DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
The Role of the CFO in PE-Backed Businesses
The role of the CFO in private equity-backed businesses has shifted materially in recent years. Historically a function for financial stewardship, the CFO role is now defined by operational accountability, value creation and the ability to translate investment strategy into outcomes. A recent report from U.K.-based executive search firm The Barton Partnership (TBP). The study examined how
JDG Associates Seeking Executive Director for the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates was recently selected by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) to lead its search for a new executive director. The position is remote and may be based anywhere in the United States, with proximity to the Washington, D.C. area considered a plus. NCART stands at a pivotal moment, with active,
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
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
Human Capital as a Strategic Asset: Unlocking High-Performance Leadership in the C-Suite
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, human capital has become a true strategic asset. Organizations are realizing that successful leadership requires more than technical expertise — it demands a blend of measurable competencies and intangible qualities like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural alignment. High-performance leadership is now defined by the ability to drive innovation, inspire
HARTZ Search Recruits Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer for JPS Health Network
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has assisted in the recruitment of TJ Grassetti as the vice president, chief strategy & business development officer of JPS Health Network. Mr. Grassetti joins JPS Health Network from Intermountain Healthcare, where he was most recently the region vice president of strategic partnerships. Prior to this, he was the
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits Inaugural Chief Marketing Officer for Central New Mexico Community College
Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has recruited Chris Pendleton as the inaugural chief marketing officer of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the search. “I’m thrilled to have Chris joining our CNM leadership team,” said Tracy Hartzler, president. “He has proven experience at leveraging modern marketing
Blair Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for the Pasadena Community Foundation
San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has placed Khanh Russo as the new president and CEO of the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). He will succeed longtime leader Jennifer DeVoll starting on June 5. Following a nationwide search conducted by PCF’s executive search committee with support from Blair Search Partners, Mr. Russo was selected for his extensive background
Solomon Page Launches Clinical Physician Search
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has strengthened its service offerings within the healthcare & life sciences division with the addition of clinical physician search, a new specialty area for the firm. Solomon Page has also appointed Todd Martin as vice president of clinical physician search. “Todd’s arrival is a significant milestone in the evolution of
Rising to the Challenge: How HR Is Evolving to Meet a Complex World
This is arguably the most dynamic and transformative era in the history of human resources. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that human resources is experiencing an unprecedented period of innovation and opportunity. There has never been a more exciting time in history to work in HR than now, according to Egon Zehnder’s Rafael Altavini. “The
Heidrick & Struggles Assists the MacArthur Foundation with Chief Investment Officer Search
According to recruiters specializing in the function, demand for executive level, “high impact” investing talent has been on the rise, and that demand is expected to soar in coming years. But recruiters say these roles can be generally difficult to develop and ultimately recruit for clients, given their multi-disciplinary and evolving nature. In fact, impact investing roles are new to
Cowen Partners Seeking CEO for United American Indian Involvement
Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search was recently called in by United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Sam Torres, managing director, is leading the assignment. “In a period of evolving community needs and dynamic partnerships with tribal, city, county, state, and federal stakeholders, it is essential for UAII to
Rippling Secures $450 Million in Funding
Rippling, a provider of HR information system software, employer-of-record and other talent-related services, has secured $450 million in a series G funding round. The round values the company at $16.8 billion. The series G round includes financing from Elad Gil, Sands Capital, GIC, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Baillie Gifford and Y Combinator. The company also announced
Pacific International Forms Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International has announced the formation of its new advisory board. The initial members, Bjarne Sandager Nielsen and Sameer Pagnis, with deep industry expertise and years of C-suite experience, will enhance Pacific’s executive search capabilities by helping clients identify and attract transformative C-suite leaders while minimizing the risks associated with executive hiring.
Women Leaders Poised to Redefine the Future of Banking and Financial Services
Women continue to gain ground in banking and financial services, making measurable impact across teams with innovative solutions and notable wins for their institutions. Yet despite filling most entry and mid-level positions at banks and financial firms, women remain significantly underrepresented in upper management, a recent report from Slayton Search Partners’ Stuart Smith. According to McKinsey,
20/20 Foresight Acquires Winter Street Search
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has acquired Winter Street Search, a boutique retained executive search firm focused on the financial services sector. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the integration, Lisa DeConto and Scott Vierra, managing partners of Winter Street, have joined 20/20 Foresight as co-presidents of asset & wealth management. They bring decades of
DHR Global Recruits CIO for Academy Sports + Outdoors
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has recruited Sumit Anand as the new executive vice president and chief information officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors. The search was completed by global managing partners Marcey Rubin Stamas and Sal DiFranco. “Mr. Anand, a lifelong customer of Academy Sports + Outdoors, brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, digital, and operational
Nexus Search Partners Fills President Role for Mobile Communications America
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has placed John Navarro as president of the security division at Mobile Communications America (MCA) in Spartanburg, SC. “John’s deep industry expertise and proven leadership in scaling security businesses make him an outstanding addition to MCA’s executive team,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits Chief Strategy Officer for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has recruited Yovannie Rodriguez as senior vice president and chief strategy officer of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. Linda Frankl, director, senior practice leader, led the assignment. Ms. Rodriguez brings a strong background in aviation administration and strategy, most recently holding the title of executive vice president and chief administrative officer for
Shifting The Talent Paradigm In PE: A Q&A With Jessica Fiesta George At Atlantic Street Capital Advisors
Private equity firms are growing, and so are the demands placed on their portfolio companies. As the traditional playbook of financial engineering and cost-cutting shows signs of fatigue, PE firms are looking to talent strategy to unlock growth and create long-term value. That shift is at the core of the agenda at Hunt Scanlon’s upcoming
TurningPoint Executive Search and Collabrie Unite to Create Ascentria Search Partners
TurningPoint Executive Search and Collabrie have recently joined forces to establish Ascentria Search Partners. “The merger was a natural fit because both firms share the same philosophy: recruiting is about relationships, not just resumes,” said Seann Richardson, former president of Collabrie and now a partner at Ascentria Search Partners. “By bringing our expertise together, we’re amplifying
McDermott + Bull Assists Technology Credit Union with Chief Marketing Officer Search
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Terri Giannetti as chief marketing officer of Technology Credit Union (Tech CU) in San Jose, CA. The search was led by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, vice president Hilary Raska, and senior and executive recruiter Rachel Camonayan. “Terri’s extensive background in marketing, customer segmentation, data analytics and
Cooper Coleman Recruits COO for East Coast Zoological Foundation
Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has placed Anthony Rivera as chief operating officer of East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman, and vice president of executive search, Kathy Kraushar. “Anthony brings a remarkable ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence,” said Ms.
CIO Partners Seeking Chief Information Officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. CIO Partners is currently at the closing stages of recruiting a new CIO for Walker-Miller Energy Services. Walker-Miller is seeking a visionary
Why Soft Skills and Continuous Learning Are Key to Thriving in a Changing Workplace
Continuous learning and soft skill development are increasingly vital as technological advancements and evolving job roles demand adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Successfully navigating instability and change requires strong soft skills like interpersonal skills and adaptability, according to Beth Nastachowski, leader of TI Verbatim Consulting’s training and development team. “These soft skills enable leaders
Lindauer Recruits Dean of Music for the Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of innovative educator and accomplished musician Kevin Haden as dean of music for the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Paula Fazli led the assignment. “It is an honor to announce that Kevin Haden will be joining our Boston Conservatory community as the next dean of music starting in July,” said Michael
Russell Reynolds Associates Retained by Boise State University to Find 8th President
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for its eighth president. Past president Marlene Tromp recently left the school to serve as president at the University of Vermont. Russell Reynolds will recruit candidates and assist the Boise State University president search committee throughout the
Kincannon & Reed Assists Ag Alumni Seed Improvement Association with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has recruited Craig Anderson as the new CEO of the Agriculture Alumni Seed Improvement Association Inc. (Ag Alumni Seed). This transition follows more than a decade of strong collaboration between Purdue University and the leadership of Jay Hulbert, who served as the
The Forum Group Names Leader of HR Recruitment Division
Executive search firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Ruth Espina as managing partner of Forum Group HR recruitment partners—a new division dedicated to connecting top HR talent with organizations. “With over 35 years of experience in human resources and executive search, Ruth isn’t just stepping into a leadership role—she’s building something from the ground up,” the search
The Role of Employee Experience in Boosting Talent Acquisition Outcomes
In today’s job market, employees have the freedom to select roles and organizations that reflect their values, career goals, and ideal work environments—making the overall employee experience a pivotal element in attracting, retaining, and inspiring top talent. Companies must recognize the decisive role of employee experience in executive search to secure leadership that drives organizational
The Hidden Talent Investment That Drives Returns
As a talent professional in private equity, you carry one of the broadest—and most demanding—mandates in the firm. In a single week, you might run multiple portfolio and internal searches, build compensation benchmarks, assess talent for a prospective deal, and provide career coaching for a deal team member, according to Notch Partners. “And that’s before
Herbert Mines Places CEO at Salad and Go
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Tattersfield as the new CEO of Salad and Go. “Mike is exactly the proven leader we need to unlock Salad and Go’s full potential,” said Florian van Rappard, Salad and Go director and partner at Volt Investment Holdings,
The Hawkins Company Seeking New Leader for The L.A. Trust
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has been retained by The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Williams D. Hawkins and Yonnine Hawkins Garr are leading the assignment. The L.A. Trust is seeking a mission-driven visionary and strategic executive
Signium Opens New Office in Istanbul
Executive search consortium Signium has opened its newest office in Istanbul, Turkey, further strengthening its presence across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Neslihan Akan has been named as managing partner of Signium Turkey. “We believe that Turkey is one of the most promising economies in the world – vibrant, strategically positioned, and particularly rich in leadership potential,” said Annelize van
Aligning CEO and CHRO Priorities
Like the business world, the roles of CEO and CHRO have changed significantly in recent years. On the one hand, CEOs are responsible for focusing on the company’s competitiveness and performance, and on the other, CRHOs are placing greater emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. But are these visions completely irreconcilable? To answer this question, global executive search







