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Daily Newswire
August Leadership Expands in Singapore
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Melvin Lee as a partner in Singapore. Mr. Lee is a seasoned leadership advisor with more than 20 years of experience across Asia Pacific and North America. He specializes in senior executive and board appointments in the industrial, semiconductor, and technology sectors, bringing deep expertise in manufacturing, supply
Why Boards Keep Selecting Yesterday’s Leaders for Tomorrow’s Problems
Boardrooms across America keep hiring the familiar. The CEO who worked miracles at the last company, the leader with the spotless resume, the safe bet. Yet, the uncomfortable truth is that yesterday’s corporate savior often becomes tomorrow’s expensive mistake, according to a recent report from Shawn Cole, founder and president of Cowen Partners Executive Search.
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
Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Executive Search
Artificial intelligence (AI) can have a significant impact on executive search by streamlining the process and improving decision-making. AI tools can help identify candidates with the right skills and experience, and can also predict how successful they might be in new roles. The ExeQfind Group often get questions from both clients and candidates regarding the impacts of artificial
Korn Ferry Partners with SuccessFactors
Korn/Ferry International and SuccessFactors, a provider of on-demand employee performance and talent management solutions, have formed a strategic partnership. Together, Korn/Ferry and SuccessFactors plan to integrate Forte, Korn/Ferry's career and leadership development application, with the SuccessFactors Business Execution (BizX) suite. As part of the agreement, Korn/Ferry will join SuccessFactors' Partner Program as a Strategic SuccessSolution
PageUp People Releases Advanced Analytics Solution
International talent management solutions provider, PageUp People, has released its Advanced Analytics solution, a cloud-based platform that delivers advanced reporting and analytics on human capital. Leveraging global HR data, Advanced Analytics provides organizations with the intelligence needed to link human capital metrics to key business indicators. “As more organizations expand their hiring beyond borders, they
Parker Executive Search Retained by Georgia State to Find a Football Coach
Atlanta-headquartered Parker Executive Search has been retained by Georgia State University to begin a search for a new head football coach. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State is one of the country’s leading urban research universities. Parker Executive Search conducts executive searches globally for corporations, colleges and universities, and collegiate athletics.
Riviera Partners Expands Staff
Riviera Partners, a provider recruiting services for the technology sector, has added Iva Messy as its new director of talent and Michael Ellison as product manager. Most recently, Ms. Messy was human resources manager at Stanford Management Company (SMC), the professional organization responsible for investing approximately $20 billion of endowment and other financial assets for
Luceo Solutions Unveils Recruiting Software
Recruiting technology company Luceo Solutions has released its new recruitment software Luceo TAS 3.3. Its designed to makes it even easier for employers to hire great talent with enhanced parsing, searching and matching capabilities, social sourcing functionality, electronic forms administration and upgrades to the interface that place more features one click or less away. For
Russell Reynolds Associates to Find Bebe Stores Chief
Global executive search and assessment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by bebe stores, inc. to begin a search for a new chief executive officer. bebe stores designs, develops and produces a distinctive line of contemporary women’s apparel and accessories, which it markets under the bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp and 2b bebe brand names.
51job Adds Recruit Holdings Executive to Board
51job, Inc., a provider of integrated human resource services in China, has elected Kazumasa Watanabe to the company’s board of directors. Mr. Watanabe is a senior executive in the global headquarters of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., an affiliate of one of the company’s principal shareholders. Since joining Recruit in 1991, he has been primarily involved
Witt/Kieffer Adds Commissioner To Sports Practice
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has added Dan Beebe, J.D., to serve as “of counsel” for its sports leadership practice. Mr. Beebe is the former Big 12 Conference commissioner and has nearly 30 years of experience in conference administration and NCAA rules enforcement. At the firm he will support Witt/Kieffer in the recruitment of leaders for
RSA Adds to Swiss and U.K. Sectors
RSA, a global life sciences executive search and interim management specialist, has named Dr. Francois Martin as managing director of RSA Switzerland. Dr. Martin recently served as senior partner for the life sciences and technology practice for the International Executive Search Federation (IESF). He brings over 20 years of experience to RSA, having managed large
HRsmart Releases Recruiting Software Platform
HRsmart International, a global talent management software company, has announced its Enterprise version 12.0 of their HRsmart Unified Architecture (HUA) software platform. The newest version of the HUA platform incorporates new feature additions and improvements for users, including mobile access, support for hourly recruiting, enhanced performance management, and onboarding enhancements to streamline the talent management
Fairfield Partners Completes Assignment for HealthTeacher
Fairfield Partners has placed Reagan Brown as the new vice president of business development at HealthTeacher, an interactive healthcare company focused on the health literacy of the nation’s youth, located in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Brown was previously the VP and general manager of InvestorPlace Media. Fairfield Partners is a retained executive search firm that specializes
Strawn Arnold Ashpitz Groover Strengthens Healthcare/Life Sciences Practice
Strawn Arnold Ashpitz Groover, Ltd has added Jeff Dodson as an executive vice president. Mr. Dodson has been a senior-level executive recruiter in the healthcare and life sciences industries for the past 12 years. Prior to joining Strawn Arnold, he held significant roles with other major search firms, including leader of the U.S. pharmaceutical practice
Korn Ferry Survey: Hiring to Remain Stagnant
Fifty-eight percent of hiring executives intend to increase staff at all levels across their organizations within the next 12 months while 69 percent are waiting for resolution on the fiscal cliff or the European financial crisis, according to a recent survey by Korn/Ferry International. Despite future hiring intentions, results revealed broad-based hiring is stagnant. While
Preston | Reffett Completes Search for Office Depot
Executive search firm Preston | Reffett, LLC’s Florida office has placed Rick DiMaio as the vice president of supply chain operations at Office Depot. Prior to joining Office Depot, Mr. DiMaio was an executive at Sears Holdings Corporation, most recently as VP of logistics operations. Jennifer McCorey, managing director at Preston | Reffett, led the
Buller Group and i3solutions Join Forces
The Buller Group, a human capital services and recruiting firm, has announced its SharePoint University partnership and teaming arrangement with i3solutions. Recognized as one of the top Microsoft Gold Certified partners in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, i3solutions has been providing SharePoint consulting and development services since the first beta version in 1999. Since that
The Soloman Page Group Names EMEA Head
The Solomon Page Group LLC has appointed John Burr as a managing director within its financial services division. Based in London, Mr. Burr will oversee Solomon Page’s EMEA business. He has over 20 years global financial services experience across EMEA, the Americas and Asia, particularly within global banking and markets. Prior to joining Solomon Page
Premier Executive Search Adds New Consultant
Premier Executive Search, the executive search division of The Premier Partners, has added David Felgino as a search consultant. With 12 years of experience, Mr. Felgino most recently worked with boutique retained firm 680 Partners, LLC. He brings a focus in sales & marketing as well as a specialty in IT security. John Brown, senior
CTPartners Appoints Partner
CTPartners has named Lilian Poilpot as a partner in the firm's technology, media and telecom & professional services practices. Ms. Poilpot has over 16 years of experience in executive search, most recently as the managing partner of EMEA for the Leadership Capital Group. He has built relationships with major global clients throughout the IT, telecom
B.E. Smith Places CIO at Aspirus
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has placed Todd Richardson as the new chief information officer for Aspirus, Inc. Mr. Richardson was previously CIO at Deaconess Health System. “Aspires was looking for a CIO who could lead a system-wide Epic implementation while developing collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across the health system,” said Kathy Hall, vice
Kaye/Bassman Names Construction/Real Estate Sector Head
Executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. has named Jeff Wittenberg to oversee strategy, team and operations for its construction and real estate practice. Over the course of 13 years at Kaye/Bassman, Mr. Wittenberg has had responsibilities for the firm's talent acquisition, training and development, corporate development, culture, marketing communications and overall governance. “We are very
Nationwide Job Openings Increase in September
Simply Hired, a search engine for jobs and recruitment advertising network, has reported a 5.6 percent increase in nationwide job openings in September and an 8.7 percent increase year-over-year. This marks the fourth time in five months that the economy has seen growth in job openings. Nationwide job competition held steady at a ratio of
Dowd Associates Fills CFO Post for Scripps Neworks
Dowd Associates Executive Search has placed Amy Listerman as chief financial officer, advertising sales, for Scripps Networks Interactive. Ms. Listerman is the former NBCUniversal SVP of ad sales pricing, planning & strategy. A leading developer of lifestyle content for television, internet, satellite radio, books and magazines, Scripps Networks Interactive is comprised of brands such as
Alliance Solutions Group Opens New Location
Alliance Solutions Group, a full-service staffing and recruitment agency based in Ohio, has expanded its presence to Mahoning County by opening a new staffing facility. The Mahoning Valley office will offer staffing and recruitment services from the company’s nine business units to individuals in Youngstown, Warren, Middlefield and the surrounding communities. “In July 2012, the
The Ropella Group Launches Operations in China
Executive search firm The Ropella Group has opened a new office in China. Justin Prairie, Ropella’s vice president of company search, will be leading the China office, assisting Asian clients in their searches for consultants, employees, and profitable corporate partners. The Ropella Group is the leading retained search firm serving the chemical and allied industries
Kenexa Releases 2X Assess Solution
Kenexa Corporation, a global provider of business solutions for human resources, has launched 2x Assess, an assessment content solution that provides enhanced reporting and offers extensive multilingual capabilities. Kenexa 2x Assess provides a global content solution as an integrated part of the company’s 2x talent management suite and competency framework, which includes 2x BrassRing and
Avature Opens in Hong Kong
Avature, a provider of innovative Web 2.0 talent acquisition solutions delivered as SaaS, has opened a new office in Hong Kong, China as part of its expansion plan to better support its growing APAC customer base. Lead by Julian Boylan, senior vice-president global markets, the office seeks to expand its user base in the Asia
JDG Associates Retained by MMA
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has been retained by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) to conduct the search for its senior director of membership, North America position. Founded in 2003, MMA is the collective voice representing companies and brands across the entire mobile marketing ecosystem. JDG Associates, founded by Joseph DeGioia, has been serving
Korn Ferry Names Head of Leadership/Talent Consulting Business
Korn/Ferry International has appointed Smita Anand as senior partner and managing director of its leadership and talent consulting (LTC) business in India. Based in Korn/Ferry's Gurgaon office, Ms. Anand will be responsible for leading the firm's board and CEO succession offering in Asia. She will also continue to strengthen the LTC business and enhance the
CTPartners To Air TV Advertising Campaign
CTPartners has announced that it will begin a television advertising campaign on CNBC. The campaign will focus on raising the firm's profile in the areas of human capital strategy and choosing the right executive search firm. The ads will run in the 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. (Eastern) time slot. "CTPartners has a strong and
Managerial Recruitment Activity Takes a Slide of 10.1 Points in September
The CareerCast.com/JobSerf Employment Index, which measures managerial recruitment activity online, took a slide of 10.1 points in September, nearly wiping out the 11.1 point hiring gain achieved last month. The Index has remained stable over the past year and is 35.1 points higher than it was in September 2009. Cities active in the automobile industry
Eurozone Crisis Driving Major Changes in Recruitment
The current economic crisis in the eurozone is driving major changes in the type of senior executives companies in the region are recruiting, according to IIC Partners EMEA board director Myriam Walgraef, a partner at Brussels-based executive search firm Hoffman & Associates. “Before the current eurozone volatility, many firms were looking to hire C-level executives







