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As part of Hanson Executives, our people, culture and talent practice finds the leaders responsible for an organisation’s most quoted asset: its people. The remit of this function has widened dramatically. Today’s CHROs and chief people officers sit beside the CEO on succession, workforce strategy and AI adoption, and they carry the culture through change that never seems to pause.

We recruit across that full remit, from CHRO and Chief People Officer searches through to talent, reward, organisational development and culture leadership, for global corporates, scale-ups and investor-backed businesses. Mandates span permanent appointments and interim cover, in the UK, Europe, the Gulf and the US.

Our People, Culture and Talent Executive Search Approach

There is a particular irony in this market: the candidates are professionals whose own craft is reading people, which makes them the most polished interviewees in any search. Our process is designed for that. We look past interview performance to delivered outcomes, asking what each leader actually changed: retention moved, succession built, cultures repaired after difficulty. References in this market carry unusual weight, so we take them seriously and early. Discretion matters too, because a people leader exploring a move is a sensitive signal inside any business, and we protect both sides accordingly.

Our Expertise in People, Culture and Talent Recruitment

We recruit CHROs and chief people officers, HR and people directors, heads of talent acquisition and talent management, reward and benefits leaders, organisational development and culture specialists, and learning and employee experience leadership.

The market for this talent has tightened as the function’s brief has grown. Boards now expect people leaders who can run AI and workforce transformation, hold employee trust through restructuring, and build skills-based organisations rather than static hierarchies. Leaders with proven results across that range are rare, and most are not looking to move, which is why direct, senior-led search matters in this market more than most.

Why choose Hanson Search as your Recruitment Partner

As an independent, employee-owned executive search firm, we take a personal approach to every people, culture and talent brief. Clients get the depth of a specialist practice and the reach of a global firm, and because we are employee-owned ourselves, we understand from the inside what ownership and culture mean to a business. Our partners lead every search directly, drawing on deep, highly developed networks to uncover exceptional talent. We take it personally. We don’t stop until we deliver the best candidate for your role.

As a certified B Corp, we hold our own people practices to the standards this function exists to champion, from ethical hiring through to values-led recruitment.

Hire Exceptional People, Culture and Talent Leaders

If you are appointing a CHRO, chief people officer or senior people leader in the UK or internationally, talk to us. If you lead in this market and are weighing your own next move, the same applies, in complete confidence.

Contact our team of specialist consultants today to discuss your brief.

Latest jobs

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  • 12.06.2026

    Public Affairs Adviser (12x month FTC), London Non-Profit

    • Location: London
    • Salary: Circa £50,000 per annum
    • Specialism: Public Affairs, Government Relations & Policy
    Interim Public Affairs Adviser | London Non-Profit We're looking for a brilliant Public Affairs Adviser to join up with our client, a non-profit organisation at the intersection of FS, public policy & social impact, on an interim basis for the next 12 months. ...
    View job & apply
  • 09.06.2026

    VP of Communications, Global Conglomerate

    • Location: London
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: Corporate Communications
    A rare in-house opportunity for a senior communications professional to join one of the world's most ambitious and fast-moving private conglomerates at a pivotal moment in its global expansion.  This organisation has deep roots in real estate and infrastructure, but has in recent years made headline-grabbing moves into technology and AI — with $20 billion dollar investment...
    View job & apply
  • 03.06.2026

    Director of Marketing, Arabic Speaking, UAE

    • Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: Competitive Package
    • Specialism: Marketing
    Role Overview We are working with a leading organisation to appoint an Arabic-speaking Director of Marketing — a senior, high-impact role responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive brand, marketing, and communications strategy across a diverse portfolio of brands.
    View job & apply
  • 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...
    View job & apply
  • 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...
    View job & apply
  • 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...
    View job & apply
  • 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...
    View job & apply
  • 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....
    View job & apply

Get in touch










    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...

    • Head of Corporate and Financial

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Originally from the US, Allyson specialises in corporate affairs and financial communications recruitment, working across both the US...

    • 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