DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Commercial Officer for The Aspen Group
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Rafeh Masood as chief commercial officer of The Aspen Group, one of the largest retail healthcare support organizations in the U.S. The search team consisted of Lindsay Stevens, Courtney Schluender, Brian Busse, and Sarah Basto. In his new role, Mr. Masood is responsible for brand strategy, go-to-market, patient
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.
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
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?
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Pacific International Executive Search Expands Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has appointed Beth Albright to its advisory board. “Beth Albright is an exceptional addition to our advisory board,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Her deep governance expertise, her track record of guiding organizations through IPOs, M&A integrations, and large-scale transformations, and her recognized leadership in human capital management
Asset Management’s Next Edge Is Organizational, Not Financial
Citrin Cooperman’s 2026 Asset Management Survey Report highlights an industry undergoing meaningful transition. Their survey of 300 senior leaders across private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, private credit, and funds of funds points to a market increasingly shaped by institutional capital, operational pressure, and changing investor expectations. What stands out most is not simply the economic uncertainty facing
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in a nationwide search for a new men’s lacrosse head coach. Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, is leading the assignment. The head coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Lacrosse program within the NCAA and Coastal Athletic Association, with an
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kreg Keesee as the new president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn led the assignment. “Kreg brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and turning strategy into action,” board chair Dwinelva Zackery said. “We are confident he is the right leader to
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
Goldman Sachs Signals a New M&A Supercycle
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 Global M&A Outlook suggests the market is entering a new phase of strategic transformation driven by technological disruption, scale ambitions, and unprecedented levels of capital deployment. The report highlights a surge in large-scale deals during the second half of 2025, with global M&A volumes rising sharply and mega transactions accelerating across regions.Corporate and private
Burnout in the Workplace: What the Latest Research Tells Us
Imagine a workplace where 80 percent of employees are experiencing burnout, with younger generations feeling the strain the most. How would this affect productivity, morale, and the overall success of the organization? New research reveals that this scenario is not far-fetched, serving as a wake-up call for executives. Employee burnout has become a widespread challenge,
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of St. Thomas to Lead President Search
Funk Associates has been retained by the University of St. Thomas to lead a national search for a new president. The school is looking for a dynamic and proven leader. Richard L. Ludwick, who has served as president at the University of St. Thomas-Houston since July 1, 2017, will step down from that role on
JBR Executive Search & Succession Opens Doors
Executive search and recruitment veteran Julie Biber launched search firm JBR Executive Search & Succession. The firm will offer services in executive level searches, both for agencies and in-house roles, and succession and pipelining for organizations. It will focus on the tech, CPG, food and beverage, healthcare, financial communications and services and public affairs industries.
Artico Search Completes Search for Cowboy Ventures
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor and Matt Meyer of Artico Search have assisted in the recruitment of Caroline Duffy as a partner in the investment team at Cowboy Ventures. “Caroline embodies Cowboy values, especially in understanding and practicing venture as a craft; as a great student of technology, collaborator, risk taker, and empath,” the company said in a release. “We’re thrilled
Key Hiring Trends For 2025
As we are now well into 2025, the future of hiring is shifting quickly, according to a report from Ontario-based executive search firm The Verriez Group. “To stay competitive, companies must engage passive talent, offer attractive salaries, and invest in career development,” the firm said. “Smart employers are adapting by prioritizing skills over traditional qualifications,
C-Suite Strategy Balancing Short-Term Results with Long-Term Vision
In today’s fast-paced business environment, C-suite executives are under increasing pressure to achieve quick results while also shaping sustainable, future-oriented organizations. This delicate balance between short-term performance and long-term strategic vision has become increasingly challenging as market volatility, technological disruption, and stakeholder expectations continue to intensify, according to a recent report from Slayton Search Partners.
5 Common Mistakes in Succession Planning and How to Avoid Them
Succession planning is more than a strategy—it’s the key to securing a company’s future. Yet even well-meaning organizations, brimming with potential, often misjudge how to execute this crucial process effectively, according to a recently released report from SGA Talent. Below, the executive search firm breaks down five frequent missteps in the succession planning process and, more importantly, how
Campbell & Company Recruits Executive Director for the American Nurses Foundation
Campbell & Company has placed Graig R. Eastin as the new executive director of the American Nurses Foundation. Senior consultant Joey Scheiber and managing director Kris McFeely led the assignment. “Graig is an advancement executive with over 35 years of extensive experience spearheading fundraising strategies that generated over $1.5 billion in contributions to date for leading academic institutions
Nolan Partners Assists Houston Texans Recruit Team President
Nolan Partners, an Excel Sports Management company, has assisted in the recruitment of Mike Tomon as the new team president for the Houston Texans. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” said Cal McNair, chair and CEO. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in
Boyden Names Global Leader of Financial Services Practice Group
Boyden has appointed Lourdes Lopez as the new global leader of its financial services practice group. “With over 20 years of executive search experience across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, Lourdes specializes in financial services and technology, delivering C-suite talent for organizations of all sizes,” Boyden said in a LinkedIn post. “An entrepreneur and professor in
TalentoHC Acquires The PeterSan Group
Talento Human Capital (TalentoHC) has acquired The PeterSan Group and PeterSan Legal Staffing. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor to both organizations. The merger brings expertise in legal recruiting to TalentoHC’s customer experience model and comprehensive human capital services, including retained executive search, professional and management recruiting, RPO, staff augmentation,
WittKieffer Leading CHRO Search for the University of Tampa
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by the University of Tampa to lead in its search for a vice president, human resources, and chief human resources officer. Principal Sarah Palmer is leading the assignment along with consultant
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Bellevue College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Bellevue College to lead in its search for a vice president of institutional advancement. Bellevue College is seeking a strategic and visionary leader. This executive reports to the president and is the primary liaison between the college and the community, serves as senior spokesperson for the
Carrington & Carrington Leading President Search for the Southland Development Authority
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search is currently leading in the search for a new president for the Southland Development Authority in Chicago. The president will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO to execute the corporation’s strategic vision. This individual will be instrumental in managing operations, spearheading development projects, and nurturing stakeholder relationships to
Krauthamer & Associates Forms Alliance with AO People Partners
Krauthamer & Associates has formed a strategic alliance with AO People Partners to deliver comprehensive executive leadership solutions to organizations worldwide. This collaboration combines AO People Partners’ expertise in executive coaching, leadership advisory, and talent strategy with Krauthamer & Associates’ experience in executive search and board services. “We are excited to join forces with Krauthamer & Associates to offer our
What Public Companies and Private Equity Can Learn from Each Other
The factors contributing to a CEO’s success can differ significantly between private equity-owned companies and publicly traded companies. CEOs who have led in both public and PE-backed environments tell Spencer Stuart in a new report that private equity is more focused on fast value creation and a successful exit, which often stands in sharp contrast
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Recruits Chief Development Officer Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Stakias as chief development officer at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation in New York City. The assignment was led by Gerard F. Cattie Jr. “We are delighted to welcome Lauren as our new deputy director, chief development officer,” said Mariët Westermann, director and
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Recruits CEO for the San Diego Workforce Partnership
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has helped to recruit Rachel Bereza as president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Senior consultant BJ Davis led the assignment. The appointment follows an extensive nationwide search that attracted over 130 candidates. “Rachel’s appointment signals our county-wide commitment to bold, innovative solutions for San Diego’s workforce development industry.
True Launches Dedicated MedSci Functional Team
Global talent provider True has launched a dedicated MedSci functional team within its healthcare & life sciences practice. The firm explains that the MedSci team is designed to meet the growing demand for highly scientific, technical, R&D, and medical leadership across industries transforming healthcare and science. “The lines between discovery, treatment, prevention, and population health are
Options Group Names VP in Frankfurt
Options Group has expanded with the addition of Miguel de Almeida Freire as a vice president in Frankfurt. He will specialize in connecting senior-level candidates with private equity portfolio companies. “I’m proud to join Options Group, a premier global recruitment search firm,” Mr. de Almeida Freire said in a LinkedIn post. “I’ll be focusing on expanding
AI and the Workforce: Navigating the Balance Between Productivity and Uncertainty
Imagine your job evolving overnight, powered by a machine that learns faster than you. Not only does it transform how you work, but it also enhances your performance and helps you reach your full potential. It’s no wonder there are mixed feelings when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from
N2Growth Recruits CFO for Medtronic
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has placed Thierry Piéton as the new CFO of NYSE-traded Medtronic in Galway, Ireland. Brian Greer led the assignment. He will report to Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer Geoff Martha and will join the Medtronic executive committee. “Thierry is a strategic, creative, operationally focused, experienced CFO with a
Coulter Partners Assists NeoPhore with CEO Search
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Shih as the new CEO of NeoPhore in London. Leading the assignment were Chris Palatucci, Clare Evans-Argent, Gabrielle Banzon, and Kay Wardle. The appointment follows the close of the company’s oversubscribed series B financing. The financing and new appointment of the CEO strengthen NeoPhore’s
RevelOne Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for SupplyHouse.com
Greenwood Village, CO-based executive search firm RevelOne has helped to recruit Kaylin Durham as the new chief marketing officer of SupplyHouse.com in Melville, NY. The search was led by vice president Liz Schrum and consultant Montse Jungers. “Thank you Josh Meyerowitz and Matt Willden – CEO and CHRO at SupplyHouse.com – for working closely with our
Keystone Partners Acquires CCI Consulting
Keystone Partners, a founding member of Career Partners International and a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, has acquired Philadelphia-based CCI Consulting, a provider of human resources consulting, career management, staffing and talent development services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Joining forces with CCI Consulting aligns perfectly with our mission to empower organizations
Redefining Talent Management for the Modern Age
The workplace has undergone a permanent transformation. Today’s talent leaders navigate an environment shaped by economic disruptions, demographic shifts, and rapid technological advancements. This new reality is not only different but increasingly complex. To succeed in this era, organizations must embrace a comprehensive, future-focused approach to talent management, according to a new report from Egon
Mastering Senior-Level Job Interviews in Life Sciences and Healthcare
In today’s highly competitive job market, landing a senior-level and/or fractional position in life sciences or healthcare requires more than just a stellar resume. Your qualifications on paper may open the door, but how well you perform in the interview process may determine your fate, according to a new report from life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners.
HARTZ Search Places VP of Revenue Cycle for Southeast Georgia Health System
After an extensive national search, Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has placed Julie Floyd as the vice president of revenue cycle at Southeast Georgia Health System. The search was led by chief of staff Gabby Ross, search consultant Macy Thompson, and CEO Mike Hartz. Ms. Floyd joins Southeast Georgia Health System from UNC Healthcare, where she held the role of
FMG Leading Expands Healthcare Advisory Capabilities
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has expanded its team with the additions of principals Kate Katz and Rod Wilkes. FMG Leading explains that Ms. Katz and Mr. Wilkes each bring decades of experience to their roles and will immediately begin providing strategic guidance and value to the firm’s growing list of clients. “We continue to see
Why Do So Many M&As Fail? The Talent Factor Could Be Key
Why do 70 percent of all mergers and acquisitions fail? Is it because our due diligence fails to adequately address the all-important issue of human talent? Sumeet Salwan, co-founder of CEO.works argues in a recent article on IMD that the success of any merger hinges on connecting the right talent to future value hotspots. The
The Talent Studios Fills Senior Positions for Roots and Mizzen+Main
The Talent Studios has completed two executive searches for design leaders at apparel brands, Roots and Mizzen+Main. Bea Nam has been placed as head of design at Roots and Denis Lates as director and head of design at Mizzen + Main. Heather Porter and Jeremy Cohen led both searches for The Talent Studios. Ms. Nam brings
