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Daily Newswire
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
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.
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
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?
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
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,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
The Structural Shift in Executive Search: Why a Third Model Is Emerging
The executive search industry is undergoing a fundamental structural shift—one that goes beyond the long-standing divide between retained and contingent models. As leadership roles become more complex, business environments more volatile, and the consequences of hiring mistakes more severe, the traditional frameworks that once defined the market are proving insufficient. What is emerging in their
AI-Forward Leadership: Driving Strategy, Innovation, and Performance in the Digital Age
AI-forward leadership describes an approach that emphasizes the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into organizational strategy. It reflects a forward-looking mindset among leaders who understand AI’s transformative potential and use it to drive business outcomes. Such leaders are characterized by their willingness to embrace technology, their adaptability in evolving environments, and their commitment to
Chartwell Partners Assists Farm Credit Bank of Texas with CEO Search
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Blaut as the new CEO of Farm Credit Bank of Texas. He succeeds Amie Pala, who is retiring following a distinguished and impactful tenure with the organization. J. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search. “We were honored
Krauthamer & Associates Completes Search for Walker & Dunlop
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has placed Mark Washington as managing director of capital markets, multifamily investment sales, for Walker & Dunlop, Inc. “Our strategy is centered around patience and a long-term commitment to grow our multifamily investment sales platform with best-in-class talent,” said Kris Mikkelsen, executive vice president, co-head of capital markets at Walker &
Leathwaite Expands Global Legal, Risk and Compliance Practice
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has expanded with the addition of Regina Glocker as a partner in its New York office, further strengthening its global legal, risk and compliance practice. “Regina brings deep risk, investment banking and capital markets expertise to Leathwaite, alongside a strong track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes in complex, global environments,” said Hypatia
The New Engine of Executive Search: How Hunt Scanlon Is Powering a Productivity Revolution
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit last week began rolling out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability
What the Top 25 Percent of Search Firms Do Differently — And Why It’s Not About Sourcing
The performance gap between the highest-grossing executive search and recruiting firms and their peers is not primarily explained by market access, brand reputation, or the size of their candidate networks. According to new operational research from Recruiterflow — drawing on data from over 2,100 retained, contingent, and executive search firms — it comes down to
Academic Career & Executive Search Seeking CFO for Cleary University
Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has been retained by Cleary University to lead in its search for a new CFO. Jennifer Muller, managing partner, is leading the assignment. Cleary recently rolled out its new strategic plan, The Fourth Wave, and the plan presents an exciting opportunity for a CFO to lead financial transformation within a high-growth education
Bauer Harris Fills Senior Post for PREMIER Bankcard
Boston, MA-based executive search firm Bauer Harris has helped to recruit Teddi Burress as associate vice president of digital strategy and platform management at PREMIER Bankcard. “Congratulations to Teddi Burress on her new role as AVP of digital strategy & platform management at PREMIER Bankcard,” Bauer Harris said in a LinkedIn post. “We’re excited for Teddi as
Brettschneider Executive Search Appoints Senior Partner
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Joanne DeStefano as senior partner. “This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start to finish by seasoned executives,” Brettschneider Executive Search said in a release. “DeStefano will play a pivotal role
Human Capital Enters a New Operating Era
Deloitte’s latest 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report makes one point clear: organizations are moving beyond traditional workforce models toward more fluid, capability-driven systems. Work is increasingly decomposed into tasks, projects, and outcomes rather than fixed roles, forcing companies to rethink how talent is structured and deployed. At the same time, leaders are balancing two competing forces.
CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Edify
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Rudder as the new CEO of Edify. The search was led by Chris Hornsby, Kevin Ung, and Jodi Delikat. “This appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues its mission to improve and expand sustainable Christ-centered education globally,” Edify said. The search
SPMB Recruits Chief Information Officer for AstraZeneca
SPMB Executive Search has placed Chris Taylor as chief information officer of AstraZeneca. Managing partner Mike Doonan, partner Radley Meyers, and associate Fiona Gleeson led the assignment. “Some searches carry a different kind of weight,” Mr. Doonan said in a LinkedIn post. “Helping place technology leaders advancing cancer care is one of them. We’re grateful to have supported
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Community Shelter Board for CFO Search
BroadView Talent Partners has been selected by CSB (Community Shelter Board) to lead in its search for a new chief financial officer. Christie Angel, Steven Hatchett, Marshawna Williams, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CFO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team at CSB responsible for leading the organization’s financial strategy. This leader provides strategic
DHR Global Names Partner in the Washington, D.C. Region
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Jessica Bayer as managing partner, Washington, D.C. In this role, she will lead the firm’s continued growth and market presence in the Washington, D.C. region, while maintaining her responsibilities as managing partner of the corporate affairs & communications practice. “Washington, D.C. is a uniquely complex market where corporate affairs, communications, and policy
Inside the Evolving Role of HR Leadership
As organizations scale and evolve, building the right HR leadership structure becomes a critical driver of performance and long-term success. Yet many companies still rely on outdated benchmarks and assumptions that fail to reflect the complexity of today’s business environment. Increasingly, leaders are recognizing that effective HR is not about headcount ratios, but about aligning
TM² Executive Search Retained by Lumina Foundation and Southern University to Fill Senior Roles
TM² Executive Search (TM²),the executive search firm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), was recently awarded a grant from Lumina Foundation to launch a board governance excellence initiative. “HBCUs have long deserved this level of targeted investment in their governance capacity,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “TM²’s work will generate
Buffkin / Baker Seeking 11th President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker is currently assisting Valdosta State University (VSU) in its search for its 11th president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. President must provide transformational leadership that brings clarity, confidence and momentum to the university’s next chapter. This role begins with the ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision
Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Justin Zale as a partner in its New York and Stamford offices, where he will lead the firm’s global real estate practice. “Justin brings a deeply strategic perspective on talent, honed through his combined experiences as a real estate operator and global advisor,” said George Craft, who leads Spencer Stuart’s global financial
Alexander Hughes Appoints Managing Partner U.K and Ireland
Alexander Hughes has expanded with the addition of Richard Ingram as managing partner U.K. and Ireland. In his new position, he will lead the firm’s activities across the U.K. and Ireland, supporting strategic growth and strengthening client partnerships across key sectors. With over three decades of international executive search experience, Mr. Ingram has built a track
Hunt Scanlon Launches Training Program for Executive Recruiters
The executive search industry has a training problem. For decades, recruiting firms have relied on apprenticeship models, learning by osmosis, informal coaching, and individual manager styles. It works for a few. But it does not scale. In a market now defined by AI, speed, precision, and commercial pressure, inconsistency in recruiter performance is no longer
Beyond the Resume: Assessing Future-Proof Leadership in Executive Search
Executive search is no longer just about matching credentials to a job description. As industries undergo rapid transformation, organizations are placing greater emphasis on identifying leaders who can navigate uncertainty, drive change, and create long-term value. Traditional markers of success—titles, tenure, and technical expertise—are increasingly insufficient on their own. In this environment, hiring decisions are
TurnkeyZRG Assists UNC Recruit New Men’s Head Basketball Coach
TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of 24-year NBA coaching veteran Michael Malone as the new men’s head basketball coach for the University of North Carolina (UNC). “Michael was the first coach we engaged with as part of the search process because of his reputation as a selfless teacher and innovator who brings an incredible ability to
Lancer Group Fills Senior Role for Empower Pharmacy
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has placed Suzanne Farhoud as vice president, chief of staff of Empower Pharmacy, a vertically integrated compounding pharmacy focused on delivering personalized, affordable medications directly to patients and providers at scale. As it moves into its next phase, the focus shifts from growth to how that growth is managed, with
Caldwell Adds Partner in Dubai
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has added Domenic Falzarano as a partner in the firm’s consumer practice. Based in Dubai, his appointment strengthens Caldwell’s capabilities across the consumer, events, entertainment, sports, and tourism sectors in the Middle East. “We’re delighted to welcome Domenic to Caldwell,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “His nearly two decades of experience in the Middle East, coupled
HelloSky Bringing AI Into the Core Workflows of Executive Search Firms
Artificial intelligence is entering executive search at a time when the pace and expectations of the work are already shifting. For many firms, the introduction of new tools naturally raises questions about how established workflows and practices will evolve. Search has traditionally relied on a blend of experience, process, and individual approach, which can make
The Tolan Group Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health Solutions
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Howard Weeks as chief medical officer of Behavioral Health Solutions in Henderson, NV. Dr. Weeks brings more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health leadership, clinical operations, and healthcare system strategy. Prior to joining Behavioral Health Solutions, he served as chief medical officer at Eating Recovery Center and
SearchWide Global Seeking President for the Music City Center
SearchWide Global has been retained by the Music City Center (MCC) to lead in its search for a new president. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic is leading the assignment. The president is the senior executive responsible for the operational excellence, cultural leadership, and long-term performance of Nashville’s signature convention facility. Reporting directly to the CEO of the
Fairway Consulting Group Appoints VP
New York City-based executive search firm Fairway Consulting Group has expanded with the addition of Dan Strauss as vice president and client partner. “Strauss’s experience, industry relationships, and proven ability to partner with life sciences organizations make him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Dan Gold, president of Fairway Consulting Group. “Fairway is committed to delivering
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
AGB Search Recruits CHRO for the University of Colorado System
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Tony Gherardini as new vice president / chief human resources officer at the University of Colorado System (CU). Roderick McDavis and Margaret Plympton led the assignment. “We are thrilled Tony is joining our team,” said CU president Todd Saliman. “He has a long track record as
