DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Funk Associates Fills President Roles for Florida International University, Coastal Carolina University, and University of St. Thomas – Houston
Funk Associates has recently completed presidential searches for Florida International University (FIU), Coastal Carolina University (CCU), and University of St. Thomas – Houston (UST). “These searches reflect the continued trust institutions place in our firm to identify visionary and mission-driven leaders,” said Bill Funk, founder and CEO of Funk Associates. “We are proud to have partnered with each of these
Transforming the Recruiter’s Role From Volume to Value
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. public companies have reduced their white-collar workforces by a collective 3.5 percent over the past three years, all while corporate profits have surged to record highs. One in five companies in the S&P 500 now operate with fewer employees than a decade ago, despite having significantly higher revenues. Executives
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.
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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
The Business Case for Gender-Inclusive Leadership Teams
The power of women in leadership has been widely documented over the past decade. When companies appoint more women to senior positions, research shows profitability grows, openness to change rises, and customer experiences improve. It’s no surprise that global organizations are strengthening diversity initiatives, seeking equal gender representation in leadership roles—and increasingly, companies are recognizing the
Kenexa Selected by C&S WholeSale Grocers
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., a food wholesaler in the U.S. with approximately 17,000 employees, has selected Kenexa Corporation to engage candidates through interactive web-based job simulations. The company will utilize Kenexa Simulations during the recruitment process to identify the candidates who are most likely to be successful within C&S and in a specific role. “Kenexa
Germany and Eastern Europe Drive Sustained Recruitment Growth
The Monster Employment Index Europe, a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards, has recorded 21 percent annual growth in August, maintaining last month's trend. All industries continue to exhibit positive annual growth except public sector, defense and community. Craft and
Odgers Berndtson Adds to Insurance Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has added Brian Schnepff to the firm's insurance practice as a partner based in its Chicago office. Mr. Schnepff will provide senior-level executive search and related advisory services to clients within the insurance and retirement services sectors. In addition to conducting searches for front office executive-level roles, Mr. Schnepff will
Korn Ferry Posts 17 Percent Revenue Gain
Korn/Ferry International/(NYSE:KFY) posted revenues of $206.3 million for the first quarter fiscal 2012, an increase of 17 percent from revenues of $175.1 million a year ago. Fee revenue improved globally due to an increase in revenue from all segments of the firm’s business driven primarily by a 12 percent increase in the overall number of
Nosal Partners Places CFO at Cloudmade
Executive recruiter Nosal Partners LLC has placed Michael L. Farrow as chief financial officer at CloudMade. Mr. Farrow was previously CFO for NetShelter Technology Media in San Francisco. The search was conducted by Robert G. Fong, managing partner and advanced technology practice leader, and John Morrow, managing partner, at Nosal Partners. Headquartered in San Francisco
eQuest Names Head of Global Alliances
eQuest, a job posting distribution and job posting management provider, has named Mike Pauletich, formerly head of the company's interactive media division, to executive vice president of global alliances and customer success. In his new role, Mr. Pauletich will lead eQuest's new global services and consulting group, combining all of the company's resources for successfully
SmartRecruiters Launches Free Recruiting Software
SmartRecruiters has launched free online recruiting software that meets the needs of small to medium businesses (SMBs). The job posting and applicant tracking Software as a Service (SaaS) comes out of its public beta phase with 10,000 companies, 200,000 job seekers and 25,000 job openings already processed. Companies can post jobs to leading paid, free
Odgers Berndtson Adds To Insurance Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has added Pat Corey and Paul Hanson in Chicago as partners in its insurance practice. Messrs. Corey and Hanson previously worked together with Steve Potter, managing partner for Odgers’ U.S. business, and David Gabriel, who leads its technology, information & communication, and media & entertainment practices. In addition to conducting
DHR International Adds to Stamford/New York Office
DHR International has appointed Kyle Fernandez as executive vice president. He will be based in the firm’s Stamford and New York offices and will lead searches in the professional services and private equity & venture capital practice groups. Mr. Fernandez will focus on searches in the outsourcing, IT services, managed services, and global sourcing industries
Tatum Strengthens Chicago Practice
Executive services firm Tatum LLC has added three key senior financial professionals in its Chicago office to reinforce and help grow both the healthcare and accounting/financial services practices. As a new partner, Cindi Long will be responsible for serving the company's portfolio of healthcare clients. Prior to Tatum, Ms. Long was with Rochester, Michigan-based Crittendon
The Stevenson Group Recuits IT Exec for Ikaria
Executive search firm The Stevenson Group has placed Shauna Tholen as vice president of information technology at Ikaria Inc. Most recently, Ms. Tholen served as chief information officer at Nycomed US, a specialty pharmaceutical company. Ikaria Inc. is a fully integrated bio-therapeutics company focused on development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and drug-device combinations in critical
Spencer Ogden Launches Energy Trading and Energy Finance Division
Recruiting firm Spencer Ogden has launched its new energy trading and energy finance division. The new service means that the agency can now offer its clients a recruitment service covering the entire energy life-cycle, from commodity traders and financial analysts through to power generation and distribution. The energy finance and trading team will be based
Payroll Solutions/Avantx Corp Becomes Sentric, Inc.
Payroll Solutions/AvantX Corporation is changing its corporate identity and renaming the company Sentric, Inc. The company decided to change its corporate identity to better represent its client-centric solutions approach and solutions portfolio of unified workforce management solutions. “Our new brand 'Sentric, Inc. Your Workforce. In Focus.' represents our client-centric focus to unified workforce solutions,” stated
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to New York Office
Global executive search and assessment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has added Todd Safferstone as managing director, global head of research and knowledge management and Tim Silverman as director, marketing and communications for the Americas. Both Mr. Safferstone and Mr. Silverman will be based in New York City. Mr. Safferstone joins the firm after 11 years
The Buller Group Names VP of Talent
The Buller Group, an international human capital services and recruiting firm, has named Brooke Sepehri as vice president of talent and business process. Prior to joining The Buller Group, Ms. Sepehri held senior human resources positions with The Lockheed Martin Corporation. Through her 16 year tenure she acquired an extensive knowledge of multiple human resources
Sanford Rose Places CEO at ITC Nexus DX
Sanford Rose Associates’ San Diego office has placed John Sperzel as chief executive officer of ITC Nexus Dx, a global provider of point of care testing systems and advanced diagnostic solutions. Mr. Sperzel joins ITC Nexus Dx after serving most recently as president of Axis-Shield Inc. Robin Toft, president and CEO of Sanford Rose Associates-
Online Labor Demand Down 163,900 in August
Online advertised vacancies were down 163,900 in August to 3,990,600, according to according to The Conference Board’s Help Wanted OnLine Data Series (HWOL). The August drop follows a decline of 217,000 in July and a decrease of 100,000 in June. The supply/demand rate stands at 3.35, indicating there were just over three unemployed for every
Ceridan Hires Human Capital Management Expert
Ceridian Corporation, a provider of managed human resource, recruiting solutions, and payroll outsourcing solutions, has selected Jayson Saba as its new vice president of marketing strategy and industry analyst relations. His additional responsibilities will include leading Ceridian's InView Workforce Management marketing, customer advisory boards, and customer satisfaction measurement activities. Mr. Saba most recently served as
AESC Partners with Canaan Ridge
The Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) has formed a partnership with Canaan Ridge. Beginning November, the AESC will introduce a webinar-based series of five interactive learning sessions, entitled The Essentials of Executive Search, for search consultants with less than two years experience in the industry. The weekly two-hour modules are a distillation of the
IMD International Adds Compass in Singapore
The IMD International Search Group has appointed Compass in Singapore as its Asia Pacific region partner. Compass has been providing executive search services to clients in Singapore for the past 12 years spanning sectors such as IT/telecom, consumer and industrial. “We are very proud to be a new partner of IMD as we view IMD
TalentMark Appoints Senior Search Consultant
Life science recruitment specialist Talentmark has appointed Amber Burns as a senior executive search consultant. Ms. Burns has spent the last six years handling international executive search assignments in clinical development and medical affairs throughout the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic and service sectors. She previoulsy served as a senior executive search consultant within the
Monster Employment Index U.S. Rises Eight Percent Year-Over-Year
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, has recorded annual growth rate of eight percent in August. All metro markets tracked by the Index exhibit positive annual growth. The commerce-related sectors, retail and wholesale trade
Correction: Korn Ferry Retained by Cedar Fair for Director Search
Last week HSZ Media reported that Korn/Ferry International had been selected by Cedar Fair to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. Instead, the firm was retained to perform a search for a ninth board member.
Cook Associates Adds to Boston Office
Chicago-based Cook Associates Executive Search has added Cary Morrill to its Boston office as a vice president. Ms. Morrill will support Cook’s technology and digital media practices, and she will also leverage her existing client base for business development while helping Cook establish a life sciences practice through her connections and referenceable work. With more
Headlight International Grows Paris Office
Executive search firm Headlight International has announced the appointment of two new partners in the Paris office. Eduardo-Nicholas Dubar will focus on the retail sector and Gatien Job will specialize in the legal sector. Headlight International was originally founded in Sweden in 2000 has established an approach where the consultants handle only two parallel assignments
JDG Associates to Lead CEO Search for AOCS
Executive search firm JDG Associates Ltd. has been selected by AOCS to lead in its search for a new chief executive officer. AOCS is a global scientific society open to all individuals, corporations, and related organizations who are interested in oils, fats, surfactants, detergents, and related materials. JDG Associates, founded by Joseph DeGioia, has been
Employee Confidence Declines for Third Straight Month
The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index fell for the third consecutive month, declining 6.8 points to 41.0 in August. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, revealed waning confidence among workers, specifically in regard to the strength of the economy and the future of their
Ultimate Software Opens West Coast Office
Ultimate Software, a provider of unified human capital management SaaS solutions for global businesses, has opened a new office in Santa Ana, CA. The new office accommodates more than 100 Ultimate Software personnel, consisting primarily of customer support, payment services, and consulting services staff as well as several of the company's executive leadership team. “Expanding
North America Leads the Way in Employee Performance Management Globally
Lumesse, a global leader in integrated talent management solutions, has released the results of its Performance Management Assessment Tool, which reveals companies in North America as overall global leaders in employee performance management. Based on assessments by 500 business and HR executives in 44 countries worldwide, the results highlight the contrasts between North America, Europe
Russell Reynolds Associates Adds to Consumer Practice
Global executive search and assessment firm Russell Reynolds Associates has appointed Bevin Andrews as executive director in its consumer sector. Ms. Andrews will maintain a focus on global retail, consumer products, apparel, footwear and accessories. She will be based in Boston. "Given Bevin's cross functional expertise within the consumer sector, we are confident she will
Professional Diversity Network Launches Recruiting Tool
Professional Diversity Network (PDN), a career and jobs destination for diverse professionals, has launched ERICA, Employment Recruitment Intelligence Compliance Assistance, a new technology based service designed to streamline compliance with the diversity recruitment requirements of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Launching in September ERICA will be incorporated into each of PDN's online







