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Daily Newswire
Cooper Coleman Seeking Executive Director for Friends of International Friendship Park
Cooper Coleman LLC was recently retained by Friends of International Friendship Park (FOIFP) to lead in its search for a new executive director. The national search is being led by J. Michael Durnil, director of executive search at Cooper Coleman. The organization seeks a strategic, culturally fluent, and politically savvy executive director to lead the organization into
Academic Career & Executive Search Recruits CIO for Central New Mexico Community College
After an extensive national search process, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) has placed Chris Ament as chief information officer of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Jennifer Muller, managing partner, led the assignment. Mr. Ament, currently CIO at Ohio University, will join the CNM community and begin serving in this leadership role starting June 15. “I’m confident
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 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
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?
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,
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
Atlanta Fed Retains Heidrick & Struggles for President/CEO Search
Leadership searches for top roles within the Federal Reserve system rarely come to market, making them highly visible assignments within the executive search industry. When they do, institutions often turn to globally recognized firms to help identify candidates with the experience and credibility required to guide regional monetary policy organizations. One such search is now
QuantumWork Advisory Acquires KatThree
QuantumWork Advisory, a provider of workforce advisory and transformation services, has acquired KatThree, a workforce management advisory company based in Amsterdam. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are thrilled to welcome KatThree to the QuantumWork Advisory family,” said Andrew Grant, managing partner of QuantumWork Advisory. “Their expertise and experience blends creativity, practicality, and
PitchBook Calls 2024 A Rebuilding Year for Global M&A
M&A deal activity rose five to 10 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, despite falling short of Q4 2023 totals, according to new data released by PitchBook. Deal multiples have remained stable, meanwhile – “a sign that the valuation reset may be complete, and have room to move higher to catch up with elevated prices of
Bespoke Partners Creates Alliances Program and Leader Community to Boost Value Creation Amid Strong Q1
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has announced commercial performance in the first quarter that exceeded all targets and launched its private equity-focused Alliances Program and the Bespoke Leader Community. The firm’s outperformance included winning a record number of searches to recruit executives in software and SaaS companies with private equity sponsors. “Deal flow is a chief
Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
After a national search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has placed Tommy Gregory as the seventh president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). Kenny Daugherty, the search firm’s president, led the assignment, along with Jessica Thompson, associate vice president and executive search coordinator. A search committee of six members, including SCF faculty, staff, a
FaithSearch Partners Leading President Search for Point Loma Nazarene University
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) was recently retained by Point Loma Nazarene University to lead in a search for its 15th president. Current president Bob Bower recently announced his retirement. The presidential search committee will keep the university community – including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners– informed throughout the process. The Point Loma Nazarene
ZRG Names Leader of Digital and Transformation Practice
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has named Marc Gasperino as managing director and leader for the digital and transformation practice. “Marc Gasperino’s appointment as managing director for our digital and transformation practice marks an exciting addition to the ZRG team,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO. “His extensive experience and commitment
A Look at How the New Rule Banning Noncompete Clauses Could Affect Recruiting Firms
On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a new rule that bans non-compete clauses for workers across all industries, with limited exceptions. The rule will prohibit most employee non-compete agreements with retroactive effect, except existing non-compete provisions. The rule also requires employers to notify workers, including former employees, that the non-compete clauses are no longer in
Furst Group Recruits President for Sisters of Charity Hospital
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently assisted Catholic Health in the recruitment of Meghan Aldrich as president of Sisters of Charity Hospital and St. Joseph Campus. “Meghan’s experience as a nurse executive and operational leader will be a tremendous asset to Sisters Hospital as we continue to accelerate our strategic
Griffith Group Assists Habitat for Humanity Canada with CEO Search
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group has placed Pedro Barata as the new president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Caroline McLean, partner, led the assignment. “Pedro has dedicated his entire career to driving systemic long-term improvement on key social and economic initiatives, including poverty reduction and housing policy reform,” said
Saxton Bampfylde Recruits CEO for Britten Pears Arts
Following an extensive search process, U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has recruited Andrew Comben as the new CEO of Britten Pears Arts. He succeeds Roger Wright CBE who leaves Britten Pears Arts after 10 years at the helm. Mr. Comben starts his new position in September. “Our appointment of Andrew brings back to Britten Pears Arts someone
Macrae Appoints Chief Operating Officer
Legal search firm Macrae has appointed Leah Guggenheimer as chief operating officer. She will be based in New York. “Leah’s proven leadership and extensive experience directing and enhancing a wide spectrum of business operations at some of the world’s most successful organizations, including a major international law firm, make her a perfect fit for Macrae,”
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 11 Percent Revenue Increase for Q1
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted first quarter revenues of $265.2 million, an 11 percent increase from a year ago. Revenues included the acquisition of Atreus Group GmbH completed on February 1, 2023 and the acquisition businessfourzero completed on April 1, 2023. The firm experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and executive
How Search Firms Make the Most of Their Global Reach
Search firm clients expect to be able to choose from the widest possible talent pool. “Whether that is a global multi-billion dollar corporation or privately-owned business, a global search firm is able to access the best talent, wherever that candidate may be located,” said Anthony Harling, founding partner at Harlschon. “Having a strong global brand is
Academic Search Assists the University of Nebraska in Recruiting New President
Jay Lemons, Jennifer Kooken, and George Ross of education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Jeffrey P. Gold as the ninth president of the University of Nebraska. Past president Ted Carter left the school last year to become the president of Ohio State University, a search that was led by Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives. Dr. Gold’s appointment concludes a
NorthWind Partners Recruits CFO for Red River
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has placed Brent Pugh as the new CFO for Red River in Claremont, NH. Partner Hunter Murray led the assignment. “Brent’s track record serving the defense industrial base provides tremendous value to Red River and will have immediate benefits to our team, our customers and partner community,” said Brian Roach, CEO for Red
True Launches Talent Advisory Practice
Global talent provider True has launched a talent advisory practice and a strategic alliance with Hogan Assessments, a tool for workplace personality assessment and leadership development. Debu Mishra, partner and head of talent advisory for True, will lead the talent advisory practice from Dubai. “With the launch of our talent advisory practice, we are even better equipped to
Kelly to Acquire Motion Recruitment Partners
Global specialty talent solutions provider Kelly has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC (MRP), from Littlejohn & Co., LLC, a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT. Under the terms of the agreement, Kelly will acquire MRP for $425 million in cash to be paid at close, with additional earnout potential
ECA Partners Recruits CFO for American Lithium Energy
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Danny Joe as the new CFO of American Lithium Energy. “Mr. Joe is a highly versatile financial leader from the technology sector with a core investment banker toolkit from Goldman Sachs,” ECA Partners said. “His work at Symantec, Blackline, Flywheel.io and others gave him
Frederickson Partners Fills Top HR Post for July Business Services
Global HR search firm Frederickson Partners has placed Ginger H. Gibbs as the new senior vice president of human resources at July Business Services in Waco, TX. “We are thrilled to have Ginger join JULY as our senior vice president of human resources during this exciting period of growth,” said John Humphrey, CEO of JULY. “Ginger’s wealth of
The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Clements Fluids
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Luanne Carr as the new chief people officer for Clements Fluids in Tyler, TX. Managing partner Pam Noble and recruiting director Kristen Perez led the assignment. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clements Fluids by connecting them with Luanne Carr
Ratliff & Taylor Expands Executive Search Practice
Cleveland, OH-based executive search firm Ratliff & Taylor has expanded its executive search practice to support regional demand and continued growth. The firm has named Linda Gray as senior vice president, non-profit executive search and Michael Johnson as senior vice president, executive search. “After opening our New York office in 2023, search engagements surged among our new and
A Look at How to Attract and Retain Gen Z Talent
As the workforce continues to evolve, organizations are facing a new challenge – how to attract and retain the young and upcoming generation, known as Gen Z, with the end goal of filling senior-level positions with professional, experienced leaders. This tech-savvy, ambitious, and socially conscious generation is poised to make a significant impact, but tapping
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.9 Percent
Employment rose by 175,000 in April as the U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 6.5 million in April. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for
Lindauer Recruits Chief Engagement Officer for Duke University
Following a national search, Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Heilenday as associate vice president and chief engagement officer of Duke University. Senior vice president and managing director Jill Lasman and senior consultant Raegan Harvey led the assignment. Ms. Heilenday’s appointment follows a national search led by Lindauer and an advisory committee that included Duke senior leaders, trustees, Duke
McDermott + Bull Recruits Chief Credit Officer for First Northern Bank
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Brett Hamilton as chief credit officer of First Northern Bank in Dixon, NY. This search was led by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, and executive recruiter Rachel Camonayan. “Brett’s leadership and financial acumen should be instrumental in guiding our credit culture and supporting
Ferguson Partners Names President
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has appointed Graham R. Beatty as president. “As president, Graham is the ideal candidate given his deep expertise in the real assets industry, unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, and great respect by clients and colleagues alike. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and CEO of the firm. “With a
Adapting to Today’s Evolving Search Market
In 2023, TRANSEARCH International navigated the challenges of the market with resilience, maintaining revenue levels in comparison to 2022. “Our commitment to adapt and innovate has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that we remain well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market at large,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH,
Utilizing the Power of Job Architecture and Career Frameworks
From police departments to libraries, public sector organizations face increasing challenges in attracting, retaining and developing talent — under growing internal and external scrutiny. Organizations must take a more strategic approach to human resources management. Job architecture and career frameworks can strengthen public sector employers, according to a recent report from Gallagher’s Erik Henry Smetana
Funk Associates Leading Dean Search for the University of South Alabama’s College of Engineering
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of South Alabama to lead its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. The dean, reporting to the EVP and provost, serves as the chief academic officer for the college and guides the college’s efforts in academic curriculum development, faculty and staff development, research and
BoardWalk Consulting Helps Recruit New CEO for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Following a nationwide search of more than 250 diverse leaders, executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Kim R. Ford as the new CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC). Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Kim is an exceptional leader with a track record of nurturing youth and families,” said Barbara Krumsiek, Girl
How Recruiters Facilitate Founder-PE Firm Agreements When Sourcing New Talent
In the high-stakes world of private equity acquisitions, aligning the strategic visions of PE firms and the founders of the companies they acquire is pivotal for achieving aggressive growth targets and operational excellence. However, this alignment often encounters its first significant hurdle regarding talent acquisition—a critical component for scaling operations and enhancing value, according to
