Executive search firms, ranked.

A recruiter that fills senior roles: C-suite, board seats, partners and heads of function. Unlike most recruitment agencies, executive search firms approach people who aren't looking, run a defined search process, and usually work exclusively for one client per role.

A retained firm is paid in stages (often a third at the start, a third at a shortlist and a third on hire) and works the search exclusively. A contingency recruiter is paid only if you hire their candidate, and you can brief several at once. Most executive search is retained.

Retained executive search is commonly quoted at around 25–35% of the hire's first-year cash compensation, with a minimum fee at many firms. Terms vary by firm, seniority and market, so compare proposals before you sign.

Look for depth in your sector and function, recent comparable placements, who will actually run the search, how they handle off-limits companies, and the guarantee if a hire leaves early. Our rankings favour firms that specialise, so the top of each city list is a good shortlist.

On public data only: how focused each firm is on executive roles, how many searches it's running, and its track record. Rankings are per city; this page combines them. No firm can pay for placement.