DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Buffkin / Baker Seeking 11th President for Valdosta State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker is currently assisting Valdosta State University (VSU) in its search for its 11th president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. President must provide transformational leadership that brings clarity, confidence and momentum to the university’s next chapter. This role begins with the ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision
Spencer Stuart Appoints Leader of Global Real Estate Practice
Spencer Stuart has named Justin Zale as a partner in its New York and Stamford offices, where he will lead the firm’s global real estate practice. “Justin brings a deeply strategic perspective on talent, honed through his combined experiences as a real estate operator and global advisor,” said George Craft, who leads Spencer Stuart’s global financial
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.
Streamlining the Hiring Process to Secure Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, speed and preparation can often make the difference between securing a top candidate and losing them to another opportunity. With many professionals exploring new roles while remaining fully employed, organizations must balance thorough evaluation with an efficient and well-coordinated recruitment process. The most successful employers are those that approach hiring
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?
DHR Global Adds New Partner in Singapore
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has expanded with the addition of Veronique Denis-Pelliet as a partner in its technology and retail & consumer practices in Singapore. A seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience in executive search, ESG leadership, sales, and international business development, Ms. Denis-Pelliet has led multicultural teams and driven growth in Southeast Asia, China, Europe,
Assessing Business Development Talent Without Slowing the Hiring Process
Companies are placing greater emphasis on improving hiring accuracy as competition for high-performing talent intensifies across the market. Yet many organizations continue to rely on inconsistent interview practices, subjective evaluations, and selection processes that create unnecessary friction for both candidates and internal stakeholders. Most hiring failures do not happen because companies move too fast. They
Academic Search Recruits President for Henry Ford College
Academic Search has placed David M. Knezek as the seventh president of Henry Ford College. Shirley Robinson Pippins and Richard Cummins led the assignment. Mr. Knezek, currently serving as chief operating officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and as an elected Wayne County commissioner, will assume the presidency later this year, succeeding interim president Dr. Lori
Fabric.AI Taps Egon Zehnder for Critical Search
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been retained by NASDAQ-traded AI infrastructure company Fabric.AI to lead the search for a senior project management executive. “Egon Zehnder’s reputation, global reach, and deep expertise across AI, advanced technologies, and organizational leadership make them an ideal partner for Fabric.AI at this stage of our growth,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of
Caldwell Expands in London and Madrid
Toronto-based Caldwell has expanded with the addition of Alex Langridge as a partner in the firm’s financial services practice. Based in London, Mr. Langridge advises clients across financial services and fintech on senior executive and board appointments, succession planning, organizational design, and transformational leadership hiring. “Alex’s appointment reflects our continued investment in expanding Caldwell’s financial
Fama Technologies Granted U.S. Patent on Foundational AI-Powered Social Media Screening Technology
Fama Technologies, providers of AI-powered online screening, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed all claims in its patent application covering the foundational technology behind social media background screening. The patent, titled “System for Searching and Correlating Online Activity with Individual Classification Factors,” has a priority date of November
Updating How You Work So AI Can Actually Deliver
AI adoption is no longer a technology challenge, it is an operational one. Companies that generate lasting value from AI will be the ones willing to redesign workflows, redefine leadership responsibilities, and embed AI directly into how work gets done every day. Most companies will not fail at AI because they chose the wrong model,
Vetted Solutions Assists CoreNet Global with CEO Search
Following an extensive search process, Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has assisted in the recruitment of Vicki Worden as the new CEO of CoreNet Global. “Vicki Worden demonstrates exemplary leadership through her collaborative approach,” said Jamie Leary-Erickson, CoreNet Global board chair. “Vicki’s extensive experience in the architecture, engineering, and commercial real estate sectors, combined with her global perspective
BarkerGilmore Places Head of Legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Keinan Meginniss as VP, head of legal at Vantage Elevator Solutions. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Keinan joins the organization at an exciting time as the company continues to expand its operations and strengthen its leadership team
NGS Global Adds TalentXera
Wilmington, DE-headquartered executive search firm NGS Global has added Saúl Almendárez and his team at TalentXera. This expands the firm’s capabilities across Mexico and the broader Latin America region. Mr. Almendárez is based in Mexico City, where he has spent more than 20 years building an exceptional team and a highly regarded brand in the executive search industry. Along
IMD International Search Group Elects New Board Members
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group recently had delegates from member firms meet in Helsinki, Finland, and announced the election of several board members. Ben Tucker (Minerva, IMD U.K.) transitions from director to VP finance and legal. Eva Nielsen (Lisberg, IMD Sweden) is reelected for a second mandate as director while Terhi Heikkinen (IMS Talent,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Executive Search Firms Confront the AI Transformation
As AI rapidly reshapes the executive search landscape, recruiting firms are facing growing pressure to modernize how they identify, assess, and engage leadership talent. Industry experts say AI-driven sourcing, predictive analytics, and automation tools are helping firms accelerate search timelines and expand candidate reach, while also forcing recruiters to rethink where their true value lies.
Cooper Coleman Recruits CFO the Center for Child Protection
Cooper Coleman LLC has placed William Wade as chief financial officer of the Center for Child Protection (CCP) in Austin, TX. The national search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Dion brings the kind of strategic thinking and mission alignment CCP needs in its CFO,” said Mr. Cooper. “They are doing remarkable work,
Boyden Assists Kerry’s Place Autism Services with CEO Search
Boyden has recruited Normandie Wragg as the new president and CEO of Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Ontario. The appointment follows the previously announced retirement of CEO Susan VanDeVelde-Coke at the end of June. The search was led by partners Jim Stonehouse and Pamela Colquhoun, and Kathy Luu, senior associate. “Normandie is a highly accomplished, values-driven
Modern Executive Solutions Expands Technology Practice
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Moises Velilla as managing director in its technology practice. He brings deep experience advising organizations on senior leadership hiring and talent strategy across technology and transformation. Mr. Velilla specializes in advising clients on executive talent strategy and recruiting transformative technology and professional services leaders. He
AI’s Next Test: Can It Actually Drive Growth?
A massive opportunity, and a critical trust gap, is emerging among corporate leaders. According to EY-Parthenon’s Growth Survey of 271 U.S. executives, 78 percent believe AI will accelerate growth, even as nearly 80 percent say the growth environment has become more challenging over the past year. Yet only about a third trust AI inputs for high-stakes decisions such
Retained vs. Contingent Search: Choosing the Right Executive Search Model
As companies navigate increasingly complex leadership challenges, the pressure to make the right executive hiring decision has never been greater. Boards and leadership teams are looking beyond resumes and credentials, placing greater emphasis on cultural alignment, long-term business impact, and a candidate’s ability to guide organizations through growth, transformation, and uncertainty. At the same time,
Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,
Ren Systems Appoints Head of Product
Ren Systems, an AI-powered relationship intelligence platform used by sales, business development, and professional services leaders, recently expanded with the addition of Nick Wynja as head of product. “As we’ve scaled Ren to 70+ enterprise customers and accelerated our feature release cycle, it became clear that we needed focused product leadership,” the company said in
How to Kick Off an Executive Search the Right Way
As leadership demands grow more complex, organizations are increasingly recognizing that a successful executive search begins long before candidate outreach or interviews take place. Search consultants say the strongest outcomes are driven by early alignment around business strategy, organizational culture, leadership expectations, and the capabilities needed to support future growth. Rather than simply filling an
Why Structured Interviews Lead to Better Hiring
As organizations compete for leadership talent, many are reexamining how executive interviews are conducted and whether traditional hiring instincts are leading to the best decisions. Increasingly, research is showing that structured interviews built around standardized questions and evaluation criteria deliver more reliable hiring outcomes than conversational, free-flowing assessments. Talent experts say the approach not only
Rethinking Career Loyalty in the Age of Gen Z and Millennials
As leadership priorities continue to evolve, executive search firms are seeing a growing shift in how candidates evaluate long-term career opportunities. Today’s professionals are placing greater emphasis on purpose, culture, mentorship, flexibility, and personal growth alongside compensation and title. Recruiters say organizations that can clearly communicate vision, invest in employee development, and foster strong leadership
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for Laigo Bio
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Richard C.A. Sainson as the new chief scientific officer of Laigo Bio. “It was a privilege to partner with Matthew and the Laigo board,” said Kay Wardle, managing partner at Coulter Partners. “Targeted protein degradation is one of the most exciting frontier areas of drug discovery, and finding a chief
Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Talent acquisition strategies at many large companies have become as complex as their balance sheets. And while chief human resource officers play a vital role in overseeing an organization’s broad-based workforce, the chief people officer typically goes beyond overseeing its people policies. The focus instead is on building talent as a key competitive advantage, with more
2026 Report Finds Executive-Level CISO Titles More Prevalent than Ever
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Consequently, chief information security officers (CISOs) are increasingly expected to serve not just as technical leaders, but as enterprise-wide strategists. Their rise to the executive ranks brings greater influence but also greater demands, including wider accountability, more cross-functional engagement, and intensified
A Look at How to Retain Top Leaders
Today’s independent senior executives have plenty of choice when it comes to selecting their work. In fact, in competitive, cutting-edge fields like innovation, data science, and supply chain strategy, competition for top independent talent is as fierce as it is for full-time hires, according to a recent Business Talent Group (BTG) report. Meanwhile, top professionals
Odgers Berndtson Leading CEO Search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group
Carmel Gibbons of executive search firm Odgers Berndtson is currently leading the CEO search for Integrated and Specialist Medicine Clinical Group, part of U.K.-based Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The right candidate will provide high quality and visible operational and strategic leadership and will have full responsibility for the effective delivery of Integrated and Specialist
Diversified Search Group Seeking CHRO for Davidson College
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, was recently retained by Davidson College, Davidson, NC, to lead in its search for new chief human resources officer. Koya managing director Amy Sugin led the search along with senior associate Laura Bertonazzi. Davidson College seeks a collaborative and experienced leader to serve as the next CHRO.
The Tolan Group Recruits COO at Behavioral Health Solutions
The Tolan Group (TTG) recently assisted in the placement Brian Martin as the new chief operating officer at Behavioral Health Solutions. Managing partner Rachel Gauthier and Mallory Schmidt, senior search consultant, led the assignment. Mr. Martin brings over two decades of invaluable healthcare experience, a proven track record in leadership, and a commitment to driving excellence in healthcare services.
ON Partners Recruits President for Bold Group
ON Partners’ Andy Hickman recently placed Marcus Bring as the president of Bold Group, part of EverCommerce Security & Alarm Solutions. “We welcome Marcus’s leadership at this critical time of growth in the security industry. The industry is stronger than it has ever been and leads the way in the adoption of new technologies to further
Caldwell Posts 25.8 Percent Revenue Decline
Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $21.9 million (Canadian), a 6.8 percent decrease from a year ago. For the full year, the firm reported revenues of 77.1 million, a decline of 25.8 percent from the prior year. “Fiscal 2023 was a challenging year,” said John Wallace, chief executive officer. “We are a talent acquisition services firm
How CHROs Can Steer the Ship to Success in 2024
What does it mean to lead with vision? That’s the question on our minds as we head into 2024, and you’ve probably thought about it, too. We talk so much about the importance of outstanding leadership, but we must remember the other piece of that puzzle: getting people ready to take on and succeed in
True Assists Yahoo with the Recruitment of Chief Communications Officer
Gail Tifford and Rachel Randolph of global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Sona Iliffe-Moon as the new chief communications officer. “Sona has a proven track record in elevating influential brands, and we look forward to welcoming her to Yahoo at a pivotal inflection point in the company’s history,” said Jim Lanzone, CEO of
The University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute Taps JDG Associates to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) to find its next executive director and vice provost. This executive serves as the senior leader responsible for the oversight of the institute’s vision, management, and operations, as well as for the development, planning, and implementation
Kincannon & Reed Recruits President and COO for Clarkson Grain Company
Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Kevin Pray as the organization’s new president and chief operating officer of Clarkson Grain Company. The assignment was led by managing partner John Wright and managing director Carolyn Schubert. “A seasoned ag professional, Kevin’s strong background in both
Kestria Adds Reimaginum in Romania as its Newest Member Firm
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has added Reimaginum as its newest member firm. Reimaginum is a Romanian boutique talent acquisition firm with over 45 years of collective expertise. While their recent focus has been on the technology sector, they also have market knowledge and experience in domains such as real estate,
Starfish Partners Acquires INNOVA People
Starfish Partners, an investment and ownership platform for niched professional and mid-to-upper management search specialists, has acquired INNOVA People, a Bend, OR-based firm that works across North America recruiting talent in the healthcare and technology industries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Joel is one of those rare combinations of superior capabilities and
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Nordstrom
Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Lisa Price as chief human resources officer of Nordstrom, Inc. in Seattle, WA. “With nearly three decades of experience driving and creating culture for large global organizations and previous experience working at Nordstrom, Lisa understands that the success of our business starts with our people,” said Erik Nordstrom,
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CEO for the Dallas Zoo
Following a comprehensive national search for a new leader for the organization, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Lisa New as the new CEO of the Dallas Zoo. She will be the Zoo’s first female CEO in its 135-year history. Ms. New succeeds someone she often has recognized as one of her mentors, Gregg Hudson,
Aya Healthcare Acquires Winnow AI
Aya Healthcare, a healthcare recruiting provider, has acquired Winnow AI, which uses artificial intelligence to match physicians with open roles. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Winnow AI was created by SwitchPoint Ventures, a venture studio that builds AI-driven business solutions for the challenges of healthcare. “Winnow AI offers a more targeted approach
EY Survey Reveals Enthusiasm For AI Will Drive M&A Frenzy
According to new survey data from EY, CEOs in the United States are riding a wave of optimism when it comes to revenue, profits, transactions, and the potential of generative AI. Survey data published this past month reveals that business leaders are confidently steering their organizations towards profitability, even as economic concerns loom. While AI
Egon Zehnder Selected by BP to Find New CEO
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has been called in by BP to lead in its for a new CEO, according to Sky News. Its search is expected to encompass external candidates as well as internal candidates, including the interim chief executive Murray Auchincloss. According to Sky insiders, Mr. Auchincloss, who was previously BP’s finance chief, has
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Director of Athletics for Middle Georgia State University
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has placed Michael Brown as the director of athletics for Middle Georgia State University (MGA) in Macon. Partner Kenn Carrick and principal Janny DeLoache led the assignment. “The goal of transition to NCAA Division II is to provide student-athletes with enhanced opportunities for competition, as well as greater access to
Direct Recruiters Inc. Appoints Practice Leader
Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI) has named Christian Byrd as practice leader, medical device, overseeing operations in North America and the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Christian will partner with medical device clients across various functions, including commercial, medical, clinical, R&D, regulatory, quality and safety to provide customized recruitment solutions. “We are thrilled to welcome Christian to the DRI
Hudson Global RPO Appoints CEO
Hudson RPO, a global total talent solutions company owned by Old Greenwich, Conn.-based recruiting firm Hudson Global Inc., has named Jacob Zabkowicz as global chief executive officer. “I am excited to welcome Jake to the Hudson RPO team,” said Jeff Eberwein, CEO of Hudson Global. “Jake’s growth orientation and winning mindset will help Hudson RPO achieve its aggressive growth goals. Over the
How Private Equity Outfits are Keeping Recruiters Busy
Attracting and retaining top talent is a challenge given the specialized skills and experience required to be successful in a private equity-backed portfolio company. When seeking potential talent for leadership positions, PE firms are laser-focused on finding specific domains and industry expertise to fit the unique culture and environment of their investments, according to Rob
Caldwell Recruits CISO for West Fraser
Increasingly, organizations of all sizes are awakening to the perils posed by cyberattacks. For years, many groups tried to ignore the problem, dismissing cybersecurity as a concern only for the biggest, most high-profile entities, be they government or corporate. These days, more groups are coming to understand how ruinous such intrusions could be. This has led
Massey Henry Seeking CFO/CRO for SaskCentral
Toronto-based executive search firm Massey Henry was recently retained by SaskCentral to lead in its search for a chief risk officer and chief financial officer. Reporting to the CEO, this executive ensures the financial and operational viability of SaskCentral, leading and supporting the strategic vision and development of high-level corporate business objectives at the board and
Harris Search Associates Recruits Founding Dean for Xavier University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine
Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, Harris Search Associates has placed Steven Halm as founding Dean of the Xavier University proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, which slated to become the nation’s first Jesuit osteopathic medicine school opening its doors to students in 2027. “Xavier is gaining a
NPAworldwide Adds 13 Member Firms in the U.S.
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added 13 new member locations in the U.S. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are invested as owners. Our continued membership growth allows independent recruitment firms to more effectively serve their clients and candidates by
Arts Consulting Group Tapped by the Bruce to Lead COO Search
Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the Bruce Museum (the Bruce) in Greenwich, Conn, to lead in its search for a new chief operating officer. Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, and Josyanne Roche, vice president, are leading the assignment for the search firm. The COO, in partnership with the executive director and CEO,
5 Top Skills for Human Resources Leaders Today
Human resources leadership continues to plays an important role in shaping an organization’s success by effectively managing its most valuable asset – its people. As the HR landscape continues to evolve, HR leaders must equip themselves with essential skills that go beyond traditional administrative tasks. In this article, The Christopher Group explores five essential skills
ON Partners Recruits CEO for MacStadium
Co-president Matt Mooney and partner Jake Espenlaub of ON Partners have recruited Kenneth Tacelli as the new president and CEO of MacStadium, an Atlanta-based Mac cloud provider. He succeeds co-founder Gregory McGraw, who has transitioned to executive chair of the MacStadium board of directors. Mr. McGraw recently announced his retirement after a 12 year tenure building and leading the company. “We are thrilled
Bannerot Partners Assists Remington Hospitality with CHRO Search
CHROs have become critical stakeholders in defining the strategy of a company. Their job description calls for them to tackle the HR challenges and evolving expectations of a dynamic workplace environment that will consist of constant change, calculated risk-taking, and evolving expectations from top stakeholders. Those well-equipped to achieve the greatest success will have diverse skill-sets,
The Professional Footballers’ Association Taps TurnkeyZRG to Lead Chief Commercial Officer Search
TurnkeyZRG has been tapped by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to lead in its search for a chief commercial officer. George Williams, managing director, U.K. and Europe, is leading the assignment. The purpose of this role is to scale the revenues generated by the PFA from commercial partnerships with sponsors, brands, media organizations and other key stakeholders
The Current State of Executive Recruiting
Look back three months and optimism was high. Everyone was hoping for a rebound and many were willing to believe certain data points—a market rally, continued growth in executive hiring—served as confirmation we were there—or, at least, almost there. Despite stubbornly high interest rates and global conflicts, Q2 was a proof point for the optimist.
