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Daily Newswire
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
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.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
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?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
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. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
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
What You Need to Know When Using a Retained Search Firm for the First Time
Retained executive search firms operate on an exclusive mandate. They focus primarily on C-suite and board positions, although they are also used to fill specialist leadership roles. The retained part of it comes from the upfront fee that you pay to initiate the search process, according to a new report from AltoPartners. The study says
JM Search Recruits CIO for Subaru of America
The chief information officer is considered one of the most strategic roles in any organization. Still, recruiting within the function remains challenging, as skilled C-suite IT professionals are among the toughest to find, and move. JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, recently helped to recruit Aurelian Sin
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Executive Director for the Head of the Charles Regatta
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted in the recruitment of Tori Stevens as the new executive director of the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR), the world’s largest rowing regatta in Boston. Succeeding Fred Schoch’s 33-year tenure leading the Regatta, Ms. Stevens comes to HOCR as its second executive director in its 59-year history after serving as CEO for
Work&Partners Retained by Toppan Merrill
New York-based Work&Partners has been selected by Toppan Merrill to lead in its search for a director of ESG. “Our client is the best-in-class partner for complex, secure communications,” said Alan Work, founder and president of Work&Partners. “A company that is trusted, responsive, expert and human, our client delivers premier technology-driven solutions to communicate mission critical content
Conexus Launches Advisory Practice
Irvine, CA-based executive search firm Conexus has launch of its launched a new advisory practice. The addition of the new advisory practice demonstrates the firm’s commitment to serving the “office of the CFO” for private equity-backed and public companies across Southern California. “Comprised of Big Four CPAs with technical and operational expertise in accounting and finance, the
Corporate Culture & Talent: Navigating the New Norms
The keys to unlocking a successful corporate culture are predicated upon how leaders in organizations perceive culture as a top priority. Most senior leaders agree that a healthy company culture is a basic component of any successful organization. It lays the groundwork for strong employee engagement, retention, and performance. In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape,
The Rise of First-Time CEOs in Private Equity Portfolio Companies
In the fast-paced world of private equity, success hinges on effective leadership. With approximately 23,000 PE-owned portfolio companies in the United States alone, the demand for top-tier CEOs is relentless. Traditionally, PE firms have favored seasoned executives with prior industry or exit experience to lead portfolio companies post-buyout, however, a paradigm shift is underway as
Vetted Solutions Tapped by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions was recently selected by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Karen Greenbaum will step down when her current contract expires, effective December 31, 2024. She will close her tenure as president and CEO after 10 years at
Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Highland Homes
Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Mike Loftus as the new CFO for Highland Homes in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Loftusis a strategic and operationally minded finance executive focused on helping companies grow by building high-performing teams and partnering closely with leaders to develop strategy and drive performance to
Diversified Search Group Expands Corporate Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has strengthened its corporate practice with the additions of Nora Sutherland and John Burnes as managing directors. Ms. Sutherland, who will serve as managing director in the corporate practice’s technology team, will provide talent consulting to private equity clients and other high-growth
Private Equity’s Top Value Lever: Outside Talent
Most research on the CEO labor market looks at public company chief executives while largely ignoring CEOs in private equity funded companies. New research from Paul Gompers, the Eugene Holman Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, contends this is skewing our views of value creation and the big role certain CEOs play in
Bullhorn Acquires Textkernel
Recruiting software provider Bullhorn has acquired Textkernel, providers of sourcing AI solutions. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Sourcing AI is a huge investment area for Bullhorn, and we are truly excited to embark on this journey with Textkernel,” said Matt Fischer, president and chief operating officer of Bullhorn. “We congratulate CEO Gerard Mulder, COO
Anthem Executive Recruits CIO for Texas Woman’s University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has placed Henry G. Torres as the new chief information officer Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Torres joins TWU from the Arkansas State University System, where he has served as vice president of information technology & CIO. In his role at Arkansas
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits President for Milwaukee Area Technical College
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Anthony Cruz as the new president of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Tracey Weldon, Jim Johnsen, and Itza Walters led the assignment. The board made its selection during a special meeting following an expert-led national search. The process included a rigorous review
Kennedy Executive Search Adds Member Firm in Poland
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. Kennedy Executive Search, a network of independent executive search firms, recently expanded
ZRG Secures $120 Million in Funding
ZRG, a global talent advisory firm and portfolio company of RFE Investment Partners, has secured $120 million in debt financing from Main Street Capital Corporation and its affiliates. “This significant funding will bolster ZRG’s growth initiatives and enhance its ability to deliver innovative talent solutions to clients worldwide,” the firm said. “It is a great time to
Reffett & Associates Selected to Assist in Search for Architect of the Capitol for the U.S. Congress
The U.S. Senate Rules Committee, along with the U.S. House Committee on Administration, has selected Seattle, WA-based Reffett & Associates to assist with their search for the next Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Reffett & Associates was selected to work with the U.S. Congress based on their history of successful civilian senior level recruitments across all
McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Cocoon Inc.
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has recruited James R. Callan as president and CEO of Cocoon Inc., a middle-market leader in innovative corrosion-prevention solutions. This executive search was led by McDermott + Bull partner Jared Moriarty and senior executive recruiter Alyssa Camire. According to Leo Crotty, Cocoon founder and chairman of the board, the company was impressed
Cardinal Grange Assists Stephen F. Austin State University with AD Search
Cardinal Grange recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McBroom as director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University. “We are excited about the future of Lumberjack athletics under McBroom’s leadership,” said Gina Oglesbee, interim president. “His proven ability to build championship-worthy programs — both on the playing surfaces and in the classroom —
Heidrick & Struggles Announces CFO Search
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced that CFO Mark Harris has elected to depart the firm to pursue other opportunities. Heidrick has commenced a formal search for a new CFO, and Mr. Harris, who assumed the role in 2018, will remain with the firm until August 2024 to ensure continuity and a
Navigating DEI When Hiring Executive Leaders In Private Equity
In a historically homogenous sector, diversity rises as a leading differentiator among high performing private equity firms and their portfolio companies. From rising interest rates to increasing C-suite turnover, private equity firms and their portfolio companies have recently faced a spectrum of challenges that have limited their potential to achieve growth, according to a new report from Slayton
Lindauer Recruits Chief Development Officer for Boston Medical Center
Lindauer has recruited Susie Posner-Jones as vice president and chief development officer of Boston Medical Center (BMC), the largest essential hospital in New England. The search was led by Lindauer assistant vice president Terri Rutter and senior consultant Elsa Gomes Bondlow. “Susie Posner-Jones brings an exemplary record of success in donor engagement, along with a dedication throughout her career to
Kincannon & Reed Recruits COO for Double Good
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Aaron Scott as chief operating officer – manufacturing at Double Good in Chicago. “A data-driven decision maker, Aaron is a strategic and collaborative leader who is proactive in his approach,” said Paul Izenstark, managing director.
Winsor Historical Society Selects Arts Consulting Group to Find New Leader
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by Winsor Historical Society in Connecticut to lead in its search for a new executive director. Renée Danger-James is leading the assignment. The executive director will serve as the chief executive officer of the Windsor Historical Society and will be a strategic and people-oriented executive who values
Eric Salmon & Partners Launches Leadership Development Services
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has launch its Leadership Development Services, designed to accelerate executive and team performance. “This new service line reinforces Eric Salmon & Partners’ commitment to fostering transformational leadership and sustainable corporate change,” the firm said. The newly launched Leadership Development Services team is dedicated to
How to Partner With an Executive Search Firm
In today’s dynamic talent market, aligning with the right executive search firm can be the difference between merely filling a position and truly transforming your leadership landscape. However, the efficacy of this partnership hinges not only on the capabilities of the search firm but also on the behaviors and actions of the clients themselves, according
Coulter Partners Announces New Senior Management Team
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has announced a strategic leadership transition and the reorganization of its senior leadership team. Effective immediately, Bianca Coulter, co-founder and current CEO, will assume the full-time role of executive chair; Nicholas Green will take up the reins as CEO; Joe Coulter, co-founder, will take a broadened chief operating officer role; Charlotte James becoming chief of staff and operations;
The Millard Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for Nuspire
The Millard Group, which focuses on building executive teams for venture capital and private equity backed growth stage technology companies, has placed Brian Lamberger as the new chief revenue officer of Nuspire, a managed security services provider in Commerce, MI. “The addition of Brian to our team marks a significant step in our strategic growth initiatives,” said Lewie Dunsworth, CEO
Noetic Search Seeking New Leader for Children First Fund
Chicago-headquartered executive search firm Noetic Search has been retained by the Children First Fund (CFF) in Chicago to lead in its search for a new executive director. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director will lead the evolution of CFF’s organizational model, including collaboration with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leadership, serving as a
WittKieffer Unveils New Program to Speed the Impact of Physician Executives
Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer has released a new program to expedite time to success for physician leaders taking on new roles. The accelerating impact for physician leaders solution differentiates itself from other physician leadership training and support in that it is customized to the executive, their specific role, and their organization. In addition to a coaching component, the program features
Keystone Partners Acquires The Ayers Group and Center for Executive Coaching
Keystone Partners, a founding member of Career Partners International and a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, has acquired The Ayers Group, a provider of executive coaching, leadership development and outplacement services, from Kelly Services, Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This strategic acquisition further broadens Keystone’s capacity to deliver career management







