DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
The Keys to Hiring AI Advisory Partners
The idea that software has reshaped every industry is no longer a bold prediction—it’s a baseline assumption, and now artificial intelligence is accelerating that shift even further. A new report from CipherStone Partners’ Robin Abraham and Joel Richard asks: What does today’s ground-shifting moment mean for those advising the world’s top business and political leaders
Private Equity Recruitment (PER) Establishes Presence in the U.S.
As private markets in North America continue to evolve, Private Equity Recruitment (PER) has expanded into the U.S. with the opening of an office in New York City. The firm appointed Oliver Noye as its head of the new location. “Oliver’s extensive experience, industry knowledge, and vast network make him the ideal leader for our
CISO Market Cools: Report Reveals Trends in Demand and Compensation
Following an active market for CISOs in 2021 and 2022, the demand for top security talent softened in 2023 and remained calm through the first half of 2024. During that period, many companies tightened budgets and adopted more-cautious hiring practices, resulting in a quieter market with reduced CISO rotation and fewer aggressive counteroffers, according to
Egon Zehnder Places Chief Marketing Officer at Naterra International
Chief marketing officers are the nexus between organizations and customers at a time when virtually every industry — from consumer to tech to healthcare and industrial — is focused on customer-centricity and the velocity of change continues to accelerate, according to leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder. They lead brand dialogue, inspire internal and external clients and
ADK Consulting & Executive Search Recruits New Leader for the Connecticut Airport Authority
ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Shea as the new executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA). The assignment was led by Theresia Schatz and Gale LaRoche. “The CAA board made an excellent choice in naming Mike Shea as its new executive director,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Mike is
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists the University of Arkansas System with President Search
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has helped to recruit retired United States Air Force lieutenant general Jay B. Silveria as the next president of the University of Arkansas System. Julie Holley and Marion Frenche led the assignment for the search firm. Mr. Silveria is expected to start his new role January 15, 2025,
WittKieffer Launches Global Emerging Sciences Practice
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has launched a new global emerging sciences practice dedicated exclusively to supporting organizations at the forefront of foundational scientific research and translating such research into therapeutic realities. This new practice builds on the firm’s longstanding work with research centers worldwide and their essential connectivity to commercial life sciences and healthcare delivery. “WittKieffer’s heritage as
Christian & Timbers Reports a 2.1 Percent Increase in C-Suite Compensation Among PE- Backed Tech Companies
Christian & Timbers has released its report titled Analysis of C-Suite Compensation Trends at Private-Equity Backed Tech Companies, part of its executive pay in focus series. This analysis is based on proprietary compensation data from 2024, encompassing over 100 PE-backed companies and more than 400 executives. The data includes information on base salaries, bonuses, and
Carrington & Carrington Recruits CHRO for UCare
Nate Jackson of Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Tamara Pinckney as chief human resources officer at UCare. The Carrington & Carrington team gathered input from UCare stakeholders, marketed the position to the CHRO community, and sourced and screened several qualified candidates to establish a substantial talent pool for UCare’s
Massey Henry Fills Chief Risk Officer Position for Peoples Group
A chief risk officer is crucial for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could jeopardize an organization’s financial stability, reputation, and compliance with regulations. They provide a strategic, organization-wide view of risks, enabling informed decision-making and fostering a culture of risk awareness. Identifying chief risk officers has kept executive search firms busy in recently months.
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of Scale Up Collective U.S.
Odgers Berndtson has appointed Rupert Lion as partner, technology practice and head of Scale Up Collective U.S. “We are excited to welcome Rupert to our team during this pivotal moment for the tech industry, marked by unprecedented innovation,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO, Odgers Berndtson U.S. “Rupert will make an immediate impact, ensuring our clients have access to
Protis Global Appoints SVP of Business Development
Protis Global has expanded with the addition of Brian Smith as senior vice president of business development leading the adult beverage team. “We are excited to welcome Brian to our team,” said Bert Miller, chairman and CEO at Protis Global. “His unique blend of industry knowledge and commitment to building relationships will be instrumental in driving success for
Unlocking Potential: How AI Coaching and Strategy Are Transforming Personal and Business Growth
In an era where time is precious and personal development is increasingly valued, AI coaching has emerged as a powerful tool to accelerate goal achievement and personal growth. By combining real-time insights, data-driven strategies, and personalized guidance, AI coaching platforms and applications offer users an experience that is both customized and scalable, according to a
Vetted Solutions Assists the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants with CEO Search
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has helped to place James Edmund Datri as the new president and CEO of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC). He will start his new position at the beginning of 2025. An accomplished leader with a track record of transforming and elevating professional organizations, Mr. Datri was selected following a rigorous
Nexus Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for McColl Center
Following a comprehensive national search, Nexus Search Partners has helped to recruit Asa Jackson as the new president and CEO for McColl Center. “Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist and accomplished arts leader, emerged as the top candidate after a nationwide search conducted by McColl Center’s board of directors in partnership with Nexus Search Partners,” the organization
Kincannon & Reed Fills CEO Position for Topigs Norsvin
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Dick Hordijk as the new CEO of Topigs Norsvin. Principals Attila von Hankó and Michael Whitney led the assignment. ‘’We are very pleased with the appointment of Dick,” said Mark Tijssen, chairman of the
The Christopher Group Launches Continuum Talent Solutions
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has launched Continuum Talent Solutions, a new platform designed to empower independent executive search consultants. Continuum offers a seamless, end-to-end solution for consultants with established client relationships who aspire to run their own business without the complexities of back-office operations. “With the highest commission structure in
Achieving True Diversity: The Power of Inclusion and Evidence-Based Recruitment Strategies
Mercuri Urval is a global executive search and talent advisory firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm was founded in 1967. Today, Mercuri Urval works with more than 3,000 clients – across all sectors – in over 70 countries every year. It is the only global executive search and leadership advisory firm based in the
Noetic Search Tapped by Hands Across the Sea to Find New Leader
Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Noetic Search has been selected by Hands Across the Sea to lead in its search for an executive director. This leader will play a crucial role in driving the organization’s mission forward, overseeing program development, managing partnerships, and fostering community engagement to make a lasting impact. The executive director will also manage the
Cooper Coleman Seeking COO and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the East Coast Zoological Foundation
Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) to lead searches for the organization’s first chief operating officer and their next chief philanthropy officer. This strategic expansion is integral to ECZF’s continued impact on conservation and community engagement, encompassing Brevard Zoo and the new Aquarium campus in Port Canaveral. “ECZF is a
The Moran Company Seeking New Leader for Ascendigo Autism Services
The non-profit sector is appealing because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on important social issues and contribute to positive change in communities, according to executive recruiters. Additionally, working in this sector often fosters a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfillment by aligning your career with your values and passions. This
Intersearch Worldwide Launches Sustainability Practice
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has launched its sustainability practice group. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to not only guiding our clients toward sustainable success but also embedding sustainability within our own operations,” InterSearch said. “As businesses worldwide face unprecedented environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges, the role
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search Today
Recruiting top talent today is more complex than ever. Return to work, the ban on non-competes, and the critical importance of company culture are changing the way we approach executive search. But these are not the only factors influencing recruiting practices, according to Alissa Henriksen, co-founder and co-president of Grey Search + Strategy. “More trends
JM Search Recruits CEO for unWired Broadband
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has assisted in the recruitment of Matt Murphy as the new CEO of O2 Investment Partners-backed unWired Broadband in Fresno, CA. John Warrack and Jerry K. Fong led the assignment. “The appointment of Matt Murphy marks a new chapter in unWired’s
Lindauer Leading Chief Development Officer Search for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Lindauer was recently tapped by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) to lead in its search for a senior vice president and chief development officer. The assignment is being led by Libby Roberts, senior executive vice president, and Josh Maker, senior consultant. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is looking for a strategic and visionary chief development officer to lead
DRiWaterstone Human Capital Seeking Chief People Officer for the Union of Concerned Scientists
Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently retained by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Doug Trout, CEO of DRiWaterstone, is leading the assignment. The chief people officer is responsible for developing and executing human capital strategy in support of the organization’s plan and strategic direction, specifically
The Forum Group Appoints Practice Director for Boston
New York City-based recruiting firm The Forum Group has expanded with the addition of Matt Swett as the new practice director for Boston. In his new position, Mr. Swett lead the firm’s accounting and finance recruitment initiatives across the region, playing a key part in boosting its presence in Massachusetts. “Matt’s strong performance record and
Top 5 Hiring Trends for 2025
Whether you’re planning your talent acquisition goals or headcount forecasts, it helps to know the latest hiring trends. For instance, labor market dynamics shifted in employers’ favor in 2024, with workers more willing to remain in their current roles, strengthening talent retention, according to figures from LHH. But LHH’s research suggests this change in employee sentiment
Counteroffers in Focus: Risks, Realities, and the Road to Retention Success
When hiring executives, a counteroffer is a proposal made by an executive’s current employer to retain them after they have received an offer from another organization. It usually includes incentives like a higher salary, enhanced benefits, or a promotion to persuade the executive to stay. Counteroffers are a strategic move by the current employer to
m/Oppenheim Executive Search Recruits CEO for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has recruited Blake-Anthony Johnson as the new CEO of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation (NOJHFF). Don Marshall, who announced his retirement last year, will serve as a valuable resource to Johnson and staff during this transition. Mark Oppenheim, Dennis Hanthorn, Kevin Reddick, and Lee Kappelman led the assignment.
Allen Austin Recruits CEO for Stress Engineering Services
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has helped to recruit Justin Jarski as the new CEO of Stress Engineering Services, Inc. “This momentous hire marks the first time the company has selected an external candidate for this role, signaling an exciting new era of leadership,” the search firm said. “Justin brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing
Ernst & Young Acquires Jubilant
Ernst & Young (EY) has acquired Jubilant, an HR technology consultancy focused on implementing and supporting human capital management, payroll and workforce management systems. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “By welcoming Jubilant, EY U.S. gains even more credibility and capabilities within the HR technology and transformation business of our People Consulting practice,”







