DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
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,
Candidate Confidentiality: Why It Matters
Executive search sits in a uniquely sensitive middle ground: recruiters are asked to represent an employer’s interests while also earning and protecting a candidate’s trust, explained a recent report from ExecSearches. That “in-between” position makes confidentiality more than a professional courtesy. “For the candidate, it can be the difference between a strategic career move and
August Leadership Expands in Mexico City
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Victoria Hyde as partner based in Mexico City. “Please join us in welcoming Victoria Hyde to the August Leadership team,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “A certified independent chair and board recruiter, Victoria is known for structuring high-performing boards, standardizing processes, and fostering operational alignment.
Workforce Trends Through the Lens of Leadership and Employees
The workforce is evolving rapidly, with flexibility, inclusion, and engagement emerging as essential pillars of organizational success. To better understand these trends, TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC) and Hunt Scanlon Media conducted extensive research, gathering insights from HR leaders and workforce professionals across a broad spectrum of industries. This report highlights key insights, including the differences
The Christopher Group Seeking New HR Leader for P10
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by P10, an alternative investment firm specializing in private equity, private credit, & venture capital, to lead in its search for a VP of human resources. Nat Schiffer and Kristen Perez are leading the assignment. “P10’s trust in choosing The Christopher Group
Flatiron Search Partners Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Culina Health
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has helped to recruit Jane Mentz as chief operating officer for Culina Health, a virtual nutrition care company in Hoboken, NJ. “Culina Health has filled a critical gap for patients and payers, becoming the first to offer health-plan covered nutrition services nationwide,” said Vanessa Rissetto, co-founder and CEO of Culina Health. “Bringing Jane
Carrington & Carrington Assists the Southland Development Authority with President Search
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Felicia D. Hardy as president of the Southland Development Authority (SDA) in Chicago. “As a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) from the International Business Broker Association (IBBA), Felicia’s invaluable insights and growth strategies will have a major impact on our efforts to drive economic prosperity and
ECA Partners Names Leader of Value Creation Practice
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has named Dan Baker to director, value creation practice. “Dan’s promotion reflects his outstanding contributions to our clients and his intimate familiarity with the top value creation talent in the private equity ecosystem,” said Ken Kanara, CEO of ECA Partners. “His diverse background in law, economics, and public policy brings
AI-Powered Exits: A New Lever for PE to Maximize Value
A recent AlixPartners report highlights that AI can be instrumental in preparing portfolio companies for sale, especially in a soft deal market where well-prepared exits are harder to achieve. “AI can make preparation for sale faster and more comprehensive,” notes the report. “AI can be helpful in exit preparation, particularly when the deal market is soft
Spencer Stuart Assists Intel with CEO Search
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Lip-Bu Tan as the new CEO of Intel Corporation. Pat Gelsinger retired from the company after a distinguished 40-plus-year career and has stepped down from the board of directors, effective December 1, 2024. He succeeds interim co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus. Mr. Tan will also
Lindauer Fills Senior Advancement Role for Boston University
Following a national search, Lindauer has helped to recruit Michele Schiele as the senior vice president for advancement for Boston University (BU). Leading the assignment were Faith Montgomery, senior vice president, and Andrew Machado, senior consultant. “Michele is a well-respected and highly experienced leader in her field, who has demonstrated clear results for some of the top universities
Florida Health Justice Project Retains Charity Search Group to Find New Leader
Charity Search Group was recently called in by Florida Health Justice Project to lead in its search for a new executive director. Vice president of executive search Pascale Hughes is leading the assignment. The executive director position at the Florida Health Justice Project presents an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader passionate about advancing health
ECI Group Adds New Member Firm in India
Executive search consultants are experiencing a rise in hiring mandates globally. In response, they are expanding their capabilities by launching new practice areas, bringing on additional recruiters, and establishing offices in new markets. At the same time, global recruiting consortiums are capitalizing on renewed growth in specific regions. ECI Group, a global network of independent
The Great CEO Exodus… Continues
Rank-and-file workers and many top executives have looked at the current job market and decided to stay. But one group isn’t sticking around—and it happens to be the people holding the highest job, according to a new report from Korn Ferry. According to a recent estimate, some 222 CEOs left their roles in January, the
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by Omaha Children’s Museum to Find New Leader
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by Omaha Children’s Museum (OCM) to lead in its search for a new CEO. In this moment of promise and potential, Omaha Children’s Museum seeks a CEO to provide strategic and visionary leadership as the organization builds its future. The CEO is accountable for creating optimal conditions for fundraising
CarterBaldwin Assists Grove City College with Finding its 10th President
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Bradley J. Lingo as the 10th president of Grove City College. He will assume leadership of the college upon the retirement of Paul J. McNulty, an alumnus of the college who served since 2014 as the school’s ninth president. The assignment was led by founding partner and
Bay Street Advisors Grows Private Markets and Investment Banking Practice
Executive recruitment firm Bay Street Advisors has expanded with the addition of Sloan Warren as vice president in the private markets and investment banking practice. In this role, Ms. Warren will focus on expanding the firm’s private markets practice, leveraging her industry expertise and deep network to support clients in identifying and attracting senior talent. Ms. Warren’s
Odgers Berndtson Canada Appoints CEO
Odgers Berndtson Canada has appointed Brad Beveridge as chief executive officer. The appointment follows a four-year period during which Mr. Beveridge served as president and led the firm’s transition from an executive search firm to an integrated leadership advisory firm. In addition to his CEO responsibilities, he will continue to serve on Odgers Berndtson’s global and
Creating a Purpose-Driven Culture
Culture can often feel elusive—something we all sense but find difficult to define. However, it plays a crucial role in shaping how organizations operate and thrive, according to a recent report from TalentRise’s Kristen Fox. “We create culture through the thoughtful intersection of mission, vision, and values. By delving into cultural design, we can gain clarity on
Bryant Group Leading CHRO Search for Boise State University
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group was recently retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “Boise State University
Herbert Mines Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Guitar Center
Chief merchandising officers oversee their company’s buying activities and develop strategies to make the most informed purchasing plans. These C-suite executives make purchasing decisions for a company, including determining product availability, demand, market trends and pricing. They typically manage a team of purchasing or merchandising staff. Chief merchandising officers also implement merchandising plans. New York-based retail
The Energists Creates New Recruitment Service for the Energy Sector
Houston-based The Energists has launched Tall Trees Talent, a contingent recruitment service designed to address the evolving needs of the energy sector. The services was designed to exemplify The Energists’ commitment to offering comprehensive hiring solutions, complementing the firm’s executive search capabilities. “Tall Trees Talent reflects our dedication to meeting the dynamic challenges of the
Landing Point Launches Division Dedicated to Guiding Early-Stage Founders in Talent Acquisition
One of the biggest challenges early-stage founders face is attracting top talent. New York City-based executive search Landing Point has launched founder services, a new division dedicated to guiding early-stage founders in strategic talent acquisition. The new offering will be led by J. Patrick Gorman, a veteran recruiting executive based in Austin, TX, who joins
Growth and M&A Activity to Surge Across Recruitment Sector In 2025
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive search firms, giving the sector its first official performance review on last year’s activity. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruitment sector in 2024, despite an economically challenging year. “The recruiting sector found stability and recovery in 2024
AGB Assists Savannah State University with President Search
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped recruit Jermaine Whirl as the new president of Savannah State University (SSU). His appointment follows being named the sole finalist last week after a rigorous six-month national presidential search. SSU has been led by Cynthia Alexander since July 2023, following the departure of president
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Recruits New President and CEO for the Association Of Fundraising Professionals
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has placed H. Art Taylor as its new president and CEO of the Association Of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Arlington, VA. He succeeds Mike Geiger, who has served as president and CEO for the past seven and a half years. “The AFP global board undertook a comprehensive CEO search to find our next leader,”
Amrop Appoints Co-Leader of the Global Consumer & Retail Practice
Amrop, a global leadership advisory and executive search partnership, has named Kelly Freeman as new co-leader of the global consumer & retail practice. Based in Toronto, Ms. Freeman will co-lead the practice together with Lucie Shaw in the U.K., who continues to serve in this function since 2021. “Kelly’s strong sector expertise and North American frame of reference
Friisberg & Partners International Expands in London
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International recently expanded in London with the addition of Alex Wenyon. “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Friisberg team,” said Zoltan Petho, chair of Friisberg. “Her experience with globally renowned brands, combined with her competitive spirit and commitment to excellence, will bring a unique perspective to our clients.” “Alex’s
Developing Future Leaders: Executive Readiness and Succession Planning
Leadership changes can shape the future of a business. With challenges ranging from unexpected vacancies to planned retirements, having a robust succession plan is a strategic priority for companies of all sizes, according to a just released report from DHR Global. “Succession planning is more than just identifying potential successors. It’s about building a sustainable
Executive Search in Canada: Navigating Uncertainty in 2025
The Canadian executive search market has adapted to the evolving demands of a rapidly shifting business environment. As executive recruitment continues to transform, heightened competition across the Canadian business sector necessitates a more strategic approach to talent acquisition. “The executive search landscape in Canada enters 2025 amid significant political and economic uncertainty,” said Jay Rosenzweig,
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) Names CFO
DSG Global (Diversified Search Group) has appointed Rob Alessandrini as its new chief financial officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to our team,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG. “His depth of finance experience in growth environments, strategic insight, and commitment to driving results will be invaluable as we continue to scale our
Kaplan Partners Recruits Chief People Officer for F&M Bank
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, has assisted in the recruitment of Carly Buchanan as chief people officer of F&M Bank, an Archbold, OH-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. “Carly’s leadership, expertise, and passion for people
Juno Search Partners Recruits CFO for Council for Relationships
Philadelphia-based executive search firm Juno Search Partners LLC, has placed Mary K. Mackey as the new CFO of Council for Relationships. “Juno Search Partners has made my placement as CFO at Council for Relationships seamless and personable, perfectly embodying CFR’s mission of strengthening interpersonal relationships,” said Ms. Mackey. “I am truly honored to step into this
