DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Executive Search in 2026: Why Human Judgment Still Matters
As AI “agentification” pushes more work into software, the executive search industry is being forced to justify its value beyond simply filling roles. The case for its future rests on something algorithms and internal networks often struggle to protect: independent judgment in high-stakes hiring—especially when speed, alignment, and culture become so dominant that they quietly
WittKieffer Acquires Assets of Ross & Company
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has acquired the assets of Ross & Company. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. Founder Larry Ross will join WittKieffer as senior partner and lead partner for private equity. “This combination accelerates WittKieffer’s leadership in building boards and executive teams for healthcare and life sciences investors and their portfolio companies,” the firm said.
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.
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
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?
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
Taurean Establishes Investment Search Practice
Taurean recently launched an investment search practice with the addition of Paige Ware as principal in Los Angeles. The practice serves private markets firms across asset classes. “We help these firms shape and build their capital raising and investor relations, origination, and deal teams, and place corporate development leaders into their portfolio companies,” Taurean said in a
The Chief Commercial Officer: Driving Private Equity Value Creation
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on organic growth, commercial leadership is taking on a more central role in value creation. The chief commercial officer (CCO) has become one of the most important post-acquisition hires for private equity sponsors, according to a recent report from Spencer Stuart’s Dave Vidor. As extended hold periods and
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for U.S. Mobile Health Exams
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Eric Hepburn as CEO at U.S. Mobile Health Exams (USMHE) in Jacksonville, FL. He brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, business operations, strategic growth, and organizational transformation. Mr. Hepburn’s appointment brings USMHE an experienced executive with a track record of strengthening business operations, developing scalable
Cooper Coleman Leading CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoological Society
Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. to conduct a national search for its next CFO. “Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone
The Christopher Group Tapped by MITRE for Head of Total Rewards Search
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been selected by MITRE to lead in its search for a head of total rewards. The search is being led by managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director Kat Kilkenney. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a total rewards leader who wants to make
True Establishes Dedicated Private Credit Practice
Global executive talent platform True has launched a dedicated private credit practice, led by Rick Bank, managing director and head of the private credit and private equity practices. The launch comes as private credit enters a significant credit cycle, with 67 percent of portfolio managers citing greater competition and 64 percent citing defaults and credit losses as
Inside the Decisions That Shape Hiring and Careers
Hiring and leadership decisions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping both individual careers and organizational performance. As companies navigate tighter talent markets, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around leadership, greater attention is being placed on how executives identify high performers, assess potential, and make decisions about who is ready for greater
ON Partners Recruits Board Members for Artisan Industries
Partners Seth Harris and Shawn Oglesbee of ON Partners have assisted in the recruitment of Stephen S. Schwartz and Gary A. Doyon as new members of the board of directors of Artisan Industries. The addition of two independent directors strengthens the company’s governance and strategic leadership, as Artisan expands its core technologies into high-growth markets, including specialty chemicals, PFAS removal, drug
Reffett Associates Seeking Vice President of Development for the Army Historical Foundation
WA-based Reffett Associates was recently retained by the Army Historical Foundation to recruit its next vice president of development. The Army Historical Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports the National Museum of the United States Army, which honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. The vice president of development will play
DHR Global Expands Middle East and Africa Presence
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Michael Patrick Okumu-Ringa as managing partner, Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he will lead the expansion of DHR’s regional business, building its team and strengthening its executive search and leadership advisory capabilities while connecting regional clients with international talent in partnership with DHR’s London office. “The
Spencer Stuart’s U.S. Board Index: Shift to Specialized Leadership and Diversity Milestone in S&P 500 Boards
Spencer Stuart’s 39th annual U.S. Board Index reveals that 59 percent of the 406 new independent directors appointed to S&P boards in 2024 possess chief executive or financial expertise, highlighting a shift towards specialized leadership amid low boardroom turnover. Despite this, the report emphasizes the need for boards to embrace proactive refreshment strategies to stay
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
MSA Executive Search Retained by Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital
MSA Executive Search has been selected by Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital to lead in its search for a new regional chief financial officer. The search is being led by Roger Samuel, MSA vice president. Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital is located in Laurium, Michigan. As an integrated healthcare strategies firm, MSA offers clients a range of leadership placement
Kilpatrick Opens in Bangladesh
Kilpatrick has opened a new office in Dhaka Bangladesh. It will be the first global executive search firm to reside in Bangladesh. Kilpatrick was founded in 1997 to provide leadership to its clients in both emerging and mature markets.
Tyler & Company Grows Atlanta Office
Executive search firm Tyler & Company has appointed Kenneth C. Kunze, MD, as a new vice president at the firm. Dr. Kunze will be based out of the Atlanta office where he chairs the firm's physician leadership practice. He offers nearly 30 years of experience in the field and brings a physician leader’s mindset and
HRsoft Partners with PreCheck
Talent management software provider HRsoft and healthcare-exclusive background screening firm PreCheck have formed a strategic partnership to streamline the recruiting and hiring process for healthcare employers. Hospitals and other healthcare employers will now have an automated recruiting software solution fully integrated with their employee background screening services as a result of this new partnership. “The
Morgan Samuels Finds New CEO for RBZ
Morgan Samuels, an L.A.-based human capital consulting firm, has placed John Schweisberger as chief executive officer of RBZ. Mr. Schweisberger has 30 years of experience in consulting and had most recently been with Computer Sciences Corporation since 2002, serving as managing partner of global business solutions since 2011. RBZ is a public accounting firm that
Kronos Selected by Celadon Group
Celadon Group, Inc., a provider of long-haul and regional full-truckload freight service with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has chosen workforce management solutions from Kronos Incorporated to increase efficiencies and control costs. Celadon Group will use the Kronos time and attendance, HR and payroll, absence management, and hiring applications. Malysa O’Connor, director, services
Hiring to Remain Steady for Rest of 2013
U.S. workers can expect a stable employment environment over the next six months along with an upswing in temporary jobs, according to CareerBuilder's latest national survey. Employers indicated that full-time, permanent hiring in the second half of 2013 will mirror that of 2012 while temporary and contract hiring is expected to increase 10 percentage points
Amrop Adds to Its Global Board
Global executive search firm Amrop has elected Jimmy Chen, managing partner of Amrop China, to its global executive board. “We are delighted that Jimmy has joined our board. He brings a wealth of experience to the table, both within China and globally, as well as the insights that come from running a strong business. He
Lumesse Adds HCM Veteran to Staff
Lumesse, a global leader in integrated talent management solutions, has named Neal Bruce as director of product strategy. He will be based at Lumesse’s global headquarters in the U.K. and will lead a newly formed product management and marketing group. Mr. Bruce has a successful track record in delivering innovation in the HCM software industry
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Post for Dial Global
Greenwich Harbor Partners has placed Ron Furman as chief revenue officer at Dial Global. Mr. Furman led the go-to-market strategies at Insignia across integrated television, digital, mobile, technology, social, event, live-game, and activation platforms for multiple content properties, including The Pro Football Hall of Fame, The NFL Alumni Association, various NFL teams and emerging leagues.
Kaye/Bassman Expands Construction & Real Estate Practice
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has added Stewart Currie as a senior search consultant in the firm’s construction & real estate practice. Mr. Currie brings to Kaye/Bassman a track record in executive search spanning 23 years leading both his own and other nationally recognized executive search firms. He will be based in Orlando and responsible for expanding
Caldwell Partners Launches Information Security Practice
Executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. has launched a new search practice focused on information security designed to serve clients across industries to meet their talent needs in this increasingly critical area. "Top U.S. intelligence officials recently put cyber-attacks at the top of the list of major threat facing the U.S., naming financial
Heidrick & Struggles to Lead CEO Search for Cliffs Natural Resources
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International has been selected by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Joseph Carrabba has informed the board of directors of his plans to retire as the company's president and chief executive officer by Dec. 31, 2013. Cliffs Natural Resources is
Spencer Ogden Creates New Recruiting App for Energy Sector
Recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has created a mobile recruitment app targeting the entire energy skills sector. The free, downloadable app is available on IOS, Android and Windows. Updated in real time, the app features job openings in the eight sectors for which Spencer Ogden recruits: oil & gas, renewables, power, smart, nuclear, energy trading, mining,
Executive Recruiters Facing Big Shift;
Finding Digital Leaders Explosive New Mandate
A new 160-page report, Executive Search 2013: State of the Industry Report (U.S./Americas), commissioned by HSZ Media, LLC and released last week, predicts a vast realignment in the talent acquisition and executive search field over the next five years, highlighting ongoing challenges facing executive recruiters. “We have to pay close attention to how executive recruiters
Witt/Kieffer Promotes Polhemus To Senior Partner
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has promoted Rachel L. Polhemus from consultant to senior partner. She will continue to represent the eastern region of the firm’s healthcare practice. Ms. Polhemus, based in Witt/Kieffer’s Bethesda office, began her career with the firm in 2004. She specializes in all aspects of senior management searches and identifies candidates for
Dillistone Group Acquires FCP Internet
Dillistone Group Plc, the AIM quoted parent of Dillistone Systems and Voyager Software, has acquired FCP Internet (FCP), supplier of the evolve SaaS application. Dillistone Group will pay up to £2..1 million, subject to the performance of the business. The Dillistone Group previously acquired Voyager Software in September 2011, and FCP Internet will become part
79°S Executive Search & Advisory Fills Post for DNT
79°S Executive Search & Advisory has placed Nils Øveraas as the new general secretary for DNT, the Norwegian Trekking Association. Mr. Øveraas currently sits on the boards of several Norwegian companies including Friskis&Svettis Oslo, Save the Children International and Seema AS. 79 ° S Executive search & Advisory recruits top executives and directors, middle managers
hrQ Names Managing Director for Dallas Office
hrQ, an executive search and professional services firm focused exclusively on the human resources sector, has named Jackie Chabot as vice president and managing director of its Dallas office. Ms. Chabot joins hrQ with more than 20 years of human resources experience from TRW, Alliance Data Systems, Nortel Networks, Resources Global and most recently Conifer
Optimum Talent Atlantic and Venor Search Group Join Forces
Optimum Talent Atlantic, a provider of human resources consulting services, and Venor Search Group have formed a strategic alliance to provide integrated talent development services to clients in Atlantic Canada. Venor Search is a partnership of industry veterans Craig Coady, Ian Sullivan and Jeff Somerville. Optimum Talent Atlantic was formed this year when Michael Roberts
Martin Partners Completes Search for Plano Molding
Executive search firm Martin Partners has recruited Simon Boaler to the position of vice president, international sales and business development at Plano Molding Company. Plano is the world’s leading manufacturer of tackle boxes, with over 75 percent marketshare in the U.S. Plano is backed by the Ontario Teachers Private Equity arm. Prior to joining Plano,
eQuest Forms New HR Consortium
eQuest, a job posting distribution and job posting management provider, has formed Big Data for HR Consortium, a worldwide group that will serve as an arena for sharing best practices, discussing trends and their implications, and considering issues common to those providing Big Data and predictive analytics services, tools, and analysis to the HR community.
Leadership Capital Group Strengthens Advisory Board
Leadership Capital Group has added Larry Kittelberger to its advisory board, expanding its board to nine members. Mr. Kittelberger was senior vice president, technology and operations and chief information officer at Honeywell International until his retirement in April 2010. “Larry brings a wealth of experience to the Board. Following our most recent partners’ meeting, one
Indeed Expands Into Germany
Indeed, a search engine for jobs, has opened its first German office in Dusseldorf. In the last year, traffic to the German indeed.de brand has grown 124 percent with 2.3 million unique visitors to the site last month, according to data from Google Analytics. In the last seven days nearly 100,000 new German jobs were
Study Finds Confidence in Economy
America's workforce is reporting some of the highest levels of confidence seen since the recession, according to the Randstad Employee Confidence Index. Measuring employee's attitude toward the economy, their employers, and even their ability to find a new job, the Randstad Index rose to 56.8 points in June, indicating a 2.0-point uptick in overall confidence
Net Medical Xpress Solutions Acquires Staffing Company
Net Medical Xpress Solutions, Inc., a leader in the telemedicine market, has acquired MedTel Solutions, a telemedicine staffing company based in Huntsville, AL. Under the terms of the agreement, the company issued three million shares to the two founders of MedTel and entered into employment agreements with them that provide stock-based performance bonuses. The deal
PrincetonOne Merges with Vermillion Group
PrincetonOne, a recruitment services provider based in Skillman, NJ, has merged with Des Moines-based executive search firm Vermillion Group. The merger will broaden PrincetonOne’s U.S. market presence, increase its team of recruitment professionals and further expand the industries in which it recruits. Founded in 1992 by Mike Vermillion, Vermillion Group has grown into one of
