Strategic Executive Search and Talent Advisory for Abu Dhabi’s thriving UAE Economy

Executive Search in Abu Dhabi

With an ADGM licence and an established presence, Hanson Search Abu Dhabi is a trusted Executive Search partner to some of the UAE’s most influential organisations, including government-backed entities, family offices, and leading investment houses. We provide bespoke executive search solutions rooted in a profound understanding of Abu Dhabi’s unique position as both the UAE’s capital and its wealthiest emirate, contributing over 60% of the nation’s GDP. Our team’s insight into this powerful market enables us to place top-tier talent who will drive sustainable growth and innovation across sectors such as energy, sustainable finance, real estate, and technology.

Comprehensive Executive Recruitment Solutions for Abu Dhabi’s Key Sectors

Our Abu Dhabi team offers end-to-end executive search services for a range of industries critical to Abu Dhabi’s economy, from the established energy sector to the rapidly evolving fields of financial services, asset management, and government relations. We specialise in placing transformative leaders across the C-suite, advisory boards, and senior management levels, ensuring that our clients have access to exceptional talent to fulfil their business objectives. Whether recruiting for permanent or interim roles, we bring an industry-specific, consultative approach to every placement.

A Trusted Network, Local Expertise, and Global Reach

Our consultants in Abu Dhabi combine local insight with Hanson Search’s extensive international network, spanning the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and beyond. This combination allows us to source exceptional talent from around the globe while being finely attuned to Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural and business landscape. We regularly engage in regional events, industry roundtables, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing our reputation as a top executive search partner in the UAE.

Tailored Executive Search Processes for Abu Dhabi’s Leading Organisations

Our executive search process begins with a detailed assessment of each client’s goals and unique requirements. By working closely with our clients, we provide a meticulous and results-oriented search process that balances swift delivery with a deep understanding of the local market. Throughout each stage of recruitment, we guide our candidates with honest feedback and career insights, ensuring an ideal match that aligns with both the candidate’s and the client’s long-term objectives.

Our Talent Services at Hanson Search Abu Dhabi

At Hanson Search Abu Dhabi, we are committed to delivering comprehensive recruitment solutions across key areas including:

  • Executive Search and C-level Recruitment: Identifying and placing senior leaders who drive revenue, reputation, and growth
  • Permanent recruitment of functional experts that help to drive a businesses revenue, reputation and manage risk
  • Advisory Board and Senior Management Placements: Supporting strategic appointments for influential roles
  • Interim and Freelance Talent Solutions: Providing flexible on-demand talent to meet both immediate and long-term needs.
  • Talent Advisory and Market Mapping: Offering in-depth market insights to inform strategic talent decisions.

Connect with Hanson Search Executive Search Abu Dhabi today to discuss how we can support your talent strategy across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

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

    Hanson Search

    Paul Davies

    MD, firstlightPR

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

    Hanson Search

    Rupert Young

    Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf

  • 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.

    Hanson Search

    Charles Lewington

    CEO, Hanover

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    Meet Our Team

    Our global team of expert consultants are here to source the very best comms talent available across our international network.

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      Introducing
      Our Experts
      With a network spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and the Middle East, our team of recruitment consultants are experts in sourcing the best talent globally.

      • 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...
      • 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...
      • Advisor, MENA

        Felice Hurst

        Felice Hurst: With nearly twenty years of experience in search and recruitment, and a decade of experience working in MENA,...
      • 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...
      • 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...
      • 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...
      • PA to CEO & Business Support

        Sam White

        Sam White: Sam joined Hanson Search in 2016 as an internal recruiter, bringing prior experience as an independent headhunter. Today,...
      • 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...
      • Senior Consultant, Head of Digital

        Daisy Hughes

        Daisy Hughes: Daisy brings nearly a decade of recruitment experience to her role at Hanson Search, where she leads the...
      • 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...
      • Principal Consultant, Communications & Marketing

        Helena Ranger

        Helena Ranger: Helena is the Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Marketing. She plays a pivotal role...
      • Advisor

        Nicholas Watkins

        Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...
      • Senior Consultant, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

        Allyson Kurian

        Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist in corporate affairs and sustainability communications, working at the mid-to-senior end of the market,...
      • 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...
      • Business Support

        Mirjana R.Dejanovska

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

        Arlena Butt

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

        Kristina Ugrin

        Kristina Ugrin: With more than 10 years’ experience in the UAE and Europe, in recruitment consultancy, event management and in-house...
      • Partner, Global Head of Sustainability

        Johnny Goldsmith

        Johnny Goldsmith: Johnny leads the global Sustainability & ESG practice at Hanson Search. He has over 8 years’ experience in...
      • Senior Consultant, Corporate & Financial Communications, UK & USA

        Rachel L’Estrange

        Rachel L’Estrange: After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel made the move into recruiting for the industry...
      • Business Support

        Ivana Stevanovska

        Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...
      • 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...
      • 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 Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience, including more...
      • Researcher

        Fani Mateska

        Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...
      Our trusted network
      We are trusted advisors to our partners, recruiting and placing teams for the world’s most successful brands, agencies and innovative start-ups around the world.