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Daily Newswire
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
M&A Outlook Points to Accelerating Deal Flow
The global mergers and acquisitions landscape is poised for a gradual recovery following three years of subdued deal activity, according to Bain & Company’s newly released Global M&A Report 2025. While persistent macroeconomic headwinds, including high interest rates and regulatory scrutiny, dampened dealmaking last year, the outlook for 2025 suggests renewed optimism. Bain’s analysis highlights shifting dynamics in
ZRG Acquires Legal Search Firm EP Dine
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired legal executive search firm EP Dine. This strategic expansion strengthens ZRG’s expertise in general counsel searches while also establishing a new capability to assist law firms in securing top-tier legal talent. “EP Dine’s reputation in the legal search space is unparalleled,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Their expertise in
TM² Executive Search Seeking Chief Development Officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
TM² Executive Search (TM²) is currently looking for a chief development officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). The search is being led by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman. The chief development officer at TMCF serves as a critical member of the executive leadership team, directly reporting to the president and CEO. This
Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for CTIA
Korn Ferry has placed Ajit Pai as the new president and CEO of CTIA in Washington, D.C. “Ajit has played a pivotal role in leading our nation’s effort to promote broadband deployment and expand commercial access to spectrum,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular and CTIA chairman of the board. “He is the proven leader we need to head
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CEO for Escalade
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Armin Boehm as president and CEO of NASDAQ-traded Escalade, Inc. in Evansville, IN. He will succeed Walter P. Glazer, Jr., who in August 2024 announced his plans to retire. Mr. Boehm will begin as Escalade CEO and president on April 1, 2025. Partner Lindsay Stevens, senior principal
Advancing Progress Toward Gender Equality
Six years ago, Jessica Pezim of The Bedford Group began reflecting on International Women’s Day by writing letters to her children about the progress women have made in the workforce since her mother’s generation – and her hopes for the future when they enter the workforce. “While I believe gender equality is achievable, the past few
DHR Global Recruits Head Football Coach for Bowling Green State University
Glenn Sugiyama and Dan Guerrero of talent advisory firm DHR Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Eddie George as the new head football coach of Bowling Green State University (BGSU). “At BGSU, we always emphasize how our people and our community transform this great university and enhance the student experience,” said vice president for athletics
Academic Search Seeking New President for the University of Alabama
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has been retained by the University of Alabama (UA) to lead in its search for a new president. Stuart R. Bell, the 29th president of the University of Alabama, has announced his plans to step down from the presidency mid-summer, completing a decade in the school’s top leadership role. Senior consultant Ann
JM Search Expands Consumer Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded its team of experts dedicated to recruiting executives for consumer businesses with the additions of John Foristall, Heidi Rustin, and Jennifer Green. “JM Search is experiencing rapid growth in the consumer goods market, necessitating exceptional leaders to navigate the evolving landscape,” the
Signium Elects New Board of Directors
Executive search consortium Signium has announced the election of its 2025+ board of directors: Annelize van Rensburg, director of executive search in Johannesburg, South Africa was re-elected as chair. Felipa Xara-Brasil, managing partner in Lisbon, Portugal was elected as vice chair. “I am privileged to serve a second term on the board and honored for the trust my fellow board members
Advancing Women in Leadership: How Far Have We Come?
If research highlights the benefits of diverse leadership perspectives in fostering innovation, growth, and financial success, why do women remain underrepresented in senior business leadership roles globally? What barriers do women face in getting to the top, and what propels the careers of women who do? When Spencer Stuart explored these questions five years ago
5 Hiring Strategies for 2025
This time of year presents an ideal opportunity to fine-tune your hiring strategy and assemble a team that will propel your business forward. In today’s competitive talent landscape, attracting and securing top candidates demands more than a simple job description and a handful of interviews. It demands a thoughtful, proactive approach that aligns with your
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Alameda Health System
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been retained by Alameda Health System (AHS) in Alameda, CA. Reporting directly to the CEO, the chief medical officer serves as the senior medical leader and strategic visionary for Alameda Health System. As both a physician executive and clinical strategist, the CMO champions AHS’s commitment to delivering the
GHP Search Fills Board Positions with Literacy Partners
According to recruiters interviewed by Hunt Scanlon Media, the executive search process for board directors is inherently complex and demands a customized approach. Firms specializing in board recruitment typically start with a thorough evaluation of the organization’s existing board structure, strategic objectives, and industry dynamics. This assessment helps shape the ideal candidate profile, which often
True Launches Hybrid Talent Solution SearchEssentials
Global talent provider True has launched SearchEssentials, a versatile technology and services hiring solution designed for flexible customization. Focusing on roles that may not require a fully retained executive search, SearchEssentials offers an adaptable, tech-enabled, partially retained search model tailored for team expansions, key individual contributor positions, and leadership roles in smaller or early-stage companies.
Korn Ferry Posts Flat Revenues
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, flat from the same period a year ago (two percent increase on a constant currency basis). During the quarter, fee revenue increased slightly in Executive Search, RPO and Digital, offset by a decline in fee revenue in Consulting. The Los Angeles-headquartered executive recruiter and
Building Strength in the Messy Middle
The managers who bridge senior leadership and frontline teams play a vital role in shaping organizational success. Many of these professionals have been promoted from an individual contributor position into leadership for the first time or are in an elevated leadership role without the necessary guidance and training to address increasingly complex challenges and systems,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Men’s Head Basketball Coach for Florida State
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Luke Loucks as its men’s basketball head coach for Florida State University (FSU). “I’m excited to announce that Luke Loucks has accepted our offer to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Florida State,” said Michael Alford vice president and director of athletics. “Luke will bring a
Vetted Solutions Tapped by Architects Foundation to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been retained by Architects Foundation to lead in its search for a new executive director. The foundation seeks a visionary executive director to lead the crucial work in advancing future design leaders through scholarships and early career support for emerging professionals, fostering sustainable and inclusive community design, and preserving and
EMA Partners India Debuts on NSE Emerge with Strong Investor Demand
EMA Partners India Limited has become the first global executive search firm to publicly list its shares in India. The firm has listed on the NSE Emerge exchange. The public issue received solid investor interest and was oversubscribed by 200+ times. EMA Partners India Limited is a member firm of London-based EMA Partners International Limited.
Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
Private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly valuing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship building, and crisis management to navigate shifting market conditions. Traditionally, leadership hiring in this space has prioritized a strong growth-focused mindset, but adaptability and strategic resilience are now just as essential. The results, not leadership style or continuity,
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking New HR Leader for Fort Hays State University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Fort Hays State University to lead in its search for a director of human resources. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the search. With a strong, dedicated and experienced team already in place, the director will be well supported in providing leadership across human resources, employee relations,
Lonergan Partners Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Carbice
Menlo Park, CA-based executive search firm Lonergan Partners has recruited Tony Fernandez-Stoll as the new chief revenue officer of Carbice. Kirsten Settle led the global search. “Tony’s impact from two decades at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is truly remarkable,” said Baratunde Cola, founder and CEO of Carbice. “His extensive experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we
WittKieffer Launches Physician Leadership Institute
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has launched its Physician Leadership Institute, an initiative designed to support and prepare experienced physicians for executive leadership roles across the healthcare field. The institute offers customized executive development led by a team of experienced physician leaders and leadership coaches and tailored to the specific needs of hospitals and health systems. “I am extremely
Is Your Organization Driving Away Top Female Talent? Learn How to Retain Them
The corporate world is facing a concerning trend—women in leadership roles are leaving at a higher rate than their male counterparts. In some cases, this shift is an unexpected consequence of existing workplace policies. As the trend continues, it is crucial to understand the drivers behind this phenomenon and devise strategies to reverse the tide,
Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 4.1 Percent
Employment rose by 151,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rose slightly to 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in February. Employment trended up in healthcare, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, and social assistance. Federal government employment declined. “Today’s jobs
Kincannon & Reed Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Izzio Artisan Bakery
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Clamp as the new chief operating officer of Izzio Artisan Bakery. “Rob’s extensive experience in commercial baking and his proven ability to drive operational efficiency make him the ideal candidate for this role with Izzio,”
m/Oppenheim Seeking New President and CEO for The Discovery
The Discovery in Reno, NV, has retained non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Mark Oppenheim, Lisa Grossman, and Kevin Redick are leading the assignment. The CEO will lead and financially strengthen The Discovery as it continues its evolution as a unique institution that engages children through
Noto Group Opens Office in London
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has opened a new office in London and the appointed of John Copeland as senior partner. The firm explained that this strategic expansion strengthens Noto Group’s ability to serve its growing international client base while bringing its proven search and selection approach to the European market. “The opening of our
2025 HR Talent Trends and Strategies
As organizations adapt to a shifting workforce landscape, HR leaders are prioritizing six key areas in 2025. Workforce planning is critical, yet few companies take a long-term approach, despite challenges like automation and leadership retirements. Change management is another pressing issue, with HR playing a vital role in reducing employee fatigue and preparing managers for
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Community Connections with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Damien Cabezas as the new president and CEO of Community Connections, Inc. in Washington, D.C. Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Community Connections has long been a trailblazer in behavioral health, consistently setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the field,” said Dr. Mark
