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Daily Newswire
Spencer Stuart Names Chief Communications Officer
Spencer Stuart has appointed Bill Launder as chief communications officer, a newly created position with the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Bill to Spencer Stuart in this important role at a pivotal time for our firm,” said Jordan Brugg, chief executive officer of Spencer Stuart. “We operate at the intersection of talent and strategy, and
Executive Search: Why It Matters and When to Use It
Leadership decisions at the senior level shape an organization’s trajectory in ways that are both visible and structural. Individuals appointed to board and C-suite positions influence capital allocation, operational priorities, governance standards, and organizational culture. Their judgment impacts not only performance, but also the confidence of investors, employees, and partners. Against that backdrop, executive hiring
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.
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
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?
DHR Global Adds New Partner in Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Veronique Denis-Pelliet as a partner in its technology and retail & consumer practices in Singapore. A seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience in executive search, ESG leadership, sales, and international business development, Ms. Denis-Pelliet has led multicultural teams and driven growth in Southeast Asia, China, Europe,
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
Fabric.AI Taps Egon Zehnder for Critical Search
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been retained by NASDAQ-traded AI infrastructure company Fabric.AI to lead the search for a senior project management executive. “Egon Zehnder’s reputation, global reach, and deep expertise across AI, advanced technologies, and organizational leadership make them an ideal partner for Fabric.AI at this stage of our growth,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
AI Hiring in 2026: Talent, Pay & Readiness
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side initiative championed by innovation teams executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media. It has become a strategic lever that shapes competitive positioning, operating models, and enterprise value. As adoption deepens, the conversation is shifting from experimentation to execution — from what AI can do to how
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
Lofton Staffing and Security Acquires Frazee Recruiting Consultants
Lofton Staffing and Security, a family-owned and locally operated recruiting and security company in the Gulf South, has acquired Frazee Recruiting Consultants, LLC, a Baton Rouge, LA-based recruiting firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition,” said Bart Lofton, co-president of Lofton. “Frazee Recruiting, along with its founder
Egon Zehnder Appoints New CEO
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has appointed Francesco Buquicchio as its new CEO, effective November 1. He succeeds Edilson Camara, following a strategic leadership transition and succession planning process. Mr. Buquicchio will be the seventh person to serve as CEO in Egon Zehnder’s 60-year history. The process to appoint a new CEO was headed by chair Michael
