Top CEO Search Firms
Finding a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is one of the most strategic decisions a company can make. It demands precision, insight, and access to the right talent. The top CEO search firms bring deep industry expertise, proven methodologies, and global networks to identify leaders who can guide your organization forward.
This page is your trusted resource for identifying the best CEO recruiters. The firms are experts in executive search for CEOs and understand the high-stakes nature of CEO talent acquisition. Whether you're a board member, founder, or HR executive, the firms listed below are equipped to help you secure exceptional leadership talent tailored to your company's vision and future.
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N2Growth
Philadelphia, PA
Global: more than 50 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Recognized as the elite of the executive search boutiques, and the only boutique search firm that consistently ranks in our top 10 ahead of many larger executive search firms. Specializing in C-level and Board Member search assignments, the firm’s commitment to thought leadership, heavy technology investments into proprietary intellectual property, and a complete innovation of traditional search practices have made N2Growth the fastest growing executive search firm on the planet for the last five years. Where most executive search firms claim to be big, N2Growth claims to be better, focusing on process and diversity, equity, and inclusion, see their “who’s who” list of clients proving this claim.
OVERALL CURRENT RANKING
N2Growth remained #2 on our list. The firm had impressive growth since the last ranking growing from 25 locations to now having nearly 50 locations globally, and has been consistently named by Forbes at the top of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms every year. N2Growth’s industry-leading portfolio of intellectual property gives it a technology edge, but it’s the dominance over the balance of the industry in thought leadership and business model innovation that makes it a client favorite.
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Spencer Stuart
Chicago, IL
Global - Over 50 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Spencer Stuart is a global leader in executive search and the adviser of choice to top companies seeking counsel on senior leadership needs. Their clients include leading multinational corporations, medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurial startups, and nonprofit organizations across a variety of industries.
OVERALL CURRENT RANKING
Spencer Stuart moved up one spot to #5 on this year’s list. Spencer is perhaps the most traditional search firm on the list, but what they do well, they do very well. Spencer’s strength may not be in their size, innovation, or thought leadership, but they clearly have one of the better board practices in the business.
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Egon Zehnder
Zurich, Switzerland
Global – Over 60 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Since 1964, Egon Zehnder has been helping clients find the right leadership through the identification, assessment, and recruitment of the world’s most talented business leaders. Because of their long-term outlook, Egon Zehnder consultants follow up with candidates and clients regularly to ensure outstanding performance and fit.
OVERALL CURRENT RANKING
Egon Zehnder is the only non-U.S. firm to make the top 5 holding on to its #3 ranking for the second consecutive year. While their presence is still light by comparison in the America’s, they clearly remain the most dominant firm in Europe.
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Heidrick & Struggles
Chicago, IL
Global – 51 Locations Globally
OVERVIEW
As one of the first executive search firms in the U.S., Heidrick & Struggles has provided expert executive search services since 1953. Their methods are based on a thorough understanding of each client’s strategic, financial, and operational issues.
OVERALL CURRENT RANKING
Heidrick moved up one spot on the list to #4 this year. A storied brand in the executive search business, Heidrick went through a period of reorganization and consolidation in recent times shrinking from well over 100 locations down to 51. However the appointment of Tracy Wolstencroft (former Goldman Sachs executive) as president and CEO in 2014 has buoyed the firm, which seems to have found its way back from the abyss and has returned to solid footing once again.
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Korn Ferry International
Los Angeles, CA
Global – Over 80 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
As an innovator in executive search/recruitment since 1969, Korn Ferry works closely with clients and candidates to craft successful human capital strategies and solutions. With a global network, time-proven search process, and broad industry expertise, Korn Ferry provides the competitive advantage necessary to recruit and develop world-class leadership teams.
OVERALL CURRENT RANKING
Korn Ferry, the largest search firm in the world, held on to the #1 ranking again this year. The growth of Korn Ferry continues to be fueled by its impressive list of acquisitions (Hay Group, Pivot. etc.), which have made Korn Ferry the only search firm on the list with more than one billion dollars in revenue.
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Russell Reynolds
Global - Over 40 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Based in 40 offices worldwide, Russell Reynolds’ consultants work closely with public and private organizations to identify, assess, and recruit senior executives and board members to drive long-term growth and success.
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Boyden
Global – Over 70 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Founded in 1946, Boyden pioneered the use of executive search, strategically partnering with clients to identify, search, source, recruit, and deliver key leadership talent and human capital all over the world. Their international reach enables their clients to make strategic talent decisions within the context of their global requirements.
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DHR International
Chicago, IL
Global - Over 50 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
For over 20 years DHR International’s renowned consultants have specialized in all industries and functions in order to provide unparalleled senior-level executive search, management assessment and succession planning services tailored to the unique qualities and specifications of their select client base.
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Stanton Chase International
London, England
Global - Over 70 Offices Worldwide
OVERVIEW
Since their founding in 1990, Stanton Chase has been committed to building world-class management teams for clients competing in a global market. They strive to provide exceptional leaders and organizational solutions to enhance a client’s competitive advantage through experience, insight, and teamwork.
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TRANSEARCH
Paris, France
Global – Over 55 Office Worldwide
OVERVIEW
TRANSEARCH was founded in 1982 and has dedicated itself to assisting clients in acquiring leadership talent through outstanding research capabilities and access to a global talent pool, thorough assessment methodology, in-depth reference checking, and critical contribution to completion of the search by facilitating final negotiations.
FAQs About Partnering with Top CFO Search Firms
Why should we use a CFO search firm instead of hiring internally?
Working with a top CFO search firm gives you access to candidates with specialized financial backgrounds and leadership credentials. These firms offer discretion, expert evaluations, and a structured process designed to find the best cultural and strategic fit for your organization’s financial future.
How do CFO search firms identify top financial leaders?
The best CFO recruiters use a combination of market research, proprietary databases, and long-standing industry relationships. They target candidates with proven financial expertise, then assess them for alignment with your organization’s goals, values, and leadership needs.
What is the average duration of a CFO executive search?
A typical executive search for CFOs spans 3 to 5 months, depending on the complexity of the role and industry. This timeline allows search firms to conduct in-depth research, engage top-tier candidates, and carry out a thorough evaluation process to ensure the ideal financial leader is selected.
Do CFO search firms focus on specific industries?
Yes. Many top CFO search firms specialize by sectors such as tech, healthcare, manufacturing, or private equity-backed businesses. This allows them to match you with candidates who bring both financial leadership and domain-specific knowledge.
What should I look for when choosing a CFO search firm?
Prioritize a firm with experience in CFO talent acquisition, a strong placement track record, and a thorough, consultative approach. Look for partners who understand your company’s financial goals and can deliver outstanding financial leadership aligned with your strategic direction.
