DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
With Liquidity And Legacy Looming, A New Paradox Emerges For Founder-Led Firms
Jay Alix, the founder of AlixPartners, has teamed up with veteran PE investor David Tayeh to launch Tayeh Capital Group, a $400 million fund aimed at family-owned professional & business services firms facing generational transition. The bet, said James O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Patrick Morgan, is that “aging founders, lower valuations, and stuck portfolio companies will create
Innovation Fatigue: Creativity & Clarity for Effective Leadership
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer optional—it’s the lifeblood of competitiveness. Yet as organizations race to reinvent themselves, many leaders are discovering that the constant demand for transformation comes at a cost. The expectation to continuously ideate, adapt, and outperform has created a new kind of pressure—one that tests not only creative
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
Why Every Private Equity Portco CEO Needs a Chief of Staff
The role of a chief of staff has evolved from its origins in the military and government to become a pivotal position in the corporate world. Initially coined by McKinsey for the U.S. government, the chief of staff role has transitioned into the private sector, proving particularly invaluable in private equity portfolio companies (portcos). For
Caldwell Partners Posts Q2 Revenue Dip
Executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. has posted 2012 second quarter revenues of $7.2 million, down from $8.8 million the prior year. Revenues from U.S. operations represent 67 percent or $4.8 million of the second quarter total, decreasing 11 percent from $5,483,000 in the comparable period of 2011. This decrease in revenues reflects
Witt/Kieffer Launches Board Services Practice
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has launched a board services practice and named James W. Gauss as its head. Mr. Gauss brings more than 30 years of experience in advising trustees and board members and identifying leaders in the healthcare, insurance, academic and other industries. As chairman of board services, he will use his relationships, experience
Friisberg & Partners Adds Madrid-Based Principal Partners
Friisberg & Partners International has added Spain-based Prinzipal Partners as its newest member. Prinzipal Partners is an executive search and human resources consulting firm led by Emiliano Sacristan and Javier Uruburu. With an office in Madrid and a strong focus on Spanish and Latin American business coupled with detailed knowledge of those local markets, their
Monster Employment Records Small Gains
The Monster Employment Index (MEI), a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards, showed annual growth of five percent in March, an eased pace from the 11 percent annual growth recorded in February. Commerce activity continues to maintain steady momentum with
Lucas Group Names Managing Partner for Manufacturing Practice Group
Search firm Lucas Group has appointed Dan Ladrech as managing partner for its manufacturing practice group. Mr. Ladrech comes to Lucas Group from F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC) where he was vice president and managing partner with a particular focus on quality and operational excellence recruiting in California and throughout the country. “Dan brings an impressive
Accelent Finds CFO for Perceptive Pixel
Accelent, Inc. has placed Thomas Altier as chief financial officer of Perceptive Pixel. Previously, Mr. Altier was CFO at CyberShift which was acquired by SumTotal. Perceptive Pixel is a provider of research, development and production of multi-touch interfaces. Accelent is an executive talent acquisition and integration firm which serves technology clients in the Internet, e-commerce
Jobless Warrior Launches
Jobless Warrior, an online career enhancing service for veterans, has launched. The company is a free service that matches military veterans with career enhancement professionals such as coaches, resume writers, and job networking groups. Jobless Warrior has more than 100 volunteer career professionals registered to provide pro bono, job preparation services to veterans. JR Rodrigues,
CareerBuilder Inks Deal with the National Restaurant Association
CareerBuilder has been selected by the National Restaurant Association to power its career channel. The National Restaurant Association is the restaurant industry's leading association representing more than 380,000 restaurant businesses. Under the two-year agreement, CareerBuilder will become the exclusive provider of recruitment and job search services for National Restaurant Association members as well as its
TRANSEARCH Names London Partner
TRANSEARCH International has appointed Andrew Cholerton as a partner in London. Mr. Cholerton has been an executive recruiter since 1993 working across a broad range of sectors, both in the U.K. and internationally. He has recruited at board and senior manager levels across most business functions and sectors with particular experience in professional and business
IESF Adds Member Firm in Singapore
The International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has added The People at Work Pte Ltd as its newest partner in Singapore. The People at Work, founded in 2000, is an executive search firm serving global companies and large local conglomerates in sectors that include healthcare, logistics, industry & manufacturing, consumer/lifestyle and wealth management. “We are very
Dowd Associates Retained by Scripps Network
Dowd Associates Executive Search has been retained by Scripps Networks Interactive to lead the company’s search for a chief financial officer of advertising sales. A leading developer of lifestyle content for television, internet, satellite radio, books and magazines, Scripps Networks Interactive is comprised of brands such as HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking
Cornerstone OnDemand Acquires Sonar6
Cornerstone OnDemand Inc. has acquired Sonar Limited (Sonar6), a provider of cloud-based talent management solutions serving small businesses globally. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sonar6 brings more than 375 clients to Cornerstone and expands its presence in the Asia Pacific region. Cornerstone will continue to operate Sonar6 out of its Auckland, New
Polachi Partners with Brazil-Based Talengy
Recruiter Polachi Inc. has partnered with Brazil-based executive search firm Talengy to extend its reach into Latin America. Established in 2009, Talengy has worked with organizations such as Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, and UNISYS. “Sao Paulo is the technology hub for Brazil, and the addition of Talengy further expands our capacity to reach executives around the
Buffkin Group Fills CTO Post for EDO Interactive
Executive search firm The Buffkin Group has placed Jeff Sippel as the new chief technology officer for Edo Interactive. Mr. Sippel previously served as vice president of marketing technology at Orbitz Worldwide. EDO’s digital coupon service offers businesses a way to better target specific markets of consumers by using Web analytics. The Buffkin Group is
HR Dynamics Names Staffing Head
HR Dynamics Inc., an HR consulting, staffing and outsourcing firm, has named Wendee Greene as vice president of staffing services and head of the company’s HRD Staffing Division. Ms. Greene was vice president of healthcare and human services at Access Staffing for over 10 years. “With the addition of Wendee Greene to our leadership team,
Adicio Creates New Revenue Generation Tools
Adicio Inc., a provider of interactive classified advertising software solutions for media companies, has launched two new revenue generation tools: Job Seeker Upgrades and Pay Per Candidate. Adicio’s new Job Seeker Upgrade widget requires no live support and gives the job seeker a powerful tool to promote the visibility of their resume. The Pay Per
Heidrick Names Board of Directors Vice Chairman
Chicago-based executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International has named Anne Lim O'Brien as vice chairman of its global CEO & board of directors practice. Throughout her career, Ms. O'Brien has conducted executive search assignments for an extensive range of global Fortune 500 corporations, particularly within the consumer markets and at the CEO and board
Boyden Appoints Interim Management Partner in U.K.
Boyden has added Sue Smith to its interim management team in London as partner. "The addition of Sue is really exciting for our team, our clients and our interim community,” said Patrique Habboo, managing partner at Boyden UK interim management. “She is one of the most highly respected experts in our market and further builds
Korn Ferry Taps CEO for MTS Systems
Korn/Ferry International has placed Jeffrey A. Graves as chief executive officer at MTS Systems Corporation. Since 2005, Mr. Graves served as president and CEO of C&D Technologies. MTS Systems Corporation is a global supplier of test systems and industrial position sensors. Korn/Ferry International, based in Los Angeles and with a presence throughout the Americas, Asia
Capital One Financial Joins OppsPlace.com to Increase Diversity Hiring
Capital One Financial Corporation has joined OppsPlace.com as a corporate charter member to increase diversity and inclusion within its talent and supplier procurement selection pools. Capital One joins a list of companies with a commitment to creating employment and business opportunities within the minority community. “OppsPlace was created as an online network to connect minority
Hiring Managers Continue Bullish Outlook
Hiring plans in the U.S. are getting back to pre-recession levels, according to CareerBuilder’s latest nationwide survey. One-third of employers added full-time, permanent employees in the first quarter of this year, on par with 2007 and the highest increase reported since the recession began. The momentum is expected to continue with 30 percent of employers
McGregor Boyall Opens Office in Edinburgh
Executive recruiter McGregor Boyall has opened a new office in Edinburgh and assigned Steven Tierney to head its operations. “Edinburgh has always been renowned for its strong investment and asset management profile and is now increasingly perceived as a deep reservoir of talent for both retail financial services and wholesale banking operations,” said Laurie Boyall,
HVS Executive Search Names Business Heads
HVS Executive Search has named Chris Mumford as president of Europe, Middle East & Africa and David Mansbach as president of the Americas. Mr. Mumford will be based in London and specializes in executive search and compensation consulting for clients in the hospitality industry. Mr. Mansbach will head the firm’s New York office and specialize
Vetted Solutions Completes Search for DIA
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has placed Angela Palmieri as worldwide director of strategic communications at the Drug Information Association (DIA). Ms. Palmieri was previously the director, communications, established products business unit at Pfizer. DIA is a neutral, nonprofit, global, professional association of nearly 18,000 members who work in every facet of
Glasford International Adds Member in Australia
Glasford International has added Chandler Woods Executive Search as its newest member firm in Australia. Chandler Woods is a management services practice committed to providing clients with HR support. The firm is led by John Irwin, and operates from offices in Sydney and Canberra. “Australia is a model of economic sustainability and growth, and we
Preston | Reffett Recruits CFO for K-VA-T Food Stores
Executive search firm Preston | Reffett, LLC has placed Michael Lockard as senior vice president and chief financial officer at K-VA-T Food Stores, responsible for all finance and accounting operations, as well as information services and technology. Mr. Lockard brings over 20 years of finance and accounting experience from Wal-Mart and UPS. Jennifer McCorey, managing
Frazer Jones Announces Expansion
Global HR recruiter Frazer Jones has named Carys Owen to its commerce & industry team in the U.K. Ms. Owen brings almost 20 years of experience within operational HR and HR recruitment across a range of sectors. She previously spent 10 years with global recruitment business Hays Human Resources. Mark Brewer, founding partner of Frazer
StepStone Acquires Totaljobs Group
StepStone, a London-based provider of human capital management solutions, has acquired Totaljobs Group. Totaljobs Group, with headquarters in London, was founded in 1999 and employs a staff of over 340 people, operating a total of seven job boards. Rob Perkins, founder and CEO of Totaljobs Group, stated: “I am delighted by this move. Integrating Totaljobs
Witt/Kieffer Adds to Boston Office
Executive search firm Witt/Kieffer has added Lisa J. Flavin to its Boston office. Ms. Flavin brings more than 15 years of executive search experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical and research and development industries. She engages in CEO and other senior executive searches for life sciences organizations, academic medical centers, hospitals and health systems. Prior to
Howgate Sable Joins InterSearch Worldwide
U.K.-based Howgate Sable has joined InterSearch Worldwide as its newest member firm. Howgate Sable, with offices in London and Manchester, was founded in 1987 and delivers board level and senior specialist executive searches across a wide range of industry sectors. “Howgate Sable partners take personal charge of every search, drawing on their intimate knowledge of
Fairfield Partners Places VP Sales at HealthTeacher
Fairfield Partners, a Norwalk, Conn-based executive search firm specializing in technology and consumer products markets, has placed Frank Garland as the vice president of sales at HealthTeacher, an interactive healthcare company focused on the health literacy of our nation’s youth. Mr. Garland was previously the chief operating officer of HighSchoolSports.net. Fairfield Partners focuses on the
