launched of a program to help organizations mitigate the risks associated with executive-level hires in their first 100 days. The comprehensive coaching program shortens start-up time, accelerates learning and improves productivity for new executives during the first weeks after accepting
Hyperion Executive Search Opens in U.K.
David Hunt has set up Hyperion Executive Search to recruit candidates across a comprehensive range of renewable energy sub-sectors including solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass, wind turbines and fuel cells. Specific disciplines the firm recruits for include general and senior management, sales and business development, operations and logistics, marketing, finance and asset management,
The Remedy Group Adds Managed Care Recruiting Specialist
The Remedy Group, a search firm focused on specialty pharmacies and managed care organizations, has named Terry Souwannamuang as an account manager. During his years in biopharma and managed care Mr. Souwannamuang rose in rank and responsibility. He was instrumental in starting a brand new specialty pharmacy for a managed care organization. “We’re hiring high-caliber
Jordan-Sitter Associates Fills EVP Post for Hytrol Conveyor Company
Executive recruiter Jordan-Sitter Associates, Inc. has placed David Peacock as executive vice president of Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. Most recently. Mr. Peacock was EVP and chief operating officer of Kalmar RT Center. Hytrol Conveyor designs and manufactures advanced conveyor systems, controls, and solutions for customers with processing, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution needs. Founded in 1978,
Deerfield Associates Executive Search Retained by The Dalton School
Wellesley, MA-headquartered DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc. has been retained by The Dalton School, located in New York City, to conduct a national search for a new chief financial officer. Executive search consultant Doug Cooney is handling the search. The Dalton School is an independent co-educational progressive day school enrolling 1,300 students from Kindergarten through
Former Egon Zehnder Partner To Head Executive Talent Advisory Practice At Sheffield Haworth
Search firm Sheffield Haworth has appointed Rob Sloan as managing director and head of its Americas executive talent advisory practice. Mr. Sloan will lead efforts to broaden the range and depth of the firm’s offerings, to include talent management services encompassing executive benchmarking, assessment, succession planning, and team effectiveness consulting. “As Sheffield Haworth aspires to
Diversified Search Adds to Non-Profit / Education Practice
Diversified Search has added Kent John Chabotar, Ph.D., to its education and not-for-profit practice. As a nationally recognized expert on higher education finance and serving over a decade as a CFO, he will also engage in selected searches for new CFO’s. Dr. Chabotar is the former president and professor of political science at Guilford College.
CTPartners Adds Executive Leadership Council CEO To Board
CTPartners Executive Search Inc. has elected Ronald C. Parker, president and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), to its board of directors. Mr. Parker has been instrumental in growing the ELC into a preeminent leadership organization for global African American senior executives at Fortune 500 and equivalent companies. He has been a member since
Ligature Partners Recruits CEO for “I Have a Dream” Foundation
Executive search firm Ligature Partners has placed Donna Lawrence as the president and chief executive officer of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation. Ms. Lawrence most recently served as vice president at the JPB Foundation. The “I Have A Dream” Foundation works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Ligature
Chris Hartung Consulting to Lead Athens City Council Administrator Search
Recruiting firm Chris Hartung Consulting has been selected by the Athens City Council to lead in its search for a new city administrator. Current administrator, Pam Burton, is retiring at the end of the year. Chris Hartung Consulting, LLC’s mission is to strengthen local government through the provision of effective training, organizational development, executive recruitment
JBK Associates Appoints Head of Legal and Finance Practice
New Jersey-based JBK Associates International has named Dina F. Cappuccio as a principal and head of the firm’s legal and finance practice. Ms. Cappuccio most recently served as president of Advocate Consulting LLC, a Saddle River-based executive recruiting business which she founded in 2005. “We are thrilled to have Dina join forces with the firm
en world Names Country Manager for Singapore
en world (formerly Wall Street Associates), a recruiter for mid-career managers and executives, has appointed Yusuke Nishino as its new country manager for Singapore. Mr. Nishino has more than 10 years of experience in recruitment and human resources consulting in Asia pacific including Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries. He joined en world
NES Global Talent Opens Office in New Zealand
NES Global Talent has opened a new office in New Plymouth, New Zealand, due to increased demand for technical and engineering talent in the oil and gas, construction and infrastructure sectors in the country. The office will be managed by Bruce Jordan, recruitment manager, who has more than 11 years’ recruitment experience in the New
Onstott Group Recruits CEO for Vincon Industries
Executive search firm The Onstott Group has placed Eric Fullerton as the new chief executive officer of Vicon Industries, Inc. Mr. Fullerton formerly served as chief sales and marketing officer of Milestone Systems A/S. Vicon Industries is a designer, producer and marketer of video management systems and components and HD/megapixel cameras used for security, surveillance,
Krauthamer & Associates Completes Search for New Jersey Transit
Search firm Krauthamer & Associates has recruited Neil S. Yellin as the deputy executive director of New Jersey Transit. Since 2008, Mr. Yellin has served as a senior vice president for administration/chief safety officer at the Long Island Rail Road. Krauthamer & Associates serves multiple industries, including aviation and transportation, and according to the firm
B.E. Smith Strengthens Physician Executive Services
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has grown its physician executive services with the additions of Marilyn Palmer, D.O., as vice president, and Archelle Georgiou, M.D., as a senior advisor. As vice president of physician services, Dr. Palmer builds collaborative relationships with healthcare organizations nationwide, serving as a trusted advisor and supporting providers with physician leadership
Backcountry Consulting Adds Outdoor Industry Specialist Recruiter
Lincoln, NE-based Backcountry Consulting, LLC, an executive recruiting firm specializing in the shooting sports and outdoor industry, has added Brian Bashore as an executive recruiter. Mr. Bashore will focus on expanding the company’s presence in the fishing industry. He will also help increase the company’s involvement with non-profit conservation organizations. “Getting Brian to come to
Athona Makes Promotion in Education Division
Recruiting firm Athona has promoted Jeanette Holder to the new position of operations director for its education division. Ms. Holder came to the firm in 2007 and has helped build its education team. “Jeanette’s promotion is an important part of our plans for future growth. Jeanette’s experience and new role within Athona will ensure we
Cook Associates Finds President for Ehrhardt Tool & Machine
Chicago-based Cook Associates Executive Search has placed Drew F. Baker as president at Ehrhardt Tool & Machine. The search was led by Mary Kier, managing partner of Cook Associates. Mr. Baker formerly served as SVP at Ameriforge, prior to that he was president of Steel Industries, Inc. Founded in 1938, Ehrhardt Tool & Machine designs
Avery Associates Heading Controller Search for First 5 Monterey County
Executive search firm Avery Associates is currently leading a search for a new controller for First 5 Monterey County. Paul Kimura and Cris Piasecki are handling the assignment on behalf of Avery Associates. First 5 Monterey County (F5MC), also known as the Monterey County Children and Families Commission, was established as a public agency in
Vetted Solutions Appoints Director
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has added Brittany Bayliss as a director. Ms. Bayliss has experience in executive search and recruitment processes including outreach, recruitment and interviewing; screening resumes and interviewing prospective candidates; planning and administering client, candidate and board interaction; and conducting organizational and industry research. Most recently, she served as
Ken Clark Partners Fills Position for Smith & Nephew
Ken Clark Partners LLC,, has placed Renae Dill as senior director of operations at Smith & Nephew. Neill Shanahan, Midwest USA partner for Ken Clark, led the assignment. Ms. Dill formerly served as a global network leader for Amgen Corporation. Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people’s lives.
Renaud Foster Handling Search for Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
Canadian-based RenaudFoster has been selected to lead the search for a new public sector integrity commissioner at the office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner in Ottawa. The Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner investigates wrongdoing in the federal public sector. Renaud Foster is a bilingual executive search firm with a long-established presence in
Knightsbridge Adds Talent Management Veteran to U.S. Team
Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions has appointed Scott Ahlstrand as a senior partner. Based in Chicago, Mr. Ahlstrand will be responsible for business development and helping clients diagnose and solve the underlying people and workforce issues limiting performance. Previously, he served as global head of ManpowerGroup Solutions Strategic Workforce Consulting Practice and was SVP talent management







