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Daily Newswire
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
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.
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
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?
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
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
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
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Rethinking the Factors Behind Employee Loyalty and Retention
Two widely repeated assumptions continue to shape discussions around today’s workforce, despite oversimplifying a far more nuanced reality. Claims that employee loyalty has disappeared, or that departures are driven almost entirely by poor management, often overlook the broader mix of organizational, economic, leadership, and career factors influencing retention. While such narratives persist because they are
Anthem Executive Assists the University of West Alabama with Provost Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Amy H. Jones as provost of the University of West Alabama, the role that oversees all aspects of academics at the institution. “Dr. Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of UWA,” said Todd G. Fritch, president of the University of West Alabama.
ON Partners Recruits Chief Supply Chain Officer for Atmus Filtration Technologies
ON Partners has helped to recruited Kevin Carpenter as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of NYSE-traded Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. in Nashville, TN. Partner Heidi Hoffman led the assignment. “Kevin is a proven operations leader with a strong track record of building resilient, customer focused supply chains at scale,” said Steph Disher, president and
ZRG Partners Acquires Sterling Martin Associates
ZRG Partners has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm specializing in professional associations, trade organizations, and mission‑driven non-profit organizations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, said the acquisition reflects ZRG’s disciplined approach to growth. “This is not about scale for scale’s sake,” he explained.
Options Group Appoints VP in London
Options Group has named Henry Wilson as a vice president in London. He will specialize in the commodities trading technology sector. Over the past 12 years, Mr. Wilson has specialized in technology recruitment across commodities and capital markets, partnering with trading businesses to solve complex hiring challenges across front‑office, quantitative, and core trading technology functions. He previously spent over
Inside the AI Integration Gap: What Separates the Firms Moving Furthest
Executive search is off to a strong start in 2026. Americas revenue across the industry is tracking up approximately 10 to 11 percent, and a number of search firms are posting growth rates that would have been notable even in stronger markets. But beneath that headline, a different kind of divide is opening up —
The Most Overlooked Step in Hiring, and Why It Matters
In today’s hiring environment, organizations devote significant attention to attracting and securing top talent, yet many overlook the period immediately following offer acceptance. While the candidate may have formally agreed to join the company, important expectations, logistics, and verbal commitments often remain unresolved or undocumented. Recruiters say this overlooked stage can have a major impact
Bryant Group Fills Senior Post for the University of Oklahoma Foundation
Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Ketchum as assistant vice president of advancement, OU Health Campus, at the University of Oklahoma Foundation. The search was led by Sarah Hempen, vice president of search. “Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise and a proven ability to inspire high-performing
The Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Retains Krauthamer & Associates for CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has been retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board
CFO Appointments Hit Seven-Year High as Expanding Mandate Reshapes the Role
The chief financial officer position has evolved into one of the most strategically consequential positions in the modern enterprise. No longer confined to stewardship of the balance sheet, today’s CFO sits at the intersection of capital allocation, enterprise risk, digital transformation, and long-term value creation. Boards increasingly view the position as a linchpin of stability
Kirby Bates Associates Seeking COO for South Denver Gastroenterology
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates was recently retained by South Denver Gastroenterology, P.C. to conduct a search for their inaugural chief operating officer. Leading the assignment are Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter, and Troy Keach, vice president search services. The chief operating officer, reporting to the chief executive officer, and a dyad relationship with
Cornerstone International Group Names President
Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, has appointed Dan Heiman as its new president. His appointment is effective January 1, 2025. “This strategic move is part of our leadership succession plan, initiated in 2021, and marks a significant milestone in our 35-year history,” Cornerstone said. “Mr. Heiman’s extensive experience and
M&A Deal Volumes Jump As CEOs Hunt Down Acquisitions
After a year of wait-and-see, 2024 is proving to be action time for U.S. dealmaking. EY’s forecast in its just-released midyear EY-Parthenon Deal Barometer predicts corporate M&A deal volume rising 20 percent year-over-year – nearly doubling the original 12 percent predicted in the inaugural Barometer release in January. PE deal volume, meanwhile, will increase 16 percent year-over-year,
BarkerGilmore Assists Methodist Healthcare System in Finding New General Counsel
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Teresa Burroff as the new general counsel of Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio, TX. The search was led by managing director Katie Gilmore and partner Brittney McDonough. “Teresa’s appointment as general counsel not only underscores her legal prowess but also
Parker Executive Search Recruits 21st President for Illinois State University
Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search has placed Aondover Tarhule as the 21st president of Illinois State University. Trustees also approved a four-year contract for Mr. Tarhule that will expire March 17, 2028. The transition to the new position takes place immediately following Mr. Tarhule’s year-long interim president appointment and a national search, led by a 29-member search
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has helped to recruit Cheri Faunce as the new CEO of YWCA Northeast Kansas. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher led the assignment. Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring of 2024 after serving in
EMA Partners Announces Leadership Changes Across India, UAE, and Singapore
EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has announced leadership changes across India, UAE, and Singapore. “Continuity and longevity of our consultants and relationships is our biggest strength” said K Sudarshan, regional chair, Asia Pacific, EMA Partners. “Each of our colleagues have spent considerable time with the firm and bring with them an
The Futurist Role That Chief Talent Officers Are Suddenly Taking On
As talent becomes increasingly recognized as the crucial lever in the broader success and value of a company, the significance of the chief talent officer role has grown exponentially. Chief executives and boards now concede the influence that talent plays in executing broad business objectives. And, according to a new report from Leathwaite, with this shift
The Power of High-Potential Employee Identification
Identifying high-potential employees is a strategic imperative for organizations looking to nurture talent, drive innovation, and secure future leadership, according to a recent report from The Christopher Group’s Morgan Booker. “The process of recognizing individuals with exceptional capabilities requires a keen understanding of their skills, potential, and ability to contribute significantly to the organization’s growth,”
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking CEO for BRIDGES USA
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by Bridges USA in Memphis, TN, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Director Michelle Hall and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. BRIDGES USA’s next CEO will be a values-driven leader who centers youth in all decision-making. Their work and career reflect a deep commitment
Bailey Fisher Executive Search Recruits CEO for Cambridge Wireless
U.K.-headquartered life sciences specialist Bailey Fisher Executive Search has recruited Michaela Eschbach as the next chief executive officer of Cambridge Wireless. “We are delighted to welcome Michaela Eschbach as the new CEO of Cambridge Wireless,” said Steve Unger, chair of the Cambridge Wireless board. “Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Cambridge Wireless as our activities, events
Smith + Howard Acquires VIP Search and VIP Solutions Businesses
Smith + Howard, a tax, accounting and advisory firm, has acquired VIP Search Group, LLC and VIP Solutions Group, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition marks the third in the last 12 months as Smith + Howard continues to aggressively expand its services and brand nationally. “We are thrilled to welcome
Colleges and Universities Rely on Search Firms to Find Leaders in Polarizing Times
Academic institutions continue to pump big fees into executive search firms nationwide. Many academic recruiting specialists say business, in fact, has never been better despite some sectors of executive search slowing over the past year. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels, and if there’s any slowdown coming
4 Steps to a Successful Onboarding Strategy
Welcome aboard! It’s an exciting time when a new leader joins your organization. You worked hard to attract and hire them, and you want them to stay, so do not underestimate the profound impact of effective onboarding, according to a new report from TurningPoint Executive Search’s Ken Schmitt and Victoria Willenberg. “Beyond the paperwork and procedures, onboarding plays
Renovata & Company Recruits Chief Technology Officer for OAG Aviation Worldwide
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed James Cameron-Williams as chief technology officer of OAG Aviation Worldwide Ltd (OAG). “James is a dynamic CTO and boasts an impressive 13-year tech journey,” said Lisa Morgan, principal at Renovata. “His experience will be a great asset to OAG as they enter their next phase of growth. We
Jacksonville Housing Authority Selects Gans, Gans & Associates to Lead CFO Search
Gans, Gans & Associates has been retained by Jacksonville Housing Authority to lead in its search for a new CFO. This executive serves as head of the accounting function of the authority. The CFO maintains control of general ledger including preparation of financial reports. They will oversee periodic reporting to the United States Department of Housing and
Korn Ferry Names Chief Product Officer
Korn Ferry has appointed Stacie Overbaugh as a chief product officer for its digital business, which focuses on talent products and technologies. She will be based in the firm’s San Francisco office. “Stacie will play an instrumental role in shaping the strategy for our talent suite and vision for our talent platform,” said Mathias Herzog, president
Rethinking Value Creation in Private Equity
A recent Harvard Business Review article highlights private equity’s need for a talent strategy. While traditionally praised for their adeptness in driving value through financial engineering, the landscape of private equity has undergone a significant transformation: the focus on operational prowess is rising as the prominence of financial engineering diminishes, according to a recent report from ON Partners’ Matt
Flatiron Search Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for WorldSprings
As organizations becomes more complex and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging — and much more influential. Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the placement of Jackie Stauffer as the new chief marketing officer of Off Road
Kincannon & Reed Fills Senior Position for CropLife America
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has helped to recruit Jeff Blackwood as vice president of government relations at CropLife America in Arlington, VA. Principals Heinrich Gugger and Stephen Coffey led the assignment. “The CropLife America board of directors is pleased to welcome Jeff Blackwood as the
DRG Seeking New CEO for Taproot Foundation
DRG, which serves the non-profit sector, was recently retained by Taproot Foundation to lead in its search for a new CEO. Natalia Kepler, Jessica Hammerman, and Merav Schwartz are leading the assignment. Taproot is looking for a visionary leader who is both strategic and inspirational. They will be responsible for developing the organization’s long-term vision
Leathwaite Names Head of the Americas
London-based executive search firm Leathwaite has appointed Hypatia Kingsley as partner and head of the Americas. “We are thrilled to welcome Hypatia to the firm,” said Tom Pemberton, co-managing partner. “The Americas is our largest region, and Hypatia’s impressive track record and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our business and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions
Robust Investment Niche Emerges as Interim Recruiting Gains Traction
For at least a decade, organizations have increasingly recognized the value of integrating highly skilled on-demand talent – independent consultants, executives, project managers, and subject matter experts – into their workforce. “With some 72 million American workers (43 percent of the American labor force) and countless other professionals worldwide choosing to work independently on a
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary for PetroTal Corp.
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sudan I. Maccio as chief legal counsel and corporate secretary of PetroTal Corp. in Houston, TX. Laura Preng led the assignment. Mr. Maccio has over 30 years of extensive legal expertise in global energy, encompassing a wide range of legal, commercial, and leadership roles, including strategic projects, advising the
SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for Visit Bend
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has recruited Jeff Knapp as the new president and CEO of Visit Bend. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, led the assignment. He replaces Kevney Dugan, who is now with Travel Oregon. “We were looking for a genuine, passionate, approachable and experienced leader and I know that we found that in Jeff,” said
Reffett Associates Fills Senior Role for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
After a rigorous, nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has placed John McCarthy as the director of digital analytics for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). In this role, he will lead the lab’s digital transformation process. Thomas Young, director of operations of the firm, led the assignment. Reffett Associates focused their national recruiting efforts to find technology
TRANSEARCH International Appoints Global Head of the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Practice
TRANSEARCH International has named John Watson as partner and global head of the travel, tourism, and hospitality practice. “John has a unique blend of working for a family trust, privately held businesses and PLCs at senior levels,” TRANSEARCH said. “He understands the importance of staff, customers and suppliers working in harmony, nurturing and directing resources. Comfortable in strategy,
A Look at the Importance of Proper Background Checks for Executive Search
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process. They can help confirm that candidates have the experience and education they claim to have. This includes verification of education, employment history, professional licenses, and certifications. Background checks can help identify candidates with a history of financial irresponsibility or fraudulent activities. This is important when hiring for senior
Carrington & Carrington Called in to Fill Senior Position for Rochester Regional Health
Carrington & Carrington Diversity Executive Search has been called in by Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, NY, to lead in its search for a vice president/CAO, system service line operations-cancer. This executive will be responsible for assisting in developing the vision, strategy, and standardizing care delivery throughout the assigned service line(s) within Rochester Regional Health.
Campbell & Company Seeking Major Gifts Officer for the Chicago History Museum
For not-for-profit organizations, these are particularly challenging days. Declining support from government sources, increased demand for their services and competition for donor dollars are just a few of the issues that charitable groups must overcome to stay afloat each year. Simply put, major gift officers are top-level fundraisers. They identify potential donors, cultivate relationships and,
Marquette University Using Collegiate Sports Associates to Find New Athletic Director
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates was recently called in by Marquette University to lead in its search for a new vice president and director of athletics. This position provides leadership for a department of approximately 100 coaches and staff who are committed to student-athlete success. Reporting directly to the president, the AD is responsible for overseeing 16
