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Daily Newswire
Why PE-Backed Companies Need a Talent Operating System
PE-backed companies rarely underperform because they lack urgency. They underperform because they fail to translate strategy into talent with enough precision, according to a recent report from Keith Johnstone, vice president of marketing at Talentfoot Executive Search. “In our experience leading executive searches for PE-backed businesses, the real breakdown usually happens before a search begins,
Acertitude Recruits Head of Cybersecurity/CISO for Adevinta Spain
Acertitude has assisted in the recruitment of Xavi Bertomeu as head of cybersecurity and chief information security officer for Adevinta Spain, an EQT portfolio company. The search was led by partners, Eliza Baker and Tim Cook with support from Finty Hunter and Hannah Elwiss. Mr. Bertomeu brings more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity,
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
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
CFO Turnover Reaches Three-Year High
CFO turnover can have significant implications for a company, as these executives play a critical role in managing financial strategies, reporting, risk management, and overall financial health. A total of 163 new CFOs were appointed in the first half of 2024, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CFO Turnover Index. After slower starts to the
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits Chief Brand Officer for Eighth Day
Retail-focused executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Alison Devine as chief brand officer of Eighth Day. Partner Lindsay Stevens, principal Courtney Schluender, and search manager Sarah Basto led the assignment. “Skincare brand Eighth Day sought a chief branding officer to create passion and loyalty among discerning consumers and build an iconic
A Look at the Trends Impacting Executive Search
With over two decades of experience in the executive search industry, countless trends have impacted the way Grey Search + Strategy approaches their work. “Today, clients are navigating a complex web of emerging technologies, new regulations, changing workplace dynamics, and shifting company and candidate expectations,” the firm said. In this article, Grey Search + Strategy
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Summit Golf Brands
As organizations become 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. The Talent Studios recently recruited Thomas De Stio as the new chief marketing officer of Summit Golf Brands. Jeremy Cohen, Kelli Telling,
DHR Global Expands New Bangalore Office
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has named Srinivas Maddali as managing partner in the healthcare, life sciences, technology, and private equity practice groups. Based in DHR’s new Bangalore office, Mr. Maddali’s appointment supports the firm’s continued growth and expansion in India. As managing partner, he will assist Indian and multinational organizations in finding senior executive talent. “DHR’s
Advice to New CEOs Building Their Team: Lead with Purpose, Embody Culture & Be Decisive
In Spencer Stuart’s role supporting hundreds of CEO transitions annually, one of the most common aspirations they hear from incoming leaders is the desire to develop an executive leadership team of direct reports that is enterprise-focused, highly collaborative, accountable to each other and widely respected. This ambition is well-founded: Aligned leadership teams grow revenue more
E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Fills Board Position for American Eagle Outfitters
E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has partnered with American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. to identify and place Stephanie Pugliese on its board of directors. Managing director Elaine Hughes spearheaded the search with a personalized approach, tailored to meet the specific needs of American Eagle Outfitters. Her strategy focused on understanding the company’s
Sprockets Acquires HourWork
Sprockets, an AI-powered solution that helps businesses source, screen, and hire quality workers, has acquired HourWork, an AI-powered platform that focuses on post-hire engagement and increased retention. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This strategic acquisition allows Sprockets to expand its product suite, offering businesses staffing services that cover every stage of the
How Strategic HR Leaders Unleash Workforce Potential
The hot U.S. labor market has shown remarkable resilience in recent years. Despite gradual stabilization—driven by a decrease in job openings and recent upticks in the national unemployment rate—the tumultuous echoes of the Great Resignation and quiet quitting continue to disrupt industries. As the war for top talent wages on, hiring, retention, and employee engagement will remain top business priorities in the new
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Kearney Regional Medical Center
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Douglas Koch as the new CEO of Kearney Regional Medical Center (KRMC) in Kearney, AK. “Doug’s Midwestern roots, education and vast operational experience are an ideal fit for the Bryan Health administrative leadership team and to lead KRMC as it
TalentRise Expands Coaching and Leadership Development Practice
TalentRise has appointed Laura Barker as the new director of coaching and leadership development. “Laura’s profound expertise in leadership coaching and her diverse experience in various industries make her a valuable addition to our team,” said Kristen Fox Lampert, practice leader, coaching and leadership development of TalentRise. “We are confident that Laura’s contributions will significantly enhance
Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. Like most sectors, there is a growing emphasis on
Reffett Associates Recruits President for the New Mexico Military Institute
After a nationwide, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has placed Brigadier General Voris McBurnette as the 20th president and superintendent of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). The search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the Washington, D.C. office, Thomas Young, director of operations of the firm, and Marshall Reffett, managing director in Seattle, and Washington D.C. “(Brigadier)
Signium Opens New Office in Sydney
Executive search consortium Signium has opened a new office in Sydney, Australia. “This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, enhancing its ability to provide bespoke services to clients in the region,” the consortium said. The Sydney office will be led by Stephen Lennard, a seasoned executive search professional and former Signium partner from 2006 to 2011. He
Embracing Technology to Improve Your Recruitment Processes
Living amid a digital revolution has truly reshaped the way we interact, especially in business. Technology has afforded faster communication and the ability to connect more easily –– transforming how business is conducted across industries. Achieving success in our ever-changing technological landscape requires a sharp set of skills and the willingness for continual professional development.
Lindauer Fills Senior Position for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) partnered with Lindauer to find an educational leader to provide innovative and strategic leadership for its education division. Paula Fazli and Cori Anderson of the firm assisted in the recruitment of Stephen Martin as vice president of education and a member of the executive leadership team. “Leading educational institutions
The Barton Partnership Opens New Office in Sydney
The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has opened a new office in Sydney, Australia. “This expansion marks a significant milestone for The Barton Partnership, reinforcing its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing our ability to support clients across Australia,” the firm said. “Australia is a key market for us, and opening an
More Than Half of U.S. Companies Anticipate Adding New Positions in the Second Half of 2024
Fifty-two percent of companies in the United States plan to add new permanent positions in the second half of the year, according to new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half. Another 43 percent plan to fill for vacated positions, and 57 percent said they plan to increase the number of contract
Bridge Partners Seeking VP, Diversity and Inclusion, Strategy & Impact for Fannie Mae
Tory Clarke and Debbie Tang of Bridge Partners have been retained by Fannie Mae to lead in its search for a vice president of diversity and inclusion, strategy & impact. This role will work collaboratively with stakeholders across Fannie Mae to embed diversity and inclusion (D&I) into all business and activities of the enterprise, while managing related
Kincannon & Reed Names Senior Leader
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has appointed Sally Day as the managing director of K&R EDGE – Leadership Solutions. “We have seen an increase in the demand for leadership development services, and Sally is exceptionally qualified to lead this division,” said Stephanie Liska, president. “Her extensive
5 Ways to Retain Your Top Talent
In a competitive business environment, often the difference between winning and losing is defined by the ability of your company to firstly attract and then more importantly retain top talent. Successful businesses have done some of these things right and it has been proven over time that these simple strategies have made all the difference
NU Advisory Partners Assists NASCAR’s Homestead-Miami Speedway with President Search
Executive search firm NU Advisory Partners has helped to recruit Guillermo Santa Cruz as president of NASCAR’s Homestead-Miami Speedway. “Guillermo’s vast experience in the competitive media market will help grow Homestead-Miami Speedway into its next phase as one of the preeminent motorsports facilities,” said Chip Wile, NASCAR’s senior vice president and chief track properties officer. “He has a
ZRG Names Managing Director of Consulting Solutions
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has appointed Grant Hartanov as managing director of consulting solutions. “Grant’s extensive experience in digital transformation, strategy, and his background in addressing high-stakes global challenges make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG Partners. “We are confident that Grant will
The Art of Onboarding a Senior Executive
The process of bringing in a new executive isn’t merely about filling a vacant position; it’s an investment in the future success of your organization. However, this investment often falls short when it comes to executive onboarding, according to a recent report from SpenglerFox. “Many companies underestimate the critical importance of a well-designed onboarding program, leading
JDG Associates Recruits CEO for The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Ben Price as the new president and CEO of The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. The assignment was led by Paul Belford. (NBCOT). “Ben is an excellent choice to lead NBCOT,” said Dee Berline, chairperson of the NBCOT board of directors. “He stood
Diversified Search Group Expands Education Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has expanded its education practice with the addition of Felicia McGinty as managing director. “Felicia’s proven leadership in higher education and dedication to fostering transformative change make her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group.
A Look at How the CEO Role is Evolving
Geopolitical waves, digitization and AI. The drive for sustainability. Demands for full transparency and the changing needs of talent. These and other forces have dramatically broadened the CEO role, according to a recent report from Amrop. The traditional routes to the top seat are already changing. Following the firm’s exploration of the C-suite ecosystem, they now ask:
CIO Partners Retained by the University of Vermont to Find Chief Information Officer
The University of Vermont (UVM) recently called in CIO Partners to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Executive director Barry Cressley is leading assignment. Reporting to the president, the CIO is the lead executive responsible for information technology across the institution. The expectation is that the CIO will partner with the president and become fully integrated into
WittKieffer Expands its Leadership Solutions to Animal Health & Sciences Organizations
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has expanded its global life sciences practice to support animal health & sciences and other one health organizations. Joe Kennedy joins the firm to lead the expansion serving as managing director, global life sciences, and animal health. “These organizations focus on advancing the welfare of animals, human health, and environmental sustainability through innovative products, services,
Implementing DEI: A Strategic Necessity for Executive Leaders
As the Chinese proverb goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For many organizations today, busy dealing with economic uncertainty, inflation, and countless other constant challenges, achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can feel like a thousand-mile journey, according to a recent study from global leadership advisory and executive search
Lochlin Partners Fills Senior Role for Texas 2036
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has placed Anne Krause as the new senior vice president of development of Texas 2036. “I am thrilled to welcome Anne to Texas 2036,” said David Leebron, the incoming president and CEO of Texas 2036 and former president of Rice University. “Her exceptional track record in leadership, development and strategic planning
