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Daily Newswire
Middle Market Momentum Meets a Talent Bottleneck
PitchBook’s latest report, 2025 Annual US PE Middle Market Report, highlights a market that is stabilizing but not yet fully normalized. Deal activity rebounded in 2025, with value rising 8.5 percent year-over-year to $410.7 billion across more than 4,000 transactions, supported by improving sentiment and a more accommodative financing environment. The recovery, however, is uneven. Deal sizes
Winning the Mandate in the New Era of Business Development
As competition intensifies across the executive search landscape, firms are rethinking how they originate and win new business. Success is increasingly tied to a more disciplined, insight-driven approach that goes beyond traditional networking and relationship management. In this environment, firms that combine data, technology, and market intelligence with strong client engagement are setting a new
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic
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?
August Leadership Expands in London
August Leadership has expanded with the addition of Honor Pollok as a partner in London. Ms. Pollok brings over 20 years of executive search and leadership experience. She has led numerous high-profile placements in chair, non-executive director, CEO and the full spectrum of C-suite roles. Her search expertise spans key commercial, financial, creative, human resource, functional,
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Spotlight New Approach to Recruiter Training
As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and its HSiQ talent intelligence advisory unit recently launched a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by
Building Team Alignment in an Era of Continuous Change
Ask any team to describe its top strategic priorities and you will often get as many answers as there are people in the room. The problem is not that the strategy hasn’t been communicated, according to recent report from AIIR Consulting. “The problem is that it was communicated into an environment that has since shifted
Isaacson, Miller Helps Recruit 28th President for Texas A&M
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Susan Ballabina as the 28th president of Texas A&M. Andy Lee and Julie Filizetti, led search with Raul Bernal and Luciano Zuniga, and Madeline Fitzpatrick. The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for American Credit Acceptance
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has placed Debra Noll as general counsel at American Credit Acceptance. The search was led by Stephen Bell and Alison Waters. “Deb is exceptionally well-positioned to support American Credit Acceptance as it continues to grow and adapt in a complex environment,” BarkerGilmore said in a LinkedIn
Kincannon & Reed Appoints VP of Marketing and Business Development
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has expanded with the addition of Dan Evans as vice president of marketing and business development. “Dan brings a strong background in building brands, driving growth, and connecting strategy to execution,” said Stephanie Liska, president of Kincannon & Reed. “Throughout his career,
Women Founders Gain Ground in Human Capital M&A
A meaningful shift has been unfolding across the executive search industry. Over the past decade, a growing number of highly specialized boutiques have been founded and led by women, many of whom built successful careers within larger firms before launching businesses of their own. What is becoming increasingly clear is that investors are paying attention.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale
AGB Search Seeking Chief Information Technology Officer for Slippery Rock University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has been retained by Slippery Rock University to lead in its search for a chief information technology officer (CITO). Kimberly Templeton, Margaret Plympton, and Anne Hoffman are leading the assignment. This leader serves as the University’s senior technology executive, providing strategic vision, leadership, and executive
The Talent Studios Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Pura Vida Miami
The Talent Studios has recruited Bruno Cardinali as chief marketing officer of Pura Vida Miami, the premium all-day café and lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness and community. The search was led by Katlyn Maloney and Jeremy Cohen. Mr. Cardinali brings more than two decades of marketing leadership across fast casual, foodservice, beverage, and global consumer brands. Most recently, as
JM Search Expands Technology and Financial Services Practices
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Wes Chisholm as partner and Laura Bennstrom and Charles Telep as principals within its technology and financial services practices. Mr. Chisholm and Mr. Telep join the firm’s technology practice while Ms. Bennstrom joins both the financial
How The Tolan Group Navigated the Downturn and Remained Focused
For many executive search firms, 2024 and 2025 tested resilience in ways few could have predicted. At The Tolan Group (TTG), they experienced the same pressures felt across the industry. Slower decision cycles, delayed starts, and a noticeable dip in portfolio company hiring activity. Yet through that uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our commitment to
Korn Ferry Reports Seven Percent Q4 and Full-Year Revenue Growth, Led by Double-Digit Gains in Professional Search & Interim
Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) has posted Q4 fiscal-year revenues of $759.8 million, a year-over-year increase of seven percent and five percent at constant currency. This was led by Professional Search & Interim up 14 percent, followed by Executive Search and Consulting, both up seven percent and RPO up five percent. During the fourth quarter, revenues rose by
Lock Search Group Leading CEO Search for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group is currently seeking a new CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning. For over 30 years, Atlas Sign & Awning has helped businesses across Canada and the United States stand out through custom commercial signage, awnings, and branded architectural elements. Based in Langley, BC, they’ve built a strong reputation for quality
Anthem Executive Assists the University of Montevallo With President Search
Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle R. Johnston as the first female president of the University of Montevallo (UM). Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. Dr. Johnston has served as the president of Georgia Southwestern State University since 2024. Prior to her current presidency, she served as president of three other higher education
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,
The Hidden Challenges Every First-Time CEO Faces
The corner office has never been more accessible—or more demanding. As boards increasingly turn to a new generation of leaders to navigate disruption, growth, and transformation, first-time CEOs are stepping into roles that require a fundamentally different set of skills than those that propelled them to the top. While many arrive with impressive track records,
Myers McRae Assists Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology with Provost Search
Following a nationwide search, Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Richie Roberts as provost of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. Dr. Roberts’ selection was guided by a search committee of OSUIT administrators, faculty, staff and students, which was assisted by national search firm Myers McRae. “The entire
Lancer Group Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Minitab
La Jolla, CA-headquartered search firm Lancer Group has recruited Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer of Minitab. “We’re excited to welcome Kevin Gordon as chief technology officer at Minitab,” the company said. “This is an exciting step forward in the evolution of our technology strategy and will help accelerate innovation across our organization and solutions platform.” “Kevin brings
Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy. “The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő,
Attracting the Right CHRO Starts with the Right Job Description
Hiring a head of HR is one of the most consequential leadership decisions an organization can make, yet many companies struggle to define the role in a way that reflects their actual needs. The most effective job descriptions go beyond qualifications and responsibilities, offering candidates a clear picture of the challenges, priorities, and business objectives
Coulter Partners Recruits Chief Medical Officer for Neumirna Therapeutics
Life sciences recruiting specialist Coulter Partners has placed Ferenc Tracik as chief medical officer of Neumirna Therapeutics. “Neumirna has reached an inflection point: the question is no longer whether the science works, but how quickly we can translate it into an option for patients with urgent unmet need. Ferenc has the experience to get us there,” said Ellen
McCormack + Kristel Seeking CEO for Central New York ON RAMP
McCormack + Kristel is currently seeking a CEO for Central New York ON RAMP. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) recently engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), an business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects (ON RAMP). The
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
Where The Next Trillions Will Be Won Among Executive Search Firms
McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research on the next “arenas of competition” sends a clear signal to investors and operators: future growth will be concentrated in fewer markets, and success in those markets will depend on speed, execution, and leadership quality. According to McKinsey, sectors including AI software and services, cloud, cybersecurity, semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, advanced
IIC Partners Makes Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has elected Oliver Schmitt and reappointed Vanessa Dalas to the board of directors. They were elected during the IIC Partners’ AGM held in October and will serve a three-year term. “Oliver Schmitt and Vanessa Dalas are highly accomplished global leaders who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to IIC
Predicting 2024’s Talent Acquisition Trends
No individual can see the future clearly. But when we blend the expert views of global talent leaders with comprehensive data, it becomes clearer. It’s this powerful combination of insights that fuels Korn Ferry’s annual talent acquisition trends report. Each year the search firm, which is the largest globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, lays out
Isaacson, Miller Seeking VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Davidson College
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been retained by Davidson College to lead in its search for its inaugural vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keight Tucker Kennedy, Diana Carmona, and Alexis Scott are leading the assignment. A search committee of faculty, staff, students, and a member of the board of trustees, supported
Slone Partners Fills Board Positions for Fusion Pharmaceuticals
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has recruited Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek as members of the board of directors at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. “Jeremy Bender, Teresa Bitetti, and David Meek are all very accomplished and highly respected leaders in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, oncology,
Brooke Chase Associates Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Wellborn Cabinet
Chairman and CEO Joseph McElmeel, Richard Mohrman, and Mark Otto of Sarasota, FL-based executive recruiter Brooke Chase Associates have placed Mara Villanueva-Heras as the new chief marketing officer of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. in Ashland, AL. With an extensive background in marketing, Ms. Villanueva-Heras most recently served as SVP of marketing with Emser Tile. Prior to that, she held various senior
Odgers Berndtson Names Managing Partner, Netherlands
Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson Netherlands has appointed Kristien Janssen as managing partner. She succeeds Ed van der Sande, who returns to the leadership practice full-time after six years, focusing on executive search, assessments and (team) coaching. “Over the past four years, Kristien has made a special contribution to the transformation we are undergoing as an organization,”
The Dynamic State of the European Tech Ecosystem
The U.S. venture capital market has experienced an unprecedented slowdown over the past couple of years, with a decrease in IPOs and a substantial decline in investment funds, according to EY. But despite challenging global economic conditions and a slow venture market, Europe’s tech ecosystem is undergoing a transformative period. The market continues to display
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Suehila Glass as the first female president and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. She succeeds Stan Law, who retired earlier this year. “Throughout our partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the Nexus team focused
5 Reasons to Hire a Search Firm to Find Your Next HR Leader
In the realm of HR leadership, finding the perfect candidate often feels like searching for a unicorn. The unique blend of skills, experience, and cultural fit required for these roles can be elusive. Many organizations underestimate the challenges of such recruitment endeavors and the potential consequences of getting it wrong, according to a recent report
ZRG Partners Helps Place New CEO at Sunshine Coast Airport
ZRG Partners, a leading search firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, recently assisted in the recruitment of Chris Mills as the new CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport in Australia. Garreth Ball led the assignment on the behalf of ZRG. “Chris’ extensive experience in finance, tourism, leisure, aviation, property planning and development across the private and
Ellig Group Acquires Corporate Director Academy
New York City-based Ellig Group has acquired Corporate Director Academy, a training program for those aspiring to become a corporate board director. “I didn’t want to just talk about board diversity, I wanted to do something about it,” said Maggie Wilderotter, the former Fortune 500 CEO and current corporate director, and champion of gender balance in the boardroom.
AI Making Inroads Into Human Capital Sector, Jolting Investor Interest
A recent McKinsey & Company survey revealed a remarkable adoption of generative AI tools across various industries. Over one-third of respondents reported that their organizations were already leveraging artificial intelligence in at least one business function. What’s even more astonishing is that nearly a quarter of C-suite executives admitted to incorporating AI into their work processes, signifying
Hanold Associates Recruits CHRO for Phillips 66
Jason Hanold, Sarah Kennedy, Katrina Maione, and Eleanor Tetreault of Hanold Associates HR & Diversity Executive Search have assisted in the recruitment of Andrez Carberry as senior vice president and chief human resources officer to Phillips 66, a Houston, TX-based diversified energy company. “We are excited to have Andrez join Phillips 66 at such an important time for our company,” said
ON Partners Recruits CEO for META Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Jim Fusaro as the new CEO of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. George Palikaras has been removed as president and CEO and is no longer with the company. “On behalf of the board of directors, it is my pleasure to welcome Jim Fusaro as CEO of Meta Materials,” said Jack Harding,
Caliber Associates Fills Chief Medical Officer Post for Palisade Bio
San Diego, CA- based Caliber Associates assisted in the recruitment of Mitchell Jones as the chief medical officer of Palisade Bio, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company advancing therapies for acute and chronic gastrointestinal complications. “We are delighted to welcome Mitch to Palisade Bio as our chief medical officer,” said J.D. Finley, CEO of Palisade Bio. “His extensive
IMD International Search Group Adds Ishwa Consulting as Its Newest Member Firm
Global executive search consortium IMD International Search Group has added Ishwa Consulting as its newest member firm. With a team of 10 senior consultants strategically located in India’s key business hubs – Gurgaon (Delhi), Bangalore, and the Middle East, Ishwa Consulting has its global footprint with an office in Dubai. Founded in 2016 by Arvind Pandit,
Will the Surging M&A Market for Executive Search Firms Continue?
Over the past decade, a wave of consolidation activity across the executive search sector has profoundly changed the recruiting sector as we know it. And in the last five years, the role of executive search firms has fundamentally changed the look and feel of the sector even more. The industry has moved from simply identifying
True Recruits CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems
Karin Andersson of global talent provider True has assisted in the recruitment of Tatiana Brandt as the new CEO for NODA Intelligence Systems in Sweden. Former CEO and founder, Christian Johansson, takes on the role of chief strategy officer and remains a board member and largest shareholder in the company. “NODA is in a very exciting phase and
Buffkin / Baker Recruits Chief Growth Officer for aptihealth
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has assisted in the recruitment of Amanda Conway as the new chief growth officer of aptihealth in Boston, MA. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “We are delighted to welcome Amanda Conway to the aptihealth family as our new chief growth officer,” said Tim Koehler,
Premier Staffing Solution Acquires Staffing Unit of TTi Global
Premier Staffing Solution has acquired the external staffing business of TTi Global, Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Included in the acquisition are client staffing contracts that will be transferred to Premier. The primary focus of the contracts is supporting large clients in the mobility sector and other industries in North America with temporary engineering,
Egon Zehnder Forms Partnership with The 350 Club
Leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder has formed an alliance with The 350 Club, an online community that connects the FTSE 350 global board community. This partnership combines Egon Zehnder’s boardroom expertise with The 350 Club’s shared vision to fostering an online platform for board members to exchange insights and learnings. “We are incredibly honored to be
Identifying and Landing a Board Seat for Women
It is no longer news that a diverse board of directors can have a direct impact on a company’s bottom line. According to McKinsey, those companies in the top quartile for board member gender diversity are 25 percent more likely to outperform than those in the bottom quartile, and a Pipeline study found that organizations where women make
Blue Rock Search Recruits Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Cummins
Blue Rock Search has assisted in the recruitment of Basant Pandey as global head of talent acquisition for Cummins. “Blue Rock Search was pleased to partner with Cummins on their search for their global head of talent acquisition,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader and founding partner at Blue Rock Search. “Remaining competitive in
ON Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Transformco
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the chief marketing officer’s job of planning and coordinating marketing activities has become more challenging, recruiters say. Yet executive search firms are seeing no shortage of assignments for this important C-level position. ON Partners’ Andy Hickman and Alex Pelak recently placed Patrick
Spelman Johnson Seeking Director of Athletics & Recreation for University of California, Santa Cruz
Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been retained by University of California, Santa Cruz, to lead in its search for a director of athletics & recreation. Dell Robison, athletics practice leader and senior consultant, and Anne-Marie Kenney, senior consultant, are leading the assignment. The school seeks a dynamic, student-centered, and culturally competent professional to serve
Hightech Partners Expands in Brussels
Digital-focused executive search firm Hightech Partners (HTP) has expanded with the addition of Roberto Zangrandi as a partner in Brussels. Raffaele Jacovelli and Bert Vermeiren, managing directors of HTP, said: “Since many years, our traditional client base in the high tech industry has been complemented by leading international companies seeking digital talent to help them harvest the benefits
Heidrick & Struggles Sees Three Percent Revenue Gain Amid Challenging Market Conditions
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted third quarter revenues of $263.2 million, a three percent increase compared to the same period a year ago. The firm experienced growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in Europe, partially offset by declines in Executive Search in Asia Pacific and the Americas. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth
CarterBaldwin Recruits Fourth President for Covenant College
CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Brad Voyles as the new president of Covenant College. Consultant Stephanie Steele led the assignment. The presidential search committee began its search this spring after former president Derek Halvorson was named director of the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership. Prior to the vote to elect Dr. Voyles
Leader Dogs for the Blind Selects Vetted Solutions to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based Vetted Solutions has been retained by Leader Dogs for the Blind (Leader Dogs) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The incoming leader must be passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with independence and mobility. They must also love dogs and truly
Calibre One Appoints Leader of Health and Well-Being Practice Group
Executive search firm Calibre One has named Harry Greenspun as partner and leader of the new innovative health and well-being practice group while expanding the company’s presence in the D.C. area. “Dr. Greenspun brings an exceptional perspective to our organization,” said Tom Barnes, managing partner. “He’s served not just the clinical side, but across nearly every industry.
Riviera Partners Adds Veteran HR Executive
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has added Simon Gray as its newest partner to the EU region, based in London. “Simon brings experience from world-class companies, including Salesforce and Celonis, and has built relationships over many years due to the pride he takes in completing complex
