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Connecting Private Equity Firms with Top Talent

Securing the right leadership is crucial for private equity success in Abu Dhabi. As part of the Hanson Search Group, Hanson Capital is a specialist Private Equity Executive Search Abu Dhabi practice focused on delivering top-tier leadership 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 across key financial hubs worldwide. This allows us to combine deep 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 Private Equity Executive 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 consultative approach extends far beyond evaluating technical expertise. We focus on assessing institutional judgement, stakeholder management and regulatory fluency, meaning that the leaders we place can navigate the specific demands of the UAE market. Because many of our clients are at pivotal stages, such as launching first-time funds or formalising governance, the executives we select must build immediate credibility with regulators, LPs and partners.

By leveraging our global network, we identify high-calibre talent with the international perspective required for firms expanding into new regions. This bespoke method allows every placement not only to make an immediate impact but also to strengthen your long-term reputation. Consequently, our search process provides the strategic depth needed to manage complex co-investment relationships and drive growth in a competitive landscape.

Our Talent Services at Hanson Search

We offer a full spectrum of executive search services to private equity firms across Abu Dhabi, focusing on leadership talent. Our approach includes:

  • Senior Executive and C-level Executive Search: We specialise in placing high-impact leaders who drive growth, improve operations and enhance overall performance. These executives are essential for long-term success.

  • Functional Expertise Recruitment: We source experts in critical functional areas such as finance, operations, marketing and legal. These professionals help businesses manage risk, boost growth and stay competitive.

  • Interim and Freelance Talent Solutions: For short-term needs or specific projects, we offer flexible solutions. Our interim and freelance talent ensures businesses maintain momentum during transitions or periods of growth.

  • Talent Advisory and Market Mapping: We go beyond hiring by offering valuable market insights. Our advisory services help firms map talent pools, assess the competitive landscape and make strategic hiring decisions.

Why choose Hanson Search as your recruitment partner?

As an independent, employee-owned executive search firm, we take a personal approach to every private equity executive search 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.

Can you help with interim placements?

Yes, we can. We maintain a network of experienced interim executives who are available to step in at short notice.

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

    • 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...

    • 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...

    • Search Director, MENA

      Amanda Dowie

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

    • 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...

    • 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...

    • 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...

    • 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...

    • Researcher

      Aneta Arsovska

      Aneta Arsovska: With over 10 years of experience in recruitment across various industries, Aneta specialises in research-driven recruitment and talent...

    • 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

      Ivana Stevanovska

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

    • Business Support

      Mirjana R.Dejanovska

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

    • 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