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Daily Newswire
The University of Alabama System Taps ZRG for President Search
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
Building a Culture of Collaboration Between HR and Talent Acquisition
Hiring the right people requires more than just filling open positions—it demands a strategic partnership across the organization. When HR aligns closely with department leaders, the result is a hiring process that not only meets immediate needs but also drives long-term success. By integrating insight from every corner of the company, HR can identify candidates
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.
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
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?
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
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
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
Unveiling the CEO’s Ultimate Role: Why Ensuring the Right Leader is Key to Organizational Success
Many have debated the single most important role of a CEO, often focusing on strategy, culture, vision, and shareholder value. Nobody could so precisely synthesize the unending responsibilities of a CEO into a single most important role. However, Price Harding and CarterBaldwin believes there is one … Mr. Harding explains that a simple search of
Kincannon & Reed Grows European Food and Agribusiness Recruiting Practice
Kincannon & Reed has named Michael Whitney as a managing director based in England. Mr. Whitney joins Kincannon & Reed following a 20 year international career in senior executive and board-level positions in the agribusiness, food, and beverage sectors in the U.K., Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he led engagements
Carmichael Fisher Adds Recruiter to London HQ
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has added Nadia Basheer to its European headquarters in London. Ms. Basheer comes from legal search firm Novus Lexus and is also an experienced lawyer. “Our focus of helping leading private practice firms to identify and attract outstanding talent has grown from strength to strength over the past six years,”
Park Brown Opens in Houston
Park Brown International, an oil and gas executive search and leadership consultancy, has opened a new office in Houston. With more than 15 years of experience in executive search and two decades working in Houston, Joy Brown Kirst has been appointed as managing partner of the Houston location and will take a lead role in
Dice Acquires the IT Job Board
Dice Holdings, Inc., a career website for technology and engineering professionals, has purchased the outstanding shares of Jobboard Enterprises Limited, the corporate entity of The IT Job Board. The U.K.-based company operates a network of tech career sites in the U.K., Germany, Belgium and Holland. The purchase price consists of initial cash consideration of £8
Clark Langdon to Lead Search for Avaya
Recruiting firm Clark Langdon Partners has been selected by Avaya Inc. to lead in its search for a new vice president of EMEA for global services. Avaya is a privately held global provider of business communications and collaboration systems. Clark Langdon, founded by Simon Clark, has more than 18 years experience in senior level executive
VMA Group Opens Office in Singapore
U.K.-headquartered recruitment consultancy VMA Group has opened an office in Singapore. Since VMA opened its Hong Kong office in 2011, the portfolio of Singapore-based clients at the firm has grown rapidly, providing the opportunity to establish a permanent office in Singapore. Christine Clinton, who will be based in the Singapore office, is a communications professional
Howard-Sloan Acquires Jonathan Roberts Associates
Executive recruiter Howard-Sloan Professional Search has acquired Jonathan Roberts Associates. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Howard-Sloan CEO, Mitchell Berger, said: “JRA brings nearly two decades of providing clients with unmatched professionals to the table. As Howard-Sloan continues to expand its technical staffing network and seek new opportunities, I have no doubt that
Coleman Lew & Associates Completes Search for UNC
Executive search firm Coleman Lew & Associates has placed Dr. John Jones as the new vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. “It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Carter, Dr. Milewicz, and the UNCP search committee,” said Coleman Lew + Associates president, Ken Carrick. “Dr. Jones is
Workday Selected by Public Broadcaster WGBH Boston
Workday, Inc. has announced that WGBH Boston, a public broadcaster serving southern New England, has selected Workday’s full suite of enterprise cloud applications including Workday Human Capital Management, Workday Financial Management, Workday Payroll, Workday Time Tracking, Workday Grants Management, Workday Procurement, and Workday Expenses. “With Workday, WGBH will move from the limitations of multiple systems
HSZ Media to Release Two New Recruitment Studies
HSZ Media, LLC will release two new recruitment studies this fall – one examining competitive talent acquisition strategies in Asia and the other detailing the growing phenomenon of in-house recruiting. Recruiting in Asia: Competitive Strategies in China, Southeast Asia, Japan and Oceania will look at how companies are addressing current talent demands throughout Asia-Pacific, including
Kaye/Bassman Names Leader for Professional Services Practice
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has appointed John McSpadden as practice leader for the organization’s professional services specialty practice as well as its private equity portfolio specialty practice. Mr. McSpadden comes to Kaye/Bassman from DHR International, where he served as executive vice president and managing director of the firm’s Dallas office. “I have known John for a
Pinstripe and Ochre House Join Forces
Pinstripe, Inc., a human resources and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) company, has partnered with UK-based Ochre House to form an independent provider of global RPO and strategic talent management solutions. Financial investments from both leadership teams and leading technology-focused private equity firm, Accel-KKR, enabled the transaction. Pinstripe and Ochre House’s combined global presence includes 767
JDG Associates Fills Post for NBCOT
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has placed Allan Freedman as executive vice president at the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists. For the past four years, Mr. Freedman has been the executive director of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. JDG Associates has been serving the executive recruitment needs of Fortune 1000 corporations,
Boyden Adds to Washington, D.C. Office
Boyden has appointed Bill Hanbury as a principal in its Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Hanbury brings over 25 years of CEO experience in the association and hospitality sectors and will play a key role in recruiting for board, senior executive and functional leader roles. He is a sought after thought leader on national travel and
Dowd Associates Promotes Bates to EVP/Managing Director
Dowd Associates Executive Search has promoted Stephanie Bates to executive vice president and managing director. Firm president, Richard Dowd, said: “Steph has been an integral part of our growth and we are proud to promote her into the role of EVP, managing director. She joined the company in 2000 and quickly became a contributing member
CarterBaldwin Completes Search for Duke University
Atlanta-headquartered CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed Dan Struble as associate dean for external relations at Duke University Divinity School. Mr. Struble joins the Divinity School from Montreat College, where he served as president for nine years. CarterBaldwin is a provider of retained executive search services in the healthcare, technology, non-profit, consumer services, industrial and media/telecom
Battalia Winston Acquires Norm Sanders Associates
Battalia Winston has acquired the executive search business of Norm Sanders Associates, a Fair Haven, New Jersey-based executive search firm specializing in the financial services and consulting industries. Walter J. McGuigan Jr., founder and managing director of Norm Sanders, joins Battalia Winston as a partner covering financial services, professional services, and technology. With more than
Signium Adds Shore Executive Search in Mexico
Mexico-based Shore Executive Search has joined the global network of Signium International — a group of global search firms. Founded in 1960, Shore Executive Search specializes in senior level executive searches, with a focus on finding board members, directors, vice presidents, CEOs and C-level talent. The firm has placed candidates within a wide array of
Krauthamer & Associates Completes Search for Walker & Dunlop
Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates has placed William F. Wein as senior vice president and chief production officer of the capital markets department at Walker & Dunlop, Inc. Mr. Wein joins Walker & Dunlop from Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation, where he managed loan originators in the eastern and central U.S. Walker & Dunlop
HealthcareSource Partners with NICHE
HealthcareSource, a provider of talent management solutions for the healthcare industry, has partnered with NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) to deliver e-learning content and webinars for the network of over 470 NICHE designated hospitals and health systems. The NICHE learning management system (LMS), known as the NICHE Knowledge Center, offers tools and resources
Jacobson Group Creates New Recruiting Service for Insurance Industry
As the insurance industry prepares for an impending talent shortage, recruiting firm The Jacobson Group has developed a new program to help clients develop their workforces. Jacobson’s new talent service offering provides insurers with young professionals and recent graduates with an expressed interest in the insurance industry for direct hire, temporary and temporary-to-hire positions. “With
Sanford Rose Associates Opens in Flower Mound, TX
The Sanford Rose Associates Executive Search Network has expanded its organization with the opening of Sanford Rose Associates – Flower Mound. R. Todd Mapes is president of Sanford Rose Associates – Flower Mound, an executive search firm specializing in sales opportunities exclusively in the consumer collections and contact center industries. “We are excited to add
Cook Associates Finds CEO for Data Intensity
Chicago-based Cook Associates Executive Search has placed Kirk Arnold as chief executive officer of Data Intensity. The search was led by Jeff Leopold, managing director, and Seth Harris, EVP and managing director. Most recently, Ms. Arnold served as EVP and COO at Avid, Inc. Headquartered in metro-Boston, Data Intensity is a provider of cloud services
Saba Builds New Learning Technology for Its Talent Management Platform
Saba, a provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, has built patent-pending machine learning technology into its open, standards-based talent management platform. This innovation adds to the company’s advanced cloud platform that was announced this past March. In addition, the company has continued to enhance end user engagement and several other key features of its
Primerica Assigns Director
Primerica, Inc./(NYSE:PRI) has added Gary L. Crittenden to the company’s board of directors. Mr. Crittenden has been a managing partner of HGGC, a California-based middle market private equity firm, since July 2009 and the CEO of HGGC since April 2012. Primerica, headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a distributor of financial products to middle income households
Options Group Names New Executive Director
Global recruiting firm Options Group has named Tom Borgers as executive director based in its New York office. Mr. Borgers is focused on providing recruiting services for the financial industry with an emphasis in compliance, risk, regulatory and investigations. Additionally, he is an executive director in the firm’s consulting and other specialized services groups. Prior
Hulce Associates Places Accounting Officer at Prospect Mortgage
Executive search firm Hulce Associates has placed Maura Mizuguchi as chief accounting officer at Prospect Mortgage, the largest independent lender in the nation. Ms. Mizuguchi was most recently the corporate controller for Nantworks and earlier in her career was with GE Capital’s Mortgage Company. “Maura brings and excellent track record of leadership positions within the
Integrating Executives Into New Jobs Becoming More Complex
Basic onboarding processes are still not provided to most leaders assuming new roles, making transitioning a longer and less productive time for both employees and companies, according to a global study released by Egon Zehnder. More than 500 executives from around the world participated in the firm's 12th International Executive Panel (IEP), an annual global
Peoplefluent Appoints Chair of Its Learning and Leadership Advisory Board
Peoplefluent, a social human capital management technology company, has appointed James Irzyk as chair of its learning and leadership advisory board. With acquisitions of leading social, video and learning platforms within the last year, Peoplefluent is accelerating the commitment of its product agenda with advanced employee development, collaboration and engagement capabilities delivered through captivating and
Heidrick & Struggles CEO Steps Down; Stock Dives 16 Percent
L. Kevin Kelly has stepped down as chief executive officer of Heidrick & Struggles and resigned from the firm's board. The markets have responded with skepticism, driving down the stock 16 percent on the news. Jory Marino, regional leader, Americas, will serve as interim CEO while a search committee of the board considers both internal
Caldwell Partners Encouraged by Rising Booking Activity
Executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International posted 2013 third quarter revenues of $9.2 million, down one percent compared to the prior year. The firm's slight decline was attributable to its U.S. business, which was down seven percent in the third quarter and 10 percent through nine months. "Although revenues were relatively flat year-over-year, we







