DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Heidrick & Struggles to Go Private in Advent- and Corvex-Led All Cash Deal
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International / (NASDAQ:HSII) has entered into a definitive agreement whereby a consortium of investors led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, and including several leading family offices, will acquire all of the firm’s outstanding public shares. This new investor consortium will include significant investment from
Optimizing Talent: How to Hire Right and Reduce Costly Turnover
Choosing the right candidate is essential to the company’s long-term success. Turnovers and high attrition can cost from 50 percent to 200 percent of employee salaries, depending on whether the hire is entry-level or a seasoned executive. By taking the talent optimization approach to hiring, you dramatically improve hiring odds, according to a recent report
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
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 Recruits 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
How Strategic HR Leaders Unleash Workforce Potential
The hot U.S. labor market has shown remarkable resilience in recent years. Despite gradual stabilization—driven by a decrease in job openings and recent upticks in the national unemployment rate—the tumultuous echoes of the Great Resignation and quiet quitting continue to disrupt industries. As the war for top talent wages on, hiring, retention, and employee engagement will remain top business priorities in the new
Signium International Opens Office in Amsterdam
Signium International has announced the establishment of a new firm in the Netherlands to be led by managing director, Peter de Jong. Signium’s EMEA regional speaker and board director, Martin McEvoy, said: “We are very happy that Peter de Jong has agreed to join us to head up Signium’s 50th office, to be based out
Buller Group Completes Digital Marketing Search for WorldStrides
The Buller Group, a human capital services and recruiting firm, has placed Meg Thompson as senior director of digital marketing at WorldStrides. Ms. Thompson was previously a senior search specialist with Neo@Ogilvy of Ogilvy and Mather. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, WorldStrides is the largest educational travel organization in the U.S. and
Spencer Stuart to Lead CEO Search for Arctic Cat
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained by Arctic Cat Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Christopher A. Twomey, board chair, is currently serving as interim CEO. Arctic Cat designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well
Brooke Chase Associates Completes Search for Rinnai America
Executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has placed Raul Guerrero as business development manager for Rinnai America. Mr. Guerrero’s most recent position was as sales leader, Trane residential & light commercial systems with Ingersoll Rand. Rinnai America Corporation is a global leader in innovative plumbing products and heating solutions. Founded in 1980, Brooke Chase Associates
Slayton Search Partners Adds New Principal
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has named Charles Southwick as a principal. Mr. Southwick has conducted searches across a range of organizations including Fortune 500 and private equity backed firms within the food & beverage, manufacturing, insurance, health care, software and technology, and energy industries. These searches include recruiting C-level executives, vice presidents
BIE Executive Adds Consultant
Search firm BIE Executive has added James Wilson as a consultant on its finance team. Mr. Wilson joins the firm from Kennedy Pearce Consulting, where he worked with a number of clients, from SMEs to FTSE listed businesses. Prior to that he worked for Michael Page International. The appointment is the latest in a series
OI Partners and CareerNet International Form OI Global Partners
Talent management firms OI Partners Inc. and CareerNet International Ltd. (CNI) have entered into a formal alliance to jointly operate as OI Global Partners. The alliance will strengthen the career transition programs and executive coaching service capacities of both organizations through its 225 offices in 28 countries. The alliance specializes in career transition programs, outplacement
Storbeck/Pimentel Leads President Search for FSU
Executive search firm Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates has been retained by Florida State University to assist in its search for a new president. Florida State is a space-grant and sea-grant public research university located in the state capital city of Tallahassee. Storbeck/Pimentel is a minority and female owned search firm specializing in executive recruitment services to
Korn Ferry Adds Partner in New York
Korn Ferry has named Jeff Summer as a senior partner in its New York office. Mr. Summer joins Korn Ferry from his most recent role as an independent consultant working with clients to implement strategy, design organizations and develop talent. Previously, he served as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he initiated the build-out of
Lucas Group Makes Promotions
Search firm Lucas Group has made recent promotions of three of its associates. Meredith Graham, accounting & finance in Los Angeles, is promoted from executive search consultant to senior executive search consultant. Jeff Cousens, sales & marketing in Atlanta, goes from senior executive search consultant to senior partner. Jack Hosterman, who focuses on military transition
Spencer Stuart Sees Rise in Digital Expert Hires
Global chief communications officers (CCOs) are increasingly adding digital and social media into their department oversight and responsibilities, according to The Rising CCO V, a survey conducted by Spencer Stuart and global public relations firm Weber Shandwick. CCOs report that compared to years past, they are hiring more digital and social media experts (73 percent)
DHR International Places CFO At Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences
DHR International has placed Heather Cochran as executive vice president and CFO of business operations at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The search was completed by Sean Scanlon, managing director in the firm’s Los Angeles office and global leader, media & entertainment practice group. Ms. Cochran previously served as managing director, academy museum,
AGB Search to Find Grand Rapids Community College Provost
Washington D.C.-based AGB Search has been selected by Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) to lead in its search for a new provost. Former provost Gilda Gely left GRCC in May to serve as Aquinas College’s chief academic officer. Patti Trepkowski, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of instructional support, is serving as interim provost. AGB Search
Brooke Chase Associates Completes Search For Rinnai America
Executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has placed Frank Windsor as general manager with Rinnai America. Mr. Windsor comes to Rinnai from Kohler Company where he spent the past 24 years. Most recently he served as vice president of sales at Plumbing America’s. Rinnai America Corporation is the leading brand in North America in the
DHR Names Managing Director In Los Angeles
DHR International has appointed Sean Scanlon as managing director of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Mr. Scanlon will lead the Southern California region in corporate target goals along with handling the office’s daily operations. He will also continue his role as global leader for the firm’s media & entertainment practice group. Mr. Scanlon has extensive
Korn Ferry Adds to Hospitality and Real Estate Practice
Korn Ferry has named Hoda Tahoun as a principal and member of the firm's travel, hospitality and leisure practice and its global real estate practice; she will be based in New York. Ms. Tahoun was previously a partner with Sousou Partners, a boutique executive search firm dedicated exclusively to the real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure
Oliver James Associates Adds Head of Finance
Financial services recruiter Oliver James Associates has added Graeme Edwards as its new head of finance. Mr. Graeme joins the firm from Deloitte’s Manchester office. He will be responsible for delivering financial insights to further the company’s strategic long term goals. “We are delighted to have Graeme on board; we have been growing steadily in
McCracken Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for ULI
McCracken Executive Search Inc. has placed Richard Joy as the new executive director of Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Toronto District Council. Paul Weinberg, senior partner, led the assignment. Mr. Joy brings 20 years of urban leadership experience to his new role, across municipal and provincial government and the private sector. He formerly served
Buffkin Group Places CTO at Benefit Communications
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has recruited Jason Roberts as chief technology officer of Benefit Communications. Mr. Roberts was previously senior enterprise architect at Aflac. Benefit Communications is considered an industry thought leader and one of the largest U.S. specialists in benefit communications and enrollment. The Buffkin Group is an executive search firm offering
The Mulsanne Partnership Strengthens Staff
Recruiting firm The Mulsanne Partnership has added Linda Dale, Mark Pepler and James Oxley to its staff. Ms. Dale becomes a partner with a focus on the asset management and technology search markets. She was previously director, global head of wealth and asset management, at Drayton Finch. Mr. Pepler will run Mulsanne’s technology search practice,
Stanton Chase Names Global Diversity Lead
Executive search firm Stanton Chase International has named Janne Moltke-Leth, a partner in its Copenhagen office, as its global diversity lead. Ms Moltke-Leth joined Stanton Chase in 2013 and has conducted searches in the commercial sector with a special focus on FMCG, transportation services and the design and lifestyle businesses. The Copenhagen office of Stanton
Executives Online Announces Reorganization
International interim management and executive recruitment company Executives Online has announced a number of organizational and operational changes in preparation for its next phase of strategic growth. Andrew Nicholas, previously a director, assumes the role of chief executive officer, with James O’Brien, also previously a director, taking on the role of chief operating officer. In
FaithSearch Partners Completes Two College President Searches
FaithSearch Partners has placed Dr. Kenneth Shaw as the new president of Southwestern Adventist University and Dr. Vinita Sauder as the president of Union College. Dr. Shaw currently serves as dean for academic program at the Panama City campus of Florida State University. Dr. Sauder is vice president for strategic initiatives at Southern Adventist University
Aplin Executive Leading CEO Search for SREDA
Aplin Executive has been selected by SREDA (Saskatoon Region Economic Development Authority) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Started in 1992, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) was one of the first independent economic development agencies to be started in Canada. Aplin Executive Search consultants find senior management and executives
Alexander Hughes Opens in Mexico City and Montreal
Alexander Hughes has strengthened its presence in the North American market with the launch of new offices in Mexico City and Montreal. The Mexico City team will be led by Celeste Rebora, a seasoned search professional with extensive experience in the Mexican market, whose already established company, Human Capital Search de Mexico, which will become
Odgers Berndtson Adds Partner in its Global Public & Government Affairs Practice
Odgers Berndtson has added David Webber as a partner to the firm's global public & government affairs practice. He will specialize in the placement of corporate in-house and external public affairs practitioners. Mr. Webber brings 22 years of experience in the EU/Brussels environment, as senior partner at PA Europe, a Brussels-based public affairs, strategic communication
IRC Global Executive Search Partners Adds Eight New Locations
IRC Global Executive Search Partners (IRC) has expanded its client service capabilities with the addition of eight new member firms. The following members have joined IRC: IRC Spain; IRC Switzerland; IRC Japan; IRC New Zealand; IRC United States (New York); IRC Kazakhstan; IRC Argentina & Chile; and IRC Ireland. IRC now has over 75 offices
DavenportMajor Completes Search for Soitec
DavenportMajor Executive Search has places Thom Degnan as vice president of sales and business development for the electronics division in North America at Soitec. Mr. Degnan was previously vice president of business development for Intel’s services division. Soitec is an international manufacturing company. DavenportMajor is an executive search firm which specializes in senior executive and
Wilcox Miller Nelson Leading CEO Search for PFSA
Executive search firm Wilcox Miller Nelson has been retained by the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA) to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. The PFSA is the oldest Portuguese Fraternal Benefit Society domiciled in California. Wilcox Miller Nelson focuses on executive search assignments within the accounting, agriculture, banking, general business,
MIXTEC Group CEO Retires; Successor Named
Executive search firm MIXTEC Group has said that its longtime president and CEO Chris Nelson is retiring. Effective later this month, Jerry Butt will be the new president and CEO of the Glendale, CA-based firm; Mr. Nelson will continue to have an active role at Mixtec Group as a strategic advisor. Mr. Butt has over
Taylor Root Opens New Office in Munich
Global legal recruiter Taylor Root has opened a new office in Munich. Dr. Mark Schulte will head the new office. This will be the firm’s second office opening in Germany. Its established Düsseldorf office will now focus on central and northern Germany with Munich concentrating on the southern parts. Dr. Schulte is a qualified lawyer
