DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Mercuri Urval Appoints Non-Executive Director
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has announced that Jan Sasse, partner at AlterInvest, was named as non-executive director to the MU group board. He will join the current board members Cecilia Strand, Mieke Weijenberg, Cecilia Beer, Richard Moore, and chairman Roger Hagafors. “We are pleased to welcome Jan Sasse as non-executive director of the MU
M&A Becomes a Capability-Driven Acquisition Strategy
EY-Parthenon is forecasting an eight percent increase in U.S. deal volume for transactions exceeding $100 million in 2026, underscoring how central M&A remains to corporate strategy. Yet beneath the headline numbers sits a more important story. The role of acquisitions is evolving. Companies are no longer pursuing deals primarily for scale or market share. Increasingly,
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.
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
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?
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
Signium Expands in Belgium
Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of Valérie Schmitt to its Belgium team as leadership consulting partner. “She will support executive leaders and teams at pivotal moments, helping them navigate change and succeed in complex environments,” Signium said. “Drawing on more than 25 years in senior corporate roles, Valérie brings first-hand experience of the challenges
How AI Is Reshaping Executive Assessment and Leadership Development
As organizations look for better ways to evaluate leadership potential, attention is shifting beyond experience and credentials toward how executives actually think, communicate, make decisions, and respond under pressure. AI is creating new ways to analyze those behaviors at scale, giving executive search firms and their clients additional evidence when assessing qualities such as judgment,
Caldwell Assists the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the Recruitment of President for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority with the recruitment of Cheryl Nelms as president of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Her appointment follows a competitive international executive recruitment process. The search was led by Drew Railton, Lucy Antrobus, and Vicky O’Connor. “With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada, Cheryl brings
TOC Arts Partners Fills Key Position for Film at Lincoln Center
New York City-based TOC Arts Partners has helped to recruit Trent Anderson as vice president of development of Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). This follows an extensive national search led by senior strategist, Brenna Thomas. “Throughout the search process, Trent distinguished himself with his strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and thoughtful leadership,” said Daniel Battsek, president of Film
True Launches Forensic Referencing Offering
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Forensic Referencing, a new executive intelligence capability designed to help investors, boards, and executive teams make more informed leadership decisions before high-stakes investments, new business relationships, and governance milestones. The firm named Christopher Jaros as partner to build and lead the offering. This expands True’s executive intelligence platform, complementing the firm’s executive
Long Ridge Partners Appoints Director
New York City-based Long Ridge Partners has named Chrissie Shin as director. “Please join us in congratulating Chrissie Shin on her promotion to director,” Long Ridge Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “Chrissie’s expertise, dedication, and leadership have made her an invaluable member of the Long Ridge team. This well-earned promotion reflects the impact she’s made across
Navigating the Search for Tomorrow’s HBCU Leaders
Leadership searches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are becoming increasingly complex as boards weigh institutional legacy against rapidly changing demands on presidents. Executive search firms are being asked to identify candidates who can balance mission, financial stewardship, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy while navigating a more uncertain higher education environment. For HBCUs,
Egon Zehnder Called in by CAAT Pension Plan for CEO Search
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been selected by the board of trustees of CAAT Pension Plan to lead in its search for its next chief executive officer. This follows the departure of longtime CEO and plan manager Derek Dobson, who recently resigned. The search will focus on leaders who can combine strategic vision with operational discipline,
The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. To support the
PierceGray Expands Staff with New Vice President
PierceGray has expanded with the addition of Kara Hennessey as vice president in the firm’s finance practice. She will be based in the New York office. “PierceGray is excited to welcome Kara Hennessey to the team as our newest vice president,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Kara brings almost 10 years of executive search
The ExeQfind Group Forms Alliance with Aspire HR Consultants
The ExeQfind Group has formed a strategic partnership with Aspire HR Consultants – Middle East, an executive search and leadership advisory firm covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from offices across Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. “Partnering with Aspire HR Consultants represents a significant step in strengthening our international capabilities,” said Warren
Private Equity Faces Growing Leadership Succession Risks
Private equity firms are placing greater emphasis on leadership planning as talent availability becomes an increasingly important factor in value creation. For executive search firms, that shift is expanding the mandate beyond filling immediate vacancies to helping sponsors identify succession risks, build deeper leadership pipelines, and prepare portfolio companies for transition well before a critical
Cook Silverman Search Tapped by EPACANDO to Help Find New Executive Director
Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Current executive director Duane Bay is planning to retire. The non-profit seeks an experienced, community-centered executive director to lead the organization into its next chapter: Building the capacity
RH Perry & Associates Retained by Skagit Valley College for President Search
RH Perry & Associates has been selected by Skagit Valley College (SVC) to lead in its search for a new president. The assignment is being led by senior consultant Sue DeWine and and Paul G. Doeg, president and chief operating officer. The president will strengthen the College’s ‘One College’ approach by enhancing coordination across the Mount Vernon and Whidbey
Modern Executive Solutions Names Managing Director
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Matheus Furlan as managing director. “Matheus brings a global perspective to leadership development, with experience helping executives and teams navigate change, build self-awareness, and lead more effectively across cultures and business contexts,” Modern said in a LinkedIn post. “His background as a master coach, facilitator,
HiBob Secures Funding to Drive AI-powered Enterprise
Tel Aviv-based HR tech platform HiBob has announced an investment led by Salesforce with additional participation from Farallon. This marks a key milestone in HiBob’s evolution from a modern HR platform into an organizational intelligence layer for modern businesses. The investment reflects a shared belief that trusted workforce data and organizational context will become critical infrastructure for the AI-powered enterprise.
The M&A Predictions That Shaped 2026
Ansarada’s 2026 Global M&A Predictions Report brought together 26 dealmakers from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand around four central expectations: M&A would remain resilient despite uncertainty, interest-rate relief could unlock activity, energy and technology would attract capital while consumer sectors lagged, and AI would become increasingly important to both asset
Korn Ferry Posts Q1 Fiscal-Year 2027 Revenues of $756.5 Million
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q1 fiscal-year 2027 revenues of $756.5 million, an increase of seven percent year-over-year with growth in all regions. This marks the firm’s sixth consecutive quarter of top line growth. The growth was led by double digit growth in search and workforce solutions of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.In addition, first
AGB Search Seeking University of Illinois System President
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has tapped Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search to lead in its search for the University of Illinois System president. Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the assignment. The president will lead the system into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and a
CarterBaldwin Assists AdelFi With Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Search
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Cameron Forbes as chief innovation and technology officer of AdelFi, a division of Christian Community Credit Union. His appointment is a key piece of AdelFi’s strategy investing in enhanced cybersecurity and regulatory readiness, scaled digital channels for engagement and accessibility, and improved personalized, digitally enabled member experiences. Associate partner
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
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
Kestria Grows Agribusiness & Agriscience Practice Group
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has strengthened its agribusiness & agriscience practice group with the additions of Carlos Eduardo Staut, Constanza Ossa, and Pietro Borroni. “In an era where sustainable practices and technological advancements are reshaping industries, agribusiness stands at the forefront of a remarkable transformation,” Kestria said. “The rising demand
Canadian Executive Search Market Shifts to Meet New Demands
Throughout 2023, executive search consultants have Hunt Scanlon Media that the Canadian executive recruiting market experienced shifts in response to the evolving demands of a rapidly changing business environment across the country. Amidst the ongoing transformations in executive recruiting, the Canadian business landscape has become increasingly competitive, requiring a strategic approach to talent acquisition. Recruiters
The American Athletic Conference Selects TurnkeyZRG to Lead Commissioner Search
TurnkeyZRG was recently called in by the American Athletic Conference (AAC) to lead in its search for a new commissioner. Mike Aresco, the AAC’s only commissioner in the league’s 11-year history, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. TurnkeyZRG is helping the AAC in finding a commissioner who
PierceGray Tapped by Four Wheel Campers to Find New CEO
PierceGray has been retained by Four Wheel Campers to lead its for a new CEO. The CEO will have full responsibility for the business and will lead a workforce of 82 employees. They will partner with the management team, the board of directors and Salt Creek Capital on strategic planning, budgeting, capital allocation, financial structure
TalentRise Recruits CEO for the YWCA of Western New York
Following a rigorous, nationwide search, TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Michelle Sawyers as the new CEO of the YWCA of Western New York (YWCA WNY). Current CEO, Jill Ann Robbins-Jabine, is retiring after nearly 10 years of service. “Michelle’s extensive experience in nonprofit operations—coupled with her leadership acumen, community involvement, and ability to build partnerships—makes
Riviera Partners Expands Venture Capital-Backed 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 Sam Wilkins as its newest partner, joining the firm’s venture capital-backed practice led by managing partner Eoin O’Toole. “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the team,” said Mr. O’Toole. “In addition to being an incredible
Pitchbook Market Data Points To Uptick In M&A Deal Activity
At the two-year anniversary of an all-time peak reached in 2021, the global M&A market turned in its second weakest year in exactly a decade. With total deal value sitting right around the $3 trillion mark, 2023 closed with a 15.8 percent decrease from 2022. However, according to Pitchbook’s latest Annual Global M&A Report, 2024 may be
AI Today – Challenges and Opportunities for Business Leaders
Today’s business is already being driven by AI as use across industries and around the world is widespread. And AI functionality continues to develop at an accelerated pace, with companies recognizing they can no longer stay on the AI sidelines. However, with changes occurring so rapidly, developing and implementing sound AI strategies comes with significant
JM Search Recruits CEO for Colony Display
JM Search has assisted in the recruitment of Craig Marton as the new CEO of Colony Display in Bartlett, IL. Partner Trista Bleers McCarthy led the assignment. “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Craig to the Colony family,” said Suzanne Yoon, founder and managing partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, investors in Colony Display. “We
Massey Henry Recruits COO for Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry has assisted in the recruitment of Tracey Whittall as chief operating officer of Northwest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust in Toronto. “Tracey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, with demonstrated success in building high performing teams and balancing strategic decisions and fiscal oversight to
The International Executive Search Federation Launches New Standardized Search Process
International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has unveiled a new initiative to standardize executive search processes across its global network. This comes after an intensive collaborative effort culminating in a unanimous agreement among partners during the 2023 annual general meeting. “The decision to standardize the search process underscores IESF’s dedication to fostering best practices and ethical standards
The Massachusetts Port Authority Calls in Isaacson, Miller To Find New CEO
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), one of the nation’s most multifaceted port authorities and a prime engine of economic vitality for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New England, has called in Boston-based Isaacson, Miller to lead in its search for a new CEO. Past CEO Lisa Wieland recently stepped down. Lisa Savereid and Jeff Kessner are leading
Workday Enters Agreement to Acquire AI-Powered HiredScore
Workday, a provider of finance and human resources solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HiredScore, a provider of AI-powered talent orchestration solutions, which enable companies to use data-driven insights to improve recruiting and talent mobility processes. The combination of Workday Talent Management, Workday Skills Cloud, and HiredScore’s Talent Orchestration solutions, will provide customers
Preng & Associates Recruits Senior Operations Leader for PJM Interconnection
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Aftab Khan as executive vice president of operations, planning & security with high-voltage electric power system PJM Interconnection. Consultants Mark Ciolek and John Goodrum led the search on behalf of Preng & Associates. Mr. Khan will report to PJM president and CEO Manu Asthana and will have overall responsibility for
Cornerstone International Group Fills Head of Investor Relations Role for Bitfarms
Investor relations is a strategic management responsibility that is capable of integrating finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial community and other constituencies, which ultimately contributes to a company’s securities achieving fair valuation. With the growing importance of the IR role especially in
Odgers Berndtson Appoints Head of U.S. Automotive and Mobility Practice
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Marisa Smith as partner and head of its U.S. automotive and mobility practice. “Marisa’s extensive experience and strategic vision are exactly what we need to enhance our leadership in the automotive and mobility sectors and support our ambitious growth strategy in the U.S.,” said Kennon Kincaid, CEO of Odgers
Resilient Recruiting: How The Tolan Group Defied the 2023 Downturn
The executive search sector faced a perfect storm of challenges in 2023. Founders, management teams, and recruiters themselves were weathering a downturn that early indications show likely resulted in a dip of 20 percent in annual revenues. There were outliers, of course, and much of how a search firm beat the odds depended on industry
Heidrick & Struggles Posts 4.3 Percent Revenue Decrease
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted global full-year revenues of $1.03 billion, a decrease of 4.3 percent, compared to $1.07 billion in 2022. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fourth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income of $54.4 million and diluted earnings per share was $2.62. This compares to
Reffett Associates Retained by New Mexico Military Institute to Find New President
Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been selected by the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to lead its search for a new president and superintendent. The new president will succeed Jerry Grizzle, who has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2024. The search will be led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the Washington, D.C. office,
NorthWind Partners Recruits CEO for Slingshot Aerospace
Reston, VA-headquartered executive search firm NorthWind Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Tim Solms as the new CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, a provider of satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation. Brian Thomas led the assignment of behalf of NorthWind Partners. “Tim’s business acumen and track record in scaling data, analytics, and software solutions
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
