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Daily Newswire
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
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
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.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
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
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,
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
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. Jeremy Duff and Lois Stetson led the assignment. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Twigg to Murray State University as our next provost and vice president
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
BarkerGilmore Fills Senior Legal Post for Firefly Aerospace
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Kristen Price as associate general counsel, commercial at Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, TX. “Firefly is at a defining stage as a newly public company, and Kristen joins at a pivotal moment as the company continues to scale its commercial capabilities
Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Estee Aiken as the next chancellor of the University of Montana Western (UMW). “Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal
Kaye/Bassman Names Practice Leader for the South Division
Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Ashley Richards as practice leader for the South division. “Ashley’s leadership, consistency, and track record of performance have made her one of the most respected partners within our organization. Her ability to build deep client relationships, while delivering exceptional talent solutions, has been instrumental to our
Human Capital Moves to the Center of Private Equity Value Creation
Private equity firms are placing increasing emphasis on leadership as a primary driver of value creation, reshaping how talent is evaluated and deployed across portfolio companies. The role of human capital has moved beyond support function status to become a central component of investment strategy and execution. As a result, firms are adopting more structured,
Appointing a Successor in a Family-Owned Business
Leadership transitions in founder-led businesses carry implications that extend far beyond operational continuity. Decisions around who will take the reins often shape not only the company’s trajectory, but also the dynamics within the family itself. Succession is one of the most personal decisions a founder will ever make, according to Warren Carter, senior managing partner
Waterford Global Leading CEO Search for Southern Health–Santé Sud
Winnipeg, Canada-based Waterford Global Inc. is currently leading the CEO search for Southern Health–Santé Sud (SH-SS). The search is nearing shortlist presentation stage. Working with an engaged board and leading a committed and experienced executive team, this is an opportunity to provide executive-level leadership as CEO of Southern Health-Santé Sud and to build upon a strong foundation
Furst Group Fills Top HR Post for Johns Hopkins Medicine
Executive search firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Enbar Cohen as its new vice president, human resources of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We’re excited to welcome Enbar Cohen as our new vice president of human resources,” Johns Hopkins Medicine said in a LinkedIn post. “Enbar joins
Alexander Hughes Names Heads of Global Defense Practice
Alexander Hughes has named Norbert Alix-Buguet as head of its global defense practice. Jean-Brice Le Gayic was also named co‑head of the practice. “The unique added value of this duo lies in their ability to gain an in‑depth understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of such a demanding sector as defense, and to support their clients
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms
Why Top Candidates Choose One Offer Over Another
Recruitment in the financial services industry, especially across wealth management, RIAs, and fintech roles, has become increasingly competitive, with strong candidates having multiple opportunities and greater choice in where they go, according to a recent report from Right Executive Search’s Elisa Sheftic. “It is especially disappointing when a top candidate withdraws from an opportunity during the
Harris Search Associates Helps Recruit Provost for Ferris University
Harris Search Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sean Lancaster as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Ferris University. Ed Christ led the assignment. He succeeds Dr. Bobby Fleischman, who has served in the role since 2020. “Dr. Lancaster is passionate about creating environments where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive, building an equitable academic community
Flatiron Search Partners Places CEO at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed David Stever as the new CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, OH. He joins the company at a time of strong momentum and will lead its next phase of growth as the brand continues to expand nationally and deepen its connection with customers and communities. “We are thrilled to welcome
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Vice President
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has appointed Albert Hanan as vice president. “We’re proud to announce that Albert Hanan has been promoted to vice president,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “As a valued leader on our technology team, Albert has made a meaningful impact through his expertise and dedication. We’re excited to see
Inside the Recruiter Performance Training Program
As the executive search industry confronts growing pressure to deliver consistent, high-level performance, recruiting firms are rethinking how their consultants are trained and developed. To that end, Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently rolled out a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, rigor, and scalability to recruiter performance. The initiative reflects
Kincannon & Reed Assists Ritchie Industries with CEO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has recruited Chad Huyser as the new CEO of Ritchie Industries, a manufacturer of livestock watering solutions and a portfolio company of Granite Creek Capital Partners. “Ritchie Industries needed a leader who could respect its heritage while advancing the business
Herbert Mines Associates Fills Operations Post for Guitar Center
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Kinna Thomas as SVP, merchandising operations & musician’s friend of Guitar Center, the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments. “Kinna is a results-oriented leader with extensive retail management experience in manufacturing, planning, replenishment, and buying,” the company said. “She’s excited to join the
