DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
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
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,
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Fort Valley State University
TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Derrick Scott as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Ndeh Anyu. “Dr. Scott is
JDG Associates Fills Senior Position for R&K Enterprise Solutions
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Jim Zopelis as the vice president of business development of R&K Enterprise Solutions. R&K is seeking a driven, high performing candidate with significant defense industry knowledge and experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven track record in Department of Defense and/or federal civilian
ESGI Merges with Potomac Recruiting
ESGI Executive Search Consultants (ESGI) and Potomac Recruiting have merged to form Washington, D.C.-based Executive Search Group Inc. – Potomac (ESGI-Potomac). ESGI-Potomac combines the strengths and experience of both Potomac Recruiting and ESGI Search, both providers of executive search in the federal contracting market. The combined network of both companies will provide clients with access
HelloSky Announces $5.5 Million Oversubscribed Seed Round, Crosses $1 Million ARR and Expands Executive Team
HelloSky (formerly Skyminyr), a talent intelligence platform purpose-built for the executive search industry, has closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed seed round. The raise includes participation from Caldwell Partners, Karmel Capital, True, Hunt Scanlon Ventures and prominent angel investors from Google and Cisco Systems. “As competition for executive talent escalates, organizations will increasingly turn to recruiting
Fostering A Strong Workplace Culture to Drive Business Growth
A strong workplace culture is essential to the success of any organization. It cultivates an environment where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated—leading to higher retention and improved performance. In today’s competitive landscape, culture goes beyond workplace atmosphere; it plays a critical role in driving sustainable financial growth and long-term business success. Companies that invest
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking Chief People Officer for Year Up United
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently retained by Year Up United to lead in its search for a new chief people officer. Senior director Crystal Stephens and senior associate Terri Kohan are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a visionary chief people officer who will architect the essential processes and frameworks needed to deliver consistent, world-class HR services. They
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for TRex Bio
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, an executive search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Hants as the new CFO of TRex Bio Inc. (TRexBio), a biotechnology company decoding human tissue immune biology to create revolutionary therapeutics. The search was led by Marc Miller, Jared Kaleck, and Josh Albert. Mr. Hants
Riviera Partners Expands with PE Veteran
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Sam Wholley as a managing partner. A seasoned operator, executive coach, and search professional, he returns to Riviera after four years as an operating partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, where he advised portfolio companies on
Kincannon & Reed Elects Chairman
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has elected Phillip Osborne as chairman of the board. Mr. Osborne has been a partner in the firm since 2018. “This transition aligns with Kincannon & Reed’s long-term vision and underscores the overall commitment to sustained success,” the firm said. As
9 Talent Acquisition Trends You Must Know to Drive Success
If you want to succeed in the competitive world of talent acquisition and consistently hire the right people for your organization, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest hiring trends. The job market is constantly evolving, and candidates’ expectations are shifting just as quickly. Staying ahead of these changes not only helps you connect
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
