DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in a nationwide search for a new men’s lacrosse head coach. Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, is leading the assignment. The head coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Lacrosse program within the NCAA and Coastal Athletic Association, with an
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kreg Keesee as the new president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn led the assignment. “Kreg brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and turning strategy into action,” board chair Dwinelva Zackery said. “We are confident he is the right leader to
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 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
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?
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
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center
SearchWide Global was recently retained by the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, global head of destinations, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s (ARC) multi-faceted programs and business operations. The
Bryant Group Helps Fill Senior Role for the University of San Diego
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of John Rogers as associate vice president for university events and partnerships for the University of San Diego (USD). Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “It was clear through the interview process that John’s extensive experience and leadership developing and implementing
Winner Partners Selected by the Greater Topeka Partnership to Lead CEO Search
The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) has selected Winner Partners to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO search will be guided by a search committee led by JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University and a longtime champion of regional economic development. Dr. Mazachek will work closely with Winner Partners to evaluate internal and external
Kestria Adds New Member Firm in Croatia
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Profesio in Croatia as its newest member firm. “Kestria is delighted to welcome a new member firm in Croatia, marking an important milestone in our alliance’s growth within Europe,” the search consortium said. “This addition highlights our focus on delivering local expertise with a global
Women Gaining Ground: ON Partners Report Reveals Narrowing Executive Pay Gap and Growing Representation
While the World Economic Forum projects it will take 106 years for women in North America to reach economic parity with men, ON Partners’ annual women’s report offers a data-backed look at gender equity in the executive suite and explores whether progress is accelerating at the top levels of leadership. Drawing on insights from more
Bespoke Partners Adds AI Expert to Board
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has added Elizabeth Spaulding to its board of directors, bringing her extensive track record in applied AI and digital innovation to guide Bespoke. “Elizabeth brings us incredible experience in the creative application of AI, data-driven processes, and digitization to elevate companies and deliver outsized results,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “Central
Storbeck Search | DSG Global Names Practice Leader for Education Practice
Storbeck Search, part of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), has appointed Dr. Steven Solnick as global managing partner and leader of the firm’s education practice. He succeeds Susan VanGilder, who will continue her work with clients as a managing director, leveraging her experience recruiting and advising presidents, provosts, vice presidents, and academic and administrative deans in higher
Cooper Coleman Recruits CEO for Family Equality
Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has recruited Darra Gordon as the new CEO of Family Equality in New York City. The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Darra’s decades of leadership in the LGBTQ+ movement is an achievement, itself,” said Mr. Cooper. “Her ability to drive strategic growth, build
Sterling Martin Associates Assists the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy with CEO Search
Sterling Martin Associates, an executive search firm which specializes in recruiting talent for associations and other non-profit organizations, has assisted in the recruitment of Celia Zamora as the new executive director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) in Alexandria, VA. “We are thrilled Dr. Zamora is joining the team,” said Kimberly Varnado,
A Private Equity Blueprint To Secure High-Impact Leaders
As private equity firms navigate 2025, leadership and operational expertise will remain at the center of value creation. With deal volume rebounding and investors positioning themselves for growth, securing high-impact executives will be the key differentiator. As such, PE firms are evolving their talent strategies to focus on industry specialization, digital transformation, and AI-driven decision-making
ZRG Appoints Sector Head for AI and Data
ZRG has expanded its data and AI expertise with the addition of Deepali Vyas as managing director, sector head of AI and data. “AI and data are no longer future considerations—they’re shaping business strategy right now,” said Nate Frank, president of executive search at ZRG. “Deepali’s arrival marks a significant step forward in our ability to serve
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Data and Technology Officer for Clinical Partners
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Luis De Miguel Puig as chief data and technology officer of Clinical Partners. “Coulter Partners truly understood our requirements for a leader who could champion automation, self-service, and data-driven strategy,” said Barny Guthrie, CEO at Clinical Partners. “They delivered an impressive, diverse shortlist in under 30 days,
Preng Associates Fills Legal Position for Weatherford International
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit David B. Gooch as assistant general counsel, global ethics & compliance of NASDAQ-traded Weatherford International plc in Houston, TX. Mr. Gooch brings over 20 years of diverse legal and executive leadership experience, having served in senior roles at Schlumberger Limited (SLB) and M-I SWACO. His career began in private practice as
FaithSearch Partners Seeking Athletic Director for King University
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) is leading the athletic director search for King University. Brian Jensen and Andrew Westmoreland are leading the assignment. The next athletic director at King University will be a visionary and strategic leader responsible for shaping the future vision and strategic direction of its comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program. Leading 29 competitive programs at the
How Search Firms Are Positioning for a 2025 Rebound
As the executive search industry weathered another difficult year, the most successful firms stayed focused on gaining market share and protecting margin as they waited for job requisitions and market confidence to rebound. In spite of these global challenges and, perhaps more importantly, pervasive market uncertainty, some firms saw success, and many are building a foundation for
HARTZ Search Recruits VP of Talent Acquisition for INTEGRIS Health
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has recruited Melissa Trujillo as vice president of talent acquisition of INTEGRIS Health. Mary LaFrancois and Macy Thompson led the assignment. Ms. Trujillo was previously the director of talent acquisition for Ardent Health Services, where she led the recruitment strategy for non-clinical and allied health positions across the
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Signal Ohio with 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. BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment
Harris Search Associates Seeking CFO for Central State University
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
Boyden Appoints Leader of Global Financial Officers Practice
Boyden has expanded its global financial services practice group and named Kathy Pattillo as its leader. The expansion of Boyden’s practice group includes additional infrastructure, research capabilities, and a broader operating group of consultants across every global geography. “As the responsibilities of financial leaders become more nuanced, so does the search for talent to fill these
Driving Long-Term Success Through Culture and Values
As we face the complexities of today’s global economy, a company’s culture and values play a more crucial role than ever. They form the foundation of thriving organizations, shaping employee satisfaction and driving productivity. Culture is the collective atmosphere that shapes how employees interact, make decisions, and approach their work, according to a report from DHR
Phelps Acquires Gallagher’s Canadian Executive Search Practice
Executive search firm Phelps has acquired Gallagher’s Canadian executive search practice, a strategic move that strengthens the company’s national presence and expands operations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The addition of this team brings a legacy of executive search excellence, long-standing client relationships, and deep regional insight—enhancing the Phelps network
Acertitude Recruits CHRO for Sunrise Senior Living
Acertitude has recruited Judy Fimiani as the new chief human resources officer of private equity-backed Sunrise Senior Living. The search was led by partner Jessica Tvelia and principal Anny Chou. “The firm continues to build upon its long-lasting relationship with CEO, Jack R. Callison, Jr., and the entire Sunrise team, having conducted 20+ searches throughout the
RSR Partners Seeking Executive Director for Breast Cancer Alliance
Greenwich, Conn.-based RSR Partners has been retained by Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. BCA is seeking an experienced and strategic executive director to lead the organization through its next pivotal growth stage. They will be a versatile leader, with a strong combination of business acumen, passion for the mission,
ZRG Names Co-Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has appointed Joni Noel as co-head of its healthcare & life sciences practice alongside Brian McGowan, who has guided ZRG’s healthcare efforts with a focus on executive search. Together, they will partner closely to expand ZRG’s impact across the talent spectrum, from C-suite placements to interim leadership, embedded recruiting, and consulting. Ms. Noel will primarily
Redefining Executive Talent in Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is experiencing a major shift, reshaping the very definition of effective leadership. “There’s a rapidly growing demand for research and development (R&D) leaders with specialized expertise in cutting-edge areas such as cell and gene therapy, and precision medicine,” said John Ebeid, executive vice president, Randstad Life Sciences. “These leaders are particularly
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking Chief External Affairs Officer for Washtenaw Community College
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been tapped by Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, to recruit the next chief external affairs officer. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. Reporting directly to the president, this position is responsible for the college’s overall strategy relating to government relations, brand awareness, public relations, reputation,
Isaacson, Miller Leading President Search for Georgetown University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently retained by Georgetown University to lead in its search for a new president. John Isaacson, Anita Tien, Berkley Braden, and Jane McInerney. The search committee is made up of directors of our board as well as members of the faculty and the Society of Jesus. As the search committee begins its work,
NPAworldwide Unveils New Brand to Reflect Global Growth
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has announced a significant brand evolution that reflects the organization’s growth and vision for the future. “This new branding update aims to enhance the identity of NPAworldwide and reinforce its commitment to connecting independent recruitment firms around the world,” the organization said. “The newly designed logo honors NPAworldwide’s rich history while presenting
Hightech Partners Adds to Search Staff
Hightech Partners (HTP Group) has expanded with the addition of Marc Herlant as a partner. “The lasting experience in the management consulting industry, the strategic approach combined with his curiosity and the dedication to create value for the clients that Marc brings will be a major asset to our group,” said Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren, managing
Why CHROs Are Playing a More Active Role in CEO Succession
Boards see the benefits of involving the CHRO, with their people skills and intimate knowledge of the company’s talent pool, not to mention the crucial role they play in broader C-suite succession planning and as a conduit to conversations around the top table. The CHRO is central to building leadership pipelines and ensuring smooth executive
JM Search Recruits CFO for Frontier Co-op
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has placed Joshua Vogeler as the new CFO of Frontier Co-op, a wholesale supplier of organic herbs, spices, and related products. Phil Menzel and Matt Duncan led the assignment. “We look forward to seeing Josh and the Frontier Co-op’s team’s continued
