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Appointing a Chief Executive Officer is one of the most defining decisions an organisation will face. The right individual sets direction, builds confidence among stakeholders and creates momentum across the business. For this reason, CEO recruitment requires precision, discretion and a clear understanding of strategic intent.

Hanson Executives, the C-suite practice of Hanson Search Group, partners with boards and investors on CEO recruitment and CEO executive search. We go beyond filling a leadership vacancy. Instead, we identify chief executives who translate ambition into performance while strengthening governance and culture.

Leadership Judgement and Cultural Fit

Track record matters, yet it is only part of the picture. Consequently, our CEO recruitment process places significant emphasis on leadership judgement, communication style and resilience.

We explore how candidates have led through uncertainty, managed investor relationships and inspired executive teams. Moreover, we assess their ability to operate within different ownership models, from privately held businesses to investor-backed structures.

As organisations often operate across multiple markets, international awareness can be critical. Therefore, we consider cross-border exposure and the ability to lead diverse teams. Through structured assessment and careful referencing, we present leaders who combine credibility with adaptability.

Our CEO Recruitment and Executive Search Method

A successful outcome depends on process as much as insight. First, we establish a clear mandate with defined milestones and timelines. Next, we conduct targeted market research to identify individuals who meet the agreed criteria.

Throughout the search, we maintain regular dialogue with the board to ensure alignment. In addition, we manage candidate engagement with discretion and professionalism. This balanced approach allows momentum to build without compromising confidentiality.

Once a preferred candidate is identified, we support negotiations and onboarding discussions. Consequently, the transition into role is structured and well managed.

Why Choose Hanson Search for CEO Recruitment and Executive Search?

CEO recruitment and executive search require trust. Boards rely on advisers who understand governance, stakeholder expectations and the wider leadership market.

Hanson Search brings experience across senior executive appointments, including CEO and CFO mandates. Therefore, we appreciate how leadership teams function collectively and how a new CEO appointment will influence that dynamic.

Furthermore, our international reach enables us to access talent across key financial and commercial centres. As a result, clients are introduced to leaders with both local understanding and global perspective.

Ultimately, we deliver CEO recruitment that strengthens board confidence and positions organisations for sustained progress.

CEO Recruitment FAQs

Do you handle global CEO Recruitment assignments?

Yes. With businesses increasingly operating in multiple markets, we have the capability to manage global CEO Recruitment projects. Our extensive international network gives access to a diverse pool of executive talent. This ensures your CEO can lead across borders and respond to varying market dynamics.

Can you assist with interim CEO placements?

Absolutely. In situations where organisations require immediate leadership or a transitional figure, we provide interim CEOs. These leaders are highly experienced and able to step into complex roles, ensuring continuity while a permanent CEO is being recruited.

Speak with Our Team

If you are considering CEO recruitment, CEO executive search or reviewing succession plans, we would welcome a confidential discussion. Early planning provides greater choice and clearer alignment with long-term objectives.

Contact Hanson Search to begin a conversation about your next chief executive appointment.

Latest jobs

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  • 20.07.2026

    Media & Communications Manager, Policy and Public Affairs, Business Membership Organisation

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    • Type: Permanent / Hybrid (2-3 days in office)
    • Salary: £45,000-£52,000
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  • 17.07.2026

    AI and Digital Innovation Manager, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

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    • Type: Permanent
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  • 17.07.2026

    Digital Communications Manager, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

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  • 17.07.2026

    Head of Marketing and Events, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

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    • Type: Permanent
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  • 17.07.2026

    Account Director, Strategic Communications Consultancy, London

    • Location: London
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  • 17.07.2026

    Research and Analysis Manager, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
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    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking a Research and Analysis Manager to support its strategy, research, planning and international partnerships. Working as part of a growing communications and marketing team, the successful candidate will provide high-quality research and insight to support senior decision-making, identify emerging opportunities and help shape strategic initiatives.
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  • 17.07.2026

    Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abu Dhabi

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    • Type: Permanent
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    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking a Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications to lead its international brand, marketing, digital and communications strategy. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a growing, purpose-led organisation. The successful candidate will strengthen its global reputation, expand its digital reach and raise the profile of sustainability innovators and changemakers worldwide. The role is in Abu Dhabi and ...
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  • 16.07.2026

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  • 16.07.2026

    Growth Director, Global Creative Digital Agency, Dubai

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    • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
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  • 16.07.2026

    Corporate Affairs Manager, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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    Introducing
    Our Recruitment Experts

    Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need

    Meet the team

    • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

      Alice Weightman

      Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...

    • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

      Janie Emmerson

      Janie Emmerson: Janie leads our UK and European teams and offices from our London base, guiding and supporting their work across...

    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

      Katie Simpson

      Katie Simpson: Katie specialises in senior, global executive search across Corporate Affairs and Communications, with particular depth in the UK...

    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

      Amy Hayer

      Amy Hayer: Amy is an executive search professional with over 15 years of experience building and scaling high-performing teams across...

    • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

      Barbara Ozanon

      Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...

    • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

      Nils Gerardin

      Nils Gerardin: Nils brings almost ten years of search experience and talent management consulting in France and cross-border for start-ups...

    • Search Director, MENA

      Amanda Dowie

      Amanda Dowie : MENA Search Director Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global...

    • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

      Madeleine Weightman

      Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...

    • Principal Consultant, Communications, Marketing & Digital Marketing

      Helena Ranger

      Helena Ranger: As Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Brand Marketing, Helena has played a pivotal role...

    • UK Marketing Lead

      Daniela Mamica

      Daniela Mamica: Daniela is UK Marketing Lead, working across senior and leadership level roles. She brings a wealth of experience,...

    • Director, Hanson Capital MENA

      Alice Maltby

      Alice Maltby : Director, Investor Markets, UAE Alice Maltby is a Director at Hanson Search MENA, working within the firm’s...

    • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

      Peter Ferguson

      Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports industry leaders across highly regulated...

    • Head of Corporate and Financial

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Originally from the US, Allyson specialises in corporate affairs and financial communications, working across both the US and...

    • Head of Corporate & Brand Communications, Europe

      Camille Chevallier

      Camille Chevallier: With over 20 years of senior communications experience across Europe, Camille has held leadership roles at agencies and...

    • Head of Interim Communications

      Ben Mitchell

      Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...

    • Associate Director, MENA

      Lexi Smith-Muller

      Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi is an executive search specialist with over 12 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Middle...

    • Senior Researcher

      Arlena Butt

      Arlena Butt: Arlena is a Senior Researcher at Hanson Search, with three years of experience supporting executive search across Public...

    • Researcher, MENA

      Nevena Ilievska

      Nevena Ilievska: With a degree in Psychology and nearly four years of experience in talent acquisition and research, Nevena has...

    • Researcher

      Fani Mateska

      Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...

    • Researcher

      Ivana Cilevska

      Ivana Cilevska Ivana Cilevska is a Researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the European team across client mandates and contributing to...

    • Marketing Content Executive

      Reg Wheeler

      Reg Wheeler: Reg is a Marketing Content Executive at Hanson Search, supporting a range of marketing and content initiatives across...

    • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

      Robyn Field

      Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...

    • Marketing Lead

      Sam White

      Sam White: Marketing Lead Sam White joined Hanson Search in 2016, initially working as an internal recruiter after gaining experience...

    • Business Support

      Mirjana R.Dejanovska

      Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...

    • Business Support

      Ivana Stevanovska

      Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...

    • Advisor

      Nicholas Watkins

      Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...

    • Advisor

      Michelle Milbourn

      Michelle Milbourn: Advisor Michelle is a seasoned executive search specialist with two decades of experience supporting founders and investors across...

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    What people say about us

    Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.

    Talent Partner, Blakeney

    Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.

    Talent Partner, MHP Group

    The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.

    Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge

    Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.

    CEO, RAK Tourism

    Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.

    MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies

    Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.

    Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young

    I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.

    CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington