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C-suite Executive Search That Shapes the Future of Your Business

Hanson Executive is the C-suite executive search practice of Hanson Search, leading Board, C-suite and N-1 appointments across the Group. For 24 years, we have helped organisations appoint the leaders who set strategy and drive growth. Hanson Executive now brings that senior work together under one dedicated practice, led by CEO Katie Simpson.

We work with ambitious, high-growth businesses, including founder-led and private equity-backed organisations. Many are scaling quickly, often through M&A, and need a leadership team that can keep pace. Because a senior partner leads every search, these clients receive real rigour alongside close personal attention.

We lead C-suite executive search across the UK, Europe, the USA and the Middle East. As a result, clients benefit from local market knowledge alongside the reach of an international network.

How we Approach C-suite Executive Search?

Every C-suite search is led by a senior member of our team from briefing through to appointment. We take time to understand the role in the context of the wider business, because the right leader needs to fit the organisation’s strategy, culture and ambitions.

We draw from our international network to identify and approach the right talent, going beyond the obvious names where needed. Our approach is agile, adapting the search as the brief develops and assessing candidates on track record, leadership style, commercial judgement and board-level impact.

The process is closely managed from shortlist through to appointment, with clear feedback and honest market insight throughout. Support continues through offer negotiations and, where appropriate, the transition into the role.

Why Choose Hanson Executive for your C-suite Executive Search?

Hanson Executive combines the personal approach of a boutique firm with the reach to search across markets. Our consultants come from the industries they recruit into, bringing first-hand knowledge of the roles, businesses and people they work with.

That experience sits alongside a network built over more than 20 years. It means we can look beyond the immediate market when a search calls for it, while still giving clients the close involvement and flexibility of a boutique firm.

Finally, we understand that the right C-suite appointment is about more than a strong CV. Our experience of different markets, organisations and leadership teams helps us understand what will work in practice and identify people who are right for the business as well as the role.

Partner With Hanson Executive for C-suite Executive Search

If you are hiring a Chief Executive Officer, board member or senior executive, our specialists are ready to help. Contact our team today to discuss your leadership hiring.

C-suite Executive Search FAQs

How do you assess C-suite candidates?

Senior executives are assessed on far more than their CV. We evaluate leadership style, commercial impact, stakeholder management, cultural fit and experience leading transformation or growth. Every candidate undergoes a rigorous interview process, with detailed referencing and market validation before they are presented to clients. Our aim is to identify leaders who will deliver long-term value, not simply fill a vacancy.

What qualities should you look for in a C-suite executive?

The right executive will have the technical expertise for the role, but the best leaders also demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial acumen and the ability to influence stakeholders at every level. We assess candidates on their leadership style, experience navigating change, cultural fit and track record of delivering measurable business outcomes, ensuring they have the capability to lead your organisation both today and in the future.

What industries do you recruit C-suite executives for?

We recruit C-suite leaders across a broad range of industries, from high-growth start-ups to global listed organisations, private equity-backed businesses and multinational corporations. Our sector expertise includes technology, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, consumer and retail, energy, industrials, manufacturing, professional services, media, sport, travel and hospitality, real estate, education, the public sector, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Explore our C-suite practice

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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

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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