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Daily Newswire
Anthem Executive Leading President Search for the University of Montevallo
Anthem Executive was recently retained by the University of Montevallo (UM) to lead in its search for its next president. Terry Roberson is currently served as interim president. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, Mike “JR” Wheless, and Florene Stawowy are leading the search. The next president will inherit an institution with a proud mission, deeply committed faculty and staff, and a strong
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders Continues Expansion
Irvine-based McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders (MBIL) has expanded with the addition of Chris Clarke as managing director, based in Chicago. “Chris joins the firm as McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders continues to expand its presence across the Midwest, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations navigating leadership transitions, transformation, and time-sensitive business initiatives,” the firm said. “Chris
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.
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
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?
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
Raising the Bar for Interim and Fractional Leadership
As companies face mounting pressure to move faster and adapt to constant change, interim and fractional executives are increasingly being brought in not simply to maintain stability, but to drive transformation from day one. Organizations today are seeking experienced leaders who can step into critical roles, solve immediate business challenges, and create momentum while long-term
BoardWalk Consulting Selected by Atlanta Ballet for Executive Director Search
BoardWalk Consulting has was recently tapped by Atlanta Ballet to lead in its search for an executive director. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Demeika Wheaton, and Patti Kish. The executive director will lead Atlanta Ballet’s administrative and business functions in alignment with the organization’s mission and values, while partnering closely with the artistic
When Search Fatigue Leads to Costly Hiring Mistakes
In executive search, the biggest hiring mistakes are not always caused by weak candidate pools or poor sourcing strategies. More often, breakdowns occur near the finish line, when prolonged interview cycles, competing stakeholder opinions, and mounting business pressures begin to wear down decision-making discipline. What starts as a rigorous evaluation process can gradually shift toward
Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
McDermott + Bull Expands in Amsterdam
Irvine, CA-based McDermott + Bull has expanded in Amsterdam with the addition of Gerben van den Hout as managing director. “This strategic hire comes as McDermott + Bull continues to expand its executive search presence across Europe, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support organizations in identifying and placing high-impact leadership talent,” the firm said. “Gerben’s appointment represents an
The CHRO’s Leadership Imperative in the AI Era
As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that successful transformation depends as much on people and leadership as it does on technology itself. HR executives, in particular, are finding themselves at the center of conversations around workforce readiness, employee trust, skills development, and organizational change management. Industry observers note
Cluen Invites Executive Search Firms to Participate in Upcoming 2026 Technology Trends Survey
For more than three decades, Cluen has partnered with leading executive search firms around the world to understand how top-performing recruiters use technology to gain a competitive advantage. Each year, the company’s Top Trends in Executive Search Technology survey uncovers the strategies, priorities, and innovations shaping the future of the profession. How are executive search firms balancing the rapid adoption of AI
Lindauer Retained by C-SPAN for Chief Development Officer Search
Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Lindauer has been retained by C-SPAN to
NPAG Seeking Executive Director for the California Youth Defender Center
Executive search firm NPAG has been selected by the California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) to lead in its search for a new executive director. This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe and Phuong Quach. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment, shaping the future of youth justice
Lochlin Partners Helps Fill Senior Position for Business Roundtable
Lochlin Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Stefani Jones as senior director of policy at Business Roundtable (BRT). Ms. Jones is an accomplished technology policy leader with deep expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Her experience spans the White House, the private sector, and senior federal policy roles. She
Why Executives Should Think Carefully Before Accepting Counteroffers
Few moments in an executive’s career carry as much complexity as the decision to resign from a leadership role and pursue a new opportunity. What often begins as a strategic career move can quickly become emotionally charged once a current employer responds with incentives aimed at reversing that decision. Recruiters and leadership advisors note that
Funk Associates Tapped by the University of North Florida to Lead Search for Eighth President
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of North Florida (UNF) to lead a national search for its eighth president. Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. The presidential search committee, chaired by UNF board of trustees member Jack Boyle, plays a critical role in this process, focusing on
Acertitude Recruits CEO for PE-Backed Zep Inc.
Acertitude has placed Tim Feast as the new CEO of Zep Inc., a Truelink Capital portfolio company. The search was led by partner, Geoff Votta and principal, Rod Vaughan with support from Matthew Marasco and Maryanne Santospirito. Mr. Feast steps into the role with a mandate to accelerate growth, sharpen execution, and lead Zep into its
SearchWide Global Seeking CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global is currently seeking a new CEO for Visit California. The assignment is being led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. Visit California is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and politically astute leader to serve as the next CEO. As the organization’s chief strategist, brand steward, and operational head, the CEO works
Intersearch Worldwide Elects Chairwoman and New Board Members
InterSearch Worldwide, a global alliance of executive search companies, has announce the newly elected board following and the appointment of Vanessa Delacourt as chairwoman, marking an exciting new chapter and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. The board has welcomed: Leslie Cooper A. (Chile); Vanessa Delacourt (Benelux); Frank Schelstraete (Belgium); Henri Vidalinc
The Platform Shift Reshaping Human Capital M&A
Hunt Scanlon Ventures’ 2026 Human Capital Markets Update: Q1 M&A Report points to a market undergoing rapid institutionalization. Human capital M&A is no longer centered around standalone recruiting firms or opportunistic acquisitions. Instead, buyers are consolidating around integrated platforms that combine executive search, leadership advisory, workforce analytics, succession planning, and AI-enabled infrastructure. The shift reflects a broader
WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Robin Mamlet, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy
SPMB Recruits CFO for AbsenceSoft
SPMB Executive Search has recruited Megan Wood as CFO of AbsenceSoft, a Denver, CO-based employee leave management and accommodations platform. Jon Landau and Laura Ayre led the assignment. “The market opportunity in front of AbsenceSoft is significant, and Megan brings the right financial and operational depth to meet it,” said Chris Murphy, CEO of AbsenceSoft. “Her proven track record at fast-growth, innovative companies on
AGB Search Helps Recruit 20th President for the University of Montana
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has assisted in the recruitment of Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the University of Montana. His selection follows a national search that drew more than 70 accomplished applicants from across the country. Roderick McDavis, James H. McCormick and Janice S. Fitzgerald led the assignment. “Dr. Shinn’s on-campus visit
TurnkeyZRG Appoints Vice President
TurnkeyZRG has expanded with the addition of Sean Magee as vice president. “College and professional football are being reshaped in real time — by revenue sharing, NIL, the transfer portal, and unprecedented financial and operational complexity,” said Chad Chatlos, managing partner, ZRG Turnkey. “Sean lived inside that disruption as a senior operator. He understands what it
Vardis Finds PE CEOs Under Pressure, But Optimistic
The Private Equity CEO Report from Vardis, based on a survey of 1,200 chief executives of PE-backed companies, paints a picture of resilience paired with constraint. Seventy percent of CEOs say company performance is “as expected” or better, yet exit activity remains muted, with 2025 tracking as the slowest year for PE exits since 2017, despite a
ZRG Partners Finds Chief Technology Officer for The Washington Post
ZRG Partners has helped to place Vineet Khosla was the new chief technology officer of The Washington Post. Leading the assignment were managing directors Kevin S. Anderson and Darren Mooney. For the last five years, Mr. Khosla had been a senior engineering leader at Uber. The search firm announced the placement in a recent LinkedIn
Lindauer Announces Equity Partners
Lindauer has announced that vice presidents Maureen Huminik and Faith Montgomery have become equity partners in the firm. They join CEO Deb Taft, senior executive vice president Jill Lasman, and executive vice president Elizabeth Roberts as equity-holding members on the firm’s senior management team and, along with SVP Devin O’Leary, serve as managing directors of Lindauer. “As respected experts
Do All Companies Need a Chief Diversity Officer?
Promoting diversity and belonging in the workplace is not just a buzzword, it’s a crucial aspect of modern business. Companies that foster diversity and belonging have been proven to have better financial performance, increased innovation, and a more engaged workforce. “However, with the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in colleges and universities the
Unemployment Rates Dips Slightly to 3.5 Percent
Employment rose by 187,000 in July as the U.S. unemployment rate dropped slightly to 3.5 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed persons was 5.8 million in July. Employment continued to trend up in healthcare, social assistance, financial activities, and wholesale trade. Among the major worker groups, the
TRANSEARCH International Acquires Asianet Consultants
TRANSEARCH International has expanded its reach in Asia with the acquisition of Asianet Consultants, an executive search firm in Hong Kong with offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Hunt Scanlon Ventures served as a strategic advisor to Asianet Consultants. “We are delighted to welcome Mark and the team to TRANSEARCH,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH.
How to Onboard New Senior Executives
Whether you’ve secured locally-based talent or hired from afar and are supporting a relocation, remember that starting a new chapter at any level of one’s career is both exciting and stressful. This is particularly true of those at the executive level, according to a report from Johanna Vargas, vice president and senior associate at BroadView
Renovata & Company Finds Chief Financial Officer for Cleo
Global executive search and private equity advisory firm Renovata & Company has placed Sameer Katiyar as chief financial officer of Cleo, an ecosystem integration software company in Rockford, IL. Partner Jeff Yolen and consultant Judie Norkaitis led the assignment. Mr. Katiyar will oversee the company’s global finance, accounting, legal, and corporate IT functions. “Sameer brings more than
20/20 Foresight Opens Office in Austin
Real estate-focused executive search firm 20/20 Foresight has opened a new office in Austin, TX. The location will be led by Michael Morris who brings more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience. “The opening comes as the firm continues an impressive period of growth, including investments in cutting-edge technology, broadening its service offering to
Leveraging AI for Executive Search Success
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the role of executive search firms has never been more critical in helping organizations identify and recruit top-tier leadership talent. The demand for exceptional leaders who possess a unique blend of skills, experience, and cultural fit has intensified, prompting recruiters to explore innovative solutions to stay ahead of the competition.
BarkerGilmore Places General Counsel for XPEL
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Babatunde Awodiran as the new senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of XPEL, a global provider of protective films and coatings, in San Antonio, TX. The search was led by Stephen Bell, a managing director
ZRG Partners Appoints Leader of Human Capital Consulting and Advisory Practice
ZRG Partners has named Michelle Stuntz to lead and grow the firm’s human capital consulting and advisory practice. “As ZRG continues to build out our human capital offerings, bringing in a leader with global experience scaling a consulting business was a critical step in our journey,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO. “We are thrilled to add Michelle, who
Shelli Herman and Associates Seeks CEO for the Dallas Zoo
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has been selected to find the next chief executive officer for the Dallas Zoo. “In this moment of great potential, the Dallas Zoo seeks a CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter,” said the search firm. “The CEO will provide the vision and strategy to guide the zoo
Morgan Samuels Appoints Practice Leader, Cybersecurity
Morgan Samuels has expanded with the addition of Jesse Annunziata as a new senior client partner and practice leader, cybersecurity. “We are thrilled to have Jesse Annunziata join our team as a senior client partner,” said Bert Hensley, CEO of the Los Angeles-based executive search firm. With his deep expertise in information and cybersecurity, he will play
Heidrick & Struggles Posts Q2 Revenue Increase of 13 Percent
Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles / (NASDAQ:HSII) has posted second quarter revenues of $298.7 million, a 13 percent increase compared to the same period a year ago. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter — the fifth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media — reported net income of $9.0 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.44, with an effective
Griffith Group Seeks CEO for Universities Canada
Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Griffith Group has been called in to find the next president and chief executive officer for Universities Canada, a national advocacy organization that represents Canadian universities. Jane Griffith, managing partner and founder, and Sam Walton, partner, are spearheading the assignment. Paul Davidson announced earlier this year that he would be leaving
Jensen Partners Opens New Office in Austin
Jensen Partners, a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, has opened a new office in Austin, TX, and named Stacy Schiffman as managing director of distribution and leader of the new location. “Stacy’s role in Austin is the latest step towards enhancing our firm’s commitment to maintaining a strategic presence
How Artificial Intelligence is Affecting Private Equity
By now, everyone’s heard both ample hype and ample skepticism around the topic of AI, as well as predictions for how it will either jump-start or ruin our economy (or both), with plenty of sector-specific considerations, many of which are all equally speculative. What is clear is that AI is a hot topic and one
Options Group Acquires Dubai-Based Octavian Partners
Options Group has acquired Octavian Partners, an executive search firm based in Dubai and focused on financial services in frontier, emerging and developed markets across the U.K., Middle East and Asia. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We always believed that a global perspective with a local footprint was the right approach for us
Lochlin Partners Recruits General Counsel for National Audubon Society
Legal recruiting continues to be a hot area for search firms. Lawyers employed by government agencies in particular have been on the move in recent months. Demand for legal work is expected to be robust as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in the U.S. and internationally. Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in
SPMB Executive Search Places CEO for Dremio
SPMB Executive Search, which helps find transformative executives throughout Silicon Valley, has assisted in the placement of Sendur Sellakumar as chief executive officer of data platform Dremio in Santa Clara, CA. Leading the assignment were managing partner Kevin Barry and partner Dean Nacey. “From all of us at SPMB, it was a pleasure to partner
6 Steps for Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture
The culture around us influences everything we do. On a global scale, it influences the food we eat, the languages we speak, and the social norms that are expected. On a smaller scale, the culture of a company can speak volumes to its mission, values, and ideals. Even though culture is all around us, even
Isaacson, Miller Seeks President for Michigan State University
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller, which serves mission-driven organizations has been enlisted to find the next president for Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Leading the assignment are John Isaacson, the search firm’s chair; Joanna Cook, managing associate; and Debbie Scheibler, senior associate. MSU has seen three presidents depart over the last five years, the most
Acertitude Places New Leader for SLV Lighting Group in Germany
Executive search firm Acertitude has recruited Mark Körner as chair of the management board (chief executive officer) of Düsseldorf, Germany-based SLV Lighting Group (SLV), a European leader in the lighting industry backed by private investment house Ardian. Michael Klingler, a partner and leader within Acertitude’s global healthcare and life sciences practice, led the assignment. Mr. Körner
The Evolution of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Executive Search
Over the past few years, every aspect of the business world has been touched by the growth of the diversity, equity, and inclusion field. As organizations attempt to move towards more expansive definitions of belonging and culture, finding the right leaders is critical for shaping the future, according to Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue
Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for Tivity Health
Spencer Stuart has placed Hill Ferguson as the new president and chief executive officer of Tivity Health, a Franklin, TN-based provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living. Richard Ashworth recently stepped down to pursue another opportunity. Stone Point Capital, which acquired Tivity Health in 2022, was seeking a leader to sustain Tivity
Anthem Executive Recruits Provost for Western Oregon University
Executive recruitment firm Anthem Executive has assisted in the recruitment of Jose Coll as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs of Western Oregon University. Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, and Florene Stawowy led the assignment. “Dr. Coll’s experiences in higher education leadership have prepared him perfectly to take the helm as provost at Western,” said Jesse Peters, president of
In Changing Times, Higher Education Sector Seeks New Types of Leaders
Recruiting senior leaders in the higher education sector has become a dynamic and evolving process. As universities face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, enrollment declines, and the need to prioritize diversity and inclusion, the demand for visionary and transformational leaders has never been higher. In recent years, the higher education sector has witnessed a significant
How to Maintain Remote Employee Engagement
Studies show that the last three years have brought the biggest workplace shift since the industrial revolution, as pandemic lockdowns put hybrid and remote work options in place for many. With some corporate leaders wanting staff back in the office while others are convinced of the benefits of working from home (WFH, also referred to
AMN Healthcare Leadership Recruits CHRO for Tanner Medical Center
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
A Look at the High Demand for Top CFOs for Private Equity Firms
In times of volatility, financial stability becomes an understated hallmark of business success. Private equity firms have, appropriately, responded to the severe macroeconomic challenges of recent years with caution, making unprecedented pullbacks in investment and reaching record levels of dry powder, according to a new report from Slayton Search Partners’ Dan Dunn. “Today’s firms are steadying their balance sheets
ON Partners Recruits Chief Legal Officer for Meta Materials
Mike Lynch of ON Partners has recruited Daniel Eaton as chief legal officer of Meta Materials in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “As we stand on the cusp of significant product launches and continue to engage with new partners and suppliers, Dan’s diverse background will offer important strategic support at the executive and board level,” said George Palikaras, president and
