In London’s fast-paced business environment, finding the right executive talent can make or break a company’s strategic trajectory. From FTSE 100 firms to innovative tech scaleups, organisations across the capital rely on specialist expertise to fill leadership roles with individuals who can drive performance and lead transformation.
This is why businesses turn to executive search firms trusted partners who specialise in finding transformative leaders.Unlike general recruitment agencies, executive search firms operate with precision and discretion, identifying high-calibre professionals for C-suite, board, and other senior leadership roles.
These firms don’t simply advertise vacancies they actively headhunt, assess, and align talent with organisational vision and culture. With London being a global hub for finance, technology, legal, and healthcare sectors, the demand for leadership excellence is higher than ever.
This guide highlights the top 10 executive search companies in London, carefully selected based on their reputation, specialisations, client reviews, and market presence. Whether you’re leading a multinational enterprise or building a high-growth venture, these firms offer the insights, networks, and strategies needed to secure your next great leader.
What Defines a Leading Executive Search Company in London?
In the heart of the UK’s commercial landscape, executive search companies play a vital role in connecting top-tier talent with organisations seeking strategic leadership. A premier executive search firm in London is distinguished by its deep industry knowledge, bespoke recruitment methodologies, and the ability to discreetly identify and engage C-suite and board-level professionals.
These firms are not just recruiters; they are strategic partners that help shape executive teams to drive business growth and transformation. With a city as diverse and globally connected as London, the demand for precision hiring in sectors such as finance, tech, legal, and healthcare has made executive search a critical service.
What are the Top 10 Executive Search Companies in London?
1. Odgers Berndtson – “Where Leadership Begins”
Odgers Berndtson stands out as a long-established player in leadership recruitment, with decades of influence and experience shaping executive teams across London. With over five decades of expertise, the firm partners with organisations across sectors to identify senior leaders who drive meaningful change.
They specialise in board and C-level appointments and provide strategic advice on leadership development, diversity, and organisational effectiveness. Known for their methodical and relationship-driven approach, Odgers is trusted by many of the UK’s top institutions.
Expertise
Renowned for public sector and FTSE 100 appointments
Ideal Match
Preferred by organisations needing cross-sector leadership experience
Pricing: Custom, Retained Search Model
- Website: https://www.odgersberndtson.com
- Phone: +44 20 7529 1111
- Address: 20 Cannon Street, London EC4M 6XD
Review: ★★★★☆
“They brought us a shortlist of highly relevant candidates within weeks – very professional service.”
2. Egon Zehnder – “Shaping Global Leadership”
Egon Zehnder is a premier leadership consultancy offering executive search and board advisory services across the globe. Their London office serves clients ranging from global conglomerates to emerging startups.
Unlike traditional search firms, they focus on leadership potential, not just past performance. Their psychological insights and proprietary frameworks make them a top choice for sensitive leadership roles.
Focus Area
Distinguished for global leadership and CEO succession
Top Use
Ideal for international companies requiring strategic leadership assessment
Pricing: Retained, based on role complexity
- Website: https://www.egonzehnder.com
- Phone: +44 20 7943 5900
- Address: Nova South, 160 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB
- Email: london@egonzehnder.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their process is insightful and aligned with our long-term talent strategy.”
3. Heidrick & Struggles – “Leaders Start Here”
Heidrick & Struggles brings decades of heritage in executive search, offering a unique blend of high-level hiring and leadership strategy services in London.
Their London consultants advise boards and CEOs on complex hiring strategies and succession planning. The firm utilises proprietary tools like Heidrick Navigator and data-driven insights to match executives with organisations undergoing transformation.
Core Capability
Recognised for succession planning and leadership consulting
Best Fit
Tailored to businesses navigating change or leadership turnover
Pricing: Retained Search (varies by seniority)
- Website: https://www.heidrick.com
- Phone: +44 20 70754000
- Address: 31 St. James’s Square, London SW1Y 4JR United Kingdom
Review: ★★★★★
“A data-driven approach that gave us total confidence in our final hiring decision.”
4. Spencer Stuart – “Leaders for What’s Next”
Spencer Stuart has built a strong reputation in London for executive search and leadership advisory. With decades of research-backed experience, they cater to clients in financial services, healthcare, and the public sector. Their consultants blend deep market intelligence with behavioural assessments, ensuring long-term alignment between candidate and client.
Strength
Specialised in behavioural leadership analysis
Perfect Choice
Recommended for senior hires in regulated or technical industries
Pricing: Upon consultation
- Website: https://www.spencerstuart.com
- Phone: 020 7298 3333
- Address: 6th Floor, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0DT
- Email: contact@spencerstuart.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Great support from start to finish – they understood our industry thoroughly.”
5. Savannah Group – “Leadership. Redefined.”
Savannah Group offers a modern take on executive search, specialising in leadership for digital, tech, and disruptive business models. Their London team works across Europe, helping organisations undergoing transformation find dynamic C-suite leaders. Their transparent and tech-enabled process ensures speed and clarity in every hire.
Domain Area
Focused on digital transformation and growth markets
Recommended For
Ideal for startups and scaleups seeking tech-savvy executives
Pricing: Flexible, Retained Model
- Website: https://www.savannah-group.com
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 3781 7425
- Address: 8 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DN
- Email: Enquiries@Savannah-group.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“They brought us the perfect CMO with deep digital expertise in record time.”
6. Korn Ferry – “Hire Smarter. Lead Stronger.”
Korn Ferry operates as a global leadership consultancy, with its London branch playing a key role in helping UK firms navigate senior-level recruitment and talent planning. Their services go beyond search, offering leadership development, compensation strategy, and culture transformation. With expertise in nearly every industry, Korn Ferry uses assessment science to help companies hire leaders who deliver results.
Service Niche
Well-known for blending recruitment with talent analytics
Strategic Use
Great for large enterprises managing executive transitions
Pricing: Role-specific, Retained Model
- Website: https://www.kornferry.com
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 7024 9000
- Address: 14 Ryder St, London SW1Y 6QB
Review: ★★★★★
“Our CFO hire was handled with incredible care and thoroughness – a top-tier experience.”
7. Wilton & Bain – “Driving Talent for Tomorrow”
Wilton & Bain is a boutique executive search firm with a sharp focus on the professional services, digital, and technology sectors. Their London-based consultants offer hands-on support for executive hiring, often acting as talent advisors to scaling businesses. Known for agility and industry depth, they’re favoured by mid-market firms.
Unique Focus
Dedicated to professional services and digital roles
Best Applied To
Suited for firms looking to scale or pivot their executive teams
Pricing: Custom, Project-Based Retained
- Website: https://www.wiltonbain.com
- Phone: +44 207 621 3570
- Address: 30 Coleman St, London EC2R 5AL
- Email: london@wilton-bain.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their knowledge of the tech industry gave us access to candidates others missed.”
8. Redgrave Partners – “Purposeful Leadership”
Redgrave Partners offer executive search services with a clear focus on human capital and transformation. Their team works closely with clients in retail, energy, and logistics, offering practical insights and fast delivery. Their London-based consultants are known for their empathetic approach and cultural sensitivity in senior hires.
Prime Skillset
Focused on human capital and commercial leadership roles
Well-Suited To
Best for mid-sized firms seeking transformation or scale
Pricing: Upon Request
- Website: https://www.redgravepartners.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7806 1610
- Address: 4th Floor 2 Savoy Court London WC2R 0EZ
- Email: info@redgravesearch.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“A smooth, respectful process that resulted in a great executive match.”
9. TritonExec – “Boutique Precision, Global Reach”
TritonExec is an executive search firm specialising in digital, enterprise software, and technology-led industries. Based in London, they cater to high-growth firms and multinationals scaling globally. Their consultants offer high-touch support and fast turnaround times, especially for time-sensitive C-suite placements.
Skill Emphasis
Tech sector headhunting and hypergrowth talent search
Optimally Used For
VC-backed or PE-backed companies needing urgent executive hires
Pricing: Project-Based Retainer
- Website: https://www.tritonexec.com
- Phone: +44 020 3589 2762
- Address: 2 Sheraton St, London W1F 8BH
- Email: info@tritonexec.com
Review: ★★★★★
“They understood our pace and hired a world-class CTO in less than six weeks.”
10. PER – “Private Equity. Perfectly Placed.”
PER (Private Equity Recruitment) is a specialist executive search firm focused on the private equity and venture capital markets. With an extensive network of investment professionals, they serve both UK and international clients. Their London consultants provide end-to-end recruitment support for investment, portfolio, and operational leadership roles.
Target Domain
Private equity and venture capital executive placements
Strong Match For
PE firms seeking high-impact hires across investment functions
Pricing: Contingency and Retained Models
- Website: https://www.per-people.com
- Phone: +44 20 7747 7888
- Address: Kinnaird House, 1 Pall Mall E, London SW1Y 5AU
- Email: clientenquiries@PER-people.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“A specialist’s touch — they knew the PE world inside out.”
What Are the Advantages of Hiring Executive Search Firms in London?
The executive recruitment process involves much more than sourcing resumes. London-based executive search firms bring several strategic benefits to their clients:
Access to Elite Talent Pools
These firms maintain active networks of passive candidates, often unreachable through traditional job postings.
Confidentiality and Discretion
Especially for sensitive C-suite roles or business transformations, executive search firms manage the process under strict confidentiality.
Strategic Advisory Services
Many firms offer market mapping, compensation benchmarking, and succession planning in addition to candidate sourcing.
What Fee Models Do Executive Search Firms in London Use?
Executive search fees typically fall under a retained model, with payments made in instalments throughout the recruitment process. Here’s a breakdown:
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Range |
| Retained Search | Upfront and milestone-based payments, often 30-35% of annual compensation | £25,000 – £100,000+ |
| Contingency Search | Payable only upon successful placement (less common for executive roles) | £15,000 – £50,000 |
| Additional Services | Leadership assessment, onboarding support, market benchmarking | Varies based on service |
Which Industries Do London Executive Recruiters Primarily Serve?
While generalist firms span multiple sectors, many London-based firms develop niche expertise. Key industries include:
Finance & Private Equity
With London as Europe’s financial capital, firms like PER and Heidrick & Struggles lead in recruiting for investment firms, hedge funds, and fintech.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Tech-focused firms such as Wilton & Bain and Savannah Group specialise in recruiting for SaaS, digital platforms, and data-driven companies.
Legal, Healthcare, and Government
Odgers Berndtson and Korn Ferry have strong public sector and healthcare recruitment teams, supporting NHS leadership and government agencies.
How Can Businesses Choose the Right Executive Search Partner in London?
When selecting an executive search firm, consider these key aspects:
Sector Specialisation
Choose a search partner with proven experience in your sector and a clear grasp of the leadership qualities that drive success within it.
Cultural Fit
The firm should align with your company’s values, communication style, and hiring philosophy.
Post-Placement Support
Top firms offer onboarding assistance, feedback loops, and long-term engagement beyond placement.
What Is the Typical Executive Search Process in the UK?
Most firms follow a structured, multi-stage process:
| Stage | Details |
| Client Briefing | Understanding company goals, culture, and job role |
| Market Mapping | Identifying potential candidates and competitive landscape |
| Candidate Outreach | Engaging passive talent and conducting initial interviews |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | Assessing leadership competencies and presenting top candidates |
| Offer & Negotiation | Managing compensation expectations and securing final acceptance |
| Onboarding | Supporting a smooth transition and integration into the leadership team |
Conclusion
The London executive search landscape is both competitive and specialised, offering firms a wide range of leadership solutions tailored to sector and scale. Whether you’re a multinational looking for board-level leadership or a startup in need of a transformative C-suite hire, the firms listed above represent the very best in executive recruitment services.
FAQs About Executive Search Companies in London
How long does an executive search typically take in London?
Most searches take 8–12 weeks, depending on role complexity and candidate availability.
Are executive search firms only for large companies?
No, many boutique firms serve startups and mid-sized companies seeking transformational leaders.
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Executive search is highly targeted, confidential, and strategic focusing on leadership and board roles.
Do firms specialise in international executive placements?
Yes, firms like Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry have global networks for cross-border placements.
Can executive search firms help with diversity hiring?
Many firms prioritise diverse talent pipelines and offer inclusive leadership strategies.
Is it worth the cost to hire an executive search firm?
Given the impact of leadership roles, investing in executive search can provide high ROI through better hiring outcomes.
What qualifications do executive recruiters usually have?
Most come from senior-level industry roles or have deep experience in HR and leadership advisory.