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Connecting Private Equity Firms with Top Talent

Securing the right leadership is crucial for private equity success in Abu Dhabi. Hanson Capital is a specialist private equity executive Search practice, focused on delivering top-tier talent across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We work with private equity firms, family offices and sovereign wealth funds to find senior executives who can drive growth, enhance performance and deliver long-term value.

Our consultants are based in Abu Dhabi and key financial hubs worldwide. This allows us to combine local expertise with global reach. As a result, we connect you with leaders who have the right experience, cultural fit and strategic mindset to succeed in private equity-backed organisations.

Our Search Process in Abu Dhabi

As Abu Dhabi’s private equity sector continues to evolve, the process of executive search has become increasingly complex. Private equity executive search assignments now require careful alignment with regulatory frameworks, governance structures and long-term investment strategies. At Hanson Capital, we don’t just identify candidates — we help shape the role itself, refining reporting structures and ensuring leadership aligns with both your fund strategy and broader institutional goals.

Our approach goes beyond assessing technical expertise. We focus on evaluating institutional judgement, stakeholder management skills and regulatory knowledge, ensuring that the leaders we place can successfully navigate the unique demands of the UAE market. Given that many of our clients are at pivotal points in their development — whether launching a first-time fund, formalising governance or expanding into new regions — the executives we select must not only make an immediate impact but also build credibility with regulators, LPs and co-investment partners.

ADGM-Licensed Private Equity Executive Search

At Hanson Search, we are fully licensed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which enables us to work directly with regulated investment firms, institutional investors, and family offices in the UAE.

In recent years, the UAE has evolved significantly, moving from a capital destination to a central hub for private capital formation and institutional governance. As a result, leadership recruitment now requires a nuanced understanding of the region’s regulatory structures, investment committee dynamics, and cross-border capital flows. Moreover, investors are increasingly seeking executives who are adept at navigating both local and international governance standards.

Many of our clients are currently:

  • Establishing regulated entities within ADGM

  • Expanding their investment committees and portfolio operations teams

  • Strengthening investor relations and fundraising capabilities

  • Recruiting senior executives to support cross-border capital strategies

Therefore, we focus on placing leaders who not only possess the necessary technical expertise but also have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the UAE market.

Why choose Hanson Search as your Recruitment Partner

As an independent, employee-owned executive search firm, we take a personal approach to every investor relations recruitment brief. Our service is personal, and our reputation is trusted. Furthermore, our commitment to clients is unwavering. Unlike many traditional headhunting firms, our partners lead every search directly — leveraging deep, highly developed networks to uncover exceptional talent. In other words, we take it personally. We don’t stop until we deliver the best candidate for your role.

We’ve built a respected global brand that clients rely on and candidates trust. Additionally, as a certified B Corp, we also support our clients in building a more sustainable supply chain through ethical hiring practices and values-led recruitment.

Private Equity Executive Search Abu Dhabi FAQs

What makes Hanson Search's process different in Abu Dhabi?

Our Abu Dhabi search process is customised to the region’s unique market dynamics. By focusing on the cultural and regulatory nuances of the UAE, we identify leaders who can not only navigate the local market but also drive your portfolio’s growth and success. As a result, this approach ensures we match you with executives who truly understand the landscape.

Can Hanson Search assist with international private equity searches?

Yes, we can. With consultants based in key financial hubs worldwide, we combine local expertise with a global reach. This allows us to conduct international searches effectively and connect you with the best talent, no matter where your private equity firm or portfolio companies are located.

Why choose Hanson Search for Private Equity Executive Search in Abu Dhabi?

At Hanson Search, we provide a personal, hands-on approach to every search. Our partners lead each search, using their extensive networks to find top talent. As a result, we’re dedicated to ensuring the right fit, not just filling a role. Clients rely on us for quality, while candidates trust us for transparency. Additionally, as a certified B Corp, we promote ethical and values-driven recruitment.

Hire Top Private Equity Leadership Talent

Are you looking to hire senior leaders for your private equity firm or portfolio companies in Abu Dhabi or globally? Or are you a senior leader seeking your next challenge?

Contact our Private Equity Executive Search specialists today to discuss how we can help you find the leadership talent that drives your success.

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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 communications, 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 Geradin 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...

    • 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...

    • 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...

    • Senior Consultant, Head of Technology, UK and USA

      Rachel L’Estrange

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

    • Head of Corporate and Financial

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist headhunter in corporate affairs and financial communications, working at the mid-to-senior end of the...

    • 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

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

    • 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...

    • Researcher, MENA

      Nevena Ilievska

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

    • 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

      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