Jonathan Chou
Executive Recruiter
Executive Search Firms & C-Suite Recruiting
Our executive recruiters help organizations hire CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CHROs, and other senior leaders through confidential, research-driven executive search.
- Confidential executive searches
- Private equity, public, and private company searches
- Specialists in executive search
Trusted by 800+ companies nationwide
800+
Hiring teams served
70+
specialized recruiters
72-96 hrs
To your first candidates
3
U.S. patents for sourcing technology
Why executive hiring is different
Most hiring begins with a job posting. Executive hiring rarely does.
The leaders organizations want are already running businesses, leading teams, and making important decisions every day. A CFO is closing the books, a Chief Revenue Officer is driving growth, and a Chief Nursing Officer is focused on patient care. They're rarely applying for jobs, which is why executive hiring depends on direct, confidential conversations led by recruiters who understand both the role and the industry.
The right leader can shape strategy, strengthen culture, and move the business forward. The wrong one can slow progress, affect confidence across the organization, and leave a leadership gap that's difficult to fill. According to LHH's 2026 C-Suite Research, leadership appointments across S&P 500 companies reached 22.7% in 2025, with AI and technology capability emerging as one of the biggest drivers of executive turnover. Getting the hire right the first time saves far more than the cost of another search.
Executive leaders we recruit
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Presidents, Managing Directors, Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Chief Administrative Officers, Executive Directors, Business Unit Presidents, Division Presidents, and General Managers.
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Accounting Officers, Vice Presidents of Finance, Controllers, Vice Presidents of Operations, and Operations Directors.
Chief Revenue Officers (CROs), Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Vice Presidents of Sales, Vice Presidents of Marketing, and Vice Presidents of Product.
Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), Chief People Officers (CPOs), Vice Presidents of Human Resources, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Medical Officers, and Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs).
Our executive search process
The strongest executive searches begin with clarity. Before we approach candidates, we spend time understanding the role, the business, and the leadership your organization needs next.
1
Defining the search
We work with founders, boards, executives, and hiring leaders to understand the role, business priorities, reporting structure, leadership style, compensation, and the qualities you're looking for in your next executive.
2
Identifying the right leaders
Rather than waiting for applications, we identify executives already leading similar organizations and build a focused search around people with the experience and leadership background your business needs.
3
Confidential conversations
Executive searches require trust and discretion. Every conversation is handled confidentially, allowing candidates to explore opportunities without affecting their current role or professional relationships. We assess leadership style, strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, business impact, and overall fit to help you make a confident hiring decision.
4
Supporting the transition
Our involvement doesn't end when an offer is accepted. We help with negotiations, transition planning, and onboarding to support a smooth move for both your organization and your new executive.
Meet some of your executive recruiters
Luke Evans
Executive Recruiter
Simon Rowley
Executive Recruiter
70+
additional recruiters across specialized roles - each aligned to the specific hire you're making.
Recent executive placements
Anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Chief Financial Officer
37 days
Multi-state healthcare organization, Dallas, TX
Chief Operating Officer
39 days
National logistics firm, Nashville, TN
Chief Revenue Officer
33 days
Venture-backed SaaS company, Austin, TX
Chief Human Resources Officer
34 days
Enterprise technology company, Denver, CO
General Counsel
36 days
PE-backed financial services firm, Atlanta, GA
Chief Marketing Officer
29 days
Consumer goods company, Los Angeles, CA
Frequently asked questions
Our executive search consultants recruit leaders across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, industrial, insurance, financial services, construction, technology, SaaS, marketing, advertising, legal, hospitality, education, professional services, and nonprofit organizations.
We work with founder-led businesses, growing companies, private equity portfolio companies, and enterprise organizations. Whether you need c-level executive recruiters for a CEO search or a CHRO replacement, the process begins the same way.
Executive search is used when the right leader isn't actively looking for a new role. Instead of waiting for applications, an executive search firm identifies executives already succeeding in comparable organizations and approaches them confidentially.
The process starts by understanding the business, the leadership team, and what success looks like in the role. From there, the search focuses on identifying and engaging executives whose experience closely matches the organization's needs.
ExpertHiring helps companies, private equity-backed businesses, and growth-stage organizations hire C-suite and senior leaders through confidential executive search. Most of the executives we recruit are already employed and aren't actively looking for a new role.
Retained executive search is the traditional model used for hiring senior leadership. The hiring organization engages one search firm exclusively, pays a retainer to begin the search, and the firm conducts a dedicated search focused on experienced executives who are already employed. It's a proven approach, particularly for large enterprises and Fortune 500 companies.
Executive search isn't necessary for every hire. Many organizations successfully fill management positions through internal recruiting, referrals, or traditional recruiting methods.
Executive search becomes valuable when the leadership role has a significant impact on the future of the business or requires access to executives who aren't actively exploring new opportunities. Executive search is often the right approach when:
• You're hiring a CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO, or another C-suite executive.
• The search needs to remain confidential because you're replacing an existing leader.
• Internal recruiting efforts haven't produced the right candidates.
• The role will influence business strategy, growth, or organizational direction.
• You're preparing for rapid growth, succession planning, or an acquisition.
• The candidate pool is small and highly competitive.
• You need industry-specific leadership experience that isn't easily found through job postings.
• The cost of making the wrong hire would significantly outweigh the cost of a comprehensive search.
Every search is different, but we typically present an initial shortlist within 72 to 96 hours of launching a search. Most CEO, CFO, and COO assignments reach offer stage within 30 to 50 days.
The timeline depends on the role, the level of industry experience required, the number of stakeholders involved, and whether the search is replacing a current executive confidentially. We'll set realistic expectations before the search begins and keep you informed throughout the process.
Confidentiality is built into every executive search.
We don't advertise leadership roles publicly or share information about your organization without permission. Candidate details remain confidential until both sides agree to move forward.
For searches involving the replacement of a current executive, discretion becomes even more important. Every stage of the process is managed carefully to protect both the organization and the executives involved.
The right leader isn't usually looking.
That's why executive search exists. We help organizations identify and recruit experienced executives who aren't actively exploring new opportunities.
No obligations. Pay only if you hire.
Hiring across multiple disciplines? Explore all our recruiting specialties →
