DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
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
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.
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
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?
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
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
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
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
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
U.S. Adds 115,000 Jobs in April as Unemployment Holds at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 115,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.2 million, changed little in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade. Federal government employment continued to decline. Among the major worker
HARTZ Search Seeking CFO for Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently tapped by Lake Charles Memorial Health System to lead in its search for a new CFO. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations across the health system. The
NGS Global Names Managing Partners for India
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has appointed Ashish Dhawan and Deepti Jethanandani as managing partners for India. Mr. Dhawan will be based in New Delhi and Ms. Jethanandani will be based in Bangalore. “Both Ashish and Deepti are recognized leaders throughout India with extensive experience recruiting senior-level talent to organizations both in India and throughout the region,”
Massey Henry Expands Board & CEO Practice
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has expanded with the addition of Jeff Hauswirth, senior partner, board & CEO practice. The appointment strengthens the firm’s capabilities in CEO search and succession, board recruitment, and senior leadership advisory, and further expands its expertise in the real assets sector. “Jeff is a recognized industry leader whose experience enhances
How Digital Misconduct is Reshaping Workplace Risk Management
Workplace misconduct rarely starts in the workplace anymore. Increasingly, the earliest signals appear online, often long before employers are aware of any issues, according to Fama Technologies’ latest State of Misconduct at Work report. The study found that digital platforms have become the first place where behaviors are expressed, documented, and observed. The findings show that misconduct signals
DSG | Koya Leading CEO Search for LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
DSG | Koya has been retained by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to lead in its search for a new CEO. Molly Brennan, global managing partner and non-profit and social impact practice leader, and Amber Brown, managing associate, are leading the assignment. The board of directors seeks a dynamic and grounded CEO to lead
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Board Directors for The Partnership To End Homelessness
The Partnership To End Homelessness recently retained McCormack+Kristel to lead in its search for new board directors. “We are thrilled to partner with The Partnership To End Homelessness to grow its board of directors,” McCormack+Kristel said in a LinkedIn post. “The partnership’s mission, to end homelessness by preventing it, is advanced through an upstream intervention model
L.Maxwell Global Appoints Board Advisor
L.Maxwell Global has appointed Frank Tirelli as board advisor. In this role, he will strengthen the firm’s counsel to CEOs, boards, and private equity sponsors, shaping leadership across human capital platforms and professional services investments. “Frank has governed professional services firms from the inside at a scale very few advisors have, and he understands what that work looks
Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office Johannesburg
Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Johannesburg to deepen its footprint in South Africa. Leading the new office is Paul O’Brien, an executive search specialist with over 14 years of experience across South Africa, the U.K., Hong Kong, the UAE, and broader Africa. “South Africa is a vital growth frontier where exceptional leadership
Why Your Digital Presence is the New Executive Resume
In an increasingly competitive executive search environment, visibility has become a critical factor in how senior talent is identified, assessed, and ultimately hired. Recruiters and hiring leaders are no longer relying solely on traditional resumes, but instead are leveraging digital platforms to build a more complete and real-time view of candidates. As a result, professionals
The Tolan Group Recruits CFO for Defining Wellness Centers
The Tolan Group (TTG) has placed Bill Morrison as the new CFO of Defining Wellness Centers in Jackson, MS. “Bill has spent his career helping healthcare organizations grow with discipline and clarity,” said Drew Rothermel, CEO of Defining Wellness Centers. “We’re entering an important phase of growth, and his experience building financial infrastructure and supporting strategic
6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
As leadership transitions become more frequent and stakes continue to rise, boards are facing increasing pressure to ensure continuity at the top. Yet many organizations remain underprepared, exposing themselves to significant operational and financial risk when succession is left unaddressed. The gap between those that treat succession as a strategic priority and those that view
TurnkeyZRG Tapped by the Academy of Country Music for CEO Search
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead in its search for a new CEO. Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, and Anne Johnson are leading the assignment. The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of
Wilton & Bain Expands People & Culture Practice
Wilton & Bain has appointed Claire Paramo as a partner in its people & culture practice. Claire will be based in the firm’s London headquarters. “I am delighted to welcome Claire to Wilton & Bain,” said Tim Baker, managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “Over recent months, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and
Risk Mitigation and Business Complexity is Driving Demand in Legal Recruiting
Demand for senior legal leaders is rising as companies, and law firms face mounting regulatory complexity, global uncertainty, and shifting risks. Boards and CEOs now expect legal executives to be not only technical experts but also strategic business partners who can influence decisions, manage crises, and deliver commercial impact. The bar has never been higher
Onboarding Executives for Non-Traditional Roles
As organizations confront increasingly complex challenges, leadership requirements are evolving beyond traditional industry boundaries. Companies are beginning to recognize that experience alone may not be the best predictor of success in roles that demand fresh thinking and adaptability. In response, many are exploring talent from adjacent sectors to bring new perspectives and capabilities into critical
Occam Global Recruits CEO for Aura Biosciences
New York City-based executive search firm Occam Global has recruited Natalie Holles as CEO of NASDAQ-traded Aura Biosciences in Boston, MA. She succeeds Elisabet de los Pinos, the company’s founder, who stepped down from her roles as CEO and president and member of the board of directors on the same date. “We are delighted to welcome Natalie as CEO
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists Murray State with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Paul Twigg as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Twigg to Murray State University as our next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Murray State
Bespoke Partners Expands Go-To-Market Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners has expanded with the addition of Alyssa Berardi as a partner in the go-to-market practice. “Alyssa’s combination of executive search experience and data-driven insight makes her an exceptional addition to the Bespoke team,” said Tess Fischer, partner and practice lead of Bespoke Partners’ go-to-market practice. “She brings a modern, data-informed perspective to go-to-market
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by OneOC for CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been retained by OneOC to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. OneOC seeks a talented individual provide forward-looking leadership and strategic direction, building on its successful foundation as a trusted partner to the non-profit sector across Orange County. Reporting to the board of directors, this
RH Perry & Associates Assists Macomb Community College with President Search
RH Perry & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Lori M. Gonko as president of Macomb Community College. Senior consultants Gena Glickman and George Santiago led the assignment. “Dr. Gonko has demonstrated the skills, abilities, enthusiasm and vision to lead Macomb Community College well into the future,” said Katherine Bracey Lorenzo, chair of the board and of the
Russell Reynolds Associates Names Managing Partner for the U.K.
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates recently appointed Tristan Jervis as managing partner for the U.K. Based in London, he works closely with some of the world’s largest multinational corporations and leading private equity firms to attract, assess, and develop high-impact technology executives. Mr. Jervis focuses on transformational leadership issues, ranging from the assessment and hiring
Why Job Offers Miss the Mark — and How to Bridge the Gap
You’ve worked through a complex hiring process, committed significant time, and identified the right candidate. The interviews were successful, and the team reached internal alignment. But when the offer is extended, the response is a polite “no, thank you.” If you’ve experienced it, you understand how frustrating that moment can be. After weeks of effort,
How Executive Search Firms Identify True Talent
In today’s competitive job market, relying solely on traditional resumes and standard hiring processes is no longer enough to identify the right talent for critical roles. Specialized search and selection firms play a pivotal role in revolutionizing talent acquisition by focusing on a deeper understanding of organizational needs and candidate potential, according to a report
The Moran Company Assists the American Counseling Association With CEO Search
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Brian Banks as the new CEO of the American Counseling Association. Jon Rosell led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to ACA,” said ACA governing council president M. Elsa Soto Leggett. “At a time when policy and
Cook Silverman Search Helps Recruit Executive Director for Welcoming Home
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has assisted in the recruitment of Michael Cushing as the first executive director of Welcoming Home, marking a step in the organization’s growth and continued service to formerly homeless families in need across Marin and Sonoma counties. The organization’s founders, Marsha Roberts and Greg Hansen, will work closely with Mr. Cushing during
Caldwell Appoints Co-Leader of Technology Practice
Toronto-headquartered Caldwell has expanded the firm’s technology practice leadership team, naming Shawn Banerji to join Jim Bethmann as co-leader of the technology practice. “Under Jim’s leadership, Caldwell’s technology practice has built a strong global reputation advising companies across the tech industry,” said Chris Beck, CEO of Caldwell. “Artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation are reshaping competitive advantage
Companies Don’t Have a Talent Problem—They Have a Judgment Problem
As organizations scale, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the quality of decisions made around people, not just strategy. Leaders who consistently outperform tend to approach hiring, team development, and execution with greater discipline, clarity, and adaptability. After 15 years as a founder and CEO of venture-backed companies, John Levisay of
7 Tips to Ace Your Video Interview
Video interviews have become a standard component of executive hiring, offering organizations a more efficient way to engage senior candidates while maintaining momentum in competitive search processes. For C-suite and board-level roles, they are typically used as an early-stage tool to assess communication style, presence, and initial alignment before committing to in-person meetings. While they
