DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
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.
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
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?
DHR Global Adds New Partner in Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Veronique Denis-Pelliet as a partner in its technology and retail & consumer practices in Singapore. A seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience in executive search, ESG leadership, sales, and international business development, Ms. Denis-Pelliet has led multicultural teams and driven growth in Southeast Asia, China, Europe,
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
Fabric.AI Taps Egon Zehnder for Critical Search
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been retained by NASDAQ-traded AI infrastructure company Fabric.AI to lead the search for a senior project management executive. “Egon Zehnder’s reputation, global reach, and deep expertise across AI, advanced technologies, and organizational leadership make them an ideal partner for Fabric.AI at this stage of our growth,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
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 Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Hunt Scanlon Reports Executive Recruiting Sector Grew 11 Percent
Executive recruiters entered 2026 from a position of strength, according to Hunt Scanlon, as the media, intelligence, and M&A advisory firm released its annual rankings of executive search firms. “Growth is once again the predominant narrative for the recruiting sector,” said CEO Scott A. Scanlon. “But the real story is the ‘Big Shift’ – the
Riviera Partners Expands AI, ML & Data 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 Joe Ghory as a partner within its AI, ML & data practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe as we expand our practice,” said Kyle Langworthy, head of the AI, ML & data practice at Riviera
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Sweden
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search and leadership solutions firm Headlight International AB as its newest member firm. Led by Peter Gullström and supported by experienced Swedish search partners, Headlight International AB boasts a robust multi-national client base across various industry sectors in Sweden.
Redefining Executive Potential: The New Paradigm for Identifying and Developing Future-Ready Leaders
Selecting and developing successful leaders has never been easy. But today, the cost of identifying the wrong leader is rapidly increasing, as complex economic, talent, technology, and geopolitical changes seed uncertainty across the global business environment, according to a recent report from Russell Reynolds Associates. Research published in Harvard Business Review shows that excessive leadership turnover
University of West Georgia Retains Buffkin / Baker to Find New President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected by the University of West Georgia to lead in its search for a new president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. The presidency is an excellent opportunity for an engaging, visionary leader who is inspired to advance the university’s mission to enable students, faculty, and staff
Bryant Group Retained by Cure HHT to Fill Senior Role
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to recruit the vice president of operations for Cure HHT. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “We’re seeking an exceptional leader who is passionate about making a profound impact and driving meaningful change for those affected by HHT,” said Marianne Clancy,
Orchard Executive Search Opens Doors
Search industry veteran B.J. Berrettini has launched executive talent solutions firm, Orchard Executive Search, serving the banking, credit unions and financial/technical services industries. Based in Pittston, PA, the firm offers a human-centered, personal and detailed approach to hiring solutions, executive talent acquisition and retention, leadership consulting, cultural fit assessments, diversity and inclusion, career development and advancement,
CAA Sports Expands in London
CAA Sports, a division of entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has expanded with the addition of senior sports sponsorship executive Lucy Englander and veteran media and entertainment executive Jonathan Davies in its property sales and executive search divisions, respectively. “CAA Sports has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years, culminating in record-breaking
ZRG Acquires Aspen Leadership Group
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired Aspen Leadership Group, a search firm focused on placing and supporting top fundraising leaders and executive talent in educational institutions and the broader non-profit sector. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor on the deal. “The addition of Aspen Leadership Group is
Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.0 Percent
Employment rose by 143,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.0 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.8 million in January. Job gains occurred in healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance. Employment declined in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Skyline College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Skyline College in San Bruno, CA, to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Charlene Newkirk are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the chancellor, the president is the chief executive officer of Skyline College and a district team member on the chancellor’s
Cowen Partners Retained by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to Lead CEO Search
Credit unions face mounting challenges from stricter regulations, economic pressures, and industry shifts. Increased oversight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and National Credit Union Administration on fees, lending, and cybersecurity is straining smaller institutions, while rising interest rates and inflation are impacting loan demand and deposits. At the same time, competition from fintech and
DHR Global Appoints Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Pratibha Jindal and Kenny Gregor as partners and Suvankar Banerjee as managing partner. Ms. Jindal, who has been with the firm for three years, plays a key role in recruiting top talent for industrial companies throughout India. She has been an integral part of DHR’s industrial practice Group, specializing in attracting senior talent
7 Things CEOs Must Do to Boost Team Performance
A CEO’s role in driving team productivity has become increasingly complex, yet it remains more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s no longer sufficient to simply set objectives and expect teams to follow suit. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide employees to operate at their highest potential requires more than just
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Healthy New Albany with Executive Director Search
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany in New Albany, OH. Christie Angel led the assignment. “We are thrilled to announce Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany,” the non-profit said. “Rachel brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, strategic
Royer Thompson Recruits CEO for the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries
After an extensive search that attracted interest from within Nova Scotia and across Canada, Royer Thompson has assisted in the recruitment of Jacqueline Lotzcar as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI). “Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience and industry recognition to the role, positioning the organization for continued success in
The Forum Group Launches Nationwide Investment Banking & Private Equity Recruitment Practice
Executive search firm The Forum Group has launched its investment banking and private equity recruitment practice, which is dedicated to connecting financial talent with firms nationwide. Expanding the firm’s expertise in financial services, the new practice builds on The Forum Group’s history of recruiting within the financial services industry. This allows the firm to cover
Signium Adds New Member Firm in Michigan
Executive search consortium Signium has added Ann Arbor, MI-based Sigred Group. Together, Sigred’s senior partners Kristi Stepp and Mike Dergis each bring over 25 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and executive development. “The world of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years,” said Annelize van Rensburg, global chair of Signium. “Organizational structures have become more fluid, leadership
Solving the Diversity Challenge in Executive Recruitment
The goal of executive recruitment is to select the most qualified candidate for the position. Leaders have a huge impact on an organization’s people, health and results. Research from Mercuri Urval (MU) has shown that a failed leader appointment costs, at least, a staggering 30 times their salary and the wrong leader may even prove fatal
The Barton Partnership Appoints New CEO
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed group managing director Oliver Phoenix as chief executive officer. Founder Nicholas Barton will continue in his role as advisor and brand ambassador. “I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to announce Olly’s appointment to CEO as we move into the 18th year since I founded The
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruits 25th President for Marquette University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Kimo Ah Yun as the 25th president of Marquette University. He is the first person of color to lead Marquette and the Catholic, Jesuit university’s second lay president in its 143-year history. Vice president and director Julie Filizetti, partner Phillip Petree, and senior associate Rafael Escobedo, led the assignment. Past president Michael
Maneva Group Leading CEO Search for DC Justice Lab
Houston, TX-based executive search firm Maneva Group was recently selected by DC Justice Lab (DCJL) to lead in its search for a new CEO. As an ambitious forward thinker, the CEO will passionately, boldly, and strategically identify opportunities to take big swings to expand and deepen the work locally. They will recognize that sustainable change cannot
Direct Recruiters Inc. Names Partners
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has named Jess Marino, Stephen Benson, and Bradley Morrison as partners. “This recognition reflects their outstanding contributions to the firm and their dedication to delivering exceptional results for clients and candidates,” the firm said. Since joining DRI in 2022, Ms. Marino has made an impact within the material handling, packaging, and food processing practice areas.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI-Powered Talent Market Mapping Platform
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has released Bespoke Executive Index, a talent market mapping platform using AI to analyze and validate the backgrounds of senior executives in software and SaaS. “Today we are reinventing executive search,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “The Bespoke Executive Index is the authoritative source of data on the accomplishments and experience
Prodigy Search and JM Search Form Strategic Alliance
Prodigy Search, a boutique recruiting firm serving the talent needs of media, sports, and entertainment organizations, has formed a strategic alliance with JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s. “We’re incredibly proud and fortunate to collaborate with John Marshall and the exceptional JM Search team, which is regarded as a
Pearl Street Collective Assists UMass Amherst Foundation with Chief Development Officer Search
After a nationwide search, Boston-based Pearl Street Collective has assisted UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) in the recruitment of Robin Elkins as senior executive director and chief development officer for the UMass Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Ms. Elkins is a highly regarded fundraising strategist and relationship builder whose experience spans higher education and the
Public Sector Search & Consulting Seeking Police Chief for the City of Dallas
Executive recruitment firm Public Sector Search & Consulting has been retained by the city of Dallas to lead in its search for a new police chief. Chief of police Eddie Garcia left his post in September. The assignment is being spearheaded by Gary Peterson, president and CEO of Public Sector Search. The city said they hope to
Alexander Hughes Expands in Paris
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has added David Epstein to its Paris office to lead consulting teams as managing director. “We are delighted to welcome David Epstein to our firm,” said Julien Rozet, CEO of Alexander Hughes. “Supported by an ambitious and motivated team, he will contribute to the growth of our group while consolidating our position
Experience Over Potential: 69 Percent of Hired CEOs Have Already Held the Top Job
Organizations are overwhelmingly drawn to CEO candidates who have already navigated the complexities of the top job. While 40 percent of CEO candidates boast prior experience in the role, a staggering 69 percent of those hired have previously served as CEOs, according to findings of a new report by ON Partners. “This emphasis on prior
Slone Partners Appoints Co-CEO
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has appointed Eric Fink as co-CEO and managing partner. “Eric is a tremendously talented business strategist who brings significant industry experience and compelling insights to our organization,” said Adam Slone, founder and chairman. “His efforts to establish Slone Partners as a leader in fractional search are creating new opportunities for our company and our
Herbert Mines Recruits CEO for Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has recruited Jason Potter as the new CEO of Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in Emeryville, CA. He will succeed Eric J. Lindberg, who has served as interim president and CEO since October 2024. Mr. Lindberg will work closely with Mr. Potter over a transition period, including meeting independent
The Registry Assists Georgian Court University with Interim President Search
The Registry, a Peabody, MA-based interim executive solution owned by ZRG, has assisted in the recruitment of Eugene J. Cornacchia as interim president of Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Cornacchia to Georgian Court University,” said Sister Michele Aronica, chair of the board of trustees. “His experience, leadership acumen, commitment
