DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Why Talent Is The Primary Success Lever in M&A Deal Making
Dealmakers say people matter. But when it comes to execution, most still overlook human capital where it counts. That is the main finding from The Say Versus Do Divide in M&A, a 2025 report from Mercer and the Transaction Advisors Institute. The study, based on insights from corporate development and HR leaders involved in more than 1,200
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CEO for Uplift Education
After a robust succession planning process led by the board and in partnership with global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates, Uplift Education has appointed Remy Washington as its next CEO beginning in January 2026. Longtime CEO Yasmin Bhatia will retire from her role at the end of December 2025. Dr. Washington, currently president of Uplift,
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.
Why Succession Planning Is Critical to Reducing Leadership Risk
Most organizations have something they refer to as a succession plan — a spreadsheet, a nine-box grid updated once a year and then put away, or an annual HR review. But very few can answer the question that truly matters: if a critical leader left tomorrow, would the organization be able to keep executing? That’s
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?
Rokos Group Seeking Chief Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence
Newport Beach, CA-based executive search firm Rokos Group has been selected by Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) to lead in its search for a chief medical officer. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief medical officer will serve as CEI’s senior physician executive and a full member of the executive leadership team. This is a strategic
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority with CEO Search
ADK Consulting & Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Cris Jensen as the new president and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). Rod Dinger led the assignment. “It is my honor to announce the board has chosen Cris Jensen to serve as the next president and CEO, and his contract negotiations are currently underway,” said Shaun Carey, chair of
How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Executive search firms are increasingly being called upon to assess more than a candidate’s track record of growth, transformation, and financial performance. As boards search for CEOs capable of leading through persistent uncertainty, resilience has become a critical component of the leadership profile. Search consultants are placing greater emphasis on how executives have responded to
Occam Global Recruits CFO for eGenesis
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has placed Glenn Vraniak as CFO of eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible engineered organs for transplantation. “eGenesis is entering a pivotal stage in our evolution as we prepare to advance our programs through clinical development and lay the foundation for future commercialization,” said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.
Maven Partnership Names Partner and Consultants
Global talent advisory firm Maven Partnership has recently promoted Tom Chambers to partner, Seb Coughlin as consultant, and George Roberts to consultant. “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of several exceptional individuals here at Maven Partnership, Will Hannaford, chief executive officer. “We’re committed to the growth and development of our people, and it’s fantastic to
The Execution Era: How Transformation Is Reshaping Private Equity
Most PE value creation plans don’t fail on strategy. They fail between the plan and the doing. With longer holds and less forgiving exit windows, delivery discipline is carrying more of the return, according to a new report from Wilton & Bain’s Jack Syred and James Royall. The report reflects patterns Wilton & Bain has
JDG Associates Retained by the Institute for Defense Analyses to Lead VP of Corporate Operations Search
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been tapped by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) to lead its search for their vice president of corporate operations, based in Alexandria, VA. IDA seeks a seasoned operational and business transformation leader to modernize systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization. Serving as a corporate officer and
Modern Executive Solutions adds Partner to Lead Growth of M1 Talent Community
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has appointed Bria Bass as as partner, where she will lead the continued growth and expansion of the M1 Talent Community across North America and Europe. “Bria brings a rare combination of executive advisory, deep community-building experience, and an exceptional ability to connect leaders in meaningful ways,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO
AI Is Rewriting the Executive Hiring Playbook
Insight Partners’ latest research suggests the AI era is creating a new executive hiring playbook. Based on more than 400 executive searches and interviews with over 1,400 leadership candidates, the firm’s talent team argues that many of the characteristics defining today’s strongest product and engineering leaders would have been viewed as weaknesses only a few years
FMG Leading Acquires Market Intelligence And Strategic Advisory Firm BroadBranch Advisors
Human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has acquired market intelligence and strategic advisory firm BroadBranch Advisors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “In today’s high-pressure landscape, translating forward-looking intelligence into action faster and more effectively is critical for our clients, especially in the investor-backed healthcare space,” said Matt Brubaker, chairman and CEO of FMG Leading. “By
PARC Street Group Places Chief Operating Officer for Mission Valley Bank
PARC Street Group has assisted in the recruitment Amanda Connell as chief operating officer at Mission Valley Bank. This search was completed by PARC Street Group senior executive search consultant Michelle Davis, executive recruiter Tabassum Nagpurwala, and executive search associate Priscilla Chacon. Ms. Connell brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across community
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Build a New Performance Model for Executive Recruiters
As the executive search industry faces growing pressure to deliver stronger and more consistent results, firms are reassessing how recruiters are trained, developed, and prepared to meet changing client demands. A few months ago, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ Talent Intelligence advisory unit introduced the Recruiter Performance Training Program, a practical, execution-focused system designed to
U.S. Payrolls Fall by 23,000 in July as Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent
Employment fell by 23,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 6.9 million, changed little in July. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.1 percent) and people who are Hispanic (4.6 percent) declined
Parker Remick Expands with New Partner
Seattle, WA-based Parker Remick has appointed Adam Szepkouski as partner of consulting excellence. The firm explained that this hire reflects a broader push to refine execution and scale delivery as demand for senior technology leaders accelerates. The appointment comes at a time of structural change in technology leadership. AI is reshaping how technology organizations are built and
The Data Migration Paralysis Problem: Why Firms Stay on Old Platforms Too Long
Technology has become a defining competitive advantage for executive search firms, yet many organizations continue to rely on aging platforms that no longer innovate. While artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven workflows are reshaping the industry, the hesitation to replace legacy systems often leaves firms struggling with inefficiencies that quietly accumulate over time. The greatest obstacle
Recruiterflow Offers Four-Step Playbook for Building an AI-Native Search Firm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how executive search firms identify talent, manage information, engage candidates, and serve clients. But adopting an AI-powered platform alone does not make a recruiting organization AI-native. The larger challenge is integrating technology across the search lifecycle in ways that improve decision-making, strengthen execution, and allow consultants to devote more attention
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Belk
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has helped to recruit Molly Taylor as chief merchandising officer at retailer Belk, where she will lead merchandising strategy and vision across all product categories. Melissa Sussberg and Alexa Liebman led the assignment. Ms. Taylor is a merchandising executive with over 30 years of experience connecting topline vision to bottom-line performance
The Forces Reshaping Executive Search
As organizations face accelerating business transformation, leadership succession, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the demands placed on executive search firms continue to evolve. Clients are looking for more than candidate identification—they increasingly expect strategic guidance, deeper market intelligence, and advisors capable of helping them navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape. Those themes emerged consistently
Bryant Group Fills Senior Position for the University of Washington
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Justin Michalka as vice president for university development at the University of Washington (UW). The search was led by firm president Chris Bingley. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” said Mary Gresch, senior vice president for university advancement. “He is a
SPMB Expands Financial Officer and Private Equity Practices
SPMB Executive Search has appointed Christy Mihos as a partner in the firm’s financial officer and private equity practices. “Christy is one of the most accomplished CFO search practitioners in the market, and we are thrilled to welcome him to SPMB,” said Dave Mullarkey, managing partner at SPMB. “His track record of advising PE firms and technology companies on
Executive Talent Market Faces New Pressures as AI and Private Equity Reshape Leadership Demand
The executive talent market continues to tighten as private investment accelerates, experienced leaders retire, and organizations compete for executives capable of driving growth and transformation. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities companies expect from senior leaders, while consulting and private equity firms rethink how they build leadership teams and evaluate potential.
Carpenter Legal Search Recruits General Counsel for Park Corporation
Legal recruiting remains an active area for executive search firms as corporations, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations compete for experienced legal talent. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 31,500 openings expected each year as employers add
Signium Opens New Office in Hamburg, Germany
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany. The new office is led by Moritz Drerup, managing partner, who joined Signium with more than a decade of executive search experience and a highly focused practice in technology and AI leadership. The Hamburg office represents a natural evolution for Mr. Drerup’s established executive search practice, combining his specialist expertise with the reach,
Executive Search Strategies for Leadership Success
As organizations navigate rapid change, leadership decisions have become increasingly consequential, placing greater pressure on executive search firms to identify candidates who can deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. Success at the highest levels depends on far more than filling a vacancy—it requires a disciplined search strategy that combines market intelligence, rigorous assessment, and
Leverage AI in Your Job Search: When to Use It and When Not To
Artificial intelligence has been changing the way people search for jobs. From optimizing resumes to preparing for interviews, AI has become a valuable resource for candidates looking to streamline the process. The key is knowing how to use it effectively, according to a recent report from New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page. “AI
The Demand for Interim CFOs Soars
Leading organizations are recognizing the value of integrating highly skilled on-demand talent—independent consultants, executives, project managers, and subject matter experts—into their workforce. With 72.1 million American workers (43 percent of the U.S. labor force) and countless other professionals worldwide choosing to work independently on a project-by-project basis or in interim leadership engagements, companies that rely
Vetted Solutions Expands Staff
Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm Vetted Solutions LLC has hired Amy Weist as project director. Ms. Weist most recently served as director of boards and committees at the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), one of the nation’s leading travel industry non-profits. She also worked for six years in the White House’s Office of Presidential Personnel,
McDermott & Bull Places Controller at Pacific Capital Bancorp
Irvine, CA-based McDermott & Bull has placed Rollin Johnson as controller of Pacific Capital Bancorp in Santa Barbara. The search was completed by Fleming Jones and Rod McDermott, managing director of McDermott & Bull. “This is a vital role and Pacific Capital Bank was looking for the right person to be part of a strong
Korn Ferry Adds to Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
Korn/Ferry International/ has named Paul Pospisil Ph.D. as a senior client partner in the firm’s biotechnology and life sciences practice. He will be based out of the firm's New York office. Mr. Pospisil joins Korn/Ferry after serving more than 15 years as an investor and operating executive in the biotechnology industry. He brings experience in
B.E. Smith Names Head of IT and Talent Strategies Divisions
Executive recruiting firm B.E. Smith has added Rich Miller to lead the firm’s information technology and talent strategies divisions as senior vice president. Mr. Miller will focus on the design and implementation of information technologies while leading the firm’s talent strategies team. Prior to joining B. E. Smith, he served as senior vice president of
Carter/Mackay Retained by ImageWorks
Executive search firm Carter/Mackay has been selected by ImageWorks to further develop its sales management team across the U.S. ImageWorks is a leading state of the art diagnostic imaging supplier whose products are distributed worldwide with clinical applications for dental, medical and veterinary professionals. Carter/MacKay, formed in 1970, specializes in the placement of sales, sales
AdminiStaff Acquires OrgPlus from HumanConcepts
HR service Administaff, Inc. has acquired certain assets of HumanConcepts, a provider of workforce decision support solutions. Administaff will gain ownership of the current OrgPlus software product line targeted at small and medium-sized businesses as well as a source code license for a Software as a Service (SaaS) based version, which will be released later
Hudson RPO Adds Industry Veteran to Staff
Hudson RPO, the global recruitment process outsourcing services team of Hudson, has hired industry veteran Darren Lancaster to serve as managing director for Europe and the Middle East. Mr. Lancaster joins Hudson RPO following his tenure as managing director of resource solutions, the RPO services division of Robert Walters Group. “Recruitment process outsourcing is an
Online Labor Demand Unchanged in December
Online advertised vacancies were basically unchanged as they dipped 9,400 in December to 4,447,800, according to The Conference Board’s Help Wanted OnLine Data Series. The nation's supply/demand rate stood at 3.39 unemployed for every advertised vacancy in November (the last available unemployment data) a figure that is down from a peak of 4.73 in October
DHR Adds Recruiter in Asia
DHR International has appointed Kirk Tang as executive vice president in its Beijing office. Mr. Tang will focus on expanding DHR’s advanced technology and venture capital/private equity practice groups while recruiting leadership talent in China and across Asia-Pacific. He joins DHR with over 18 years of diverse solutions sales-marketing, business development and general management experience.
Spencer Stuart to Lead COO Search for UVA
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been chosen by the University of Virginia to lead in the search for a new executive vice president and chief operating officer. The University of Virginia is based in Charlottesville, VA and was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. Spencer Stuart is an executive search firm with 51 offices
Google Head of HR Joins Evolv Board
Evolv, a provider of science-based, on-demand talent matching and intelligence solutions, has added Laszlo Bock, global head of human resources of Google, to its board of directors. Mr. Bock also serves on the advisory board of Catalyst, a nonprofit corporate membership research and advisory organization geared towards changing workplaces. Under Mr. Bock's leadership, Google has
eQuest Opens in Germany
eQuest, a provider of job posting distribution and job posting management, has opened its fourth European office in Frankfurt, Germany. The new office opening will offer enhanced local service, direct access to local personnel and expanded regional access to services. As part of an aggressive global expansion plan, eQuest has opened new offices in New
TheLadders.com Creates New National TV Commercials
Online job service TheLadders.com has launched a new television commercial campaign that celebrates how TheLadders makes professional candidates more attractive to employers and recruiters. The new commercial spots were created by Fallon Minneapolis and will air nationally on broadcast and cable television networks. “Starting this January, premium members of TheLadders will be assigned their own
TRANSEARCH Adds Consultant in Frankfurt
TRANSEARCH International has added executive search consultant Gerhard Görke in Frankfurt. Mr. Görke has a special focus on banks in Central and Eastern Europe. He has gathered consulting experience at Roland Berger, Neumann and recently at Herbold Fischer. Prior to that, he was working nationally and internationally as a senior sales executive at Software AG,
CTPartners Leading CFO Search for Dialogic
CTPartners has been selected by Dialogic Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Al Wood, the company’s current CFO, has announced his departure. Dialoic and its subsidiaries provide communications platforms and technology to enterprise and service provider markets. CTPartners is a global executive search firm offering expertise in technology, media
First Advantage Acquired by Symphony Technology Group
First Advantage, a global provider of workforce solutions, today announced that Symphony Technology Group, a private equity firm with a strategic focus on software and service. Under the terms of the acquisition, which closed December 30, 2010, First Advantage will operate as a portfolio company of the Symphony Technology Group. First Advantage CEO Todd Mavis
Ultimate Software Selected by Wolf Steel for HCM Solution
Ultimate Software, a provider of unified human capital management SaaS solutions for global businesses, has announced that Ontario-based Wolf Steel Ltd., a private company that manufactures and distributes hearth technology, furniture, and accessories, has selected UltiPro as its single platform for unified human capital management (HCM). “UltiPro provides a complete, unified, and scalable HCM solution
Enwisen AnswerSource HR Service Delivery Becomes Part of Lawson Softwares
Lawson Software, a provider of human capital management software, has completed its acquisition of privately held Enwisen. Based in Novato, CA, Enwisen served approximately 260 customers, including many in the Fortune 1000. The all-cash transaction of $70 million closed on Dec. 31, 2010. The Enwisen AnswerSource HR Service Delivery suite helps companies transform and improve
Stronger Employment Trends Expected for 2011
Twenty-four percent of employers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in 2011, up from 20 percent in 2010 and 14 percent in 2009, according to CareerBuilder’s 2011 Job Forecast. Seven percent plan to decrease headcount, an improvement from nine percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009. Fifty-eight percent anticipate no change in their staff
Nosal Partners Finds Chief for Red Wing Shoe
Executive recruiter Nosal Partners LLC has placed Ralph D. Balestriere as chief financial officer at Red Wing Shoe Company. Mr. Balestriere was previously senior vice president and CFO at Teleflex Medical. The search was conducted by David Nosal, chairman and CEO, and Terri Naughtin, managing partner of the firm’s Minneapolis office. Based in Red Wing,
StepStone Solutions Implemented by Huawei
Huawei, a provider of next-generation telecommunications network solutions, has implemented StepStone Solutions Talent Acquisition to manage its expanding recruitment needs in the Nordic region. “Against strong competition, Huawei choose our talent acquisition solution, proving again that StepStone Solutions offers a strong and flexible product that meets the demands of a growing international company like Huawei,”
Carmichael Fisher Expands Team
Executive search firm Carmichael Fisher has named Ouarda Guellou and Jonathan Rossotto as research associates. Ms. Guellou, who previously served as a researcher and project manager at Antheneum Partners, will support the life sciences searches. Mr. Rossotto, formerly a corporate trainer and assistant at NeWorld Educatio, will focus on industry searches. “Our business across Europe
Buck Consultants Adds Former Towers Watson Executive
Buck Consultants, a Xerox company and provider of human resource and benefits consulting, has added Sherri Bockhorst as a principal in the firm’s St. Louis office. Ms. Bockhorst will serve in the health and productivity practice. With 15 years of consulting experience, she joins Buck from Towers Watson, where she led the St. Louis health
Job Search Television Network Partners with the RightThing
Job Search Television Network (JSTN) has announced a new partnership with global recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) provider The RightThing. The alliance will combine The RightThing's recruitment process outsourcing solutions with JSTN's Search Engine Optimized video and multi-channel media recruitment and branding platform. “In a competitive talent landscape, organizations who commit to aggressive marketing strategies that
Most Companies Have No CEO Succession Plan
A majority of global companies do not have a CEO succession plan in place, even though they regard CEO succession as an important element of overall corporate governance, according to the Korn/Ferry Executive Survey. Nearly all companies surveyed – 98 percent – regard CEO succession planning as an important piece of the overall corporate governance
Amrop Grows Presence in Romania
Global executive search firm Amrop has announced the appointment of a new member firm in Romania, expanding the organization’s presence to 17 offices in Central & Eastern Europe. Operating as Amrop (formerly The Searchers), Amrop’s newest member firm is led by founding partners Oana Ciornei and Marius Precu, and joined by Iulia Pietruschevici as senior
Sheffield Haworth Adds to Global Equities Search Practice
London-based Sheffield Haworth has added Juliette Marrannes in London as part of the continuing expansion of the firm’s global equities search practice. Ms. Marrannes will be responsible for the equity derivatives practice in Europe and the U.S., where she will be advising clients on their strategic hiring in the fields of equity derivatives, fund derivatives,
Isaacson, Miller Leading CEO Search for Employment Resources, Inc.
Isaacson, Miller has been selected by Employment Resources, Inc. to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Monroe Moseley and Donna Cramer of Isaacson, Miller are leading the assignment. Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI), established in 1987, is a $2-3 million, private, entrepreneurial, not-for-profit corporation. Founded in 1982, Isaacson, Miller focuses
ZRG Acquires Strating Point Companies
ZRG Partners Inc., a global provider of executive search and talent management solutions, has acquired Starting Point Companies, LLC, an advisory firm focused on executive compensation, board governance and director education within community banks. Currently, ZRG provides executive search and talent management solutions to banks on a global basis while SPC specializes in providing executive
Preston | Reffett Completes Search for TopCo Associates
Executive search firm Preston | Reffett’s Richmond office has placed Robin Vogel as senior vice president, center store procurement at Topco Associates LLC. Ms. Vogel was previously with Sara Lee Corporation in Chicago where she served as the company's vice president of procurement operations and was responsible for setting the company's overall global procurement strategy.
Advantage Professional Opens Operations in Singapore
International recruitment company Advantage Professional has launched operations in Singapore. The new office will be directed by Steve Plant, who brings 15 years of recruitment experience within Asia Pacific markets, with specific focus on the building and management of multi-site international operations. The Singapore office represents the first steps in Advantage Professional's expansion within Asia.







