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Daily Newswire
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The 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
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?
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
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,
The Evolution of CEO Succession
Leadership stability has become harder to maintain in an environment defined by continuous transformation, shifting investor expectations, and increasing operational complexity. As a result, boards and sponsors are placing greater emphasis on how leadership evolves over time, rather than relying on static assumptions about tenure and timing. This shift is forcing organizations to take a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CEO for Talogy
NU Advisory Partners has recruited Russ Becker as the new CEO of Talogy, a market leader in the talent assessment and development space and a portfolio company of Waud Capital Partners. He succeeds Steve Tapp, who will continue to serve in a transitional role as special advisor to the Talogy board of directors. “Congratulations Russ Becker on
October Job Gains Stand at Only 12,000 Ahead of Election
Employment rose by 12,000 in October as the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.0 million in October. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare and government. Temporary help services lost jobs. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity.
Myers McRae Recruits Dean for the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina
Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting recently assisted the University of South Carolina in the recruitment of accomplished public health leader Tara Sabo-Attwood as the new dean of the Arnold School of Public Health. Ms. Sabo-Attwood will take the helm of the Arnold School from retiring dean, Tommy Chandler, who served the school for 17 years.
Odgers Berndtson Names Head of the Canadian Education Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has named Julia Robarts as country as head of the Canadian education practice. Ms. Robarts joined Odgers Berndtson 17 years ago and has become a trusted advisor to universities, colleges, and schools across the country. “I’m very happy to share that I’ll be leading our work across the country as head of
Speed, Communication, and AI are Key to Keeping Top Talent Engaged With Search Firms
What does it take to produce a satisfied, loyal talent community? Speed and accuracy in search and match, and clear, timely communication top the list, according to a recent report from Bullhorn. The recruiting software provider surveyed more than 2,400 global workers on their experiences working with search firms in 2024 to produce this year’s GRID Talent
True Recruits COO for Wonder
Global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tony Hoggett as the new chief operating officer of Wonder. Todd Zangrillo, Joe Illsley, Hannah James, and Alan Cork led the assignment. “At Wonder, we are deeply committed to investing in exceptional talent as we strategically shape our company’s future,” said Marc Lore, founder and CEO. “Bringing
Isaacson, Miller Seeking President for Marquette University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller was recently retained by Marquette University to lead in its search for its 25th president. Vice president and director Julie Filizetti, partner Phillip Petree, and senior associate Rafael Escobedo, are leading the assignment. Past president Michael Lovell recently died after a three-year battle with cancer. The president serves as the CEO for Marquette and
Egon Zehnder Names Co-Leaders of the Global Technology Officers Practice Group
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has named Joon Yoon and Sven Michaelis as co-leaders of the global technology officers practice group. “I am thrilled to take on this new co-leadership role for the global technology officers practice group at Egon Zehnder,” said Mr. Yoon. “As technology and innovation continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, the demand for
Friisberg & Partners Appoints Chief Business Development Strategy Officer
Friisberg & Partners International has added Sabine Pirkner to its executive board as chief business development strategy officer. In her new position, she will be responsible for leading and shaping the firm’s business development strategy, furthering its growth and market expansion goals. “We are delighted to have Sabine on our executive team,” said Zoltan Petho, chair
The Evolving Role of Leadership Advisory Services in Executive Search
Leadership advisory services are consulting offerings that help organizations enhance their leadership effectiveness through tailored development programs, coaching, and succession planning. They focus on assessing and aligning leadership strategies with organizational goals while managing change and talent. Ultimately, these services empower leaders to drive performance and foster a positive organizational culture. Leadership advisory services have
Funk Associates Recruits Dean for the University of South Alabama College of Engineering
Funk Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Darryl James as dean of the University of South Alabama College of Engineering. He takes over the deanship from John Usher, who will remain on faculty. “Dr. James brings a wealth of experience to South, both as a faculty member, and as a highly effective leader,” said Andi Kent,
Renovata & Company Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Cleversoft
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Gerard McNamara as chief revenue officer of Cleversoft, a cloud-based RegTech company. “Gerard has an impressive track record in scaling software companies and building dynamic teams who execute rigorously,” said Lucy Brealy, principal at Renovata. “He has deep expertise in commercial strategy and building go-to
Mercuri Urval Names Global Practice Head of the Public Sector
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Christian Nyhlén as partner and global practice head of the public sector. “The public sector practice is a multifaceted environment with many different layers,” said Mr. Nyhlén. “Especially in a complex, volatile and rapidly changing world the demands on leadership will be higher and more challenging than ever.
Lyneer Search Group Appoints Director of Branding and Content
Lyneer Search Group, an executive talent acquisition firm specializing in finance and executive roles, has expanded with the addition of Karen Childers as director of branding and content. “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Lyneer Search Group team,” said Scott Noga, vice president. “Karen’s expertise in digital marketing and her vision for creating
A Look at the Growing Need for Cybersecurity Executives
The market for cybersecurity recruiting is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats faced by organizations globally. Companies are seeking skilled professionals to protect their data and infrastructure, leading to high demand for cybersecurity talent across various industries, executive recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. This competitive landscape has resulted
McDermott + Bull Recruits U.S. Leader for Rayner
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull recently assisted in the recruitment of Scott Corning as vice president, Americas, for Rayner, a global manufacturer of products for cataract surgery headquartered in Worthing, U.K. The search was completed by partner Jake Vander Zanden, and head of search operations Mallory McDermott. Mr. Corning will play a pivotal role in developing and executing
Work&Partners Fills Senior Positions for Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has recruited John Dalton as director of product management and Chelsi Tryon as director of ESG for Toppan Merrill, further strengthening the company’s leadership team. “The additions of both Chelsi Tryon and John Dalton to the Toppan Merrill team will have a positive impact going forward across their all business lines and product
Reffett Associates Appoints Leader of Consumer Practice
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has expanded with the addition of Tom Danowski to lead its consumer practice. “Tom is an exceptional executive,” said Marshall Reffett, managing director of Reffett’s Seattle office. “He brings deep industry experience and will be a great compliment to not only our team but, also to our clients.” “Tom Danowski brings years of leadership
Archer Search Partners Opens Doors
Venture-backed executive search firm Archer Search Partners has been launched by Alexis DuFresne and Fraser Trimble, specializing in aligning human capital strategies with business goals for asset managers. The firm places investment and distribution professionals at alternative asset management firms. Clients include private equity, credit, and hedge fund firms. The firm also offers fractional human
Predicting Talent Acquisition Trends for 2025
As organizations navigate the post-AI boom and the shift to skills-based hiring, many are experiencing analysis paralysis, but now is the time to act with purpose. Korn Ferry recently surveyed over 400 talent acquisition professionals and consulted with more than 40 of its experts to uncover five key hiring trends shaping 2025, including the critical
How Executive Search Firms Adapt
In today’s dynamic hiring landscape, executive search firms like BrainWorks are adapting their strategies to focus on stable sectors such as technology, healthcare, and essential services during uncertain times. BrainWorks recently joined Hunt Scanlon Media to discuss how recruiting firms can meet evolving client needs by adjusting search strategies and leveraging advanced tools. Key insights from
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Executive Director for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Anya Lynn-Alesker (they/she) as executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. “We are confident that Lynn-Alesker will lead our organization to new heights as we continue our important mission of promoting justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity,” said Bendita Cynthia Malakia,
Collegiate Sports Associates Assists St. Johns with Director of Athletics Search
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of alumnus Ed Kull as the eighth vice president and director of athletics for St. John’s University. “Ed Kull has demonstrated a commitment to excellence on and off the field of competition,” said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. John’s University. “This is an important hire
JM Search Expands Team Focused on Recruiting Key Executives Across the Financial Services Sector
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded its team of experts dedicated to recruiting executives for financial services organizations and fintech businesses. “JM Search is seeing increased demand for key leaders within financial services, including investment management, banking, consumer & commercial finance, fintech, and insurance, and is committed to
The Transformation of HR in the Age of AI
The integration of artificial intelligence into HR is not a trend; it’s a transformative shift that is reshaping how organizations manage people, optimize processes, and drive innovation. As businesses seek to enhance efficiency and effectiveness while fostering a more dynamic and engaging workplace, AI and automation are increasingly being implemented into HR strategies, according to
Acertitude Assists Sterling Site Access Solutions with CEO Search
Executive search firm Acertitude recently assisted in the recruitment of Kaye Ceille as the new CEO of Sterling Site Access Solutions in Chicago. Kevin O’Neill, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of the industrial practice at Acertitude, led the search together with Max Stubenvoll, principal overseeing business services in North America. “In our search for CEO, we looked
The SAFE Alliance Taps Peña Search to Find Chief Development Officer
The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) recently retained Peña Search to lead in its search for a new chief development officer. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The chief development officer is a critical member of SAFE’s executive and senior leadership teams. In collaboration with the CEO and others, the CDO will help co-create,
TurnkeyZRG Expands Revenue Functional Practice
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Jamie Spencer as a managing director within the revenue functional practice. “Jamie Spencer has been a top revenue executive for 25+ years – especially in tickets, premium and season ticket holder programs,” said Len Perna, chairman and CEO of TurnkeyZRG. “Jamie is joining TurnkeyZRG as our managing director to
NPAworldwide Adds 11 New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 11 new member firms. The new partners are located in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Spain and the U.K., with recruitment specialties including engineering, healthcare, information technology, sales, and more across multiple industry sectors. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are
A Look at Key Trends in Executive Recruiting for Private Equity-Backed Companies
A long-awaited interest rate cut in the U.S. finally arrived in September. Bespoke Partners’ Second Half 2024 Private Equity Talent Report asks will it thaw the deep freeze gripping private equity deal-flow and exits? Signs were that prospective deals in late Q2 and early Q3 had already priced in the expected rate cut and deals
Russell Reynolds Associates Recruits CFO for Rexford Industrial Realty
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has placed Michael Fitzmaurice as the new CFO of NYSE-traded Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. in Los Angeles. Deb Barbanel and Nick Roberts led the assignment. “We are very pleased to welcome Michael Fitzmaurice to the Rexford Industrial team,” said Michael Frankel and Howard Schwimmer, co-chief executive officers of the company. “Michael is a strategic,
