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Daily Newswire
Leadership Advisory Enters a New Capital Cycle
Private capital is making one of its strongest moves yet into the leadership advisory sector. Recent investments by KKR in ghSMART and Advent International in Heidrick & Struggles represent more than headline transactions. Together, they signal a growing conviction among investors that leadership advisory firms occupy a unique position within the modern enterprise, helping organizations navigate leadership succession, organizational effectiveness, talent assessment, and
Crist|Kolder Places CFO at Mondelēz International
Crist|Kolder Associates has placed Amit Banati as executive vice president and chief financial officer of NASDAQ-traded Mondelēz International in Chicago. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, and will be a member of the Mondelēz International leadership team. “Amit is a highly experienced CFO who brings a strong blend of financial leadership
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.
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
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?
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
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
AIMS International Names Senior Advisor for Board Services
Executive search consortium AIMS International has expanded with the addition of Annika Hall as the new senior advisor for board services, bolstering its family business advisory services worldwide. “It’s an honor to welcome Annika Hall to our team at AIMS International,” said Titti Hammarling, global head of board services practice at AIMS International. “Her extensive background in family
Using Artificial Intelligence to Drive DE&I Initiatives
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our world in ways that were previously unimaginable. From self-driving cars to personalized healthcare, it is changing every aspect of our lives including business, where its integration into operations is arguably the biggest shift since the internet was developed. Understanding the relationship between AI and diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) is
Shelli Herman and Associates Retained by the Santa Barbara Zoo to Find New CEO
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected by the Santa Barbara Zoo to lead in its search for a new CEO. The CEO will be responsible for utilizing the zoo’s platform and the community’s trust to advocate for animal conservation and the protection of the planet. To succeed in this role, Shelli Herman and Associates
Lancor Assists VERTEX with CFO Search
Executive search firm Lancor has assisted in the recruitment of Ron Charow as the new CFO of VERTEX in Weymouth, MA. “We are proud to collaborate with the leadership team at The Vertex Companies on the appointment of Ron Charow as chief financial officer,” said Tim O’Toole, partner at Lancor. “Congratulations to Ron and best of luck from the Lancor search team.”
m/Oppenheim Executive Search Recruits Executive Director for Creative Alliance
Non-profit recruitment firm m/Oppenheim Executive Search has placed Jason Steer as the new executive director of Creative Alliance in Baltimore, MD. Lee Kappelman, Oscar Quiros, and Steve Oppenheim led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jason Steer to Creative Alliance and to Baltimore,” said Amy Seto, Creative Alliance board president. “Jason brings to us his vision and
True Appoints Regional Lead for Middle East and North Africa
Global talent provider True has named Paul Navratil as regional lead for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “Paul’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for True in MENA,” said Sam McGrath, True’s general manager, EMEA & APAC. “His wealth of international experience and strategic acumen align perfectly with our vision for growth and client success in the
Executive Recruiting Sector Declines 12 Percent
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual productivity report of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2023, but at a slower rate than in previous years. “Market turbulence and a soft economy impacted most executive recruiters who pulled through a challenging year,” said Scott A.
Howard Fischer Associates Assists Agility Robotics with CEO Search
Philadelphia-headquartered executive search firm Howard Fischer Associates has helped to recruit Peggy Johnson as the new CEO of Agility Robotics, creator of the bipedal Mobile Manipulation Robot (MMR) called Digit. “Peggy Johnson’s long track record of engineering and business success at Qualcomm and Microsoft, and her recent achievements driving change as CEO of Magic Leap, make her
Harbour West Consulting Recruits Chief Librarian for the New Westminster Public Library
Executive recruitment firm Harbour West Consulting Inc. has placed Carolyn Caseñas as chief librarian for the New Westminster Public Library. Ms. Caseñas was selected for the role after a comprehensive search process in collaboration with the search committee, Harbour West Consulting, and with the approval of the library’s board of trustees. “New Westminster Public Library is thrilled
Borderless AI Secures $27 Million in Funding
Borderless AI, an AI-powered startup in the Employer of Record (EOR) space, has raised $27 million in seed funding. The seed round was led by Susquehanna and Aglaé Ventures, the venture arm of Bernard Arnault, with participation from additional institutional investors. The company was founded by serial entrepreneur Willson Cross and Lyft’s founding investor Sean Aggarwal. “As the first company in the world to bring
Pedersen & Partners Names Head of Boston Office
Dubai-headquartered executive search firm Pedersen & Partners has appointed John Durkey as a client partner and head of Boston office. “We are excited to welcome John Durkey to our team as client partner and head of the Boston office,” said Gary Williams, CEO of Pedersen & Partners. “John’s extensive experience in the life sciences & healthcare and industrial sectors,
The Critical Role of Interim Executives
In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, companies often face unexpected challenges that demand swift and effective solutions. One such solution gaining prominence is interim management, according to a recent report from SpenglerFox. The global search firm delves into the pivotal role that interim management plays in times of crisis in transforming businesses, especially
The Moran Company Seeking CEO for YWCA Northeast Kansas
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by YWCA Northeast Kansas to lead in its search for a new CEO. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher is leading the assignment. YWCA Northeast Kansas is seeking a CEO who can build on the organization’s successes as a leader
Kittleman & Associates Recruits CEO for National Industries for the Blind
Following an extensive nationwide search, Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates recently assisted in the recruitment of Soraya Correa as president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind. Kevin Lynch, who has been NIB president and CEO for more than 15 years, announced last summer
Charles Aris Combines Finance, Accounting and Corporate Development Teams
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has announced that its finance, accounting and corporate development teams have combined as one practice. The groups will now operate as the finance and corporate development practice. “Senior firm leaders agreed on this development after recognizing the value one unified practice will bring to clients seeking specialized expertise at
Karen Harvey Consulting Group Grows Search Staff
Karen Harvey Consulting Group (KHC), an international executive search and brand advisory firm in fashion, luxury, lifestyle and beauty, has appointed Anais Goujon to director, executive and creative search, Kate Sunderland as vice president, creative search, and Charlotte Reeve as associate director, executive search. “Since founding Karen Harvey Consulting, my goal has been to build
Why High-Performing Executives Don’t Always Operate as High-Performing Teams
It might sound counterintuitive, but a group made up of individual high performers does not always translate to a high-performing team. The fact that these professionals excel at their primary jobs doesn’t automatically mean they will work cohesively and effectively as a team, a new report from Odgers Berndtson explains. A poorly functioning team is
ECA Partners Recruits CEO for RedCAT Systems
Santa Monica, CA-based search firm ECA Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Jason Phillips as the new CEO for RedCAT Systems, a Boulder, CO-based compensation platform with people-centered solutions for performance and pay. “With a rich background in global business leadership spanning over a decade, Jason’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for
Bob Murray & Associates Leading Search for Top LAPD Position
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious, and adaptable, report recruiters, with the capacity to deal with
Pekarsky & Co. and Humanis Advisory Merge
Calgary-based Pekarsky & Co. and Edmonton-headquartered Humanis Advisory have formed a strategic partnership. Combining their renowned expertise and deep-rooted legacies, the newly company will be called Humanis Talent Acquisition & Advisory. “This merger is a testament to our shared values and vision,” said Adam Pekarsky, founding partner of Pekarsky & Co. “We are excited to
Ezekia Adds Former Salesforce Exec to Board
Recruitment software providers Ezekia has elected Simon O’Kane to its board of directors. “It is great to have Simon on board,” said Joseph Blass, founder and CEO of Ezekia. “Of course, we will benefit from his vast experience in the software sector however, boards are not only about facts and numbers, but about personalities too, and Simon
Achieving Diversity for Non-Profits
Top leaders are absolutely vital to driving diversity and inclusion at non-profits. “On an operational level, leaders establish policies and practices that frame and activate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and embed it into the fibers of the organization,” said Deb Taft, chief executive officer at Lindauer. “On a personal level, a leader’s own behavior sets
Cause Leadership Leading Development Officer Search for Wycliffe College
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. Wycliffe College recently called in
Vanderbloemen Heading Executive Director Search for Martin Luther School
Vanderbloemen, which finds leaders for churches and ministries, is currently leading the executive director search for Martin Luther School in Queens, NY. The executive director, functioning as the chief executive officer of New York Corporation The Martin Luther School, is responsible for carrying out the policies of the association through its board of directors. S/he
Catalyst Advisors Names Partner
Catalyst Advisors recently named Todd Hutchings as a new partner, expanding the firm’s presence on the West Coast. “The hire further strengthens Catalyst’s mission of connecting innovative companies with exceptional talent, drawing on Todd’s expertise recruiting across sectors including diagnostics, med tech, pharma/biotech and tools and instruments,” the search firm said. “We are thrilled to
M&A Dealmakers Intensify Focus On Founders’ Background Checks To Help Mitigate Risk
In the VC world, it seems that for every startup that fulfills its unicorn potential, there are countless others that flame out amid high-profile controversy. Often, those flameouts are accompanied by pointed media commentary asking how the signs — so obvious in hindsight — could have been missed. This has led to increased scrutiny by
Arts Consulting Group Assists Shakespeare Theatre Company with Executive Director Search
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg as the new executive director of Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Chris Jennings, who left STC this July after 19 years. Vice president Geoff Chang led the assignment. “Rebecca brings a wealth of experience to her new role at Shakespeare Theatre Company,” said
PierceGray Recruits Chief Operating Officer for Consumer Safety Technology
PierceGray recently assisted in the recruitment of Melissa Robbins as the new chief operating officer of Consumer Safety Technology (CST). “We are looking to the future, with clear goals in mind, including the opportunity to redefine the market with game-changing products and services,” said Kathy Boden Holland, CEO of Consumer Safety Technology. “I’m confident we’ve
Anthem Executive Seeking Chief Information Officer for Texas Woman’s University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive was recently retained by Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton, TX, to lead in its search for a chief information officer. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the assignment. The CIO is responsible for advancing the university’s curriculum, providing leadership for the faculty, overseeing research, and developing strategic, innovative programs that
Eric Salmon & Partners Appoints Managing Director of Italy
Paris-headquartered executive search, leadership advisory, and board services firm Eric Salmon & Partners has appointed Paola Calderini as managing director of Italy, overseeing operations in Milan and Rome. “We are delighted to welcome Paola Calderini as managing director of Italy,” said Raoul Nacke, CEO at Eric Salmon & Partners. “Her appointment reflects our dedication to fostering
Deploying the Right Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Strategy to Drive Business Results
In a period of economic uncertainty, companies are reducing expenses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B). Instead, they should be doubling down as the following case studies from DHR Global will show how you can drive business results through proactive and thoughtful DEI&B strategies. The right actions can unlock innovation, access new markets, design
