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Hanson Search’s People & Culture Executive Search practice, part of Hanson Corporate, helps organisations hire the CHROs, Chief People Officers and senior HR leaders who turn culture and capability into commercial advantage. Culture is now a board-level priority, and the people who shape it have never mattered more.

We partner with FTSE 100 corporates, financial services institutions, high-growth businesses, sovereign-backed entities and private equity portfolio companies on the senior people appointments that increasingly decide which organisations grow and which stall.

Why CHRO and People Leadership Hiring Matters

A decade ago, the top HR job was about process and policy. Today it is about strategy. The CHRO now sits alongside the CEO and CFO as one of the three roles that most shape an organisation’s direction.

Three forces have driven the shift. AI is redrawing how work gets done, and someone has to lead the redesign. Employees, investors and regulators judge organisations on culture and conduct, not just results. And in a tight talent market, the businesses that win are the ones whose people strategy is genuinely better than their competitors’.

The leaders who can operate at this level are rare, in demand and almost never actively looking. Finding them takes a search, not an advert.

Senior People & Culture Roles We Recruit

Our People & Culture Executive Search practice covers the senior end of the people function. We place Chief Human Resources Officers, Chief People Officers, HR Directors and People Directors, alongside the specialist leadership beneath them: Heads of Talent, Reward, Organisational Development, Learning, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

We also lead People & Culture recruitment for the roles reshaping the modern function, including people analytics, employee experience, talent acquisition leadership and HR transformation.

Whatever the title, the brief is consistent. Our clients want a people leader who thinks commercially, leads through change and earns the trust of the board.

How We Approach People and Culture Executive Search

Every People & Culture Executive Search is led personally by a senior consultant, from first briefing to final offer. We do not hand mandates down a chain or pad shortlists to look busy.

The best people leader for your business is rarely the most obvious one. They might run a smaller function in a faster-growing company, advise from inside a consultancy, or lead culture for one division of a larger group. So we map widely across in-house teams, advisory firms, high-growth businesses and private capital portfolios, and assess every candidate on commercial judgement, transformation track record, boardroom presence and cultural fit.

Diverse and inclusive shortlists are a standard, not an add-on. As a B Corp, responsible search is written into how we operate.

Speak to Our People and Culture Executive Search Team

If you are hiring a CHRO, Chief People Officer or senior HR leader, we would welcome a confidential conversation. We advise organisations across London, Europe, the USA and the Middle East, from FTSE 100 corporates and financial institutions to high-growth businesses, sovereign-backed entities and private equity portfolio companies.

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    Latest jobs

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    • 28.05.2026

      Chief Creative Officer, Marketing Agency, Riyadh  

      • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Highly competitive, aligned with international industry standards for senior creative leadership.
      • Specialism: C-suite & Advisory, Marketing
      Chief Creative Officer — Riyadh  We're working with a newly established, research-based, strategy-led marketing agency in Riyadh to find a founding Chief Creative Officer. Backed by one of Saudi Arabia's most respected and diversified conglomerates, this agency is being built from the ground up to redefine the intersection of culture, strategy, and creativity across the MENAT region...
      View job & apply
    • 28.05.2026

      Freelance Senior Account Manager, PR, | London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Interim / Hybrid
      • Salary: £275-300 a day
      • Specialism: Consumer Communications, Editorial & Content
      Freelance Senior Account Manager, PR, | London We’re on the lookout for a freelance Senior Account Manager to step in and support our brilliant client – a boutique agency in growth mode – during a particularly busy period. About the Freelance PR Role You'll be a savvy, seasoned publicist with strong media relations skills and the abil...
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    • 22.05.2026

      Director of Communications, Abu Dhabi, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Up to 60,000 AED plus benefits
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      Arabic-Speaking Director of Communications: Role Overview We are working with a leading organisation to appoint an Arabic-speaking Director of Communications, a senior, high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications strategy across a diverse portfolio of brands.
      View job & apply
    • 21.05.2026

      Communications Coordinator, Global Design Practice, London

      • Location: London
      • Salary: Competitive
      Communications Coordinator — Global Design Practice We're working with a leading global design practice to find a proactive...
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    • 21.05.2026

      Manager, Financial Communications Role at a Listed Organisation, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: AED 55,000 – AED 60,000 per month
      • Specialism: Financial Communications
      Manager, Financial Communications Role at a Listed Organisation in Abu Dhabi A leading international organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Manager, Financial Communications to join its Communications function. This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping how the organisation's financial performance and strategic narrative are conveyed to external audiences, in full compliance with regulatory requirements. About the Manager, Financial Communicat...
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    • 19.05.2026

      Senior Account Manger/Account Manager, Strategic Communications Consultancy, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
      • Salary: Competitive
      • Specialism: Strategic Communications
      • Internal Role
      An ambitious and dynamic communications consultancy is seeking a Senior Account Manager or Account Manager with a passion for strategic communications. This role focuses on delivering high-impact campaigns across sectors such as energy and infrastructure, providing policy advice, and supporting clients in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The position offers professional growth, exposure to senior clients, and opportunities to contribute to business development. Key Respon...
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    • 18.05.2026

      Events Content Lead, Abu Dhabi, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive Package
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Operational, Events
      A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced Events Content Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how its strategy, priorities and achievements are communicated through world-class events. This is a high-profile opportunity for a senior communications professional to join a well-resourced and influential organisation, working at the intersection of content, brand and corporate communications....
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    • 15.05.2026

      External Communications Manager, Corporate Communications, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: AED 80,000 – AED 90,000 per month
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      About the External Communications Manager Role in Abu Dhabi A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping, protecting and enhancing its corporate reputation on both a regional and internation...
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    • 13.05.2026

      Business Support Manager, Global Headhunting Consultancy, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: 12 Months FTC
      • Salary: £40000
      • Specialism: Operational
      • Internal Role
      About Hanson Search and the Business Support Manager Role Hanson Search is a global headhunting consultancy dedicated not only to discovering talent but to tra...
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    • 12.05.2026

      Creative Director, PR, Social and Earned-First Creative Agency, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
      • Salary: Competitive
      About the Role: Creative Director We are seeking an innovative and earned-first conceptual Creative Director to inspire and lead creative thinking across the agency. You will work closely with teams across various sectors and clients, encouraging fresh, bold ideas while ensuring creative excellence in every project. Reporting to the leadership t...
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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 Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

        Katie Simpson

        Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in the communications industry, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

        Amy Hayer

        Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...

      • 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 Gerardin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...

      • 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: Helena is Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR, Marketing and Digital Marketing. She plays a pivotal...

      • 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 some of the world’s most...

      • Senior Consultant, Head of Technology, UK and USA

        Rachel L’Estrange

        Rachel L’Estrange After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel L’Estrange moved into recruiting in 2021 and hasn’t...

      • Head of Corporate and Financial

        Allyson Kurian

        Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist headhunter in corporate affairs and financial communications recruitment, focusing on mid-to-senior level roles both...

      • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

        Camille Chevallier

        Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...

      • 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...

      • Consultant, MENA

        Lexi Smith-Muller

        Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...

      • Senior Researcher

        Arlena Butt

        Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued senior researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health...

      • Researcher, MENA

        Nevena Ilievska

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

      • Executive Research Analyst

        Maja Tomovska

        Maja Tomovska: Over the past 5 years Maja has worked with international organisations and venture-backed companies across product, technology and...

      • 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...

      • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

        Katie Cubbon

        Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...

      • 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

        Michelle Milbourn

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

      • Advisor

        Nicholas Watkins

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

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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