Top Executive Search Experts 2025

CEO & Group President at National Search Group, Inc. with more than 30 years of experience in the staffing and executive search industry. I work closely with leadership teams across manufacturing and industrial sectors, advising on workforce strategy, executive hiring decisions, and organizational alignment. Having built and scaled distributed recruiting teams over decades, I focus on how leadership accountability, hiring risk, and structural decision-making shape long-term organizational performance. My perspective is grounded in practical experience navigating workforce challenges across evolving industries.

I serve as Chief Human Resources Officer at National Search Group, where I focus on aligning people strategy with long-term business performance. My work centers on building accountable, resilient cultures that support growth while maintaining clarity in structure, leadership expectations, and talent development. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with executive teams to strengthen performance management systems, improve workforce planning, and develop leadership capability across distributed and multicultural teams. I believe HR’s role extends beyond policies and processes. It is about designing systems that allow people to perform at their best while keeping organizations adaptable in fast-moving environments. Much of my focus is on translating strategy into practical execution. That includes refining hiring standards, strengthening retention frameworks, developing succession planning structures, and ensuring managers are equipped to lead with consistency and transparency. I’m particularly interested in how organizational clarity, accountability, and communication influence morale and long-term talent stability. I bring an operations-informed perspective to people leadership. Having worked across diverse industries and complex environments, I understand the balance between structure and flexibility, performance and culture, speed and sustainability. At its core, my work is about helping organizations build strong internal foundations because when people systems are intentional and aligned, performance follows.

I’m the founder and managing partner of Sandymount Search, a boutique executive search firm headquartered in Portland, OR, working internationally to help companies build world-class teams. With a background in executive search and a career spanning New York, London, and now the West Coast, I’ve built a reputation as a trusted advisor, connector, and recruiter. I use my extensive professional experience and education in psychology to create a data-driven, competence-based approach to talent acquisition.I specialize in recruiting for roles at the forefront of advanced technologies—AI/ML, senior management, marketing, legal, and digital functions—across industries like consumer products, tech, finance, and renewable energy. Having worked at some of the world’s most admired companies, as well as being a former founder myself, I understand firsthand what makes a successful candidate and what it takes to build a team that can drive real impact.My passion lies in helping companies accelerate growth by identifying highly competent, culturally adept leaders who can navigate today’s evolving business landscape. I take a creative approach to finding talent, looking beyond traditional industry boundaries to uncover the people who will drive brand value and innovation. I’m also deeply committed to building diverse teams and hold a Certified Diversity Recruiter designation from ADP.Before executive search, my career was rooted in marketing, communications, brand development and B2B tech. My first job was on The Internet Daily Bulletin, with an award-winning tech publisher in London, then I moved to New York to work at Fortune magazine (Time Inc.), followed by a role as head of marketing at luxury publisher Assouline (acquired by LVMH). Later, I joined L’Oréal-owned Kiehl’s as VP of Global Communications, leading brand storytelling on a global scale. In 2009, I co-founded Omhu, a design-driven company that reimagined products for the Silver Generation—our first product is now in the Smithsonian Collection.I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and bring an innate curiosity to every search. Whether advising executives on career moves or helping businesses find transformational talent, I love making the right connections that move companies—and people—forward. Reach out to me at Susan@sandymountsearch.com for an introductory conversation.

Stepan Kazaryan is a Business Management Consultant focused on digital presence, professional evaluation, and how public information shapes decision-making in modern business environments. His work centers on helping organizations and professionals understand how they are perceived before direct interaction occurs. In search-driven systems, evaluation often happens silently and quickly. Stepan advises clients on building structured digital foundations that support credibility over time. His approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and responsible positioning rather than short-term visibility tactics. He works with executives, founders, and professional service providers who recognize that digital footprints influence trust, partnerships, and opportunity flow. By aligning websites, public profiles, and third-party references, Stepan helps create stable professional narratives that reduce uncertainty during evaluation. Rather than focusing on reactive measures, his advisory framework prioritizes preparation. This includes analyzing how search results present a name, how information connects across platforms, and how inconsistencies affect perception. The goal is to strengthen long-term positioning in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Stepan frequently writes and speaks about digital identity, credibility signals, and the structural factors that influence professional trust in online environments. His perspective reflects a broader shift in how professionals are assessed in the age of search and public information accessibility. Through disciplined strategy and steady execution, Stepan Kazaryan helps clients maintain clarity in environments where perception often forms before conversation begins.

Email me directly at: atarki@eca-partners.com  We are a world-class Executive Search firm. Our strength lies within our process driven and systematic approach. This enables us to connect star-candidates with opportunities that are right for them – faster! We also have a network of thousands of independent top-tier management consultants.A few of my pieces in HBR and Forbes are included here below. As always, I'd appreciate hearing any comments and feedback on these.

Gregg Podalsky is the President and CEO of one of the nation’s top-ranked recruiting and consulting firms, recognized by Forbes as a leading professional recruiting, executive search, and contract staffing organization. Over the past 25 years, he has guided the firm through the technology boom, transforming it from a regional powerhouse into a nationally recognized leader. Under his leadership, the company has been named the largest executive search firm for over two decades by the South Florida and Jacksonville Business Journals and has placed talent across industries including insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, IT, accounting and finance, executive leadership, HR, sales and marketing, transportation, and supply chain logistics, including staffing drivers for America’s biggest football game. An entrepreneurial leader, Gregg advanced from employee to CEO, building a culture that blends innovation with human-centered expertise. Recognizing the evolving complexity of hiring, he spearheaded the creation of Recruitment Intelligence™, an AI-powered hiring platform that transforms the way organizations find talent. Recruitment Intelligence™ combines cutting-edge AI technology with seasoned recruiter insight, providing access to over one billion candidate profiles, precise candidate matching, bias-free shortlists, and postings on up to 75 major job boards. By merging smart technology with deep industry knowledge, the platform enables faster, more strategic, and cost-effective hiring. Through Recruitment Intelligence™, Gregg and his team have successfully accelerated time-to-hire, improved candidate quality, and expanded access to diverse and hard-to-reach talent pools. The platform’s AI, named RiC, complements human judgment by identifying high-potential candidates who may be overlooked through traditional recruitment methods, allowing recruiters to focus on cultural fit, motivation, and long-term success. Gregg’s leadership and vision have positioned Recruitment Intelligence™ as a forward-thinking solution for organizations seeking smarter, faster, and more reliable talent acquisition. Trusted by industry leaders across insurance, healthcare, travel, and corporate sectors, he continues to drive innovation in hiring while building on decades of proven recruitment expertise.

Mike Podesto is a Career and Job Search Expert and the Founder & CEO of Find My Profession, a leading reverse recruiting firm that manages full job searches for professionals and executives. As a pioneer of reverse recruiting, Mike has helped thousands of candidates navigate competitive hiring markets by combining targeted job sourcing, direct outreach to decision-makers, and data-driven job search strategies. His team works across industries including technology, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership, supporting clients from mid-level professionals to C-suite executives. Mike’s expertise spans job search strategy, resume and LinkedIn optimization, networking, recruiting, and hiring trends. He is known for his practical, results-oriented approach to the job search process, with a focus on helping candidates stand out in crowded applicant pools and secure interviews faster. Under his leadership, Find My Profession has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and has been recognized for its innovative approach to job search management. The company’s model is built on real-world recruiting experience and has helped place candidates in roles ranging from $100K to $1M+ compensation packages. Mike regularly advises on topics including job market trends, hiring practices, interview strategy, and how candidates can position themselves effectively in today’s evolving employment landscape. His insights are especially relevant for professionals navigating career transitions, layoffs, or competitive executive-level searches.

I am a highly results-oriented and consultative global talent management senior leader skilled at bringing a breadth and depth of expertise to ideate pragmatic solutions and drive them to flawless execution for maximum impact. I am highly effective at collaborating and gaining buy-in from stakeholders, partnering successfully from the executive level down. My high standards coupled with curiosity, strong project management, and organizational skills result in high-quality work. I am a quick learner and thinker who is able to connect the dots, anticipate issues, and break down problems easily for swift resolution. I am regarded as a strategic problem solver that gets things done and gets them done right. Areas of expertise: Succession Planning - Leadership Development - Assessments - Project Management - High Potential Development - Learning - Coaching - Process Management - Performance Management - Consulting - Competency Management - Talent Systems

Adam Fineberg is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and investor known for building and scaling innovative companies in the recruiting, career services, and technology sectors. As the Founder and CEO of My Personal Recruiter, he has pioneered a reverse recruiting model that redefines how professionals navigate the job market, leveraging automation, AI, and strategic positioning to deliver faster, higher-quality career outcomes. With a track record of bootstrapping, scaling, and successfully exiting multiple ventures, Fineberg has established himself as a results-driven leader with deep expertise in sales strategy, marketing innovation, and talent acquisition. His work spans global markets, having built and managed teams across multiple countries while helping thousands of professionals and organizations achieve measurable growth. A sought-after speaker and former Forbes Business Council member, Fineberg shares actionable insights on entrepreneurship, career advancement, and the future of work. His approach combines strategic thinking, technology, and real-world execution to drive performance, unlock opportunities, and create lasting impact for individuals and businesses alike.

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach dedicated to helping professionals find purpose and direction in their careers. With a background in HR and a deep commitment to empowering others, I’ve guided hundreds of professionals to uncover fulfilling and impactful career paths. My work is more than just career coaching; I’m a clarity strategist, known for using my unique insights and proven methods to unlock the potential within my clients. Through my proprietary Career Clarity Formula, I deliver rapid, transformative results for clients who are tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about their professional futures. My approach combines practical tools, like the Sparketype® Assessment, with research-backed techniques to help people uncover their true strengths and aspirations. These “aha moments” are the core of my work, and they’re what allow my clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through y program, I've transformed career coaching into a results-driven journey that brings clarity and purpose, while reducing the time traditionally spent on finding direction. This approach has empowered my clients to find careers they love, often with improvements in income, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. As a leading voice in career clarity and career change, my work has been recognized by clients and industry leaders alike. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that career clarity can have, especially for professionals in corporate roles who feel disconnected from their work. Helping them achieve a renewed sense of purpose and motivation has become a central focus of my work, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. If you’re a journalist covering career development, employee engagement, or women’s professional empowerment, my perspective might be of interest to your audience. I’m passionate about reshaping the field of career coaching with actionable, purpose-driven strategies that tap into people’s potential. Through my programs, speaking engagements, and client success stories, I’m redefining career clarity as a pathway to true fulfillment, purpose, and long-lasting success. I would be honored to share my insights and success stories with your audience, offering a fresh take on how people can achieve meaningful, sustainable career change.

Internationally experienced leadership professional, speaker, commentator and influencer. Recognized for global thought leadership in the leadership and people agenda in the workplace arena, particularly in relation to talent, transformation and post-pandemic human capital agendas. Currently undertaking a PhD by research in leadership for executives, focusing on the disparate experiences and successes in achieving executive leadership and board roles.Frequently requested guest/key-note speaker and talented moderator at energy, human capital and other leading conferences globally, with thought-provoking, well-researched, leading-edge and challenging presentations. A prolific author of presentations and articles published across a wide variety of media, acknowledged for coalescing often disparate but relevant topics in the energy transition, people and talent, transformation and leadership agendas.

Pender & Howe is a fast-growing, investor-backed North American executive search and human capital advisory firm. We specialize across six core industry sectors, with dedicated industry experts leading search mandates in each. Our digital and data-driven approach ensures every search is executed with efficiency, precision, and deep market insights—helping our clients secure the best leaders to drive their organizations forward. As Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Pender & Howe, I launched the firm in 2019 as the retained executive search arm of another agency. After successfully spinning off, I now lead our overall strategy, driving growth and innovation in executive search. If you're looking to strengthen your leadership team—or are interested in joining ours—let’s connect!

I serve as a leader at MetalRecruiters, a search firm focused exclusively on the metal and steel manufacturing industries. For more than three decades, our team has partnered with manufacturers, fabricators, recyclers, and industrial organizations to help them solve complex workforce challenges across operations, engineering, leadership, and skilled trades. My experience centers on the evolving talent dynamics within steel production, metal fabrication, alloy processing, recycling, and related industrial sectors. I work closely with plant leaders, executive teams, and ownership groups to address skilled labor shortages, succession planning, and leadership development in highly technical manufacturing environments. Over the years, I’ve supported searches for general managers, plant managers, engineering leaders, quality professionals, HR executives, and industrial trades specialists including CNC programmers, machinists, welders, and maintenance technicians. This work provides firsthand visibility into workforce trends, retention challenges, and the operational impact of talent gaps. I frequently speak on topics such as skilled labor shortages, manufacturing workforce strategy, executive hiring in industrial sectors, and the long-term implications of workforce planning in metal and steel operations. My focus is helping industrial companies build resilient teams that support operational excellence, safety, and sustainable growth.

I guide C-suite and executive leaders to land their ideal next role with efficiency. Leveraging 20+ years of expertise in recruiting, HR, and leadership, I provide deep insights into the executive job market, craft compelling personal brands, and deliver a customized roadmap to streamline your search. From complex negotiations to a successful transition, I'll guide you every step of the way. Ready for what's next? I help executives transition seamlessly from corporate life to fulfilling new chapters, whether it's launching a business, building a consulting practice, securing board roles, or rediscovering their professional passion.READY TO GET STARTED? https://calendly.com/kdastici/hrc-blueprint-consultation (Book Free Career Strategy Session)

I am a trailblazing people and culture executive with experience building high-performing organizations in the life sciences, biotech, pharma, manufacturing, tech, telecommunications, logistics, fashion, travel and aviation sectors. I combine strategic vision with deep empathy and cross-functional relationship building to unlock both individual and business potential, specializing in scaling people operations for high-growth companies. My approach centers on authentic leadership and harnessing data-driven decision-making to consistently deliver demonstrated success. Throughout my career, I've driven significant organizational transformations, including growing companies 588% in headcount, reducing new hire turnover by 35%, and delivering $3.5M+ in cost savings through innovative talent management solutions. As a trusted C-suite advisor and board partner, I've led 7+ successful M&A integrations with up to $1.1B in value, built elite P&C functions from the ground up, and championed initiatives that resulted in recognition as an employer of choice. I am a passionate people leader who thrives in fostering cultures where employees thrive and businesses excel. I am an impeccable relationship builder with expansive industry experience & expertise with a relentless dedication to creating transformational people experience teams that drive employee engagement, disrupt the status quo, and position the company for maximum performance, competitive advantage, and bottom-line growth.

Pender & Howe is a fast-growing, investor-backed North American executive search and human capital advisory firm. We specialize across six core industry sectors, with dedicated industry experts leading search mandates in each. Our digital and data-driven approach ensures every search is executed with efficiency, precision, and deep market insights—helping our clients secure the best leaders to drive their organizations forward. As Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Pender & Howe, I launched the firm in 2019 as the retained executive search arm of another agency. After successfully spinning off, I now lead our overall strategy, driving growth and innovation in executive search. If you're looking to strengthen your leadership team—or are interested in joining ours—let’s connect!

Andrea Henderson has been helping organizations match talent to value for over 25 years. She helps organizations scale, manage people risks and capture market opportunities via talent. Andrea is a Partner in the Life Sciences, Healthcare, Diversity, CEO & Board practices with DHR Global, a top 6 executive search and talent advisory firm. Prior to this, she has held leadership roles with Genentech, Pfizer, Novartis, SUNY Downstate and Trinity Health. She was selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Perplexity Fellows, reflecting her leadership at the intersection of talent, strategy, and emerging technology. She is certified by Google in ai and is part of the SHRM Faculty facilitating at the AI + HI conference 2026. With a passion for growing and sustaining strong organizations, Andrea has developed a niche helping organizations scale using innovative executive talent strategies. She is an executive mentor for the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship’s accelerator program at Santa Clara University. Understanding that a pillar of strong organizations is good governance, Andrea serves on the Audit Committee for the Private Directors Association national Board and is certified in Private Company Board Governance. She is also on the global Nominating Committee for the Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association. Profiled in the book, Ambition Is Not a Dirty Word, by business psychologist Dr. Debra Condren, and congruent with the title, Andrea is an Angel Investor and LP in a female-focused venture fund. Andrea obtained a bachelor’s degree from Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, a master’s degree in international relations from Clark Atlanta University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Business School.

Carly-Anne Fairlie is the Founder and Executive Recruiter at Catalyst Executive Search, a Canadian, woman-owned firm specializing in executive search and recruitment. With over 15 years of experience, she is a trusted advisor known for identifying top talent, fostering strong relationships, and delivering successful hires. Catalyst partners with companies across Public Relations, Marketing, and Media, with deep expertise in Healthcare, Pharma, Life Sciences, CPG, Food & Beverage, Technology, Financial Services, and Insurance. Founded in 2021, the firm is committed to a data-driven, strategic approach that aligns hiring with business goals while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in every search. Hiring Expertise:- Public Relations / Corporate Communications- Public Affairs / Government Relations / Investor Relations - Medical Communications - Marketing / Digital Media / SEO & SEM- Data Science / Analytics / Marketing Technology- AI / Engineering- Healthcare / Life Sciences / Pharma- Agency - all rolesConnect with me at cafairlie@catalystsearch.com.

Brett Farmiloe is the Founder & CEO of Featured. Featured connects subject-matter experts with top publishers to increase their exposure and create quality, ready-to-publish Q & A content. More than 50,000 experts answer questions on Featured to get their insights published in articles on Fast Company, Entrepreneur.com, and 1,000+ more publishers. With 1M+ answers received, Featured is unlocking the full potential of human knowledge, one answer at a time. Previously, Brett founded and ran Markitors, a digital agency for small businesses, for 10 years before a successful acquisition. More stuff... Brett's first company, Pursue the Passion, was a career education startup that took Brett and three friends on two cross country roadtrips to interview people about how they found passion in work. One of the biggest takeaways? That people don't have a meaningful outlet to share the expertise they've accumulated in their lifetime. Other career highlights: - Helped the actor Hugh Jackman launch a charitable coffee company (acquired by Keurig) - Published Author (sold 1,000 copies...lots of them to people in Duluth, MN) - Keynote Speaker (100+ speeches from Alaska to Miami, including a TEDx) - First Mailchimp Expert west of the Mississippi - Founder of Digital Marketing company that is one of the best places to work in Arizona (Best Companies 100, Phoenix Business Journal) - Contributor to Forbes, SHRM, Thunderbird, Huffington Post, Mashable, TIME, NextWeb, Etc - Once was sponsored by a food company with unlimited supply of Hot Pockets. Proceeded to eat Hot Pockets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 30 days to bootstrap a startup. Never has ate a Hot Pocket again. Projects In Development... // Revival of the World Pillow Fight Championships