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Daily Newswire
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
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Rising Demand for Data Expertise Forces Shift in Talent Strategy
In recent years, data has become business’s most valuable resource. Data analytics is no longer just an IT function, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. It has become critical to a company’s ability to innovate, optimize operations, and respond to shifting market demands. “However, as business leaders become increasingly aware of the importance of
Furst Group Recruits COO for Medical Associates Health Plans
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Nicole Oishi as the new chief operating officer of Medical Associates Health Plan in Dubuque, IA. “We are excited to welcome Nicole to our team,” said Zach Keeling, CEO of Medical Associates. “Her leadership and experience will help us build on
Kirby Bates Associates Retained by Island Health for Chief Nursing Officer Search
As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders, and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most difficult
Saxton Bampfylde Appoints CEO
U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has named Kate Ludlow as its new CEO. As part of this leadership transition, Stephen Bampfylde, the firm’s founding partner, will assume the role of non-executive chair, continuing to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight while maintaining his active involvement with key client relationships and projects. Additionally, Jonathan Morgan has been appointed as deputy chair,
EMA Partners Opens New Office in Atlanta
EMA Partners, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has opened a new office in Atlanta with the addition of CSearchGroup. The firm is led by managing partner Craig Scheiblauer. “We are extremely pleased that Craig has joined EMA, he brings a very diverse portfolio of clients across the life sciences and healthcare industry sectors and
The Strategic Benefits of Using Retained Search Firms for Non-Profit Leadership Recruitment
In the wake of the 2024 election, the dynamic landscape for non-profit organizations has shifted, making the need to secure and retain top-tier leadership more crucial than ever. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that strong, effective leadership is now key to driving mission success and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability in an increasingly complex environment. A
Lindauer Selected by Scouting America to Lead Chief Development Officer Search
Lindauer has been retained by Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) to lead in its search for an executive vice president and chief development officer (CDO). The assignment is being led by Libby Roberts, senior executive vice president, and Andrew Machado, senior consultant. This critical role requires a strategic development leader with a passion for spearheading fundraising
Reffett Associates Completes Top Search for the Washington State Gambling Commission
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Jeneva Cotton as the deputy director for the Washington State Gambling Commission where she will run the day-today operations and support the commission’s executive director, Tina Griffin. The search was led by Tom Young, the firm’s director of operations in their Seattle office.
Isaacson, Miller Appoints Chief People Officer
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has appointed Shari Chernack as its chief people officer. With over 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and business transformation, she is responsible for aligning people and culture practices with the firm’s business objectives, fostering a high-performance environment for team members. Ms. Chernack will steward talent lifecycle strategies and plans
The Barton Partnership Names Leader for North American Expansion
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed Michael J. Doud as executive vice president, North America. He will lead the firm’s continued strategic expansion in the North American market. “The North American market is a huge opportunity for us as a firm; our proposition is well-established, and we have a talented team
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search Practice
Buffkin / Baker, a national retained executive search firm based in Brentwood, TN, has acquired the U.S. recruiting business of Gallagher Executive Search, including Frederickson Partners. “The acquisition of Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search team will enhance the depth and breadth of our capabilities and provide a more comprehensive national presence,” said Craig Buffkin, managing partner. “By leveraging
Key Talent Management Trends to Watch in 2025
Talent management is rapidly transforming as AI advancements, hybrid work models, and shifting leadership expectations reshape the employee experience. To capture these changes, Odgers Berndtson surveyed HR leaders and identified five key trends for 2025 that present both opportunities and challenges for the way organizations manage and engage their top talent. 1. Talent Attraction: Building
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
After an extensive search and careful consideration, non-profit specialists The Moran Company has placed Christopher Thompson as the new CEO of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). Chief executive Martina Guilfoil, who has led the organization since 2013, is set to retire at the end of February. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “The CNE board of directors is delighted
Rudish Health Places CFO at MedStar Washington, D.C. Hospital Center and MedStar Health Research Institute
Boca Raton, FL-headquartered healthcare advisory and talent leadership firm Rudish Health recently assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Barash as senior vice president and CFO of MedStar Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center and Columbia, MD-based MedStar Health Research Institute. With nearly two decades of experience in financial leadership within complex healthcare systems, she brings extensive expertise in strategic
Princeton Search Partners Opens Doors
Princeton Search Partners (PSP) has been launched, uniting over two decades of executive recruiting expertise with an exclusive relationship to Provision People, a global high-volume recruitment platform. The firm integrates professional networks, advanced AI research, and strategic offices across 11 states to offer nationwide and global hiring solutions. “Each member of our team brings deep
TalentoHC Acquires R2 Global
Talento Human Capital has acquired R2 Global, a highly respected technology recruitment and staffing firm known for its niche expertise across cloud & data, business systems, and e-commerce. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., served as an advisor on the deal. This strategic move will expand TalentoHC’s existing footprint in the technology sector and launch,
The Christopher Group Fills Senior HR Position for Wilco
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Cheryl Collins as vice president of human resources for Wilco in Mount Angel, OR. Managing partner Ayla Maloney and recruiting director, Carrie Longmire, led the assignment. “Working with John Bowersox at Wilco has been an honor,” said Mr. Maloney. “John’s vision for the future of Wilco
Cook Silverman Search Assists Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area with CEO Search
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has helped to recruit Lucinda Bazile as the new CEO of the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area. “I am honored to join Cancer Support Community at such a pivotal time for the organization,” said Ms. Bazile. “My passion for health equity and cancer support services is deeply personal and
TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
After the completion of a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle L. Mayo as provost and vice president for academic affairs of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda
AIMS International Adds New Partner in Austria
Executive search consortium AIMS International has launched AIMS Austria with the addition of Murauer Technology, led by Gerald Murauer. “The new partnership significantly enhances AIMS International’s presence in the strategically important Austrian market,” the consortium said. “AIMS Austria has already established relationships with prominent organizations in the Austrian market, including industrial, technology, and research institutions. The team’s
Secure Your Company’s Future with a CEO Succession Plan
In today’s dynamic business world, CEO succession planning is crucial. To navigate challenges and seize opportunities, companies must ensure smooth leadership transitions. A strong plan fosters stability, drives growth, and aligns CEO development with long-term goals. A recent report from DHR Global’s Justin Menkes explores how to approach CEO succession planning, including best practices, and
TurnkeyZRG Retained by Southern Methodist University to Find Next Director of Athletics
TurnkeyZRG has been selected by Southern Methodist University (SMU) to lead in its search for a new director of athletics. Chad Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, is leading the search. Rick Hart announced in a statement that he will be stepping down from his position after more than a decade leading the Mustangs. The search committee will
Allen Austin Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Heath Consultants Incorporated
Chief technology officers are crucial because they drive the technological vision and strategy of an organization, ensuring that technology investments align with business goals, according to executive recruiters. They oversee the development and implementation of innovative solutions, manage the technology team, and stay ahead of industry trends to keep the company competitive. Houston, TX-based search
Swoon Acquires KSA Technology Partners
Chicago-based recruiting firm Swoon has acquired KSA Technology Partners, a staffing firm specializing in telecommunications and digital infrastructure such as wireless telecom, fiber broadband and data centers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Both Swoon and KSA Technology Partners share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering exceptional value to our clients,” said Lori
Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotions
Slayton Search Partners has announced made strategic promotions within its leadership team. “These promotions reflect Slayton Search Partners’ commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and fostering leadership development within the organization,” the firm said. “The newly expanded leadership team will continue to drive the firm’s mission of delivering outstanding executive search solutions while pursuing strategic growth
Job Seeker Confidence Rises as Market Shows Signs of Growth
Despite ongoing challenges and frustrations in the job market, job seekers and employees remain resilient, prioritizing growth opportunities by pursuing roles or turning to nontraditional arrangements like contract and freelance work to meet their needs and career goals. The Vaco Talent Pulse Report measures employee and job seeker confidence levels in three core areas—job security,
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for 2U
NU Advisory Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kees Bol as the new CEO of 2U in Arlington, VA. He succeeds Matt Norden, who has served as interim CEO since October 2024. “Congratulations Kees Bol on joining 2U as chief executive officer,” said Meredith Rosenberg, co-founder of NU Advisory. “With your deep industry and leadership
Borrer Executive Search Assists Mustad Hoofcare Group Find Chief People Officer
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
ConverzAI Secures $16 Million in Funding
ConverzAI, which provides an AI-powered virtual recruiter for recruiting firms, has secured a $16 million Series A funding round to accelerate product innovation and expand go-to-market strategy. The round was led by Menlo Ventures, and joined by Left Lane Capital. Seed investors Foundation Capital and Afore Capital participated in the round as well. “ConverzAI’s solution
Erevena Appoints CEO
London-based executive search firm Erevena has announced that after 21 years as CEO, Dan Hyde will transition into the newly created, full-time role of executive chair, focusing on client-facing activities and market strategy. Following a comprehensive search process, internally and externally, Jonas Helgesson will be promoted to CEO (effective immediately). With this new structure, Mr. Hyde will move away from the
Navigating the Complexities of Hiring for an Inaugural Position
Recruitment is a challenging process that demands a thorough understanding of your organization’s mission and objectives, a strategic vision for growth, and the flexibility to adapt to an evolving job market. However, the process can be especially delicate when you are hiring for an inaugural position, according to a new report from Lindauer’s Faith Montgomery.
CarterBaldwin Assists The Federalist Society Recruit Second President and CEO
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Sheldon Gilbert as the second president and CEO of The Federalist Society, the influential U.S. conservative legal organization. The assignment was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and associate partner Gerri Williams. He will succeed Eugene B. Meyer, who has served as executive director, CEO, and/or president of the organization for
