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Daily Newswire
Why Private Equity Firms Are Rethinking Recruitment as a Core Investment Strategy
Talent is one of the most reliable yet often overlooked factors driving portfolio performance. Its influence on private equity investment outcomes is substantial. The people within portfolio companies are the ones who ultimately turn the firm’s vision into value, which puts having the right PE firm hiring strategy on par with financial modeling, operational planning,
Reimagining Executive Search: Ezekia and HelloSky Bring AI-Powered Precision to Talent Sourcing
Artificial intelligence is redefining how executive search firms identify, engage, and assess top talent. By combining smart data tools with human expertise, firms are building faster, more precise, and more inclusive sourcing strategies. AI-powered platforms are now able to surface insights that were once hidden in fragmented data, helping recruiters make smarter, evidence-based decisions. As
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
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
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
Advice to New CEOs Building Their Team: Lead with Purpose, Embody Culture & Be Decisive
In Spencer Stuart’s role supporting hundreds of CEO transitions annually, one of the most common aspirations they hear from incoming leaders is the desire to develop an executive leadership team of direct reports that is enterprise-focused, highly collaborative, accountable to each other and widely respected. This ambition is well-founded: Aligned leadership teams grow revenue more
CareerBuilder Launches Recruitment Performance Portal
CareerBuilder has launched its Recruitment Performance Portal, a free analytics tool for all clients that helps companies evaluate how the performance of their job ads compares with other companies vying for the same talent in the same locations. The portal, powered by data on more than 27 million applicant behaviors, tells companies how effective they
Kforce Posts Four Percent Revenue Gain
Kforce Inc./(NASDAQ:KFRC), a provider of professional staffing services and solutions, has posted revenues of $269.8 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012, an increase of four percent from $259.3 million a year ago. The company reported net income of $8.6 million, or $0.24 per share, versus net income of $7.1 million, or $0.20
Heidrick & Struggles Adds Financial Services Partner
Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International has added Gregory Konstans as a partner within its financial services practice; he is based in the firm's Dallas office. Mr. Konstans is a 16-year veteran of the executive search industry, and his portfolio of experience includes stints with CTPartners and Russell Reynolds Associates. "The financial services industry
Ferguson Partners Spearheads CEO Search for Four Seasons
Global executive search firm Ferguson Partners Ltd. has been retained by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Current CEO, Kathleen Taylor, has announced she is leaving the company. Ferguson Partners is a global executive search firm that specializes in providing executive, director, and professional search
Cornerstone Teams with Appirio
Talent management software provider Cornerstone OnDemand Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Appirio, a human capital management technology consultancy. Appirio will become a preferred service provider for Cornerstone’s cloud-based talent management solutions. The teaming of the two companies also allows Appirio to broaden its existing talent management solution. “Cloud, mobile and social technologies have
Jobvite Unveils New Recruiting Solution
Jobvite, a provider of next-generation recruitment solutions, has launched Jobvite Engage to provide a robust candidate relationship management solution by allowing recruiters to target job seekers by building lasting talent pools and focusing on candidates’ skill sets. “Our research continues to show that the most sought-after, highly skilled workers across industries such as healthcare, technology
Monster Posts 10 Percent Revenue Decline
Monster Worldwide, Inc./(NYSE:MWW) has posted revenues of $211.2 million for the fourth quarter, a 10 percent drop compared with $250 million in the comparable quarter last year. The company reported a net loss of $73 million, or 66 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, compared with a profit of $10.9 million, or nine cents
Raines International Places Chief HR Officer at Trinity Services Group
New York City-based Raines International Inc. has placed Khadeeja Morse as the new chief human resources officer at Trinity Services Group, Inc. Ms. Morse previously served as senior vice president of human resources at Health Care Navigator. With 41 years of service Trinity Services Group is a leader in essential support services for secure facilities.
Boyden Outlook Report Points to Hiring Uptick
An expansion of management ranks is expected to result in an overall uptick in talent acquisition, thanks to economic stability in the U.S. and growth projections in key developing markets including Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, according to the quarterly Boyden Executive Outlook. “Overall, CEOs and decision makers are preparing to increase hiring of
Empower Software Solutions Adds Former Ceridian Sales Executive
Empower Software Solutions, Inc., a provider of human resource management and business process outsourcing services to businesses and government entities, has added Haden Riddick to the position of vice president of sales – human capital management. Mr. Riddick will guide sales activities related to EmpowerHR/Pay, an HR and payroll platform, EmpowerTime, a core time and
Russell Reynolds Associates Launches Digital Transformation Practice
Global executive search and assessment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has launched a digital transformation practice with dedicated resources in each of the following areas: digital board directors; digital functional leaders; horizontal specialty areas; and industry-specific digital leaders. "In every sector, digital innovation is rewriting the rules of business. Leaders across all industries are recognizing that
Polachi Promotes Managing Partner
Polachi Inc., a provider of access executive search services to technology, clean technology, private equity and venture capital companies, has promoted partner Sean Carroll to managing partner and a member of the executive committee. In his expanded role, Mr. Carroll will act as a key influencer in the operational and strategic decisions of Polachi in
ChampionScott Partners Fills CIO Position For ITT Educational Services
Executive search firm ChampionScott Partners has placed Todd Coombes as executive vice president and chief information officer at ITT Educational Services Inc. Mr. Coombes joins ITT ESI from CNO Financial Group, where he served as CIO and CTO since 2005. ITT Educational Services provides accredited, technology-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its ITT Technical
Dice Posts 11 Percent Revenue Gain
Dice Holdings, Inc./(NYSE:DHX), a career website for technology and engineering professionals, has recorded revenues of $52.7 million, an increase of 11 percent from $47.4 million in the comparable quarter of 2011. Excluding the acquisition of Slashdot, SourceForge and Freecode (now collectively known as Slashdot Media), revenues were $48.1 million in the fourth quarter. Revenues for
RSR Partners Adds Managing Director in L.A.
RSR Partners, a corporate governance and executive search firm, has added Andrew W. Knox as managing director in its Los Angeles office. With more than 30 years of experience in the executive recruiting profession, in both the U.S. and Asia, Mr. Knox has worked across various industry sectors, geographic markets, and functional disciplines, including financial
Korn Ferry Adds Global Consumer Practice Partner
Korn/Ferry International has added Andrew B. Lipsher as a senior client partner in the global consumer practice with a focus on global media convergence, technology, media and entertainment, digital media and consumer internet. He will be based in Korn/Ferry's New York City office. Mr. Lipsher joins Korn/Ferry from Clear Channel Media Holdings, where he was
Allen Austin Completes CFO Search for Houston Chronicle
Allen Austin Global Executive Search has recruited Michael A. Rutledge to serve as chief financial officer at the Houston Chronicle for Hearst Newspapers. As a CPA with 20 years of experience in the finance field, Mr. Rutledge joins the Houston Chronicle most recently from Cantel Medical Corporation, in Houston. Since March 4, 1887, Hearst has
eVerge Group Manes Head of Taleo Consulting Practice
eVerge Group has announced that Mike Webster has joined the company as senior director, Taleo Applications, to head its Taleo consulting practice. Mr. Webster brings more than 16 years of HR recruiting, education and talent acquisition experience with Fortune 500 companies such as Cummins, PETCO, Blockbuster, TIAA-Cref and Accenture. In his new role, he will
ZRG Partners Posts 26 Percent Revenue Gain
ZRG Partners Inc., a global provider of executive search and talent management solutions, has reported 2012 revenues were up 26 percent compared to 2011. Driving the growth was ZRG’s strategic decision to expand the firm’s European footprint through the opening of new offices in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2012, the company completed searches
Retail Search Firm G2exec Strengthens Staff
G2exec, a mid-tier retail search firm and part of the Barracuda Group, has added Sarah Rees to its staff. Ms. Rees has over 10 years’ experience in international executive search and previously ran a specialized European boutique consultancy in Paris. Recently she returned to the U.K. to lead the European talent acquisition team for the
Dillistone Selected by RSA
Dillistone Systems, a global supplier of software for executive recruiters, has announced that its FILEFINDER has been implemented by global life sciences executive search and interim management firm RSA. RSA has implemented the FileFinder 10 system for users spread between offices in the U.K., mainland Europe, the United States and Asia. The client has also
Harris Search Fills CFO Post for Nidec Minster Corp.
Dublin, Ohio-based Dublin, Ohio-based Harris Search Associates has placed Ronald Arling as vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Nidec Minster Corporation. Mr. Arling previously served as controller and chief accounting officer at NewPage Corporation. Established in 1896 in Minster Ohio, Nidec Minster is a world leader in the production of material forming
Spencer Ogden Opens in Dubai
Recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has opened a new office in Dubai. The office is led by country manager Jaimie Cork, who has been operating in Dubai since 2008 and has a seven year track record in the industry. He previously served as an associate director at Eximius Group. While the primary focus of the Dubai
HVS Executive Search Appoints President, Asia Pacific Division
HVS Executive Search has promoted Mark Keith to president, Asia Pacific division. Mr. Keith will continue to be based out of Hong Kong and oversee the company’s current operations in the region. He has been a managing director at HVS Executive Search since 2002. His hospitality career has centered on people and their performance, with
AC Lordi Names Principal in Its Search Division
AC Lordi, a provider of accounting and risk management consulting and executive search, has promoted Jeff Olshin to principal of AC Lordi’s search division. “Jeff is one of the most successful and respected executive recruiters in Philadelphia,” said AC Lordi CEO and managing principal Frank Lordi. “His presence and leadership has been instrumental in transforming
StepStone Partners with BigMachines
StepStone, a London-based provider of human capital management solutions, has selected BigMachines to provide on-demand software to streamline quote to cash processes within its sales environment. BigMachines is providing a cloud-based CPQ solution to enable extended sales teams to easily configure and price communications solutions, generate proposals, contracts, and other sales documents and automatically route
Spencer Ogden Opens In Dubai
Recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has opened a new office in Dubai and assigned Jamie Cork as its country manager. While the primary focus of the Dubai office will be serving the oil and gas market, it will also service the power and renewable energy sectors. The Dubai office will be the eighth opened by the
Gilbert Tweed Adds Managing Director in New York
Executive search firm Gilbert Tweed Associates has added Jane Greenwald as a managing director in New York. Ms. Greenwald most recently served as a partner with Battalia Winston and previously spent 13 years with Gilbert Tweed. She specializes in the industrial, energy, life sciences/healthcare services and technology sectors. Gilbert Tweed International, established in 1975, is
Taylor Winfield Completes Search for Trion Worlds
Executive search firm Taylor Winfield has placed Keith Winter as chief operating officer and Nathan Richardsson as vice president, product development & executive producer of defiance at Trion Worlds, Inc. Mr. Winter formerly served as president and CEO at EmSense Corporation. Mr. Richardsson was most recently executive producer at CCP. Trion Worlds is the leading
Robert Half Records Six Percent Revenue Rise
Robert Half International Inc./(NYSE:RHI) has posted fourth quarter 2012 revenues of $1.03 billion, a 5.8 percent increase from revenues of $975.3 million during the same period last year. For the quarter, the company earned $58.3 million, or 42 cents per share, up from $42 million, or 30 cents per share, during the same period a
Dallas and Cincinnati Showing Job Growth in January
The CareerCast.com/JobSerf Employment Index, which measures managerial recruitment activity online, increased 2.2-points in January showing that hiring has slightly rebounded from major dips in new, white collar employment during November and December. At 99 points, the index is above its January 2012 mark of 95. However, the current mark is below the level of two







