DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services. “I’m very proud and
Rethinking Executive Due Diligence: Beyond the Traditional Background Check
As organizations place greater scrutiny on leadership appointments, the scope of due diligence is expanding well beyond traditional screening methods. Companies are recognizing that evaluating senior executives requires a more comprehensive understanding of risk, reputation, and long-term impact. In this environment, firms are adopting more rigorous and nuanced approaches to assess candidates before they take
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.
Flatiron Search Partners Places CTO at Massage Envy
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Abe Hong as chief technology officer of Massage Envy in Scottsdale, AZ. “Abe is a proven technology leader with deep experience supporting complex, multi-site businesses,” said Todd Schrader, CEO of Massage Envy Franchising. “His ability to align technology strategy with business goals, combined with his collaborative
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?
Boyden to Acquire GreenSight Executive Search
Boyden has announced it will acquire GreenSight Executive Search, a retained search and consulting firm based in Atlanta. The acquisition strengthens Boyden’s presence, network and service in the Southeastern United States. The acquisition will see Boyden absorb GreenSight’s client portfolio and leadership team. Founding partners Trisha Hutchison and Daniel Kepler will join the Boyden Atlanta office as managing partners, bringing
AI Redefining Search — Without Replacing Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping executive recruiting, speeding up how firms identify, evaluate, and engage leadership talent. As AI tools automate research and administrative work, search teams can move faster and surface stronger insights— changing what “best candidate” discovery looks like in practice. At the same time, demand is shifting toward leaders who can translate
How Leading Search Firms Are Turning AI Into Competitive Advantage
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a promising experiment to a core operating capability across the executive search profession. As firms face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, accelerate search timelines, and deliver deeper market intelligence, many are reevaluating how technology can enhance both recruiter productivity and business performance. While adoption continues to accelerate, industry leaders
U.S. Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.3 Percent
Employment increased by 172,000 in May as the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.3 million, changed little in May. Job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, local government, and healthcare. Employment in financial activities declined. “This is a labor
CarterBaldwin Recruits President and CEO for Kansas Fiber Network
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Danny Pate as the new president and CEO of Kansas Fiber Network (KFN). Partner Chris Guiney and search consultant Ted Wieber led the assignment. “We are pleased to bring Danny on board,” said Mark Gailey, chairman of KFN’s board of directors. “The board ran a diligent search to
The Broward County Aviation Department Retains ADK Consulting & Executive Search to Recruit Aviation CFO
The Broward County Aviation Department recently retained ADK Consulting & Executive Search to lead in its search for an aviation CFO for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and North Perry Airport (NPA). The assignment is being led by Theresia Schatz and Kim Kenville. The new aviation CFO will oversee the financial and business aspects of FLL and HWO.
How Private Equity Firms Are Modernizing Talent Strategy Through Technology
As private equity firms place greater emphasis on leadership as a driver of investment performance, talent functions are becoming increasingly embedded in the dealmaking process. What was once viewed primarily as a recruiting and portfolio support function is evolving into a strategic capability that informs executive assessment, succession planning, and value creation across the investment
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Booz Allen
Crist|Kolder Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Troy Lahr as executive vice president and CFO of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. “Troy’s deep and differentiated experience helps position Booz Allen for accelerated growth and bold transformation,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO. “His success driving performance across large portfolios and leading through change will be a
The Moran Company Leading CEO Search for the Oklahoma State Medical Association
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently retained by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) to recruit the organization’s next CEO. Jon Rosell is leading the assignment. The OSMA board of trustees seeks an energetic, experienced, and highly skilled CEO to work collaboratively with the board, staff
Jackson Lucas Acquires Affinity HR Advisory Group
New York City-based Jackson Lucas has acquired Affinity HR Advisory Group, led by veteran HR executive Gayle Feinstein. “When we look at the growing firms we partner with, we constantly see founders and COOs getting pulled into the weeds of sensitive employee issues when they should be focusing on scaling their business,” said Anthony Fanzo, founding partner, Jackson Lucas. “Bringing
Heidrick & Struggles Launches AI-Enhanced Leadership Assessment Platform
Heidrick & Struggles recently launched Heidrick Immersive, a next generation, AI-enhanced leadership assessment platform. “Today’s leaders must navigate constant disruption, shifting stakeholder expectations, and accelerating technological change,” said David Peck, partner and global leader of the High-Impact Leadership Center of Excellence at Heidrick & Struggles. “By integrating AI-driven simulation and personalized feedback into our advisory offering, we’re
The Tolan Group Fills Senior Sales Position for FairCode
The Tolan Group (TTG) has recruited Ryan Canavan as vice president of sales at FairCode. This appointment reflects FairCode’s continued investment in scalable growth and innovation as the organization expands its revenue integrity and compliance solutions across the healthcare market. In his position, Mr. Canavan will lead FairCode’s national sales strategy, focusing on enterprise growth, strategic
Rosenzweig & Company Recruits President for PetSmart Canada
Executive search firm Rosenzweig & Company recently placed Pamela O’Rourke as president of PetSmart Canada and chair of the board of PetSmart Charities of Canada. Rose Perri, partner at Rosenzweig & Company, led the search. “Pamela’s experience leading large-scale operations and driving customer-focused strategies stood out,” said Katherine Sanford, senior director of talent acquisition at PetSmart. “Rosenzweig & Company brought tremendous thoughtfulness,
Funk Associates Assists Clemson University with the Recruitment of 16th President
Following a national search, Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Guskiewicz as the 16th president of Clemson University. “The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said search committee chair Cheri Phyfer. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable
A Midyear Opportunity to Reinforce Leadership and Talent
With June now underway, the midpoint of the year offers a natural opportunity for leaders to evaluate progress and prepare for the months ahead. As priorities shift and organizations look toward second-half objectives, now is an ideal time to focus on the people, structure, and leadership capabilities that will drive future performance. A deliberate investment
Buffkin / Baker Expands Consumer Practice
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has expanded with the addition of Kevin Duffy as a partner in its consumer practice area. “We are delighted that Kevin has joined Buffkin / Baker and our consumer practice,” said David Alexander, partner, and consumer practice leader. “He brings a wealth of executive recruiting experience to our firm and
Speed vs. Certainty: How Leading Search Firms Deliver Fast Shortlists Without Increasing Risk
Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver qualified leadership candidates faster without compromising diligence or decision quality. As hiring timelines compress and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, many firms are turning to AI-driven intelligence tools to identify potential risks, validate candidate fit, and strengthen shortlists earlier in the search process. Balancing speed with certainty requires
Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the
How PE-Backed Businesses are Redefining the Interim CFO Role
Interim CFOs are increasingly central to the performance and stability of private equity-backed businesses. As deal cycles extend and operating conditions tighten, they are deployed not only for financial stewardship but also as value creation partners across the investment lifecycle. “Today’s interim CFOs are increasingly deployed as execution-focused operators responsible for stabilizing performance, improving financial
The Talent Studios Places CEO at GIBBON North America
The Talent Studios has placed Luke Droulez as the new CEO of GIBBON North America. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Droulez is an executive leader with a proven track record of scaling consumer brands from early stage to nine figures. He was an early executive leader and chief marketing officer of native digital
Pacific International Executive Search Expands Advisory Board
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has appointed Beth Albright to its advisory board. “Beth Albright is an exceptional addition to our advisory board,” said David Howells, CEO of Pacific International. “Her deep governance expertise, her track record of guiding organizations through IPOs, M&A integrations, and large-scale transformations, and her recognized leadership in human capital management
Asset Management’s Next Edge Is Organizational, Not Financial
Citrin Cooperman’s 2026 Asset Management Survey Report highlights an industry undergoing meaningful transition. Their survey of 300 senior leaders across private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, private credit, and funds of funds points to a market increasingly shaped by institutional capital, operational pressure, and changing investor expectations. What stands out most is not simply the economic uncertainty facing
TurnkeyZRG Seeking Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach for Fairfield University
TurnkeyZRG has been retained by Fairfield University to lead in a nationwide search for a new men’s lacrosse head coach. Katy Young Staudt, vice president, college & coaching practice, is leading the assignment. The head coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Lacrosse program within the NCAA and Coastal Athletic Association, with an
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for the Freestore Foodbank
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Kreg Keesee as the new president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Christie Angel, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, and Robyn Quinn led the assignment. “Kreg brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and turning strategy into action,” board chair Dwinelva Zackery said. “We are confident he is the right leader to
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
CFO Appointments Hit Seven-Year High as Expanding Mandate Reshapes the Role
The chief financial officer position has evolved into one of the most strategically consequential positions in the modern enterprise. No longer confined to stewardship of the balance sheet, today’s CFO sits at the intersection of capital allocation, enterprise risk, digital transformation, and long-term value creation. Boards increasingly view the position as a linchpin of stability
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions Assists the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with Marketing and Communications Search
20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Julie Stapf as vice president of marketing and communications of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Stapf is a highly accomplished, award winning marketing and communications leader. She joins the Pittsburgh Symphony from the Cleveland Orchestra, where she served for several years as vice president
Newcastle United Taps Odgers Berndtson to Lead Sports Director Search
Given the search industry’s knack for finding a need and filling it, it was only natural that recruitment firms would soon step to the fore in the sports sector, which has become a growth area for executive search businesses. Many C-suite-focused recruiting firms are now active in the sector and some specialize only in the
EMA Partners Adds Dasein in Brazil as Newest Member Firm
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. EMA Partners International, a global partnership of executive search professionals, has added Dasein in Brazil as
Conviction And Speed To Drive M&A Deals In 2024
The M&A market has always operated in a boom/bust cycle of expansion and contraction. And the last couple of years have been no exception. According to Bain & Company’s latest Global M&A Report, rising interest rates among other factors represented a significant obstacle for dealmakers. But the biggest hurdle according to the consultancy was the valuation gap between
The Importance of Functional Talent in 2024
Communications and labor relations teams played critical roles in keeping employees safe and informed during the pandemic and during recent labor unrest. These senior executive teams also kept management’s message in the market during the recent labor negotiations, according to a recent report from Holden Richardson’s Beverley O’Connor. The report highlights why these two unplanned
Ivy Group Seeking CEO for The Forum
Toronto-based executive search firm Ivy Group was recently selected The Forum to lead in its search for a new CEO. After five years of leadership, CEO Paulina Cameron left the organization at the end of December 2023. The incoming CEO will steer The Forum into its next chapter of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will
The Christopher Group Recruits Head of Human Resources for IVS Group
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has placed Jim Carpenter as the new head of human resources at IVS Group, a trusted source in the industrial services and infrastructure-related construction industries. Managing partner, Tobin Anselmi and recruiting director, Morgan Booker, headed the assignment. “Morgan and I truly enjoy working with Keith
Sheffield Haworth Appoints Head of Financial Services and PE Practice in India
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Avneesh Raghuvanshi as executive director and head of financial services and private equity practice in India. He will be based in the Mumbai and Delhi offices, overseeing and driving the executive search initiatives in India’s financial services sector and private equity domain. “Avneesh’s
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.9 Percent in February
Employment rose by 275,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose 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 February. Job gains occurred in healthcare, in government, in food services and drinking places, in social assistance, and in transportation and warehousing. Among the
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for Empathetics
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of Pam Holt as the new CEO of Empathetics, Inc., a provider of evidenced-based techniques to engage and empower healthcare employees to deliver empathic communication. Kaye Johnson, managing partner, and senior search consultants Hailey Brandvold and Mallory Schmidt, led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Pam Holt
Direct Recruiters, Inc. and INNOVA People Join Forces to Form Healthcare and Tech Recruiting Divisions
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) and INNOVA People, Starfish Partners companies, have launched INNOVA Healthcare and INNOVA Tech staffing practice areas. “We have diligently been searching for the right firm to merge our existing staffing business with since the inception of Starfish Partners,” said Dan Charney, president and CEO of Direct Recruiters, Inc. “Joel Slenning and
SPMB Executive Search Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Arlo Technologies
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has recruited Samir Kapoor as the new chief technology officer of NYSE-traded Arlo Technologies, Inc., a smart home security brand in San Jose, CA. The search was led by Sean Lucq and Lea Hagglund from SPMB’s engineering and product practice. “As Arlo looks forward to its
Blue Rock Search Appoints Director of Business Development
Blue Rock Search has expanded with the addition of Madison Rountree as director of business development. “Blue Rock Search is delighted to welcome Madison Rountree to our team,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader of Blue Rock Search. “Madison brings considerable experience in business development and client outreach, as well as a growth mindset
Startup Leaders Upbeat, Poised for Growth After Turbulent Stretch
According to a just-released Business Leaders Outlook report from JP Morgan Chase, innovation economy leaders are still grappling with the fallout from three years of economic turbulence. But three in four leaders at early-stage startups, venture-backed and high growth companies are confident about their company’s performance heading into 2024. U.S. startup leaders, according to the report, differ
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Chief Program Officer for the Sacramento LGBT Community Center
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel was recently retained by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center to lead in its search for a new chief program officer. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key partner on the senior leadership team, the chief program officer is a strategic and visionary program leader for a growing agency. This executive
3 Reasons to Use an Executive Recruiter
Whether you’ve been recently laid off or you’ve finally decided that you need to leave your current company, the idea of launching a job search can seem daunting. Between sending out countless resumes, dealing with constant rejections, preparing for interviews, and struggling through salary negotiations, it’s no wonder that so many people put off job
Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Corporate Angel Network with CEO Search
Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Robert Stangarone as president and CEO of the Corporate Angel Network in White Plains, NY. “The decision to bring Robert on board was driven by the recognition of his impressive background, extensive expertise and proven success as a corporate leader, journalist and pilot,” said Jean Rosanvallon,
Solomon Page Names Leader of National Development Initiatives
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded with the addition of Austin Walker as director of business development of the professional services, technology division. Under the direction of managing director, Dan Quin, he will lead national business development initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in technology, startups, and sales, Mr. Walker will leverage his
Korn Ferry Posts Two Percent Revenue Decline
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted 2024 fiscal third quarter revenues of $668.7 million, a decrease of two percent from the same period a year ago. The decline was primarily due to decreases in the firm’s permanent placement talent acquisition offerings. Korn Ferry notes that this decrease was also due to a decline in demand driven by
Stevenson Search Partners Receives Long-Term Investment from SixSibs Capital
Fort Lee, NJ-based Stevenson Search Partners, a global life science executive search firm and a Hunt Scanlon Top 50 ranked search firm, has received a significant long-term investment from SixSibs Capital, a Milwaukee-based family-owned private investment company, in an effort to advance its expansion into a total talent solution company for the global life sciences market.
ZRG Acquires Ignata Finance Group in the U.K.
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has acquired Ignata Finance Group, a U.K.-based executive search & finance recruitment and interim placement business. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Partnering with Ignata will enable our European growth strategy both in private equity but across our shared global customers,
Lochlin Partners Assists SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation with CEO Search
Following a national search, executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the placement of William Chittenden as the new president and CEO of the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation, headquartered at the SMU Cox School of Business. The selection follows previous president and CEO Jeffrey R. Schmid’s appointment to president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank
Recruiting Firms Continue to Focus on Winning New Business in 2024
In the midst of a tumultuous year and uncertain global economy, the recruiting industry in 2023 focused on maintaining revenue and margin in the face of declining job requisitions and slower conversions. As a result of these challenges, firms seem to have stalled in their digital transformation journey, according to a new report from Bullhorn. In 2020
Trends Facing the Executive Recruiting Industry
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has released the results of its twice annual business barometer survey, which provides insights into the current state of the recruitment industry. Completed in February 2024 by over 560 independent NPAworldwide recruitment firm owners, the survey highlights key trends and challenges faced by the industry. According to the study, the global demand
Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners Tapped by Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Find CHRO
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, has been retained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to find a chief human resources officer. Kim Dukes, Maureen Alphonse-Charles, and Andy Tarsy of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a creative, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as its next
Cook Silverman Search Retained by Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to Help Recruit Chief Development Officer
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is Job No. 1. Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search has been
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Head of India Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Puneet Kalra as the head of India practice, taking over the leadership role from Sachin Rajan. “I am delighted to be taking over the leadership of a fabulous team in India and we will continue to deliver the highest quality of work to our clients,” said Puneet Kalra, managing director and head of Russell Reynolds
Keys to Finding Top Senior Talent in 2024
Getting exceptional senior leadership talent on board is one of the most critical activities for any ambitious organization in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. However, the global skills gap makes sourcing ideal C-suite executives who align with organizational capabilities and culture a considerable challenge, according to a new report from The Taplow Group. “This gives
The Whitney Museum of American Art Retains Isaacson, Miller to Find Chief Advancement Officer
Jack Gorman, Elizabeth Neustaedter, and Bryce Ervin of Boston-based Isaacson, Miller are currently seeking a chief advancement officer for the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. The museum is looking to identify and recruit a strategic, innovative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented chief advancement officer. This will join the Whitney at a time of unique opportunity and
David Barrett Partners Recruits Chief Investment Officer for the J. Paul Getty Trust
David Barrett Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Katharine “K.C.” Krieger as the new chief investment officer of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Ms. Krieger will replace James Williams, who announced his intention to retire last fall after 21 years as Getty’s CIO. Ms. Krieger was appointed after an international search, involving a search
WittKieffer Seeking Chief People Officer for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Stephen Davis, Keshia Harris, and Katie Mazzuckelli are leading the assignment. Memorial Sloan Kettering seeks a dynamic, progressive, and innovative human resources executive to serve as its next chief people
