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Daily Newswire
Spencer Stuart Acquires Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates
Spencer Stuart has acquired Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates, a Zurich-based, founder-led leadership advisory firm, through which Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates will be integrated into Spencer Stuart. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Dr. Bjørn Johansson Associates is a highly respected market leader with deep relationships with many of the most iconic and important businesses and organizations in Switzerland
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
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.
Why PE Organizations Need to Apply Their Own Playbook to Themselves
Private equity firms have long applied rigorous operating frameworks to the companies they acquire, but many have yet to bring that same discipline to their own organizations. As market conditions demand stronger operational execution and more consistent value creation, leading firms are rethinking how they structure teams, define leadership roles, and integrate operating expertise across
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?
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group Seeking Chief of Development for the American LGBTQ+ Museum
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group was recently retained by the American LGBTQ+ Museum to lead in its search for chief of development. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the executive director, the chief of development will provide the leadership, direction, and coordination of fundraising strategies and activities to advance the mission of the American
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Lochlin Partners has recruited Janelle Padgett as VP and CFO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association in Glen Allen, VA. Ms. Padgett has more than 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience across complex healthcare systems, including multiple CFO, controller, and senior finance leadership roles within both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations. Most recently,
Why PE Firms Need Operational CFOs as Executive Growth Planners
Consider a private equity deal team forced to hold a portfolio company well beyond its planned exit timeline—not because the business underperformed, but because the IPO market stalled and potential buyers disappeared. Today, that scenario is more common than exceptional, a recent report from Odgers explained. “In an era where capital is abundant but exits
Executive Hiring Without Borders: Navigating the Opportunities and Risks
Remote work has transformed how we do business. When it comes to hiring, there are no borders. Companies can choose leaders from around the globe to guide their organizations. While beneficial, this can also present issues, according to a new report from Stahl Recruiting Executive Search, an executive search firm specializing in the railway industry. “When
Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
The Tolan Group Recruits VP of Payor Strategy at CCRM Fertility
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Marianne Fanning as vice president of payor strategy at CCRM Fertility, bringing extensive experience in managed care strategy, payor relations, and reimbursement optimization. Ms. Fanning’s appointment reflects CCRM Fertility’s continued investment in expanding patient access, strengthening payor partnerships, and supporting the organization’s long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining CCRM Fertility,
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader of North Division, Construction and Real Estate Practice
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Lee Martin as managing director and practice leader of the north division within its construction and real estate practice. In this expanded leadership role, he will lead the continued growth of the firm’s commercial real estate, building construction, and construction technology practices across the northern United States, further advancing KBIC’s integrated
How Executive Search Is Evolving Alongside Private Equity
With private equity firms placing greater emphasis on operational execution and long-term value creation, expectations around leadership strategy are rapidly evolving. Search firms are increasingly being asked to move beyond traditional recruiting models and serve as broader talent advisors aligned with investment outcomes. In this environment, the distinction between transactional hiring and strategic partnership is
DSG | Koya Retained by Gilda’s Club Chicago for CEO Search
DSG | Koya has been tapped by Gilda’s Club Chicago to lead in its search for a new CEO. The search is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. The next CEO will have the chance to build on Gilda’s Club Chicago’s strong foundation while leaving a lasting mark—expanding its reach, deepening community and healthcare
June Hiring Cools While Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
Employment increased by 57,000 in June as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.1 million, changed little in June. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance, and healthcare. Leisure and hospitality lost jobs. The
Bell Oaks Executive Search Seeking Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search is currently seeking a chief finance and administrative officer (CFAO) for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF). The assignment is being led by partner Cynthia J. Moreland and senior search consultant Abi Gamino. The CFAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the executive
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
Why Searches Lose Discipline Late and How to Prevent It
Even well-run executive searches can lose focus as the process unfolds and pressure to reach a decision begins to mount. Without consistent alignment around the original mandate, organizations risk making compromises that can undermine long-term leadership success. Most executive searches start with real clarity, a recent report from Nashville, TN-based executive search firm Morgan Samuels Company’s
NPAG Assists Proteus Fund with CEO Search
Executive search firm NPAG has assisted in the recruitment of Amardeep Singh the new president and CEO of Proteus Fund and Proteus Action League. He will officially assume the role in September. The Proteus Fund board of directors selected Mr. Singh following a rigorous national search supported by NPAG. The search was led by Ellen LaPointe, Ebony Breaux-Liang, and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez. “On
Bullhorn Names Chief Innovation and Labs Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn recently appointed Jason Heilman as chief innovation and labs officer and Ryan Murphy as chief corporate development officer. As members of the executive leadership team, they will help drive the company’s next wave of growth and innovation. Mr. Heilman joined Bullhorn in 2020 when the company acquired Herefish, the automation platform he led
5 Ways to Evaluate a Job Offer in 2026
In today’s hiring market, the strongest job offer isn’t always the one with the biggest paycheck. Candidates who treat their next move as a base-salary math problem usually leave real money behind, according to a recent report from Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles. The smarter approach, and the
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Technology Officer for JenaValve Technology
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Edward Sarnowski as chief technology officer of JenaValve Technology, Inc. in Irvine, CA. The search was completed by partner Ken Dropiewski, and executive recruiter Michael Matranga. “Ed’s appointment marks an important step in the evolution of JenaValve as a company,” said John Kilcoyne, CEO of JenaValve. “With FDA approval now behind us and
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses for General Counsel Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for a general counsel based in Alexandria, VA. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, the general counsel serves as IDA’s chief legal officer and secretary of the Corporation, with responsibility spanning legal counsel and
Korn Ferry to Acquire AMS in $1.1 Billion Talent Solutions Deal
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire U.K.-headquartered AMS. The transaction will combine Korn Ferry’s expertise across search, talent & organizational solutions, and workforce solutions with AMS’s expertise in recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), early careers and campus recruiting, contingent workforce solutions, consulting, and skills creation. The combination will
CarterBaldwin Assists Ideal Tridon Group with Chief Information Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has helped to recruit Shane Dacus as chief information officer of Ideal Tridon Group, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and global provider of engineered clamps, brackets, fittings, and metal framing systems. Mr. Dacus brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across industrial, manufacturing, and PE-backed platforms, with a consistent record of elevating IT
Lindauer Recruits CEO for Penn State Alumni Association
Lindauer has placed Reggie Bustinza as associate vice president for alumni relations and chief executive officer of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was selected after a nationwide search to succeed Paul Clifford, who departed Penn State in January 2025. The search was led by Lindauer executive vice president Faith Montgomery and senior consultant Raegan Harvey in partnership with Penn State. “Lindauer
Why M&A Success Is Ultimately a Talent Challenge
In its latest market intelligence findings, The Role of HR in M&A: 5 Golden Rules for CHROs, Spencer Stuart argues that many transactions fail not because of flawed strategy, but because of shortcomings in leadership, culture, talent retention, and organizational execution. While financial and operational diligence often dominate deal planning, the firm’s research suggests that people-related
Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Chief Marketing Officer Search for the College of Charleston
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is currently seeking a chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing and communications for the College of Charleston. Kyle Pybus-Jerome and Jeremy Duff are leading the assignment. The College of Charleston seeks a strategic and innovative marketing executive to lead an integrated marketing and communications enterprise that
Why Your Digital Presence is the New Executive Resume
In an increasingly competitive executive search environment, visibility has become a critical factor in how senior talent is identified, assessed, and ultimately hired. Recruiters and hiring leaders are no longer relying solely on traditional resumes, but instead are leveraging digital platforms to build a more complete and real-time view of candidates. As a result, professionals
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
Caldwell Posts 29.6 Percent Q2 Revenue Gain
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q2 revenues of $23.2 million (Canadian), an increase of 29.6 percent from the same period a year ago. “Our second quarter results reflect strong year-over-year growth at Caldwell, with an increase in professional fees of 35 percent and continued stability at IQTalent,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “Except for a planned, strategic investment this
WittKieffer Assists Loyola Marymount University in Finding New President
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has assisted in the recruitment of Thomas Poon as the 17th president of Loyola Marymount University (LMU). He will succeed Timothy Law Snyder, beginning in the role on June 1, 2025. Suzanne Teer, Philip Tang, and Alejandra Gillette-Teran led the assignment. Similarly to the last two presidents, Dr. Poon is not a Jesuit. Notably, he is the first person of
Wilton & Bain Expands Search Staff
Wilton & Bain has expanded with the addition of Hannah Robb as partner in the firm’s global professional services practice. She will spearhead the firm’s office of the CFO offering, driving the expansion of global services that support clients across the full lifecycle—including origination, client development and management, executive appointments, and full-scale team lifts. “Wilton &
The AI Operating Partner: The Latest PE Portfolio Value Creation Role?
Technology operating partners have driven digital transformation and ensured technology investments deliver value. However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a need for specialized expertise, according to a new report from Korn Ferry’s Maneesh Dube and Yasmine Nejdawi. “Concerns that traditional tech-focused leaders may lack the depth to maximize AI’s potential have led
NU Advisory Partners Recruits COO and CFO for Legends
NU Advisory Partners has placed Brett Parker has been appointed chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the combined Legends and ASM Global business. “Brett brings exceptional experience in finance and operations, further enhancing our leadership team to deliver the best for our partners and their fans and guests,” said Dan Levy, CEO. “His track record
Cowen Partners Places CEO at Signal Financial Federal Credit Union
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kenyahda Cahoon as the new CEO of Signal Financial Federal Credit Union. He succeeds Francois Verleysen, who served as president and CEO of Signal Financial since 2014. Mr. Verleysen retired from the organization in January 2025. “On behalf of the board of directors, we welcome
Rudish Health Assists bioXcellerator with Chief Revenue Officer Search
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health has helped to recruit Beverly Tanabe as the new chief revenue officer bioXcellerator in Scottsdale, AZ. Nicole E. Brown, Laura Yancone, and Asmita Shah led the assignment. Ms. Tanabe is a dedicated, passionate, results-driven executive with successful track record of 15 years driving all revenue-generating elements to
H.I. Executive Consulting Opens New Office in Tokyo
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has strengthened its presence across the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of a new office in Tokyo, Japan. The firm has appointed George Johnson as a partner to lead the office. The expansion builds upon the firm’s presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Sydney, reflecting HIEC’s commitment to providing
How PE Firms Are Evolving In 2025
Private equity is experiencing a shakeout, where scale and specialization are becoming defining factors for success. The industry is seeing capital consolidate among top firms, making it increasingly difficult for mid-sized and emerging managers to raise funds. Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2025 highlights that “capital will continue to consolidate in the hands
RH Perry & Associates Assists SUNY Adirondack with President Search
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Anastasia L. Urtz as the eighth president to lead SUNY Adirondack. Senior consultants George Santiago and Joanne Bashford led the assignment. The State University of New York board of trustees recently voted for Ms. Urtz appointment. She will assume the presidency this summer following the retirement of
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Direct Relief
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has placed Amy Weaver as the new CEO of Direct Relief, a non-profit organization ranked fifth on Forbes’ List of Top 100 Charities dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people affected by poverty and emergencies worldwide. This search was led by McDermott + bull co-founder and managing partner Chris Bull, partner Sue Waterbury, and directors
CIO Partners Assists University of Vermont with CIO Search
CIO Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Kellie Campbell as chief information officer of the University of Vermont (UVM). Executive director Barry Cressley led assignment. “This is an exciting time to bring an energetic and collaborative new leader to UVM, especially with new technologies rapidly emerging and important IT projects underway on campus,” said interim president Patricia Prelock.
Ward Howell International Adds Waverly Partners to Network
Ward Howell International has added Waverly Partners as a member firm. “This strategic alignment significantly expands Ward Howell’s service offerings and market presence within the non-profit, chamber of commerce and economic development industries while providing Waverly Partners’ clients with additional board advisory and management appraisal services,” said Heidi Milosovic, a founding member of Waverly Partners. “With
The Key to Personal Success for C-Level Executives
For C-suite leaders, it’s widely accepted that assembling a high-performing team is fundamental to a company’s success. While this is true, a more nuanced and often overlooked perspective is how team building directly impacts a leader’s personal career trajectory and professional goals, according to a new article from Wray Executive Search’s Ray Kelley. “The reality
The Christopher Group Retained by Blistex
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by Blistex to lead in its search for their head of HR. Nat Schiffer and Carrie Longmire are leading the assignment. “We are honored to be selected to lead the head of HR search for Blistex, a company with a rich legacy of innovation and
TurnkeyZRG Assists Southern Methodist University with Director of Athletics Search
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of Damon Evans as the new director of athletics for Southern Methodist University (SMU). Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, led the search. “Our goal was to find a leader who shared our vision for the future of SMU Athletics – one of continued and even greater national prominence,” said
Berwick Partners Leading Artistic Director Search for the Royal Academy of Arts
Birmingham, England-based Berwick Partners, a division of Odgers Berndtson, was recently retained by the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) to lead in its search for an artistic director. The process is being handled by Sarah Lowndes Jones and William Pringle. The artistic director will lead the artistic vision and direction of the RA, shaping its exhibitions, programming,
IIC Partners Adds Belgian Search Firm Geleyte, Rasson & Partners to Network
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded its presence in the Belgian market through the addition of Geleyte, Rasson & Partners. The firm, headquartered in Brussels, expands IIC Partners’ capabilities in Belgium and across Europe. “We are thrilled to welcome Geleyte, Rasson & Partners to IIC Partners and re-establish our presence in Brussels, the strategic hub
Chief Human Resource Officers in Private Equity Funded Companies
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment—where markets and customer needs are constantly evolving—the CHRO plays a critical role in driving the growth and profitability of private equity-backed companies. The top HR officer is at the vortex, with the CEO, in defining and cultivating the culture and driving the talent agenda so critical to
Vaco Holdings Unveils New Brand Identity Highspring
Vaco Holdings, a provider of consulting, managed services, and talent solutions, has undergone a brand transformation to Highspring, uniting its businesses to deliver seamless, integrated services to clients on a global scale. “Highspring represents more than a name change—it’s a commitment to helping businesses achieve real outcomes through an agile, integrated approach,” said Brian Waller,
Myers McRae Leading Florida A&M President Search
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the search for Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University’s 13th president. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas are leading the assignment. The search committee has a goal to have a new university president in place by summer 2025. The search is chaired by Deveron Gibbons, vice chair of the Florida A&M board
