DAILY NEWSWIRE - TOP STORIES
Daily Newswire
Leadership Challenges Intensify as Organizations Confront AI, Talent, and Economic Uncertainty
Organizations are operating in an increasingly complex environment where economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and digital transformation are converging to reshape leadership priorities. Kestria’s second annual global leadership survey builds on the themes that emerged in last year’s research; highlighting how rapidly the leadership landscape continues to evolve. Based on responses from more than
Riviera Partners Acquires Lateral Labs
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has acquired Lateral Labs, a specialized recruiting firm serving top AI startups. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition comes as companies remain challenged to meet the demand of organizational AI readiness,” the firm said. “Adding Lateral Labs positions Riviera Partners
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.
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
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?
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Executive Search: Why It Matters and When to Use It
Leadership decisions at the senior level shape an organization’s trajectory in ways that are both visible and structural. Individuals appointed to board and C-suite positions influence capital allocation, operational priorities, governance standards, and organizational culture. Their judgment impacts not only performance, but also the confidence of investors, employees, and partners. Against that backdrop, executive hiring
TurningPoint Executive Search Fills HR Post for Hyundai Motor America
TurningPoint Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kara Vande Hoef as director of human resources for Hyundai Motor America (HMA). “Kara’s professional journey to date speaks to her wealth of expertise across all HR functions,” said Raquel Gallant, TurningPoint’s managing director of executive search. “She has successfully developed and implemented HR programs, scaled operations, and
Buffkin / Baker Assists Princeton Theological Seminary with CFO Search
Following a comprehensive national search, partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker assisted in the recruitment of Jean Hall as the new CFO of the Princeton Theological Seminary. Leading the assignment were Martin M. Baker, managing partner, and Pelema Ellis, associate partner. “Jean Hall’s appointment as chief financial officer represents a continuation of her excellent work to
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2023
2023 was a challenging year for many sectors. But it was also a year when the best recruiting leaders stepped up their game. Across the board, from non-profits, universities, and even the royal family, to start-ups, the Fortune 500, and PE-backed companies, top leaders were in high demand to help guide organizations through formidable challenges
LHH Knightsbridge Assists Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, with CEO Search
LHH Knightsbridge has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Kobe as the new president and CEO of Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes. Partner Tara Veysey led the assignment. She succeeds Michelle Quintyn, who will remain with the organization for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition of her role and responsibilities. “This is an
True Appoints Head of Advisory, MENA & APAC
Global talent provider True has announced that Debu Mishra has joined True Search as head of advisory, MENA & APAC, and partner in the CEO/BOD practice, EMEA. “Debu is a student and teacher of leadership who offers clients more than just high caliber executive search,” said Sam McGrath, general manager, EMEA & APAC. “He has crafted a winning formula to help
Report Validates CEO and C-Suite Pay Disparities Grow with Company Size
In anticipation of the new year, a new report from ON Partners delves into major shifts impacting the business world, including average compensation rates by company size, geo-market hiring demand, and industry sectors experiencing the greatest shifts in talent management strategies. “This year’s report leverages transparency and data innovation, specifically as it relates to overall compensation
McCormack+Kristel Assists The Funders Network with CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel recently assisted in the placement of Dion Cartwright as the new president and CEO of The Funders Network in Coral Gables, FL. Managing partner Michelle Kristel led the assignment with search consultant Zaria Davis. “When TFN president and CEO Pat Smith announced her retirement this summer, we began the daunting but admittedly exciting
Caldwell Recruits Chief Legal Officer for the Alberta Investment Management Corporation
Toronto-based Caldwell has assisted in the recruitment of Shelley Nixon as chief legal officer of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). The search was led by Les Gombik, Sameera Sereda, and Meaghan Loughry. “Shelley brings significant experience as a chief legal officer, leader and change agent to AIMCo,” said Evan Siddall, CEO of the Alberta Investment
Higher Education Leaders Join Academic Search’s Board
Education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search recently elected Berenecea Johnson Eanes as chair, Kathy Wilson Humphrey as vice chair, as well as Damián J. Fernández and Cynthia Teniente-Matson as new board members. “As we usher in these esteemed new members, we also bid farewell to accomplished colleagues who have dedicated years of service to advancing higher education through their
Kingsley Gate Expands Across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific
As it continues to expand its international footprint, private equity-backed Kingsley Gate has announced six new partner appointments in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific as the firm continues to expand its international footprint. “We are excited that our vision is resonating and that we have the privilege of welcoming six new partners across four
The 5 Future Workplace Skills Everyone Needs
While people in the workforce have a wide range of unique technical abilities and behavioral competencies that can help them be successful in various roles, certain workplace skills may prove more valuable than others. A finance team member may never need coding skills, and a developer may never need financial modeling expertise. However, a new
Three Hills Makes Investment in Specialist Leadership Advisory & Analytics Firm LCap Group
Three Hills has made an investment in LCap Group, a specialist leadership advisory & analytics firm that focuses on high-growth companies and private equity-backed businesses, as well as supporting private credit and equity houses directly. Three Hills has invested £32.5 million to support LCap Group’s active M&A strategy, which will allow the business to continue
The Corning Museum of Glass and Docker Corp. Retain The Christopher Group for Top Searches
The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by The Corning Museum of Glass and Docker Corp. to lead in searches for a chief people, culture, and belonging officer, and a head of people, respectively. “We are honored to partner with The Corning Museum of Glass in
CJPI Assists the British Airline Pilots’ Association with the Recruitment of New General Secretary
U.K.-based executive search firm CJPI has assisted in the recruitment of Amy Leversidge as the new general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). She was nominated by the National Executive Council (NEC) after an extensive and exhaustive recruitment process. Ms. Leversidge, who will take up her post on January 8 will be the
Pearl Street Collective Recruits Chief Development Officer for Treehouse
Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has assisted in the recruitment of Laura Perez Hamilton as chief development officer of Treehouse, a Seattle, WA-based non-profit focused on the specific educational needs of youth in foster care. Ms. Perez Hamilton brings over 20 years of advancement and development leadership including major gift fundraising experience to her
Kestria Appoints New President of the Executive Board; Elects New Board Members
Kestria, formerly known as IRC Global Executive Search Partners, has appointed Katerina Meimaroglou as president of the executive board. In addition, the consortium elected Japheth A. Worthy representing Kestria Japan: Apex. K.K., and Monicca Yan, managing director at Kestria China & Singapore: HR Partners as executive board members. They join Ms. Meimaroglou leading Kestria Greece: MEIHUNT, Michael Kantel, Kestria Germany:
HR Leaders and Diversity Chiefs Continue to Push for Inclusion
HR leaders and executive recruiters alike say that promoting diversity and belonging in the workplace is not just a buzzword. It’s a crucial aspect of modern businesses. Companies that foster diversity and belonging have been proven to have better financial performance, increased innovation, and a more engaged workforce. However, a recent report from The Christopher
Pender & Howe Executive Search Seeking CFO for St. John’s-Kilmarnock School
Toronto-based Pender & Howe Executive Search has been retained by St. John’s-Kilmarnock School to lead in its search for a new CFO. Managing partner Travis Hann is leading the assignment. This leader will play a crucial role in overseeing all financial aspects of the school, ensuring fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and strategic financial planning. As a seasoned
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CFO for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Over the past year, a growing number of transportation companies have enlisted executive search firms to help them find senior talent. Executive recruiting firm Krauthamer & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Raj Srinath as the new senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Mr. Srinath is a top-performing management professional
JM Search Launches Team Dedicated to Serving the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Sector
JM Search has launched a dedicated team of recruiting experts focused on supporting the aviation, aerospace, and defense sector. In a sector that has experienced strong financial performance in recent years, JM Search has witnessed an increased demand from both investors and executives for key leaders within this sector. “JM Search has a significant track record
NPAworldwide Adds Nine New Member Firms
Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added nine new member locations in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkiye. “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
Companies Looking to Hire in the New Year Amid Talent Shortages
Employers anticipate measured hiring in the first quarter of 2024, while persistent talent shortages continue to impede hiring efforts, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The research is based on data collected from more than 40,000 employers in 41 countries. The net employment outlook for Q1 is 26 percent, up + three percent year-over-year,
BoardWalk Consulting Seeking New Leader for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore are leading the assignment. The next CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital will be a dynamic visionary leader responsible for guiding the organization to fulfill its
RH Perry & Associates Leading President Search for Saint Martin’s University
RH Perry & Associates has been retained by Saint Martin’s University in Lacy, WA, to lead in its search for a new president. Leading the assignment are senior consultants Sue DeWine and Jean Scott. The Board of Trustees, the monks of Saint Martin’s Abbey, and the Saint Martin’s University community seek a servant leader with a comprehensive understanding
Conexus Recruiting Acquires Logis
Conexus Recruiting has acquired Logis, a recruiting firm based in Irvine, CA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This strategic collaboration marks a milestone in Conexus’ trajectory as it continues to emerge as a leading national provider of interim consulting, retained search, and direct hire talent acquisition solutions. Both firms specialize in the “office of the
SucceedSmart Launches Executive Recruitment Process Outsourcing Solution
Los Altos, CA-based AI-driven executive search platform SucceedSmart has released an executive recruitment process outsourcing (eRPO) solution, designed to address the challenges of recruiting executives. Traditional RPO providers and staffing companies can now leverage SucceedSmart’s eRPO solution to fill director, vice president, and other senior-level roles given to them as a part of broader RPO deals.
Large Language Models in PE: Strengths & Limitations
Generative AI is making it easier than ever to turn unstructured data like blog posts, customer reviews, and resumes into structured data. “Think well formatted excel files, it can do this quickly, cheaply, and at scale,” says Josh Gardner, chief technology officer at AiFlow, a specialized CRM tool designed for private equity firms. “This is
Herbert Mines Associates Assists Beauty by Imagination with CEO Search
New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Doug Gillespie as the new CEO of Beauty by Imagination, Inc. (BBI), an ACON Investments backed haircare company. He succeeds current CEO Francesca Raminella, who joined the company in 2018. “Doug brings a wealth of relevant experience and a track record
Furst Group Helps the Public Health Institute Find New CEO
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has assisted in the placement of Melissa Stafford Jones as the new CEO of the Public Health Institute (PHI) in Oakland, CA. After an extensive and competitive national search, PHI’s board felt that Stafford Jones’s lifelong commitment to advancing health and healthcare for all,
Acertitude Fills Senior AI Position for DXC Technology
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Howard Boville as the new executive vice president and global lead of applications services and artificial intelligence of NYSE-traded DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 global technology services company. The search team was led by Kevin O’Neill, co-founder and managing partner, and Guy Barnes, managing partner and leader of the firm’s global
PierceGray Expands Search Team
Chicago-headquartered executive search firm PierceGray has expanded with the additions of Alyssa Quinn as managing director and chief commercial officer, and Matt Padberg as vice president. “PierceGray is excited to welcome two new senior hires to our team, Alyssa Quinn and Matt Padberg,” the search firm said. “We are looking forward to the unique experiences they each bring to the firm.
