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Daily Newswire
A Playbook for Speed to Hire at the Executive Level
In executive recruiting, companies often focus heavily on identifying the right candidate while overlooking another factor that can determine the outcome of the search: momentum. In today’s competitive executive talent market, highly sought-after leaders are evaluating opportunities in real time, and organizations that hesitate risk losing top talent before the process is complete. The ability
Isaacson, Miller Recruits Chief Information Officer for the Smithsonian Institution
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Zack Kahn as chief information officer for the Smithsonian Institution. Karen Avery and Dan Rodas led this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. Mr. Kahn joins the Smithsonian Institution with more than two decades of strategic technology leadership across federal agencies, global operations, and mission‑driven institutions. He previously served as
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.
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,
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?
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
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Global Shift Elevates DEI as a Strategic Imperative in the C-Suite
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly moving from corporate initiatives to core elements of business strategy as organizations respond to evolving workforce expectations and market demands. Companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress, particularly at the leadership level, where representation and decision-making have the greatest impact on culture, performance, and long-term growth.
RH Perry & Associates Recruits First VP of People, Culture and Equity at Holyoke Community College
RH Perry & Associates has helped to recruit Marlowe Washington as the first vice president of people, culture, and equity at Holyoke Community College. Senior consultant Jessie Thompson and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer, led the assignment. “I am very excited about the hiring of Dr. Washington as our inaugural vice president for people, culture, and
Taylor Bennett and Birchwood Knight Merge to Create New International Search Firm
Taylor Bennett and Birchwood Knight have joined forces to create a new international search firm, Taylor Birchwood. Merged firm will be jointly led by Taylor Bennett’s managing partner, Matthew Wall and Birchwood Knight’s founder and managing director, Wayne Reynolds. The firm will focus on finding senior talent in corporate affairs, communications, government relations, investor relations, and adjacent disciplines. They will recruit
Recruiting Women in Asset Management
As an executive search practice led by women, Jamesbeck has been on the front lines of recruiting qualified, diverse leaders in the investment management industry for the past 22 years. When economic historian and labor economist Claudia Goldin was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences last year for her work on the gender
NorthWind Partners Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Empower AI
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has recruited Jennifer Sample as the new chief technology officer of Empower AI in Reston, VA. The assignment was led by director Jonathan Rice. “Federal agencies know the importance of emerging technology when it comes to operational performance, but they need a trusted partner,” said Jeff Bohling, CEO of Empower AI. “Dr. Sample
Herbert Mines Associates Assists PacSun with CFO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Aina Konold as the new CFO of PacSun. She succeeds Russell Bowers, who was appointed chief operating officer of the company last year. “We are pleased to welcome Aina Konold to our leadership team as Pacsun’s new CFO,” said Brie Olson, CEO
20/20 Foresight Launches ESRA
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has launched of Executive Search Research Assistant — known as ESRA — a proprietary technology developed by the firm that improves candidate identification and research process. A cornerstone of any successful executive search firm is the ability to efficiently and accurately identify both active and passive candidates and match them with
August Leadership Creates Media & Entertainment and Legal Practices
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has added two new specialized practices: media & entertainment and legal. Leading these new practices are partners Marina Paganucci, John Zaffarano, and Glenn Tannous. Ms. Paganucci and Mr. Zaffarano have joined the firm to lead the media & entertainment practice which spans leadership and talent within film, TV, streaming, VFX, VR/AR, video games, eSports, live events, sports, and gaming. “Our
The Impact of Interim Talent: Boosting Finance Teams with Flexibility and Expertise
Business leaders today are finding that hiring the right talent is hard. What people are looking for in their careers is constantly evolving, organizational needs are changing rapidly, and the economy is driving the need for companies to pivot as conditions change, according to Matt Shore, CEO of StevenDouglas. “The traditional employee model, while still effective
Savannah State University Taps AGB Search to Find New President
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Savannah State University (SSU) to lead in its search for a new president. Principal Kim Bobby and executive search consultant Gwendolyn Boyd are leading the assignment. Cynthia Robinson Alexander is the interim president of Savannah State. She assumed the role last year,
SPMB Recruits CFO for Emergence Capital
Chief financial officers are in high demand due to their critical role in managing financial strategy, risk, and compliance, which is crucial for organizational success. Their expertise helps companies navigate complex financial landscapes and drive growth, making them essential for strategic decision-making. SPMB Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Kristy Landers as the
True Acquires Paradigm Search
Global talent provider True has acquired Paradigm Search, a boutique executive search firm focused on finding engineering and product leaders. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founder and CEO Matt Johnson and the Paradigm team will join True’s product, data & technology (PDT) practice. “Matt and the Paradigm team have an excellent and well-deserved reputation
Nexus Search Partners Appoints SVP of Client Relations
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has expanded with the addition of Darci Galvin as senior vice president of client relations. In this position, she will focus on optimizing client success and fostering growth through the creation and execution of strategic initiatives. “We are thrilled to welcome Darci to the Nexus
Bullhorn Makes Third Acquisition this Year with the Addition of KonaSearch
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired KonaSearch, a BasisTech portfolio company that offers match and discovery solutions for staffing, recruiting, and executive search businesses on the Salesforce platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Executive search firms need access to deep, comprehensive historical data on job histories and career achievements,” Bullhorn said. “KonaSearch’s powerful cross-entity search solution
The Moran Company Tapped by Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise to Lead CEO Search
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
Odgers Berndtson Names Co-Head of Education Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Dario Cortes as partner and co-head, education practice. “Our education clients invest in senior talent with the expertise and experience to manage institutional and social tensions, evolving fiscal circumstances, and an urgent need to drive impactful innovation,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers Berndtson USA. “Dr. Cortes possesses unparalleled first-hand experience
Riviera Partners Expands Search Staff
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has named Austin Douglas as a partner. “We are thrilled to have Austin back with us,” said Eoin O’Toole, managing partner of Riviera’s venture-backed practice. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of the engineering and product space, combined with his
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Revenue Decrease of Three Percent
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2025 fiscal first quarter revenues of $674.9 million, a decrease of three percent from the same period a year ago. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to lower fee revenues in professional search & interim and RPO driven by a decline in demand due to the current economic environment, partially offset by
The Philadelphia Fed Taps Spencer Stuart to Find New President and CEO
Federal Reserve Bank president searches are some of the most coveted assignments to take on among executive recruiters, and a number of leading search firms have gotten in on the action. The Philadelphia Fed recently retained Spencer Stuart to lead in its search for a new president and CEO to succeed Patrick T. Harker. A committee
Unemployment Remains Little Changed in August
Employment rose by 142,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.2 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 7.1 million in August. These measures are higher than a year earlier, when the jobless rate was 3.8 percent, and the number of unemployed people
Kaplan Partners Assists the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with CHRO Search
Kaplan Partners, which specializes in conducting searches for C-level executives primarily in the financial services, corporate financial, private investor, and technology sectors, has helped to recruit Christopher W. Jackson as CHRO of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mr. Jackson joined the board’s human resources team and will serve as a member of the agency’s executive team. “Chris
Wilton & Bain Names Leader for Middle East and North Africa
Wilton & Bain has appointed Sami Zouehid to lead the firm’s Middle East and North Africa office. “I am absolutely delighted that Sami has chosen to join us,” said David Heron, CEO. “His values, drive, and sense of ambition directly mirror our own. He stood out head and shoulders aside other candidates we met in our
The Year of CEO Ousters
A CEO fired for a run of slow sales, another forced out due to their inability to regain the confidence of customers and other stakeholders, and a third who resigned because his cost-cutting strategy failed to improve profitability. It appears that 2024 is a year in which many boards have lost patience with CEOs, according
ZRG Acquires Linked4HR Solutions’ Executive Interim & HR Advisory Services
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Linked4HR Solutions’ executive interim & HR advisory services in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. With the acquisition the firm added Hicham Hachkal as managing director for interim and HR advisory. “We are
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo
Following a nationwide search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She will replace Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retires this month after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Providing direction, mentorship, and support to this team, Ms. Tisone will evaluate all processes with an
Coulter Partners Recruits CEO for Tristel
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Matthew Sassone as the new CEO of Tristel plc, a manufacturer of infection prevention products. He will replace Paul Swinney, the company’s founder and CEO of 30 years, who announced his plans to retire during 2023. Mr. Swinney will remain with the company for a suitable
Ferguson Partners Appoints Leader of Southwest Region
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has named Matt McAulay as managing director of the firm’s executive search practice in the Southeast region of the U.S. “Matt’s experience, values, and approach to client servicing align perfectly with Ferguson Partners, and his hire further enhances our reputation as the premier real assets talent management firm,” said William J. Ferguson, co-founder, co-chairman,
What to Consider When Hiring an Executive Search Firm
With the pace at which the global business world is moving forward, it has become crucial for every organization to have the right leadership and the winning team by their side. Every organization’s success hinges on having the most efficient executives strategically placed to outmaneuver the competition. But how to find the perfect pieces to
NU Advisory Partners Recruits CFO for Overtime
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners recently placed Alvin Lobo as the new CFO of Overtime in Brooklyn, NY. “Congratulations Alvin Lobo on joining Overtime as chief financial officer,” NU Advisory Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make here.” Mr. Lobo most recently served as CFO of mobile
Allen Austin Recruits CHRO for James Avery Artisan Jewelry
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin has assisted in the recruitment of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer of James Avery Artisan Jewelry in Kerrville, TX. “We are thrilled to announce the successful placement of Ty Richardson as the new chief human resources officer at James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a brand renowned for its
JamesDruryPartners Helps The Boston Beer Company Fill Board Position
Recruiting for boards of directors, considered the backbones of organizations, has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Chicago-headquartered JamesDruryPartners recently assisted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. with the recruitment of Joseph Jordan as a new
N2Growth Expands in the U.K.
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has appointed Richard Armstrong as partner in its London office. He will spearhead the expansion of N2Growth’s executive search practice across the U.K. focusing on executive search, board of directors, and C-suite searches. “We are thrilled to welcome Richard Armstrong to the N2Growth team,” said Kelli Vukelic, CEO of N2Growth. “Richard’s
