Leadership News and Headlines

40% of Professionals Struggle with Accountability When Reputational Risk Rises, New Research Finds
NewsFeb 19, 2026

40% of Professionals Struggle with Accountability When Reputational Risk Rises, New Research Finds

Interactive EQ’s 2026 Behavioral Intelligence Index, based on 5,000 simulations with 1,700 professionals, reveals that 40% of workers shy away from accountability when reputational risk rises. The study shows middle‑manager performance can plunge up to 70% in high‑pressure, visibility‑heavy scenarios....

By HR Tech Series
Cinnamon Life Names Kamal Munasinghe as GM
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Cinnamon Life Names Kamal Munasinghe as GM

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams has appointed Kamal Munasinghe as its General Manager while he continues as Senior Vice President for Colombo hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Munasinghe brings over three decades of hospitality experience, most recently serving...

By TTG Asia
ISDA’s Amy Hong: ‘North Star’ Is Safe and Efficient Markets
NewsFeb 19, 2026

ISDA’s Amy Hong: ‘North Star’ Is Safe and Efficient Markets

ISDA’s new board chair Amy Hong reaffirmed the association’s 40‑year mission to keep derivatives markets safe and efficient, while charting a 2026 agenda focused on technology and regulatory alignment. She highlighted the continued push to finalize Basel III trading‑book rules and...

By Traders Magazine – Options/Derivatives
TBWA Alum Launch AI-Native Shop with Hitachi as Founding Client
NewsFeb 19, 2026

TBWA Alum Launch AI-Native Shop with Hitachi as Founding Client

Two former Omnicom executives, James Sparano and Kevin O’Sullivan, are launching JK, an AI‑native creative and strategy shop that promises to shrink traditional planning cycles from months to days. The boutique is self‑funded and begins operations on Feb. 19. Hitachi has...

By Adweek
Accenture Links Promotion Prospects to Employees’ Use of AI
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Accenture Links Promotion Prospects to Employees’ Use of AI

Accenture announced that regular use of artificial‑intelligence tools will be a visible factor in promotion decisions for senior roles. The firm is now logging weekly AI‑tool access, including its proprietary AI Refinery, as part of talent discussions. It has already...

By Personnel Today
Majority Of PR Agency Leaders Forecast Growth After Torrid 2025 – CPRA Survey
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Majority Of PR Agency Leaders Forecast Growth After Torrid 2025 – CPRA Survey

PR and communications agency leaders are optimistic about 2026 after a challenging 2025. The CPRA survey of 56 agency heads shows 70% expect revenue growth, with 62% targeting more than a 5% lift, and 74% anticipate profitability gains, 58% above...

By B&T (Australia)
L’Oréal's Ankit Porwal Moves to India-Based Marico to Drive Digital Beauty Ambitions
NewsFeb 19, 2026

L’Oréal's Ankit Porwal Moves to India-Based Marico to Drive Digital Beauty Ambitions

L’Oréal regional leader Ankit Porwal has left the French beauty giant to become Marico’s CEO of beauty, styling and digital business. Porwal brings more than 13 years of e‑commerce, innovation and marketing transformation experience across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India....

By Marketing-Interactive
Keiran Beasley To Depart SBS After 13 Years
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Keiran Beasley To Depart SBS After 13 Years

Keiran Beasley is leaving SBS Australia after a 13‑year stint as national manager of digital and TV sales. He joined in 2012 to lead the 2014 FIFA World Cup sales and later oversaw the 2018 tournament, the SBS Annual Upfronts...

By B&T (Australia)
Extending Scientific Rigor From Bench to Boardroom
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Extending Scientific Rigor From Bench to Boardroom

Researchers who launch biotech startups often abandon evidence‑based decision‑making once they enter the boardroom, falling prey to technology myopia, base‑rate neglect, and confirmation bias. Their lack of formal training in commercialization, financial modeling, and competitive analysis amplifies these pitfalls, leading...

By BioSpace
‘Comment Sections Are Not Customers’: American Eagle Brings Back Sydney Sweeney Amid Celebrity Push
NewsFeb 19, 2026

‘Comment Sections Are Not Customers’: American Eagle Brings Back Sydney Sweeney Amid Celebrity Push

American Eagle has revived its partnership with actress Sydney Sweeney, featuring her in a NYSE bell‑ringing appearance after the controversial “good genes” denim campaign sparked backlash over perceived racial undertones. The retailer defended the ad, hired a crisis‑comms firm, and...

By Digiday
Customers Have New Expectations. Is Your CX Ready?
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Customers Have New Expectations. Is Your CX Ready?

Customer experience is evolving as technology delivers practical benefits through better design, integration, and intent. Modern voice bots, unified CX platforms, and structured knowledge bases enable faster, more consistent service while reducing pressure on agents. Proactive, AI‑first approaches shift support...

By TechCentral (South Africa)
Sacking Employee over "Extremely Inappropriate" Gestures Was Fair
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Sacking Employee over "Extremely Inappropriate" Gestures Was Fair

The Fair Work Commission upheld Pacific National Services' dismissal of a train driver who performed Nazi‑salute gestures from Mittagong station, deeming the conduct serious misconduct. Deputy President Bryce Cross rejected the employee’s claim that the gestures were an "all clear"...

By HR Daily (Australia)
Employees' 'Mindset Behaviours' Can Signal Burnout, Retention Risks
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Employees' 'Mindset Behaviours' Can Signal Burnout, Retention Risks

The "Mindset Matters" report reveals that five employee mindset behaviours—social connection, emotional communication, ability to switch off, health prioritisation, and sustained energy—serve as early indicators of psychological strain. Drawing on Better Being’s wellbeing index and SuperFriend’s thriving workplace metrics, the...

By HR Daily (Australia)
Nib Appoints Soccer Star Mary Fowler As Chief Health & Wellbeing Officer
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Nib Appoints Soccer Star Mary Fowler As Chief Health & Wellbeing Officer

Nib Group has appointed Australian soccer star Mary Fowler as its chief health and wellbeing officer, underscoring the insurer's push for health literacy, inclusion and female representation. Fowler will leverage her athletic platform to inspire Australians to prioritize wellness and...

By B&T (Australia)
New HR Metric Measures How Employees "Truly" Connect to Work
NewsFeb 19, 2026

New HR Metric Measures How Employees "Truly" Connect to Work

Researchers from Canada have introduced a new HR metric called Love of the Job (LOJ) that gauges employee passion, commitment, and intimacy toward their work, colleagues, and organization. The nine‑item scale adapts Sternberg’s triangular theory of love and is positioned...

By HR Daily (Australia)
MXR Hospitality Names Brent McDowell CEO, Eric Watts President
NewsFeb 19, 2026

MXR Hospitality Names Brent McDowell CEO, Eric Watts President

MXR Hospitality, a joint venture between RREAF Holdings and Phillip McNeill Sr., announced Brent McDowell as its inaugural CEO and Eric Watts as its inaugural president. McDowell brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience, most recently as COO of McNeill Hotel Company,...

By Hotel Business
UPS CHRO Shares the Most Important Predictors of AI Success
NewsFeb 19, 2026

UPS CHRO Shares the Most Important Predictors of AI Success

UPS Chief Human Resources Officer Darrell Ford is steering a multi‑year HR transformation that now emphasizes artificial intelligence. The initiative prioritises clean, high‑quality data—targeted for completion by the end of the quarter—as the foundation for AI‑driven talent decisions. Simultaneously, UPS...

By HRM Asia
Dr. Hope Jacoby, Podiatrist: Leading with Precision in Podiatry
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Dr. Hope Jacoby, Podiatrist: Leading with Precision in Podiatry

Dr. Hope Jacoby, DPM, has built a leading podiatric practice in Dallas‑Fort Worth, focusing on advanced wound care and foot‑ankle surgery. Her career stems from a sports‑focused upbringing, elite athletic training, and a chief residency that honed surgical leadership. She...

By CEOWORLD magazine
Floor & Decor Holdings Inc (FND) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Floor & Decor Holdings Inc (FND) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Floor & Decor announced a leadership transition, naming President Brad Paulsen CEO effective fiscal 2026 while Tom Taylor moves to Executive Chair. The company posted EPS of $0.53, a 10.4% increase, and total sales of $1.18 billion, up 5.5% year‑over‑year, but...

By Motley Fool – Earnings Transcripts
Adland’s Top Strategists on AI, Tools & the Strategic Human Advantage
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Adland’s Top Strategists on AI, Tools & the Strategic Human Advantage

South Africa’s top ad strategists warn that while AI can accelerate data collection and pattern detection, the true strategic advantage remains human deep thinking and cultural insight. Leaders such as Pepe Marais and Neo Makhele stress that only a small minority who...

By MarkLives (South Africa)
Ryerson Holding Corp (RYI) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Ryerson Holding Corp (RYI) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Ryan Specialty Holdings reported a 21% revenue surge to $3.0 billion in 2025, propelled by 10.1% organic growth and a 10‑point M&A contribution. Adjusted EBITDAC rose 19.2% to $967 million, though margins slipped as the company invested heavily in talent, technology, and...

By Motley Fool – Earnings Transcripts
Casella Waste Systems Inc (CWST) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Casella Waste Systems Inc (CWST) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Casella Waste Systems reported record Q3 2025 results, with revenue of $485.4 million, up 17.9% YoY, and adjusted EBITDA of $119.9 million, up 16.4%. Growth was driven by $53.4 million of acquisition revenue and solid‑waste pricing, while same‑store landfill volumes rose 11.7%. Management...

By Motley Fool – Earnings Transcripts
Zuckerberg Grilled About Meta's Strategy to Target 'Teens' And 'Tweens'
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Zuckerberg Grilled About Meta's Strategy to Target 'Teens' And 'Tweens'

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in Los Angeles as part of a high‑profile social‑media addiction trial, facing questions about internal documents that show the company deliberately targeted users as young as ten. Plaintiffs highlighted memos from 2015‑2018 that set goals...

By NPR — Economy
Matthew Lewis Labarre: Building a Business for the Youngest Athletes
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Matthew Lewis Labarre: Building a Business for the Youngest Athletes

Matthew Lewis Labarre launched Never Too Young FC in 2021 to serve children ages three to five who were excluded from traditional soccer programs. The company blends introductory soccer drills with age‑appropriate nutrition lessons, creating a playful yet structured environment....

By CEOWORLD magazine
Manie Du Bruyn’s Rise: Real Estate, Mining, and the Long Game
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Manie Du Bruyn’s Rise: Real Estate, Mining, and the Long Game

Manie Du Bruyn founded Black Lion Property Group in 2015 and built a portfolio of high‑demand residential and mixed‑use projects in Pretoria, emphasizing reinvestment and a 30‑year horizon. Leveraging the disciplined financial and operational framework of the property business, he launched Black Lion...

By CEOWORLD magazine
REMAX Names New President; Tech Exec Joins Offerpad Board
NewsFeb 18, 2026

REMAX Names New President; Tech Exec Joins Offerpad Board

REMAX promoted Chris Lim, who joined a year ago as chief growth officer, to president while keeping his growth responsibilities. Lim, formerly president of Christie’s International Real Estate, will now oversee the global network, emphasizing international expansion and affiliate services....

By Real Estate News (REN)
Benjamin Berkowitz: Building a Career in Retail Real Estate
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Benjamin Berkowitz: Building a Career in Retail Real Estate

Benjamin Berkowitz, Vice President at Colonial Commercial Real Estate and co‑founder of Pearl Capital, has completed more than $60 million in retail transaction volume across Texas. After rising from sales associate to VP, he added tenant‑representation for autonomous‑drone firm Flytrex, broadening...

By CEOWORLD magazine
How to Build a Due Diligence Habit That Strengthens Every Decision You Make
NewsFeb 18, 2026

How to Build a Due Diligence Habit That Strengthens Every Decision You Make

The article reframes due diligence as a daily habit rather than a one‑off exercise for big deals, using a used‑car purchase as a relatable example. It outlines a repeatable framework—define what you’re buying, inspect fundamentals, verify claims, and secure documentation—before...

By Entrepreneur
Fremantle UK Taps BBC Studios as People Director
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Fremantle UK Taps BBC Studios as People Director

Fremantle UK has created a People Director position and appointed Lisa Hardy, formerly of BBC Studios, to lead it starting March. Hardy is known for shaping culture across large, diverse media teams and will now drive the company’s people and...

By World Screen
N.I.H. Director Will Temporarily Run C.D.C. in Leadership Shake-Up
NewsFeb 18, 2026

N.I.H. Director Will Temporarily Run C.D.C. in Leadership Shake-Up

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the current NIH director, has been named acting director of the CDC, a role he will hold while continuing to lead the National Institutes of Health. He replaces Jim O’Neill, who is slated for a nomination to...

By New York Times – Health
Scripps Hires Oliver Gray to VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Scripps Hires Oliver Gray to VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships

The E.W. Scripps Company announced the appointment of Oliver Gray, a former Overtime executive, as Vice President of Network Sports and Client Partnerships. Gray will oversee national advertiser relationships for Scripps Sports and collaborate with sales and programming teams to...

By The Desk
Why District Leaders Are Rethinking Education Research and Policy
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Why District Leaders Are Rethinking Education Research and Policy

District leaders are confronting tighter budgets and limited margins for error, prompting a shift toward embedding education research and development (R&D) directly into district operations. Initiatives like Digital Promise's League of Innovative Schools provide real‑time data tools and collaborative networks...

By EdSurge
Outgoing Sucker Punch Boss Hopes Studio Can Make Games in 'Shorter Periods of Time'
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Outgoing Sucker Punch Boss Hopes Studio Can Make Games in 'Shorter Periods of Time'

Outgoing co‑founder Brian Fleming says Sucker Punch wants to shrink its development cycles from roughly five years to four. The studio’s recent hit, Ghost of Yotei, outperformed its predecessor and won a DICE award, proving the model can still deliver commercial...

By Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra)
Hashtag Orange Promotes Gaurang Menon to Managing Partner & Creative Head – West
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Hashtag Orange Promotes Gaurang Menon to Managing Partner & Creative Head – West

Hashtag Orange, a fast‑growing Indian advertising agency, announced the promotion of Gaurang Menon to Managing Partner and Creative Head for its West operations. The move elevates Menon, who has driven award‑winning campaigns for major brands, to oversee both business development...

By Branding in Asia
Kraft Heinz Replaces North American President with Kellanova Exec
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Kraft Heinz Replaces North American President with Kellanova Exec

Kraft Heinz announced that former Kellanova leader Nicolas Amaya will replace Pedro Navio as president of its North American business, effective Feb. 22. The move follows CEO Steve Cahillane’s decision to pause a planned corporate break‑up and signals a renewed focus...

By Food Dive (Industry Dive)
Phil Hoffman to Lead New Mexico PBS
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Phil Hoffman to Lead New Mexico PBS

Phil Hoffman will assume the role of General Manager and CEO of New Mexico PBS on April 1, 2024, following the retirement of Franz Joachim on March 31. He will serve as co‑GM starting March 24 to ensure a smooth transition. Hoffman brings extensive...

By Current
Employ Inc. Appoints New CEO
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Employ Inc. Appoints New CEO

Employ Inc., a provider of people‑first intelligent hiring solutions, announced Jerry Jao as its new CEO. Jao, the founder of AI‑driven SaaS firm ReSci and former board member of FIGS, brings extensive experience scaling AI technology and strategic initiatives. Having...

By HRTechFeed
Davidson Hospitality Group Reorganizes Commercial Services Team
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Davidson Hospitality Group Reorganizes Commercial Services Team

Davidson Hospitality Group has reshaped its commercial services by promoting Patrick Broderick and Harry Carr to newly created senior vice‑president roles overseeing commercial optimization, while appointing Kathryn Collins as vice‑president of marketing. The reorganization consolidates sales, revenue management and marketing...

By Hotel Business
Liquidnet Appoints Michael Gibbons as Global Head of Listed Derivatives Business Development
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Liquidnet Appoints Michael Gibbons as Global Head of Listed Derivatives Business Development

Liquidnet announced the appointment of Michael Gibbons as Global Head of Listed Derivatives Business Development. Gibbons arrives from Morgan Stanley after more than a decade leading electronic futures sales and algorithmic execution initiatives. Based in New York, he will drive...

By Traders Magazine – Options/Derivatives
Nicole Brizan Joins Donohoe Hospitality Services
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Nicole Brizan Joins Donohoe Hospitality Services

Donohoe Hospitality Services has appointed Nicole Brizan as vice president of finance and accounting, tasking her with steering corporate and property‑level financial strategy for its hotel portfolio. Brizan brings more than two decades of hospitality accounting experience, most recently as...

By Hotel Business
Retiring Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob to Be Honored at CinemaCon
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Retiring Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob to Be Honored at CinemaCon

Ellis Jacob, who has steered Canada’s Cineplex for 23 years, will receive Cinema United’s Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon in April. Under his leadership, Cineplex grew into the fourth‑largest theater chain in North America. Jacob also chaired Cinema United’s...

By The Wrap
[Industry News] PQube Appoints Games Industry Veteran Dominic Wheatley as Chairman
NewsFeb 18, 2026

[Industry News] PQube Appoints Games Industry Veteran Dominic Wheatley as Chairman

PQube, a leading UK games publisher, has appointed industry veteran Dominic Wheatley as Chairman. Wheatley co‑founded Eidos and launched iconic franchises such as Tomb Raider and Championship Manager. He previously steered the growth of Catalis, Kuju, Curve Games, Testronic and Blaze...

By MCV/Develop
Think RTO Is Harmless? Top Talent Disagrees
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Think RTO Is Harmless? Top Talent Disagrees

Top talent is pushing back against strict return‑to‑office (RTO) mandates, as highlighted by JPMorgan Chase employees fearing career repercussions for opposing the policy. Research from Gartner shows high‑performers, women and millennials are most likely to leave firms with rigid RTO,...

By Human Resource Executive
The $2 Trillion Blind Spot in Modern Rewards
NewsFeb 18, 2026

The $2 Trillion Blind Spot in Modern Rewards

Most organizations still tie rewards to individual output despite vocal support for collaboration. Gallup reports U.S. employee engagement at a 10‑year low of 31% in 2024, translating to roughly $2 trillion in lost productivity. Studies show high‑quality recognition can reduce turnover...

By Human Resource Executive
Why Mergers Fail and How to Spot Trouble Early
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Why Mergers Fail and How to Spot Trouble Early

M&A activity remains a high‑stakes gamble, with nearly half of large U.S. acquisitions eventually undone. A 27‑year study of 1,636 S&P 500 deals shows a 46% divestiture rate and an average ten‑year lag before breakup. Failures cluster around two patterns:...

By MIT Sloan Management Review
ARCO Appoints Commercial Aviation Head
NewsFeb 18, 2026

ARCO Appoints Commercial Aviation Head

ARCO National Construction announced the appointment of Scott Rightnowar as head of its commercial aviation division. Rightnowar will oversee national airport, airline, hangar, and MRO development programs, leveraging more than a decade of executive aviation and industrial real‑estate experience. His...

By Airports International
Intellinetics, Inc. Appoints Alison Forsythe as President and CEO
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Intellinetics, Inc. Appoints Alison Forsythe as President and CEO

Intellinetics, a NYSE American‑listed digital transformation solutions provider, announced Alison Forsythe as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 17, 2026. Forsythe brings over 20 years of SaaS and enterprise software leadership, most recently as CEO of AI‑powered...

By AI-TechPark
When Senior Leaders Are Asked To Carry Too Much
NewsFeb 18, 2026

When Senior Leaders Are Asked To Carry Too Much

Biopharma senior leaders are increasingly shouldering operational work left behind by downsizing, stretching their capacity beyond strategic duties. The overload fragments focus, slows decisions, and erodes communication, while burnout remains hidden behind continued presence. As pressure builds, the organization’s decision‑making...

By BioSpace
Katie Collin on Why Female Leadership in the Top 100 Is Sliding
NewsFeb 18, 2026

Katie Collin on Why Female Leadership in the Top 100 Is Sliding

In this episode, Nikita Alexander talks with Ramsay Brown Partner Katie Collin about the recent drop in female leadership within the UK’s Top 100 firms, now down to just 12 % at senior levels. Collin attributes the decline to cyclical workload pressures that...

By Accountancy Age