DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Arts Consulting Group Finds New Leader for the San Francisco Jazz Organization
Following an extensive nationwide search, Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Gabrielle Armand as the new CEO of the San Francisco Jazz Organization (SFJAZZ). She will succeed Susie Medak, who has served as interim CEO since December 2024. Vice presidents Geoff Chang and Josyanne Roche led the assignment. In partnership with executive artistic director Terence Blanchard, Ms. Armand will lead the dynamic
Buffkin / Baker Assists Fort Lewis College with the Recruitment of 11th President
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Heather J. Shotton as the 11th president of Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Partner Ann Yates and associate partner Pelema Ellis led the assignment. After a six-month search, the presidential search committee chose Dr. Shotton from more than 75 applicants. “Dr. Shotton brings a wealth of experience and a deep
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.
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,
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?
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
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
Ways to Avoid Unintended Bias During the Executive Hiring Process
Hiring at the C-suite and executive level typically involves considering many variables when evaluating candidates. To find the strongest “fit” for an executive role, candidates must undergo a gauntlet of interviews, assessments, and referencing, according to a recent article from JM Search’s Louis Montgomery and Chuck Egoville. Along the way, they are vetted against key requirements such
Talentor Opens Office in Romania
Talentor Recruitment Consultancy has opened a new office in Bucharest, Romania. This extends Talentor's coverage across Northern and Central Europe to nine markets, which includes Poland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Romania. “We are launching a new office in Bucharest and we are very excited about further extending our coverage across central
Nosal Partners Recruits CFO for MEMC Electronic
Executive leadership solutions firm Nosal Partners LLC has placed Tim Oliver as senior vice president and chief financial officer at MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. Mr. Oliver was previously SVP and CFO for Metavante Technologies Inc. in Milwaukee. The search was conducted by David Nosal, chairman and CEO. MEMC is a global leader in the manufacture
Beyond the Bottom Line Adds Executive Search Service
Beyond the Bottom Line, an interim CFO firm for nonprofits and social enterprises, has launched an executive search and recruitment practice that will specialize in placing top-tier financial and accounting executives, such as chief financial officers, controllers and accounting directors. At a time when many nonprofits are evaluating future staffing needs and making plans to
Slayton Search Partners Fills Top HR Post for World Kitchen
Chicago-based executive search firm Slayton Search Partners has placed Jim Aikins as executive vice president of human resources for World Kitchen, a market leader in bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen and household tools, rangetop cookware and cutlery products. The search was executed by John D. Nimesheim, managing director in Slayton’s Chicago office. Most recently, Mr. Aikins served
Job Seekers Flocking to Facebook for Professional Networking
While LinkedIn is known as a place for job seekers to make professional connections, Facebook is growing faster as a significant online tool for business networking and personal brand management. To help job hunters and career changers use Facebook for professional purposes, Jump Start Social Media is making the Facebook section of its popular e-book,
Kronos Unveils Hiring Solution for SMBS
Kronos Incorporated has announced the availability of Kronos Essentials — Hiring, a new selection and hiring solution designed specifically for the needs of small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The solution helps organizations to continuously improve the quality of their workforce, reduce compliance risk, and improve productivity. Recognizing that SMBs often have limited IT budgets and
Adecco Records 27 Percent Revenue Drop
Swiss-based HR solutions company Adecco has posted third quarter revenues of EUR 3.7 billion, down 27 percent from revenues of EUR 5.1 billion during the same period a year ago. The company recorded a 46 percent drop in net profit, to EUR 90 million, but said demand was slowly recovering from low levels. “Market conditions
Kenexa Forms Partnership with JobFox
Kenexa Corporation, a global provider of business solutions for human resources, has formed an alliance with Jobfox. Kenexa will join Jobfox to support ResumePal, an online employment application. ResumePal will be seamlessly integrated with Kenexa’s applicant tracking system, Kenexa Recruiter BrassRing (KRB), and is available immediately for KRB customers at no additional cost. “Hiring managers,
Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson Celebrates 35 Years
This month Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson celebrates 35 years in the executive search business. The firm was founded in Philadelphia by Judith M. von Seldeneck in 1974 specializing in the recruitment of women. Still headquartered in Philadelphia, the firm also has U.S. offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C. Diversified
America’s Job Exchange Partners with NAS
America's Job Exchange (AJE), a provider of job search and online recruiting solutions, has partnered with NAS Recruitment Communications (NAS), a provider of recruitment communications solutions that assist organizations with their recruitment advertising; employment branding; and on-boarding and retention efforts. The partnership will enable NAS clients to purchase on-line recruitment and compliance services from America's
China Career Builder to Acquire ISSAC Search Ltd
China Career Builder Corp. has signed a letter of intent to acquire 49 percent of Issac Search Ltd of Hong Kong. This acquisition is consistent with the company's strategic business plan, designed to build enterprise value through organic growth and select acquisition opportunities. The company is expected to complete the acquisition by the end of
Boyden Expands U.K. Search Practice
Boyden U.K. has added Simon Bailey as partner to lead the firm’s U.K. finance [CFO] practice. Mr. Bailey has extensive experience in executive search specializing in finance including board appointments, non-executive directors and senior executive positions, with particular expertise in CFO assignments. He has worked across a range of sectors including retail, leisure, services, industrial,
Korn Ferry to Find CFO for Mylan
Korn/Ferry International has been selected by Mylan Inc. to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Former CFO Jolene Varney has recently left the company. Mylan ranks among the leading generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world and provides products to customers in more than 140 countries and territories. Korn/Ferry International,
Sheffield Haworth Adds Consultants
London-based executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has added Damian Goodburn as global head of commodities and Linda Klemme as head of emerging markets. Mr. Goodburn joins the firm from The Options Group, where he was a partner. In his new role, he will cover the full spectrum of commodities, with particular focus on energy and
Hudson Highland Records 37 Percent Revenue Decline
Hudson Highland Group, Inc./(NASDAQ:HHGP) has posted third quarter 2009 revenues of $169.6 million, a decrease of 37 percent from $269.2 million a year ago. The company posted a net loss of $6.9 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, compared with net income of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for
Job Cuts Continue to Fall in October
The number of planned job cuts announced by U.S. employers declined for the third consecutive month in October, falling 16 percent to 55,679 from 66,404 in September, according to the latest job-cut report by outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The October job-cut total was the lowest since March 2008, when employers announced plans
Interview: JIRB Group Founder Discusses Financial Services and Insurance Sector Recruiting
David James Beed is the founder of West Hartford, CT-based executive search firm JIRB Group, LLC. Mr. Beed has specialized in insurance and financial services for more than 30 years and is trusted and valued by the industry's top executives. Holding positions that include president, chief operations officer, chief marketing officer, head of distribution and
Sellick Partnership Opens New Practice in Leeds
Finance-focused recruitment specialist Sellick Partnership has opened a new private practice division in the firm’s Leeds office. Amy Bullock will serve as legal manager of the division, which will supply solicitors and barristers to private organizations across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East UK on a locum and permanent basis across a broad range of
Heidrick & Struggles Taps Director for MPIPHP
Chicago-based executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International has placed David B. Wescoe as executive administrative director of the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans (MPIPHP). Mr. Wescoe currently serves the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System’s (SDCERS) administrator and chief executive officer. SDCERS is a trust fund administered by the Board of Administration
Recruiters Forecasting Increased Hiring Activity
With improving corporate profits underscoring signs of increased economic growth, recruiters are forecasting an increase in hiring activity at the executive-level, according to the results of ExecuNet's Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI). According to October's survey of 172 executive recruiters, 56 percent are “confident” or “very confident” the executive employment market will improve during the next
Spencer Stuart to Find Next Willis Group CFO
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been selected by Willis Group Holdings to find its next chief financial officer. Current CFO and group chief operating officer Patrick C. Regan is leaving the company in early 2010 but will remain in his role until the end of the year to assist with the search and ensure
Weathering Financial Storm Big Challenge Among Global Leaders
Nearly 100 percent of global business leaders say the greatest challenge has been for their organizations to weather the current financial storm, according to Signium International’s 2009 survey targeting CEOs to determine today’s key obstacles. More than half recognize a key challenge in transforming their organization for sustainable growth in the future. Additionally, Signium queried
WorkStream Announces Management Changes
Workstream Inc., a provider of on-demand compensation, performance and talent management software, has announced that co-founder and executive chairman Michael Mullarkey has assumed the duties of president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Steve Purello. Mr. Mullarkey joined Workstream in 2001 as CEO through December 2006. During this period, the company developed a product
Russell Reynolds Associates Offers New Assessment Product
Recruiting firm Russell Reynolds Associates has released Culture Analyst, a proprietary offering designed by psychologists and assessment specialists, that measures corporate culture by more than two dozen variables, providing companies with objective, quantitative information to make informed leadership decisions. Culture Analyst is a produces a quantitative, multi-dimensional measurement of an organization's culture — the preferences
Diversified Search Taps Head of Biology for Drexel
Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson has placed Jeffery L. Twiss as head of the department of biology at Drexel University. Dr. Twiss was previously with Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, where he was principal research scientist for Nemours Biomedical Research and director of both the Center for Translational Neurobiology and the Histotechnology &
Online Job Demand Down in October
Online advertised vacancies declined by 83,200 to 3,280,000 in October, according to The Conference Board Help-Wanted OnLine Data Series (HWOL). Online labor demand has been relatively flat since the low point in April 2009, increasing a modest 117,000, or slightly less than 20,000 per month. The October decline reflected dips in labor demand across much
Phillips Oppenheim Hires Search Consultant
New York City-headquartered Phillips Oppenheim has recently added Susan Gluck to its team. Ms. Gluck has worked in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Before joining Phillips Oppenheim as a search consultant, she co-founded Sage Baby, an internet retailer of environmentally-friendly baby products. Prior to this, Susan was a senior executive at IBM, where she
Spherion Q3 Revenues FAll 23 Percent
Recruiting company Spherion Corporation/(NYSE:SFN) has posted third quarter 2009 revenues of $420 million, a 22.5 percent decline from revenues of $542 million during the same period last year. The Fort Lauderdale-based company posted a net loss of $53,000, or zero a share, for the quarter, down from a profit of $4.1 million, or eight cents
HR Departments to Face Increased Pressure
According to a new survey by global human resources company, Hewitt Associates, HR departments continue to make steady progress in their ability to support the shift toward a more global business workforce, yet for many companies questions remain on how exactly HR should be aligned from a strategic, organizational and delivery perspective. Among Hewitt's findings
Nosal Partners Places CFO at CSM Corp.
Executive leadership solutions firm Nosal Partners LLC has recruited Peter G. Michielutti as vice president and CFO for CSM Corporation. Mr. Michielutti was previously executive vice president and CFO for Whitehall Jewelers in Chicago. The search was conducted by Clare Cizek, partner, and David Nosal, chairman and CEO, at Nosal Partners. CSM Corporation owns and
Maven Partners Expands Board
U.K.-based Maven Partners has announced the appointment of Matthew Leedham to its board and as joint managing partner. Mr. Leedham has worked in the recruitment industry for 18 years with Michael Page Plc where he was a founder director and head of the executive search practice in London until he resigned earlier this year. At







