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Daily Newswire
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
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
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
PierceGray Leading CFO Search for C-P Flexible Packaging
PierceGray has been retained by C-P Flexible Packaging in York, PA, to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. To support the continued professionalization, centralization, and growth of the company, C-P Flexible Packaging is looking to hire a new CFO to build and develop a strong corporate financial function, establish FP&A, and
Riviera Partners Expands AI, ML & Data Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Joe Ghory as a partner within its AI, ML & data practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe as we expand our practice,” said Kyle Langworthy, head of the AI, ML & data practice at Riviera
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Sweden
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has added Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search and leadership solutions firm Headlight International AB as its newest member firm. Led by Peter Gullström and supported by experienced Swedish search partners, Headlight International AB boasts a robust multi-national client base across various industry sectors in Sweden.
Redefining Executive Potential: The New Paradigm for Identifying and Developing Future-Ready Leaders
Selecting and developing successful leaders has never been easy. But today, the cost of identifying the wrong leader is rapidly increasing, as complex economic, talent, technology, and geopolitical changes seed uncertainty across the global business environment, according to a recent report from Russell Reynolds Associates. Research published in Harvard Business Review shows that excessive leadership turnover
University of West Georgia Retains Buffkin / Baker to Find New President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected by the University of West Georgia to lead in its search for a new president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. The presidency is an excellent opportunity for an engaging, visionary leader who is inspired to advance the university’s mission to enable students, faculty, and staff
Bryant Group Retained by Cure HHT to Fill Senior Role
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has been selected to recruit the vice president of operations for Cure HHT. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “We’re seeking an exceptional leader who is passionate about making a profound impact and driving meaningful change for those affected by HHT,” said Marianne Clancy,
Orchard Executive Search Opens Doors
Search industry veteran B.J. Berrettini has launched executive talent solutions firm, Orchard Executive Search, serving the banking, credit unions and financial/technical services industries. Based in Pittston, PA, the firm offers a human-centered, personal and detailed approach to hiring solutions, executive talent acquisition and retention, leadership consulting, cultural fit assessments, diversity and inclusion, career development and advancement,
CAA Sports Expands in London
CAA Sports, a division of entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has expanded with the addition of senior sports sponsorship executive Lucy Englander and veteran media and entertainment executive Jonathan Davies in its property sales and executive search divisions, respectively. “CAA Sports has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years, culminating in record-breaking
ZRG Acquires Aspen Leadership Group
Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired Aspen Leadership Group, a search firm focused on placing and supporting top fundraising leaders and executive talent in educational institutions and the broader non-profit sector. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based human capital M&A advisory firm, served as an advisor on the deal. “The addition of Aspen Leadership Group is
Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.0 Percent
Employment rose by 143,000 in January as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.0 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.8 million in January. Job gains occurred in healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance. Employment declined in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
RH Perry & Associates Seeking President for Skyline College
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Skyline College in San Bruno, CA, to lead in its search for a new president. Senior consultants Jessie Thompson and Charlene Newkirk are leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the chancellor, the president is the chief executive officer of Skyline College and a district team member on the chancellor’s
Cowen Partners Retained by Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to Lead CEO Search
Credit unions face mounting challenges from stricter regulations, economic pressures, and industry shifts. Increased oversight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and National Credit Union Administration on fees, lending, and cybersecurity is straining smaller institutions, while rising interest rates and inflation are impacting loan demand and deposits. At the same time, competition from fintech and
DHR Global Appoints Partners
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Pratibha Jindal and Kenny Gregor as partners and Suvankar Banerjee as managing partner. Ms. Jindal, who has been with the firm for three years, plays a key role in recruiting top talent for industrial companies throughout India. She has been an integral part of DHR’s industrial practice Group, specializing in attracting senior talent
7 Things CEOs Must Do to Boost Team Performance
A CEO’s role in driving team productivity has become increasingly complex, yet it remains more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s no longer sufficient to simply set objectives and expect teams to follow suit. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide employees to operate at their highest potential requires more than just
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Healthy New Albany with Executive Director Search
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany in New Albany, OH. Christie Angel led the assignment. “We are thrilled to announce Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany,” the non-profit said. “Rachel brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, strategic
Royer Thompson Recruits CEO for the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries
After an extensive search that attracted interest from within Nova Scotia and across Canada, Royer Thompson has assisted in the recruitment of Jacqueline Lotzcar as the new president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI). “Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience and industry recognition to the role, positioning the organization for continued success in
The Forum Group Launches Nationwide Investment Banking & Private Equity Recruitment Practice
Executive search firm The Forum Group has launched its investment banking and private equity recruitment practice, which is dedicated to connecting financial talent with firms nationwide. Expanding the firm’s expertise in financial services, the new practice builds on The Forum Group’s history of recruiting within the financial services industry. This allows the firm to cover
Signium Adds New Member Firm in Michigan
Executive search consortium Signium has added Ann Arbor, MI-based Sigred Group. Together, Sigred’s senior partners Kristi Stepp and Mike Dergis each bring over 25 years of experience in human resources, organizational effectiveness, and executive development. “The world of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years,” said Annelize van Rensburg, global chair of Signium. “Organizational structures have become more fluid, leadership
Solving the Diversity Challenge in Executive Recruitment
The goal of executive recruitment is to select the most qualified candidate for the position. Leaders have a huge impact on an organization’s people, health and results. Research from Mercuri Urval (MU) has shown that a failed leader appointment costs, at least, a staggering 30 times their salary and the wrong leader may even prove fatal
The Barton Partnership Appoints New CEO
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed group managing director Oliver Phoenix as chief executive officer. Founder Nicholas Barton will continue in his role as advisor and brand ambassador. “I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to announce Olly’s appointment to CEO as we move into the 18th year since I founded The
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruits 25th President for Marquette University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Kimo Ah Yun as the 25th president of Marquette University. He is the first person of color to lead Marquette and the Catholic, Jesuit university’s second lay president in its 143-year history. Vice president and director Julie Filizetti, partner Phillip Petree, and senior associate Rafael Escobedo, led the assignment. Past president Michael
Maneva Group Leading CEO Search for DC Justice Lab
Houston, TX-based executive search firm Maneva Group was recently selected by DC Justice Lab (DCJL) to lead in its search for a new CEO. As an ambitious forward thinker, the CEO will passionately, boldly, and strategically identify opportunities to take big swings to expand and deepen the work locally. They will recognize that sustainable change cannot
Direct Recruiters Inc. Names Partners
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has named Jess Marino, Stephen Benson, and Bradley Morrison as partners. “This recognition reflects their outstanding contributions to the firm and their dedication to delivering exceptional results for clients and candidates,” the firm said. Since joining DRI in 2022, Ms. Marino has made an impact within the material handling, packaging, and food processing practice areas.
Bespoke Partners Launches AI-Powered Talent Market Mapping Platform
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has released Bespoke Executive Index, a talent market mapping platform using AI to analyze and validate the backgrounds of senior executives in software and SaaS. “Today we are reinventing executive search,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke. “The Bespoke Executive Index is the authoritative source of data on the accomplishments and experience
Prodigy Search and JM Search Form Strategic Alliance
Prodigy Search, a boutique recruiting firm serving the talent needs of media, sports, and entertainment organizations, has formed a strategic alliance with JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s. “We’re incredibly proud and fortunate to collaborate with John Marshall and the exceptional JM Search team, which is regarded as a
Pearl Street Collective Assists UMass Amherst Foundation with Chief Development Officer Search
After a nationwide search, Boston-based Pearl Street Collective has assisted UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) in the recruitment of Robin Elkins as senior executive director and chief development officer for the UMass Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Ms. Elkins is a highly regarded fundraising strategist and relationship builder whose experience spans higher education and the
Public Sector Search & Consulting Seeking Police Chief for the City of Dallas
Executive recruitment firm Public Sector Search & Consulting has been retained by the city of Dallas to lead in its search for a new police chief. Chief of police Eddie Garcia left his post in September. The assignment is being spearheaded by Gary Peterson, president and CEO of Public Sector Search. The city said they hope to
Alexander Hughes Expands in Paris
Paris-headquartered search firm Alexander Hughes has added David Epstein to its Paris office to lead consulting teams as managing director. “We are delighted to welcome David Epstein to our firm,” said Julien Rozet, CEO of Alexander Hughes. “Supported by an ambitious and motivated team, he will contribute to the growth of our group while consolidating our position
Experience Over Potential: 69 Percent of Hired CEOs Have Already Held the Top Job
Organizations are overwhelmingly drawn to CEO candidates who have already navigated the complexities of the top job. While 40 percent of CEO candidates boast prior experience in the role, a staggering 69 percent of those hired have previously served as CEOs, according to findings of a new report by ON Partners. “This emphasis on prior







