DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
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.
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,
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?
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,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
Placing a chief executive is not the finish line for an executive search firm — it is the beginning of a new phase of accountability. The most effective firms understand that long-term success depends not only on selecting the right leader, but also on ensuring that individual transitions into the role with clarity, alignment, and
Russell Reynolds Associates Appoints Co-Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has named Gemma Burgess as a managing director to join Deb Barbanel as co-lead of the global real estate practice. She will be jointly based in the firm’s New York and Chicago offices. “We welcome Gemma and the experience she brings to the Russell Reynolds team,” said Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates. “With her wealth of
Executive Hiring Trends Reshaping 2024
The realm of executive hiring is experiencing a paradigm shift, with notable trends emerging that redefine the recruitment landscape. In a recent report, ON Partners explores four executive hiring trends that indicate talent demand strategies of the future. 1. Middle America Ignites: A Renaissance in the Heartland. The recent Business Insider article highlights the burgeoning trend of tech and innovation
3 Ways to Nurture Talent for Future Leadership in Non-Profit and Social Impact Organizations
In the non-profit and social impact space, identifying and nurturing talent is crucial for sustainable growth and impact. To ensure a pipeline of capable leaders, it is essential to invest in talent development strategies that cultivate the potential within the organization, according to a report from DRiWaterstone Human Capital. The firm addresses three ways to attract
B.E. Smith Seeking CEO for Deaconess Associations Incorporated
Healthcare and life science organizations are facing an increasingly complex landscape, with rapid technological advancements, changing regulatory environments, and heightened public scrutiny. As a result, these companies have been turning to executive search firms more than ever to acquire world-class leadership. The most pressing challenge has been finding high-impact, innovative leaders who can navigate this
The Hawkins Company Assists City of Santa Monica in Finding New Fire Chief
The Hawkins Company, a Los Angeles-based executive recruitment firm, has assisted in the recruitment of Matthew Hallock as the next fire chief for the City of Santa Monica, CA. He replaces interim fire chief Wolfgang Knabe, who has held the acting role since September 2023. Mr. Hallock comes to Santa Monica from the city of Monterey Park, where
Hightech Partners Expands Search Staff
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Frédérique Genton as a partner. “Frédérique’s in depth involvement in the German and French markets is very valuable for us as she has a network with leading companies that want to expand and need digital talent, our core business,” said Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren,
3 Actions for Successful Inclusive Leadership
The jury is in: inclusive leadership is successful leadership. According to a recent Kincannon & Reed survey, food and agriculture industry executives indicated that critical leadership characteristics in executive recruitment and engagement include emotional intelligence (74 percent) and diversity, equity and inclusion (77 percent). The growing interest in diversity expectations from employees, customers, and shareholders
Korn Ferry Leading President/CEO Search for the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have chosen the members of the selection committee to find a successor to Mark Murphy, who will retire as the team’s president and CEO next year. Korn Ferry has been retained to lead this assignment. Mr. Murphy is required to retire when he turns 70 in July 2025. Susan Finco, the Packers’
AGB Search Assists Rhode Island College in Finding New President
In recent months, a number of top schools have announced that they are looking for new, high-profile leaders to take them into new eras of fundraising, digitalization, sports and, in some cases, globalization. Some universities that are looking for new leaders after a long spell without turnover are discovering a vastly different and highly competitive
DHR Global Names Chief Operating Officer
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to have Priya take on the role of chief operating officer,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “Her client service orientation, strategic mindset, and dedication to excellence will continue to be instrumental in implementing our growth strategies around the
Amrop Expands to the Dominican Republic
Amrop, a global leadership advisory and executive search partnership, has opened a new office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the addition of Kai Schoenhals. Amrop’s new Dominican Republic team offers executive search and board services, focusing on the tourism, financial services, industrial, telecommunications and construction sectors. “We are delighted to welcome Kai and his ambitious
True Acquires Executive Coaching and Assessment Company Bleeker
Global talent provider True has acquired Bleeker, an executive coaching and assessment company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bleeker’s assessments, derived from neuroscience, and their inquiry-based coaching services have been rebranded as True Advance and are now part of True’s platform of products and services. “Through integrated assessment and coaching, True has enhanced our comprehensive talent
The Moran Company Recruits New Leader for Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted in the recruitment of Lori Jones as executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. She replaced Annette Thurston, who retired at the end of 2023 after 26 years. Ann Graff, senior search consultant, led the assignment. “The succession committee
Bryant Group Recruits President and CEO for Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement
Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Telly McGaha as president and CEO at Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE). In May 2023, Elizabeth King announced her plans to retire as the WSUFAE president and CEO after 33 years of leading these efforts. The
Focus Search Partners Expands with New Managing Director
Focus Search Partners, a Vaco company, has expanded with the addition of Joseph Solari as managing director. In this role, Focus says that Mr. Solari will be focused on helping business owners and management teams solve problems, capitalize on opportunities, and increase the enterprise value of their companies. “Joe’s extensive experience with private equity-backed firms
Eric Salmon & Partners Announces B Corp Certification
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has announced its B Corp certification. “This achievement underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices, and ethical leadership,” the search firm said. “Far from adopting a traditional corporate tone, Eric Salmon & Partners is embracing a genuine and passionate
Using Your Candidate Experience to Attract Senior-Level Talent
In today’s competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is essential for driving business growth and innovation. To achieve this, companies must go beyond the traditional recruitment process and focus on creating a memorable and positive experience for potential candidates, according to a report from Gables Search Group. The study explores the importance of candidate
Wrong Decisions: Why Companies Miss the Most Important Factor In Executive Hiring
A few months ago, Kingsley Gate published a full report in conjunction with The Financial Times covering the importance of decision making in determining several outcomes (including executive satisfaction), the degree to which the topic is missing from executive interviews, and the role that new senior hires can play in improving a company’s decision effectiveness.
Keys to Getting the Most Out of Your Executive Search Process
Hiring the wrong executive can cost your business time, money, and credibility. It’s important to get it right the first time around. A recent report from Comhar Partners outlines a formula for optimizing your executive recruiting process, from defining your hiring need collaboratively with your senior leadership team, board, and investors, to connecting with the right
Storbeck Search | Diversified Search Assists Wagner College with the Recruitment of 21st President
Higher education-focused Storbeck Search, part of the Diversified Search Group, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeffrey A. Doggett as the 21st president of Wagner College. Angelo Araimo announced his retirement after the close of the 2023-24 academic year. Managing director Ruth Shoemaker Wood led the search along with senior associates Fiona Jaramillo and Erin Meissner. “Jeff
HireRight Acquired by Investors General Atlantic and Stone Point Capital
HireRight, a global provider of on-demand employment screening solutions and workforce solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by investment funds affiliated with General Atlantic, L.P. and Stone Point Capital LLC. The two investors are currently the beneficial owners of approximately 75 percent of the HireRight’s outstanding shares of common stock. Under the
Integrating Cultural Humility into the Coaching Process
Building a positive workplace culture has become one of the top priorities for organizations around the world. Since the pandemic, many employers have focused on building workplace environments in which their employees can feel safe, engaged, inspired, and productive. According to human capital experts and talent industry leaders, it is positive workplace culture that now
The Tolan Group Recruits CEO for OnePeak Medical
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the recruitment of James Pereyra as the new CEO at OnePeak Medical. Kaye Johnson, managing partner, and Hailey Brandvold, senior search consultant, led the assignment. With a track record of in multi-site consumer healthcare, medical devices, and aesthetic skincare product manufacturing/retail, Mr. Pereyra brings experience and expertise to
Crosstown Ventures Acquires Top Talent
Operationally focused private investment firm Crosstown Ventures has acquired Top Talent, LLC, a talent acquisition firm based in Fishers, IN. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Acquiring Top Talent aligns with Crosstown’s strategy to invest in growth-focused companies, promising dozens of new job opportunities for the city of Fishers,” said Nick Likens, CEO
The Lapham Group Fills Senior Post for Somerset Reinsurance
The Lapham Group has assisted in the recruitment of Manisha Dias as head of new business development at Somerset Reinsurance Ltd., a Bermuda-based provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market. “I am delighted that Manisha, such an experienced and successful client relationship manager, has chosen to join the Somerset Re team,” said
Mercuri Urval Appoints Global Practice Head of Financial Services Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has named Thorsten Kocherscheidt as global practice head of its financial services practice. “MU has a clear strategy that aims to constantly strengthen our position in the leadership segment, international business, and industry expertise,” the search firm said. “Our plan is to grow all these areas with care and continue to
A Look at How to Recruit Top Operating Partners
In recent years, the highly competitive deal market has shifted the private equity industry’s emphasis away from financial engineering and put pressure on firms to drive operational value growth in their portfolio companies. As a result, operating partners, whose job is to facilitate on-the-ground value creation, have become key components of investment strategy for many
ON Partners Recruits CFO for PlayOn! Sports
ON Partners has recruited James Rosenstock as the new CFO of PlayOn! Sports, a high school media and technology company located in Atlanta, GA. Partner Tara Flickinger and co-president Matt Mooney led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jay to the PlayOn! leadership team. He brings extensive experience in both the DTC and B2B industries and has guided leading
SearchWide Global Retained by Visit Bend for CEO Search
After taking a massive hit during the pandemic, employment and hiring within the hotel and hospitality industry has rebounded. The leisure and hospitality industry added an average of 39,000 jobs per month in 2023. Consumer research reveals that leisure and group business travel remains strong as well and new workplace trends allow people to travel more
Nexus Search Partners Continues Growth with New Senior Partner
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has named Mary Winston as a senior partner. “Nexus could not be more proud to have Mary on our team,” said Thaddeus V. Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus. “Her years of experience across diverse industries and corporate strategy acumen will be
General Sports Worldwide Names VP, Executive Search
General Sports Worldwide has expanded with the addition of Cuyler Holmquist as vice president, executive search, strategic consulting & analytics. He will be working from the company’s New York City and London offices. “We are excited to add yet another experienced and talented member to our growing team,” said Lou DePaoli, president of General Sports
