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Daily Newswire
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
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.
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
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?
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
Wilson Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has named Spiro Papanicolaou as chief marketing officer. Reporting directly to CEO Jean-Francois Vezina, Mr. Papanicolaou will lead Wilson’s global marketing and revenue operations, with accountability for go-to-market strategy, demand generation, brand, and commercial performance across the business. “As we continue shaping the future of Wilson, marketing leadership will be critical to how
The New Finance Reality: Managing Capital Regimes, Not Just Cycles
Energy CFOs are navigating a changing financial landscape in which access to capital is becoming as important as movements in commodity markets. As public markets, private capital, infrastructure investors, project finance, and incentive-driven structures increasingly operate under different expectations, finance leaders are being asked to manage a far more fragmented environment. According to The Energists,
SPMB Recruits Chief AI and Data Officer for Ford Motor Company
SPMB Executive Search has placed Mano Mannoochahr as chief AI and data officer of Ford Motor Company. Managing partner Mike Doonan led the assignment. “Few leaders bring Mano’s combination of modern AI expertise, experience operating at enormous enterprise scale, and deep industrial grounding,” Mr. Doonan said. “That made him uniquely suited to help Ford translate the potential
Isaacson, Miller Assists Folger Shakespeare Library with CFO Search
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Wendy Lin as the new CFO of Folger Shakespeare Library. Dan Rodas led the search with Stephanie Simon, and Robin Dougherty. Her arrival coincides with the start of strategic planning at the nearly 100-year-old organization, and she will guide financial analysis and operational execution under the leadership of Folger director Farah Karim-Cooper. Ms. Lin
Coulter Partners Places Chief Marketing Officer for NRG Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has recruited Claus Sundgreen as chief medical officer of NRG Therapeutics Ltd. Managing partner Kay Wardle led the assignment. “NRG was seeking a rare combination of clinical development expertise, neuroscience leadership, and deep knowledge of ALS. Our search focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through critical
Flatiron Search Partners Appoints Partner
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has expanded with the addition of Dan Rubin as partner. “Dan works with clients across the consumer landscape to place the right leaders in the right roles at the right time,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “He brings deep experience in retail and consumer goods, with particular expertise placing general
The Counteroffer Problem: What C-Suite Leaders Need to Know
Executive search assignments can unravel at the finish line for reasons that have little to do with candidate quality or cultural fit. Counteroffers have become an increasingly important consideration for search consultants and their clients as companies compete to retain proven senior leaders in a tight talent market. For organizations pursuing C-suite talent, understanding a
Furst Group Assists the American Society for Clinical Pathology with CEO Search
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the recruitment of Alexandra Brown as CEO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) following her successful tenure as interim CEO over the past year. The selection was made after a national search and based on the recommendation from a search committee
BroadView Talent Partners Recruits President and CEO for Baltimore Community Lending
Following a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) has hired Calvin Gladney as president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young led the assignment. He succeeds longtime Watchen Harris-Bruce, whose leadership has strengthened BCL’s position as a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital and creating
U.S. Adds 162,000 Jobs in August as Unemployment Holds at 4.1 Percent
Employment increased by 162,000 in August as the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.0 million, changed little in August. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for people who are Asian declined to 3.2 percent in August.
The Structural Shift in Executive Search: Why a Third Model Is Emerging
The executive search industry is undergoing a fundamental structural shift—one that goes beyond the long-standing divide between retained and contingent models. As leadership roles become more complex, business environments more volatile, and the consequences of hiring mistakes more severe, the traditional frameworks that once defined the market are proving insufficient. What is emerging in their
Daversa Partners Extends Senior Management Team
Daversa Partners, which helps build leadership teams for growth and venture-backed companies, has appointed Will Brewster as the firm’s newest partner. “With a track record spanning over a decade in executive recruiting, Brewster’s promotion to the company’s partnership indicates a significant milestone for the company,” Daversa Partners said. “The elevation of Will to our partnership is a
Intuitive Entrepreneur George Matthews Dies
George J. Matthews died on January 11, 2024. Mr. Matthews was an energetic and fearless entrepreneur, owning and managing a number of companies during his lifetime, most recently, The Registry. “George was a highly skilled and intuitive businessman with good values and a strong moral compass,” said Scott A. Scanlon, CEO of Hunt Scanlon Ventures.
EY Deal Barometer Predicts M&A and PE Deal Volume Rise In 2024
EY just launched its first-ever EY Deal Barometer which uses historical economic and financial market indicators to predict future trends and deal volume outlooks in corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) deals. At the moment, the Deal Barometer is predicting that corporate U.S. M&A deal volume will rise by 12 percent year-over-year in
TurnkeyZRG Recruits Director of Athletic for the University of Iowa
TurnkeyZRG recently assisted in the recruitment of Beth Goetz as the director of athletics for the University of Iowa. Past athletics director Gary Barta announced last year that he is retiring after 17 years at the university. “Beth is a talented and dynamic leader, and the national search we conducted has substantiated that she is the best athletics director for
Kirk Palmer Associates Recruits CEO for Solo Brands
Retailers are facing major shifts in their businesses that call for “unprecedented responses” by CEOs who can effectively lead through change, intuitively and analytically understand the evolving consumer, and respond to ambiguity, according to search consultants. Developed markets, excess retail capacity, rising prices, the shift to omni-channel retail and the unpredictable pace of change in
JM Search Appoints COO and CHRO
JM Search has named Seth Gillespie as chief operating officer and Ashley Jaspersen as chief human resources officer. “This announcement follows another year of impressive organic growth for the firm, which has more than doubled in revenue and size over the past three years,” JM Search said. “These promotions will empower this collective group to
WilsonHCG Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Global talent solutions provider Wilson Human Capital Group (WilsonHCG) has named Marisa Kacary as its first chief marketing officer. “We’re thrilled to welcome Marisa to our executive team,” said John Wilson, CEO of WilsonHCG. “Marisa’s extensive experience in marketing and knowledge of the industry will be invaluable to WilsonHCG as we embark on our next stage of growth and
4 Perspectives on What Top Talent Looks Like Today
Last year was riddled with confusion, change, and uncertainty. A series of paradoxical events. We navigated a recessionary market amidst a record-strong jobs landscape. Meanwhile, downsizing across tech resulted in deep fears, while advances in AI simultaneously paved the way for new, revolutionary opportunities. But with 2024 on the horizon, there’s the sense and hope
McDermott + Bull Recruits CFO for 1st Capital Bancorp
Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has assisted in the recruitment of Joel Keller as executive vice president and chief financial officer of 1st Capital Bancorp and 1st Capital Bank in Salinas, CA. The search was completed by McDermott + Bull president Brandon Biegenzahn, managing director Courtney Dorrel, and executive recruiter Mary Heiman. “I am pleased to welcome
R. William Funk & Associates Seeking Dean for Southern Methodist University
R. William Funk & Associates has been retained by Southern Methodist University (SMU) to lead in its search for a dean of the Perkins School of Theology. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a school as it charts a course for its future. “SMU is entering the third year of a $1.5 billion capital campaign to attract
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits New Leader for Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Sabarras George as director for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, a $230 million, 425-acre zoo expansion project that is scheduled to open to the public in 2027. He succeeds Jo-Elle Mogerman, who assumed the role of president and CEO of Philadelphia Zoo in October. “I
Solomon Page Appoints Head of Alternative Asset Management
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has expanded its financial services division with the appointment of Lissa Rosenthal as managing director and head of alternative asset management. Reporting to founding partner and managing director Scott Page, Ms. Rosenthal will be based in the New York City office and focused on expanding the global footprint of
Why Investing in Top Private Equity Talent is Key to Future Growth
As competition for top talent grows, private equity firms must reevaluate their leadership needs and strengthen retention strategies. The private equity industry has entered a lull, according to a new report from Slayton Search Partners’ Dan Dunn. An article from Bloomberg says that firms are raising new funds at the slowest rate in over a decade; deal volumes
Embracing Change and Innovation for Executive Search in 2024
With 2024 underway, the executive search and recruiting industry continues to evolve. The past few years, particularly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, have ushered in significant shifts in workplace dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving candidate expectations. An article from Gertjan Van de Groep, global president of International Executive Search Federation (IESF) and country manager Netherlands, delves into
Reffett Associates Places Administrative Officer at Spokane Regional Health District
After a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has recruited Alicia Thompson as administrative officer of Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). Speaking to the placement of Dr. Thompson, mayor Kevin Freeman, City of Millwood and SRHD board of health chair said: “The board of health is delighted to welcome Alicia Thompson as our administrative officer. Both
ON Partners Recruits COO for See Rock City
ON Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Greg Scheid as chief operating officer of See Rock City Inc. in Lookout Mountain, GA. Partner Tara Flickinger led the assignment. “I am thrilled to have Greg step into this critical role for the future of See Rock City Inc.,” said Doug Chapin, president and CEO of Rock City. “Since stepping into
H.I. Executive Consulting Expands in Hong Kong
Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (H.I.E.C.) has expanded with the addition of Lee Brantingham as a partner based in Hong Kong. “Lee brings invaluable expertise to both the technology & software and private equity practice groups, enhancing the firm’s presence across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region,” the search firm said. “We are excited to have Lee join
Top 5 Executive Search Trends for 2024
As the landscape of executive search evolves into 2024, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era in leadership recruitment. This year is poised to redefine the norms and expectations of executive talent acquisition, shaped by a confluence of technological advancements, shifting work dynamics and a renewed emphasis on diversity and adaptability, according to
Gen Z’s Job Search Wish List
In the fast-evolving landscape of job searches, the priorities and concerns of Gen Z candidates are shaping the employment market. As these digital natives step into the workforce, their expectations and preferences are steering the conversation around what matters most in the quest for meaningful employment, according to recent report from Protis Global. For Gen
Renovata & Company Fills Chief People and Culture Officer for Kobalt Music
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has recruited Dylan Berthier as chief people and culture officer of Kobalt Music, a London-based provider of publishing administration and royalty-collection services to owners of music-publishing copyrights. “Dylan has more than 20 years of experience as an HR leader,” said Lucy Brealy, consultant at Renovata &
Vetted Solution Recruits CEO for Leader Dogs for the Blind
Following an extensive, national search process, Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has placed Melissa Weisse as its new president and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind. She replaced Susan Daniels, who in May of 2023 announced her intention to retire. “After an extensive, national search process, we are delighted to welcome Weisse as our new
Search Industry Veteran Bernard Zen-Ruffinen Dies
Bernard Zen-Ruffinen passed away suddenly on January 17, 2024, near his home in Zermatt, Switzerland. “Korn Ferry has lost a dear friend, gifted leader and a widely-regarded colleague who has formed so many lasting connections with colleagues across our firm – truly making a difference in their lives,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn
The Imperative of Women in Private Equity
As with many sectors, the urgency of diversity and gender equality is taking center stage in the world of private equity (PE). But why is having diversity in leadership roles, particularly women, so vital in private equity and PE organizations’ portfolio companies? The answer lies not just in numbers – although the metrics do speak
Hanold Associates Executive Search Recruits Chief People Officer for Impossible Foods
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
Herbert Mines Associates Fills Board Position for Vera Bradley
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in selection of Bradley Weston, seasoned retail executive and former CEO of Party City Holdings, Inc., who has been nominated to join its board of directors of NASDAQ-traded Vera Bradley Inc. “We are so pleased to welcome Brad Weston as the newest member of
Acertitude Recruits CEO for United Site Services
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited James Hyman as CEO of United Site Services (USS), a provider of portable sanitation and temporary site services. Kevin O’Neill, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of the Industrial practice at Acertitude, led the search together with Max Stubenvoll, principal overseeing business services in North America. The team is relied upon by
Talentor International Adds New Partner in India
Executive search consortium Talentor International has expanded with the addition of Accrete Executive Search in India as its newest member firm. “We are very pleased to consolidate our presence in India,” Talentor International said. “Jay (GC Jayaprakash) is the founder director of Accrete Executive Search, the company that joins Talentor to cover the Indian market
Heidrick & Struggles Taps Outsider as CEO; Other Leadership Moves Announced
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has announced that president and CEO Krishnan Rajagopalan has decided to retire, after more than 23 years with the firm. Following a planned succession process, the board has appointed Thomas L. Monahan to succeed Mr. Rajagopalan as CEO and member of the board, effective March 4. Mr.
Salveson Stetson Group Recruits CEO for Episcopal Community Services
Radnor, PA-based executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group has recently placed Anne Rice-Burgess as the new CEO of Episcopal Community Services in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Rice-Burgess has more than 30 years of experience in faith-based human services organizations, most recently leading Methodist Services as president and CEO. Her career stemmed from experience as an adopted child and
August Leadership Tapped by Paradigm for Parity to Find New CEO
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has been select to find a new CEO for Paradigm for Parity, an advocate for gender equality in the corporate world. This marks the firm’s second collaboration with Paradigm for Parity. Together, they are embarking on a purpose-driven mission to identify and appoint a CEO dedicated to steering organizations towards a future marked
Executive Search Veteran Brian Blackshaw Dies
Brian Blackshaw, founder and CEO of Blackshaw Partners, has died. Over its history, Blackshaw Partners had completed over 2,000 executive search assignments around the globe for blue-chip multinationals, high-performing start-ups, and private equity firms. Mr. Blackshaw founded the global executive search firm in 1976 after spending five years with the Singer Company in corporate recruiting







